AGP Executive Report

Remembering Anton Kentis Sakarai: East Sepik’s former executive manager of culture, tourism and sports, Anton Kentis Sakarai, has died at 67, leaving behind decades of community service rooted in his early schooling across Wewak and Madang. Climate voices in the Pacific: COP31’s process has kicked off in Fiji with communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers, chiefs and climate advocates pushing for Pacific priorities to sit at the center of global climate talks. Deep-sea mining pushback: In American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, deep sea mining lease sales are set for November and December, and advocates are urging residents to get informed and speak out before public participation is shut down. Tourism and culture in Guam: The Guam Visitors Bureau is leaning harder on digital marketing to lift arrivals as costs and flight disruptions bite, while the 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach with dance, music, food and crafts. Education support on Saipan: Atkins Kroll Saipan’s “Community Matters: Back to School Test Drive” runs through Aug. 31, with a $1,000 donation going to the school with the most votes. Connectivity milestone: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks for the first time, opening new options for trade and services. Coral reef planning: Guam residents and experts are shaping coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027–2032 through public meetings. Aviation safety training: Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority launched a 10-day Safety Management Systems training to strengthen risk management and safety culture.

Pacific Climate & Community Voice: COP31 kicked off in Fiji with communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers, chiefs and climate advocates pushing Pacific priorities to the centre of global talks, with organizers stressing it’s about people—not just officials. Deep-Sea Protection Push: In American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands, deep sea mining lease sales are set for November and December, and local advocates are urging residents to get informed and speak out before the process moves further. Guam Reef Planning: Guam is gathering public input to set coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027–2032, with residents and experts weighing in on strategy updates. Tourism Focus in Guam: The Guam Visitors Bureau is leaning harder into digital marketing to lift arrivals after a July 2026 drop, citing fuel surcharges, exchange swings and flight suspensions. Micronesian Culture on Stage: The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach, celebrating dance, music, food and crafts across Micronesia. Education & Jobs in the Region: Atkins Kroll Saipan is running a Back to School Test Drive campaign through Aug. 31 to support local schools, while Atkins Kroll Guam recently held a job fair drawing 50+ seekers. Connectivity Milestone: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, opening new options for trade and services. Health Coverage Warning: Federal changes could strip Medicare from some lawfully present immigrants, with advocates calling for state action as coverage losses loom.

Tourism & Travel: Guam Visitor’s Bureau is pushing digital marketing to lift arrivals as fuel surcharges, jet fuel costs, exchange-rate swings, and flight suspensions keep pressure on the industry; July 2026 visitor arrivals fell 36.7% vs July 2025, with Korea—Guam’s biggest market—down 8.2% as airfare rises. Climate & Community Voice: Pacific COP31 is underway in Fiji, with communities, Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers, chiefs, and climate advocates urging that Pacific priorities sit at the center of global climate talks. Culture & Heritage: The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns to Ypao Beach Oct. 23–25, 2026, celebrating Micronesian dance, music, food, crafts, and demonstrations. Education & Local Support: Atkins Kroll Saipan’s Back to School Test Drive campaign runs through Aug. 31, letting residents vote for a school to receive a $1,000 donation. Health Policy: Federal changes tied to the 2025 reconciliation law could strip Medicare and other coverage from many lawfully present immigrants, including groups from Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Recognition: Retired University of Guam historian Anne Perez Hattori received the governor’s Måga’Håga Award for documenting CHamoru and Micronesian history.

Climate & Communities: Pacific COP31’s local push kicked off in Nadi, Fiji, bringing Indigenous Peoples, youth, farmers, chiefs and community advocates to put Pacific priorities at the centre of global climate talks. Migration & Heritage: Ancient DNA research is reshaping how we understand Pacific migration waves, including why one big movement reached Fiji later than earlier settlement. Education & Youth (Saipan): Atkins Kroll Saipan is running its Community Matters “Back to School Test Drive” campaign through Aug. 31, inviting residents to test drive and vote for a school to receive a $1,000 donation. Health & Rights (Micronesia links): Federal changes tied to the 2025 reconciliation law could strip Medicare from many lawfully present immigrants, with advocates warning of major harm and calls for state action. Culture & Tourism (Guam): The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach with dance, music, food and crafts. Environment (Guam): Guam residents and experts are shaping coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027–2032 through public meetings. Leadership (UOG): The University of Guam Board of Regents rated President Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” citing progress across student success, research and community engagement. Sports & Community (COFA): The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Maui brought together Compact of Free Association communities, including teams from across Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. Women & Climate: Pacific leaders urged stronger action for women and girls in climate resilience at CSW66, highlighting their role in safer, more resilient communities. Connectivity (PIF): All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, opening new options for trade and services. Ocean Research (Region): Super Typhoon Dolphin forced the Nautilus research vessel far off its route, but the team secured permits to continue priority mapping work in FSM waters.

