While the nation has accomplished much in coping with the challenges of self-government, Figir noted that this achievement was through a process that was “both democratic and peaceful” and that alone “is an achievement of which we should always be proud.”
His message also touched on the “unique partnership” with the United States of America established through the Compact of Free Association.
The Compact is an agreement designed to “advance and protect the national self-interest of each of the two parties,” he said.
Through the Compact, he added, “our citizens receive the privilege of residence in the U.S. in order to learn, to be trained and to work.”
Figir underlined the importance of FSM citizens contributing to the economy of the U.S. while “acquiring skills and experiences that will be essential to the FSM as we go forward.”
He added, “We have done much and there is still much more that remains to be done.”
He encouraged citizens to “also reflect on the tremendous responsibilities that accompany self-governance.”
Figir urged FSM citizens to each “review our roles in our communities: as participants, as parents, as elders and as leaders. Let us ask ourselves, what we can do to better ourselves, our communities, our states, and our nation.”
Figir’s message on the 25th anniversary of FSM independence is can be accessed in its entirety through the FSM Congress website at www.fsmcongress.fm.
