|
Alternative Energy and expansion of Summit focus of two-day meetings in Palau
April 25, 2008
(Koror, Palau) Governor Felix P. Camacho and the leaders of Micronesia this morning convened the 9th Micronesian Chief Executives Summit and built consensus on developing regional solutions to the high cost of energy, solid waste management and recycling and environmental concerns.
"We have joined together as one Micronesia to discuss renewable energy, tourism, workforce development, the environment, conservation and education," Governor Camacho said in his opening address to the summit members. "For the first time in many years, all of Micronesia's most pressing concerns will be brought to one place."
"We need to build the capacity in our people and we need this to be sustaining for generations to come," Governor Camacho said. "I am hoping that the work we accomplish is not just for the present, but for the future."
Governor Camacho joins the bi-annual meetings with Palau President and Chairman Tommy Remegesau Jr., CNMI Governor Benigno Fitial and Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori. Also joining the 9th Summit is Yap State Governor Sebastian Anefal, Kosrae State Governor Robert Weilbacher, Republic of the Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Tony de Brum and Pohnpei State Director of Finance Thomas Pablo. The meeting is historic because of the participation of leaders from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, who now sit as members of the summit.
"The issues we face are not unique to one single island and must be dealt with collectively to ensure the quality of life of every resident of Micronesia is protected," Governor Camacho said.
The Micronesian leaders this morning elected President Remengesau as the Secretariat of the Micronesian Center for a Sustainable Future; heard a presentation by telecommunications group PTI offering greater cellular and land-line service into Micronesia; and adopted recommendations of the Micronesia Challenge presenters to take significant steps in supporting the conservation of land and marine resources.
The most significant topic discussed was energy. The Regional Energy Committee has proposed a North Pacific Energy Alliance, the development of a regional sustainable energy policy, a regional feasibility study of renewable energy and a regional petroleum purchasing cooperative. The Micronesian leaders all agreed that this move must be addressed immediately. As a group, they agreed they must lobby the U.S. Congress and other organizations with resources for funding to begin turning the islands to renewable energy production. In the meantime, Governor Fitial has asked Governor Camacho to consider a fuel farm in Guam to service Micronesia as a way to bring down current diesel fuel costs. Governor Camacho said he will discuss the matter with the Port Authority of Guam and businesses positioned on Cabras island. He said it is critical that the leaders of Micronesia confront the energy crisis with alternative and renewable energy solutions.
"With a united position and clear vision we can get the support we need to turn the region to renewable energy production," Governor Camacho told the other leaders.
The summit is ongoing with afternoon presentations on workforce development, transportation, invasive species and geothermal energy.
The two-day meetings at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in Koror also will focus on a number of issues including discussions on a medical referral program for all islands in the Western Pacific and a review of the activity of the existing working committees of the Summit.
The Chief Executives also will consider the inclusion of the Republics of Kiribati and Nauru into the Micronesian Chief Executive Summit.
"As leaders of our island communities, we must look to our neighbors of the Central Pacific to strengthen our relationships and share in the economic boom that is to come to Micronesia over the next 10 years," said Governor Camacho. "We must ensure the expansion will benefit everyone from our respective islands at every level."
The Micronesian Chief Executives Summit was founded in 2004 by former-CNMI Governor Juan Babauta and Governor Camacho who called for the establishment of the sub-regional meetings to establish closer ties, enhance existing ties, expand future discussions and agree on beneficial initiatives for the benefit of the entire Western Micronesian Region.
|
