Micronesian leaders seek a more unified, self-reliant Blue Continent

10/28/2025 - Delegates to the 65th Board of Directors Meeting of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures General Assembly have called for a more unified and self-reliant Blue Continent as Pacific Island nations continue to face economic uncertainty, environmental threats, militarization, and the ripple effects of the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown.

During Day 1 of the general assembly at the Crown Plaza Resort Saipan last Oct. 27, Palau delegate Nace Soalablai said the high cost of fuel remains one of the greatest challenges for Pacific communities.

“The high cost of fuel is a reality for nations throughout the Pacific, and those costs drive up transportation expenses, which in turn increase the price of every product that reaches our stores, from food, household supplies, to construction materials,” he said. “Because our economy relies heavily on imported goods, this rising cost ripples through every sector, raising the overall cost of living and placing pressure on families, small businesses, and government budgets alike.”

Soalablai, who once lived on Saipan, added that fuel prices affect not only the movement of goods and people but also electricity generation, fishing, and agriculture—all vital to the region’s livelihoods.

“In short, fuel costs shape the daily realities of our people and the broader stability of our island economies. This economic pressure reminds us how we interconnect our islands and how vital it is that we act together.”

He urged APIL members to pursue practical solutions such as strengthening regional economic security, promoting renewable energy, and reducing dependency on costly imports.

“Together, we can amplify our collective voice, share experiences, and develop policies that make our economies more resilient, our communities more self-sufficient, and our Pacific region stronger as one.”

Republic of the Marshall Islands Sen. Wilbur Heine said the U.S. federal shutdown has already impacted several APIL member states, including his own.

“This disruption could potentially affect government programs and services, impacting the well-being of our citizens and the stability of our governance across our region,” he said. “These realities remind us of our shared vulnerabilities and the importance of regional unity and cooperation.”

Heine said the latest challenge reaffirms APIL’s mission to serve as a permanent forum enabling collaboration on issues of development, trade, security, health, education, and cultural preservation.

“Let us reaffirm our shared commitment to the vision and purpose of APIL, which is to strengthen legislative partnership, promote good governance, and enhance the collective welfare of our island communities.”

He also spoke about the fire that destroyed the Marshall Islands’ Nitijela legislative building earlier this year.

“This is a fateful loss, as the Nitijela stands as both the heart of our democracy and the symbol of our people's resilience,” he said. “The reconstruction is now underway, preserving its legacy and dignity. We look forward to welcoming all APIL members to a future meeting in the new Nitijela Building in Majuro.”

Chuuk Rep. Jessy P. William said APIL remains a vital platform for regional dialogue.

“It is a platform that allows us to collaborate on efforts to address the challenges that we face as individual states and as a region,” he said.

CNMI Rep. Denita K. Yangetmai echoed the same call for unity.

“As we convene in the spirit of partnership, may our deliberations guide us toward greater economic resilience, improved health outcomes, and stronger social welfare systems for all Pacific Islanders,” she said.

Kosrae Sen. Artson Talley drew inspiration from traditional wisdom.

“Our ancestors once said the canoe moves forward only when everyone paddles together. Today, we are reminded that our work at APIL is that shared canoe,” he said. “Our region faces complex challenges, but our history teaches us that with unity, respect, and vision, even the strongest storms can be navigated.”

Guam Sen. Telo Taitague stressed that preserving Pacific identity must remain at the heart of regional cooperation.

“As we navigate this landscape, we must never lose sight of our foundation. Preserving our unique culture, languages, and traditions is essential,” she said. “Our heritage is what connects us and sustains us.”

Yap Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon shared that Yap is currently enjoying an economic upturn.

“With a greater share of funding from [the Federated States of Micronesia] revenue, we are making decisions on where to focus those funds. We have had a wage increase in the public sector, hopefully triggering the same in the private sector,” he said.

He added that Yap has agreed to host U.S. military defense sites and called on other Pacific nations with bases to share lessons learned from their experiences.

Pohnpei Sen. Dionisio E. Saimon expressed gratitude to the CNMI for welcoming Pohnpeian citizens.

“Allow me to thank the people of CNMI for hosting our citizens and supporting them,” he said.

Kiribati delegate Tebuai Uaai shared travel challenges faced by his delegation, who were unaware of the U.S. visa requirement for entry into the CNMI.

Former CNMI Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute leukemia in August 2025, underscored the need to maintain APIL’s unity and purpose.

“It’s going to take the elected leaders of the region to resolve the challenges we’re facing,” he said. “A good, working, trusting relationship with each island leader is so important because once you start pushing people, you start hurting the organization.”

In the afternoon session, APIL president and CNMI House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez emphasized the central role of legislatures in post-pandemic recovery and in promoting sustainable development, resilience, and social well-being.

He listed APIL’s key priorities: economic diversification, workforce development, healthcare improvement, food security, renewable energy, and stronger governance.

Villagomez also reported that an Ad Hoc Committee on Bylaws, chaired by CNMI Sen. Jude Hofschneider, has recommended amendments to strengthen APIL’s foundation.

He closed by reaffirming APIL’s mission as the united voice of Pacific legislatures and thanked the CNMI’s host committees, partners, and delegates for their support.

Report by Mark Rabago