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FSM to hold National Day on Saipan
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Posted on Oct 30 2005
Guam-based Federated States of Micronesia Consul General Sam Pretrick flew to Saipan over the weekend to meet with the leaders of the FSM community in the CNMI in view of the country’s national day celebration on Nov. 4, Friday.
“We’ll celebrate our national day here for the first time,” said Pretrick in an interview Saturday.
He said the celebration also aims to foster unity among the FSM community members and promote cooperation with the host government.
Pretrick described the FSM-NMI relations as “very good and strong.”
“We’re very appreciative of the CNMI for being a good host to our people who have established residency in the Commonwealth,” said Pretrick.
He said that FSM residents in the CNMI have been productive members of the local community.
“We urge our citizens to continue to be a positive influence in the CNMI,” the consul general said.
There are about 4,000 FSM nationals in the CNMI.
FSM consists of Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap.
FSM exports fish, betel nuts, black pepper, and handicrafts to the Northern Marianas.
FSM people are generally known for their friendliness and compassion, according to Nick Benjamin, Pohnpei Association president.
Meantime, Pretrick said the Nov. 4 event commemorates the founding of FSM on Nov. 3, 1986.
“To commemorate this, we want to come together as one community. We want to promote unity among ourselves and solidarity with our host government,” he said.
In previous years, he said, FSM national holiday events were held on Guam.
Pretrick said local government officials are invited to attend the celebration.
The event will be held at 10am to 4pm on Nov. 4 at Garapan Central Park.
“There will be a ceremony, entertainment, and food. Everybody is invited to come celebrate with us,” said Benjamin. (Liberty Dones)
