Mori and his delegation were warmly welcomed by the traditional chiefs, municipal leaders, church leaders and the people of the island communities of Ta, Likinioch, Oneop, Ettal, Kittu, Namoluk, Losap, Polle, Pis-Paneu and Fonoton.
Throughout the trip, Mori discussed with the island leaders and their people, the importance of the financial reform which has been undertaken in Chuuk by the joint efforts of the national and state governments.
As a result of this reform, which required the elimination of redundant government positions and the reimbursement of certain debts, Chuuk state has successfully reduced its deficit and maintained a positive cash flow for the past two years.
In their questions to Mori, the Chuukese people repeatedly stressed their concern regarding the solvency of the national government’s social security program.
Mori explained that the national government has been generating revenue as a result of tax payments made by newly registered corporations in the FSM.
“We expect the potential future revenue from this new financial scheme to generate between $10 million to $20 million,” said Mori. “We will recommend to the FSM Congress that a portion of those funds be used for national social security programs, and to revamp the social security system to be more efficient and responsive to people’s immediate needs.”
As a result of the many Q&A sessions organized during his two-week Chuuk visit, Mori also informed the residents that his administration is in negotiations with FSM’s development partners to improve inter-island ship transportation.
