Ivarature had proposed to visit the Federated States of Micronesia to undertake consultation with traditional leaders in the state of Yap in particular.
The regional adviser was scheduled to arrived in Pohnpei on Aug. 3, and depart for Yap on Aug. 6. He was scheduled to depart Yap on Aug. 10.
The purpose of Ivarature’s visit is to undertake consultations with traditional leaders, in particular, traditional leaders who are members of the Council of Chiefs and to hear about their role in public policy-making and ascertain the level and degree of technical assistance and advisory support available and accessible to these traditional leaders in their role in decision-making and policy discourse in general.
In Pohnpei he will meet with Department of Foreign Affairs officials and other individuals to prepare for his visit to Yap.
In Yap, he will talk with traditional leaders, particularly, traditional leaders who are members of the Council of Pilung and the Council of Tamol.
Yap has been selected specifically because traditional leadership positions are integrated into the state constitutional government and they have veto powers over legislation proposed by the Yap State Legislature.
The findings from these discussions are aimed at helping the Forum Secretariat identify appropriate areas which may enhance governance mechanisms, specifically, in harmonizing traditional and modern governance values and structures.
This area or work falls under Initiative 123 of the good governance pillar of the Pacific Plan.
