In order to best inform the public on the State of the State, the message covered each key issue affecting Yap including the economic crisis, transportation, health and education, energy reform, and telecommunications, going into detail when necessary.
The most pressing issue in the message was undoubtedly the international financial crisis and its effects here in Yap.
The Federated States of Micronesia has been in a recession since 2005, and as a result of the 2008 financial upheaval the tourism industry has taken a hit.
The value of the U.S. dollar has fallen, and as U.S.-funded projects are completed unemployment rises.
All of these issues affect families here in Yap, where money is required for every day needs.
Anefal and his administration report that they were able to free up $29 million worth of funding for infrastructure projects that has been unused since 2004.
These various construction projects should create more than 100 jobs and $5.8 million in new income, he said.
On the topic of transportation, the message emphasized the need for a new, more reliable ship to provide services to the outer islands, due to continuing problems with the MV Hapilmohol 1 purchased in 2007.
The state is still trying to sell the MS Micro Spirit, but has yet to receive a viable offer for the vessel.
Yap also lacks an adequate number of harbor pilots due to the certification and qualification requirements from the FSM national government.
If the problem is not resolved shipping companies may cancel scheduled stops in Yap.
Anefal pointed out that the Yap Airport Terminal Rehabilitation Project should be completed shortly, though the Woleai and Fais airstrips still lack the funding for repairs, as do the piers for docking vessels on many outer islands.
In education, the governor encouraged parents to become more involved in their children’s schooling, saying that, “our young people are a primary resource for our growth and have a critical role to play in our island communities.”
Anefal also addressed energy reform, citing the importance of solar energy development on the outer islands.
He noted that the four state governments along with the national government have created the FSM Petroleum Corporation, which should allow the nation to purchase and sell cheaper fuel.
This collaboration has already added stability to FSM consumers, he said.
With the advent of Pohnpei’s connection to a submarine fiber optic cable in March 2010, Yap has been informally communicating with Palau on a possible joint submarine fiber optic cable project.
Anefal said Yap should be prepared so as not to miss the opportunity to share costs, should Palau move on the issue.
