Last year, during trips to Guam and Honolulu, Mori was able to recognize citizens chosen by their peers who had made significant achievements by awarding certificates of recognition and monetary gifts during ceremonies arranged by FSM consulate offices.
On Guam, Gov. Felix Camacho, FSM Sens. Peter Sitan and Moses Nelson participated in the award ceremony, which was considered a success, given the fact that it was the first one.
In Honolulu, state Sen. Kalani English, a friend of the islands, and other officials attended the ceremony which was also successful.
Mori has been concerned with the past actions of a few citizens abroad that have created a bad image in some parts of the U.S. and its territories.
In a letter to Rodney Mori, the vice president of a the FSM/Spokane, Wa. Association, President Mori stated that “this [bad image] is not good for our people and country,” and that he is hopeful that “through the positive efforts of many, like the group in Spokane, that we can slowly improve our collective image throughout the U.S. as a people. Unless we can make positive contributions to the communities we call homes, we will not be well received by the host’s residents.”
As a reminder, there are citizens outreach and advocacy programs through the FSM’s overseas missions.
With a funding source of $10,000 appropriated by the FSM Congress, the national government is doing its part to encourage citizens to be good ambassadors for the FSM and good citizens of the host communities they live in, the president said.
