Speech
FSM National Postal Conference
By William D. Douglass
Deputy Chief of Mission to the Federated States of Micronesia
Vice President Alik, Lieutenant Governor Edward, Vice Chairman Primo, former President Falcam, Members of the Pohnpei State Legislature, Postmaster Generals, Director Tudela, Members of the Postal Services, Father Hezel, Reverend Enicar, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored to be here representing the United States on this important occasion.
The United States Postal Service has a long history in all the Freely Associated States. During the Trust Territory era, the U.S. Post Office Department provided mail service throughout the islands. We can see how significant a role that Postal Service in the FSM’s evolution as a nation played by noting that the first two Postmaster Generals of the newly independent Federated States of Micronesia, the Honorable Leo Falcam and the Honorable Bethwel Henry, were also among the founding fathers of this country.
Under a subsidiary agreement to each respective Compact of Free Association, the United States made available United States Postal Service (or USPS) domestic mail service and products to each of the Freely Associated States. The United States Government continues to provide for the conveyance of mail between the U.S. and its Compact partners, as well as support services in connection with the international exchange of mail with other countries.
I’m sure most of you recall the period between January 2006 and November 2007 when the U.S. government implemented international published prices and mailing standards for USPS mail services between the United States and Micronesia and the Marshalls Islands. For almost two years these new international rates and limitation of services were applied to both the FSM and RMI. This had observable effects on the economy and on business correspondence, as well as the livelihood of many private citizens. Over 30,000 FSM citizens alone reside in the United States and its territories and another 1,000-2,000 serve on active duty in the United States armed forces. Representing almost 30% of the FSM’s population, these Micronesians depend heavily on USPS domestic mail services to communicate and send packages to their loved ones.
In the spirit of partnership and good will between our countries, and after high-level discussions and consultations between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Postal Service, the USPS reinstated domestic mail treatment to the FSM and RMI effective November 19, 2007. This new rule restored these two Freely Associated States to their status quo prior to their January 8, 2006 USPS transition to phased international service, with certain exceptions.
We live in the information age. That term does not just encompass computer networks but all forms of communication. The Postal Service plays a significant role in the successful economic development in every country. It is an important part of every country’s prosperity. Therefore, please accept my sincerest wishes for a successful training conference. Thank you for having me here today and best of luck to all of you.