Pacific Migration & Identity: Ancient DNA from 72 people is reshaping how researchers explain Pacific settlement, including why one migration wave reached Fiji later than earlier spread—adding to the idea that voyagers planned and carried food systems as they moved. Community & Education in Saipan: Atkins Kroll Saipan is running its “Community Matters: Back to School Test Drive” campaign through Aug. 31, inviting residents to test drive and vote for a school to win a $1,000 donation. Guam Culture Spotlight: The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach with dance, music, food, crafts, and a theme focused on Micronesian tides and traditions. Local Governance & Environment (Guam): Guam residents and reef experts are shaping coral reef priorities for 2027–2032 through public meetings updating the island’s Coral Reef Resilience Strategy. Health Policy Impact on Micronesians & COFA Families: Federal changes tied to the 2025 reconciliation law could strip Medicare from many lawfully present immigrants, including some from Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands—prompting calls for state action and highlighting possible mitigation via optional Medicaid/CHIP for immigrant children. Sports & Community (Māicronesia/COFA): The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Hawai‘i brought together teams and performers from Compact of Free Association communities, including FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Honoring Pacific Scholarship: Retired University of Guam professor Anne Perez Hattori received the governor’s Måga’Håga Award for decades of documenting CHamoru and Micronesian history.

Pacific Migration & Foodways: Ancient DNA from 72 people is reshaping how we understand Pacific settlement, including why one migration wave reached Fiji later than others—and how voyagers carried pigs and other food systems across the ocean. Lahaina Recovery: Three years after the 2023 wildfire, one Lahaina family has finally moved back into a rebuilt home, highlighting the slow, painful pace of rebuilding historic neighborhoods. Saipan School Support: Atkins Kroll Saipan’s “Back to School Test Drive” campaign runs through Aug. 31, letting residents test drive and vote for a school to receive a $1,000 donation. Health Coverage for Micronesians & Other Lawfully Present Immigrants: New federal rules tied to a 2025 reconciliation law could strip Medicare from hundreds of lawfully present immigrants in Connecticut, while advocates push for state action and optional Medicaid/CHIP pathways for eligible immigrant children. Guam Culture Calendar: The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair returns Oct. 23–25, 2026 at Ypao Beach with dance, music, food, crafts, and cultural demonstrations. Guam Reefs, Community First: Guam residents and reef experts are shaping coral reef conservation priorities and funding for 2027–2032 through public meetings. UOG Leadership: The University of Guam Board of Regents rates President Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” praising progress in programs, research, and community engagement. Pacific Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network, a major boost for trade, services, and information access. Women & Climate Resilience: Pacific leaders at CSW66 urged the world to put women and girls at the center of climate and disaster risk efforts. Saipan Coastal Erosion: Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing partners to tackle shoreline erosion and climate impacts through a new resilience collaboration.

Guam Culture & Tourism: The 38th Guam Micronesia Island Fair is back at Ypao Beach, running Oct. 23–25, 2026, with traditional dance, music, food, crafts, and cultural demos—an easy way for visitors to experience Micronesia beyond beaches. Reef Conservation: Guam residents and natural resource experts are shaping the island’s coral reef priorities for 2027–2032, feeding into an updated Coral Reef Resilience Strategy after two public meetings. Education Leadership: The University of Guam Board of Regents rated President Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” praising progress on student success, research, workforce development, and community engagement. Pacific History & Identity: Historian Anne Perez Hattori received the governor’s Måga’Håga Award for her lifelong work documenting CHamoru and Micronesian history through scholarship and public service. Ocean & Climate: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and defend maritime boundaries ahead of COP31. Community Resilience: Saipan’s Rotary Club is organizing to tackle worsening coastal erosion by convening partners and exploring coastal protection strategies. Sports & Community: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament brought together Compact of Free Association communities, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, blending sports with culture and community resources. Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders pushed for women and girls to be at the center of global climate resilience efforts at CSW66. Research Disruption: Typhoon Dolphin forced the research vessel Nautilus more than 1,000 miles off course, moving operations into FSM waters for priority mapping work.

