US Embassies in FAS countries present a united front on US policy

The website of the U.S. Agency for International Development (commonly known as US AID) in the Federated States of Micronesia’s website led to the following statement:

USAID funded Samaritans Purse in New Zealand. Photo courtesy of US Embassy of New Zealand.

“On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).

“For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC [Personal Service Contracts] and ISC [Institutional Support} contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your service.”

Protests against the shuttering of US AID around the world are being seen in the U.S. mainland.

The U.S. Embassies in the FSM, Palau and the Marshall Islands are posting statements from the U.S. Department of State, including a Jan. 29 media release from the Office of the Spokesperson on the “90-day pause and review of U.S. foreign aid,” as well as the “Emergency humanitarian wavier to foreign assistance pause” of the same date.

For related news, see mbjguam.com: Three Freely Associated States meet US officials and mbjguam.com: US suspends foreign aid, potentially affecting Micronesia mbj

US Federal Motor Carrier ruling on Commercial Driver’s Licenses could affect COFA citizens

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Shared Prosperity: Government officials, businesses talk investment in the Pacific

HONOLULU, Hawaii — More than 170 representatives from Pacific Island nations, the U.S. government, and the private sector convened at the inaugural Pacific Agenda: Investment, Security, and Shared Prosperity Summit held at the Imin International Conference Center at Jefferson Hall in the University of Hawaii Manoa campus from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24.

US Embassies in FAS countries present a united front on US policy