THE FSM SEEP PROJECT

According to the Stakeholder Engagement Plan by the World Bank and the FSM, The Government of Federated States of Micronesia (GoFSM) has applied for financing from the World Bank (WB) for the FSM Skills and Employability Enhancement Project (SEEP) to improve the quality of and equitable access to secondary vocational education and skills trainings, and to improve access to and effectiveness of employment support programs.

Part of the SEEP includes the assessment of environmental and social risks including:

• Preliminary Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Federal States of Micronesia Skills Academy (FSA).

• Labor Management Procedures (LMP).

• Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) – this document.

• Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP).

Although the plan was finalized by the World Bank and the FSM Attorney General's office, the resolution to accept this grant is still pending. The reason behind the hold are some terms of the grant that the FSM's 22nd congress felt is a violation of the constitution along with some terms unfavorable to the FSM such as the cost to operate the program.

Next President of the FSM

In March 2023, the people of the FSM will head to the polls to vote for their representatives to the 23rd FSM Congress. Four of these candidates will be eligible to become the next president. The FSM president is not elected by the people, but by the members of congress. Only the members at-large are eligible for presidency. Each state elects one at-large member every four years. Because of this, no one has ever campaigned to become president.

In November, Wesley W. Simina publicly announced his bid for the Chuuk at-large seat and his intentions to become the next president. He will need to defeat his challengers Gillian Doone (Son of Chuuk former governor Gideon Doone) and Nakama Sana. Being one of Chuuk's longest serving and successful politician, Wesley is amongst a few of Chuuk's elite politicians. His powerful network is knitted like family and keeps growing, making him one of the most revered and successful politicians in Micronesia.