POHNPEI (FSMIS/MARIANAS VARIETY) — Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President David W Panuelo signed into law Congressional Act 21-264, which has since become Public Law 21-260.
Public Law 21-260 appropriates the sum of US$200,000 from the general fund of the FSM for the purpose of funding relief efforts in Palau due to Typhoon Surigae.
“In my capacity as president of the FSM,” Panuelo said in a statement, “I would like to first extend my sincerest appreciation to Wesley W. Simina, speaker of the FSM Congress, for Congress’ continued leadership in extending peace, friendship, cooperation, and love in our common humanity. It is a blessing to know that each and every one of my colleagues in our National Congress are committed and devoted to public service, and committed to doing the right thing.”
Panuelo added, “I would also like to note, to my good friend Surangel S. Whipps Jr, president of Palau, and to the people of Palau. There are so many times when we in the FSM look up to you. We look up to your leadership, both contemporary and historical. We look up to your people, in the public sector and the private sector. We don’t usually say it out loud, but we all know it’s true.
We’re proud of your democracy; we’re proud of your comparative economic prosperity; we’re proud of your accomplishments. When we learned of Typhoon Surigae affecting our brothers and sisters in Palau, it moved us very deeply. We know that the people and government of Palau always have the FSM’s back; let this donation of $200,000 serve as documentary evidence, a bullet point on a never-ending list, that the FSM will always have Palau’s back, too…. PACNEWS