Guam Coral Reefs: More than 80 Guam residents and natural resource experts helped shape the island’s updated Coral Reef Resilience Strategy, setting conservation priorities and funding activities for 2027–2032 after Aug. 11–12 workshops and a town hall. UOG Leadership: The University of Guam Board of Regents rated President Anita Borja Enriquez “better than satisfactory,” praising progress on student success, research, workforce development, and community engagement. Pacific Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to the global undersea cable network for the first time, a milestone supported by Australia’s cable investments since 2018, including links reaching the Federated States of Micronesia. Pacific Heritage Recognition: Retired UOG professor and historian Anne Perez Hattori received the governor’s Måga’Håga Award for decades of scholarship on CHamoru and Micronesian history. Ocean Research Disruption: Super Typhoon Dolphin pushed the research vessel Nautilus more than 1,000 miles off course, moving surveys into Federated States of Micronesia waters under a new permit. Community & Culture Through Sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Hawai‘i brought together Compact of Free Association communities, including FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, with culture, performers, and shared resources. Women, Climate, and Resilience: Pacific leaders at CSW66 stressed that women and girls must be at the center of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. Jobs in Guam: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026, drawing 50+ seekers and running 70+ on-site interviews. Saipan Coastal Erosion: Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing a coastal resilience collaboration to convene partners and explore protection strategies amid shoreline change. Health Coverage for Immigrant Families: New federal limits could cut Medicare and other coverage for many lawfully present immigrants, with advocates urging state options to reduce harm.

University of Guam Leadership: The UOG Board of Regents has rated President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez’s performance “better than satisfactory,” praising progress on student success, research, workforce development, and community engagement. Pacific Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to the global undersea cable network for the first time, a boost for trade, services, and government access, including direct connections reaching parts of Micronesia. Pacific Heritage in the Spotlight: Retired University of Guam historian Anne Perez Hattori received the governor’s Måga’Håga Award for decades of scholarship and public service documenting CHamoru and Micronesian history. Storms and Science at Sea: Super Typhoon Dolphin pushed the research vessel Nautilus over 1,000 miles off its planned route, but the crew still worked with permits to continue priority mapping and underwater surveys. Culture & Community: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament brought together island communities from Compact of Free Association nations, blending sports, performances, and shared resources. Climate & Oceans: Pacific foreign ministers urged urgent action to protect fisheries and strengthen ocean governance ahead of COP31, with a renewed push for member-led implementation. Local Jobs: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first 2026 job fair, drawing 50+ seekers and running 70+ on-site interviews.

Education & Heritage: Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio honored retired University of Guam professor and historian Anne Perez Hattori with the governor’s Måga’Håga Award, celebrating her lifelong work documenting CHamoru and Micronesian history. Ocean Research & Weather: Super Typhoon Dolphin forced the Ocean Exploration Trust’s research ship Nautilus more than 1,000 miles off its planned route, pushing the crew into Federated States of Micronesia waters for a revised survey. Community & Culture Through Sport: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Kahului brought together athletes, cultural performers, families, and leaders from Compact of Free Association communities, including Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. Climate Resilience (Local-Led): The Solutions Project highlighted community-led climate resilience efforts, including work connected to the Northern Mariana Islands and Micronesia Climate Change Alliance initiatives. Jobs & Local Growth: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026, welcoming 50+ job seekers and conducting 70+ on-site interviews. Women, Girls & Climate: Pacific leaders urged that women and girls must be at the center of the global climate fight as Pacific voices opened CSW66. Health Policy & Immigrant Families: New federal rules could cut health coverage for many lawfully present immigrants, with optional Medicaid/CHIP coverage for immigrant children flagged as a possible buffer.

Ocean & Weather: Super Typhoon Dolphin forced the Ocean Exploration Trust’s research ship E/V Nautilus more than 1,000 miles off its planned survey route, pushing it out of Guam and CNMI waters and into Federated States of Micronesia waters, after swells and wind disrupted mapping plans. Community & Culture: The inaugural Pacifika Softball Tournament in Hawai‘i brought together Compact of Free Association communities—including FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands—through sports, cultural performances, and shared community resources. Regional Governance: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a new Vakamanu fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders at CSW66 highlighted the need to put women and girls at the center of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, linking empowerment to safer Pacific communities. Local Life (CNMI): CNMI’s Marianas Visitors Authority is taking over the Arts Council under a 2026 executive order, aiming to smooth transitions and keep federal grant payments moving while tying culture more closely to tourism. Jobs & Opportunity: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026, drawing 50+ applicants and running 70+ on-site interviews across multiple departments.

Climate & Community Resilience: The Solutions Project spotlighted community-led climate resilience hubs, including Micronesia Climate Change Alliance work that turns trusted local spaces into practical support during extreme weather. Jobs & Local Economy: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026 at the Micronesia Mall, drawing 50+ job seekers and leading to 70+ on-site interviews, with more than a dozen moving into formal interviews. Pacific Ocean Governance: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries ahead of COP31. Women, Girls & Climate: Pacific leaders at CSW66 pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate action, citing their role in resilient communities. Culture & Tourism Administration: CNMI’s Marianas Visitors Authority will take over the Arts Council under an executive order, aiming to better link cultural heritage with tourism while sorting grant and vendor payment issues. Education & Identity: A Global Education Fair in Athens County showcased 21 countries, including Micronesia, through hands-on learning and cultural “passport” activities. Obituary: Merlina Joshua Sneed, born in Kolonia, Pohnpei, was remembered for her devotion to family and education.

Jobs & Local Economy: Atkins Kroll Guam held its first job fair of 2026 at the Micronesia Mall, welcoming 50+ job seekers and running 70+ on-site interviews, with more than a dozen candidates moving into formal interviews. Community & Heritage: A new obituary remembers Merlina Joshua Sneed, born in Kolonia, Pohnpei, and known for decades of devotion to her family and education. Pacific Ocean Governance: Pacific Islands Forum foreign ministers urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean rules, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders at CSW66 pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, linking empowerment to safer communities. Culture & Tourism Administration: CNMI’s Arts Council is being moved under the Marianas Visitors Authority, aiming to better connect cultural heritage with tourism while sorting out grant and vendor payment issues. Saipan Resilience: Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing partners to tackle coastal erosion, citing shrinking beaches and changing shorelines. Education & Identity: A Global Education Fair highlighted Micronesia among 21 countries, using passports and hands-on activities to teach kids about cultures. Health Policy Watch: Reports warn that 2025 reconciliation changes could cut federally funded coverage for many lawfully present immigrants, with optional Medicaid/CHIP coverage for some immigrant children seen as a possible buffer.

Obituary: Merlina Joshua Sneed, known as “Merly,” of Kolonia, Pohnpei, passed away peacefully Aug. 10 in Cherokee, North Carolina, after a life devoted to family, education, and community—she is survived by five children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Health Policy: In Connecticut, hundreds of lawfully present immigrants face losing Medicare coverage in January, sparking calls for state action as federal eligibility rules tighten. Regional Ocean & Climate: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and back stronger climate finance ahead of COP31, with a spotlight on women and girls in climate resilience. Local Resilience in the Marianas: The Rotary Club of Saipan is organizing a coastal resilience push to tackle erosion and climate impacts, aiming to bring agencies, nonprofits, scientists, and volunteers together. Culture & Lifestyle: The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marks 10 years, keeping Pacific stories at the center of the runway as it returns for New Zealand Fashion Week. Cybersecurity Watch: A global cyber defence index ranks Albania top and places Micronesia among the lowest-scoring territories, raising questions about preparedness.

Immigration & Health Access: About 1,000 lawfully present immigrants in Connecticut could lose Medicare coverage by January, as federal eligibility rules tighten—sparking calls for state action and raising worries for families and local health providers. Ocean & Fisheries Governance: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent steps to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing a new regional fisheries strategy for 2026–2035. Climate & Gender Equality: The Pacific pushed for women and girls to be at the center of climate resilience efforts at CSW66, linking gender equality to safer, stronger communities. Community Resilience (Saipan): Rotary in Saipan is organizing partners to tackle coastal erosion and climate impacts, aiming to coordinate protection strategies and potential grants. Culture & Tourism Administration (CNMI): CNMI’s Arts Council is being moved under the Marianas Visitors Authority, with officials focused on smoother transitions and clearing outstanding grant payments. Local Ocean Protection (Samoa): National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a survey supporting Samoa’s push to protect 30% of its ocean, using local partnerships to map biodiversity. Cyber & Governance Watch: A global cyber security index ranks Albania top and places Micronesia and Palau at the bottom, highlighting gaps in readiness and response. Travel & Mobility: A roundup notes expanding e-visa and ETA options worldwide, while also tracking passport access changes for Pakistan. Pacific Identity: Nauru officially becomes the Republic of Naoero, shifting country codes and branding to reflect Indigenous identity. Fashion & Representation: The Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marks 10 years, returning to New Zealand Fashion Week with Pacific stories and designers front and center.

Ocean & Fisheries Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers meeting in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, strengthen ocean governance, and secure maritime boundaries, backing the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035 and pushing Member-led, fair management for food security, livelihoods, and sovereignty. Climate & Gender: At CSW66, the Pacific called for women and girls to be at the centre of climate resilience, linking gender equality to safer communities and stronger disaster risk reduction as leaders renewed calls to cut emissions. Coastlines Under Pressure: Rotary Club of Saipan launched a Saipan Coastal Resilience Collaboration to tackle worsening coastal erosion, convening agencies, nonprofits, scientists, and volunteers while exploring partnerships and grants. Culture Meets Tourism Administration: CNMI’s Marianas Visitors Authority will take over the Arts Council under a new executive order, aiming to better connect cultural heritage with tourism while sorting out grant transitions and vendor payments. Local Research for Ocean Protection: Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey marine life across new marine protected areas, using field surveys and deep-ocean tools to build a science baseline for protecting 30% of Samoa’s ocean. Community & Learning: Chuuk Lagoon farmers and educators gathered for UOG’s annual Farmer Focus Conference, guided by earlier stress surveys to tackle island-specific farming challenges. Global Lifestyle Note: Pacific Fusion Fashion Show marks 10 years, spotlighting Pacific designers and stories on the runway ahead of its 21 August return in Auckland.