Dekehtik, Pohnpei: October 9, 2025 — Governor Stevenson A. Joseph delivered remarks today at the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Dekehtik Port Expansion Project. This landmark $30 million infrastructure investment will significantly enhance Pohnpei’s maritime capacity and stimulate economic growth.
The ceremony, held at the site of the former Misko Beach, brought together traditional leaders, national officials, and international partners to mark this historic milestone.
Governor Joseph opened his remarks by recognizing the support of traditional leaders, the Federated States of Micronesia National Government, the Government and people of Japan, JICA, diplomatic partners, and the international community. He highlighted the transformative impact of the expanded port, noting its potential to allow larger vessels to dock more frequently, improve the flow of goods, reduce costs for consumers, attract new businesses, and create local jobs.
“Today marks a historic milestone for our State and our Nation. We gather here at Dekehtik to witness the groundbreaking of the Dekehtik Port Expansion Project—the largest development project ever undertaken in Pohnpei, and one of the largest in the Federated States of Micronesia, valued at $30 million,” Governor Joseph said.
“This is more than an infrastructure project—it is an investment in connectivity, economic growth, and resilience for our islands. Together, with our partners, our traditional leaders, and our people, we are building a legacy of cooperation and hope for future generations.”
Governor Joseph also emphasized the project’s role in positioning Pohnpei as a regional hub for fisheries support services, including transshipment, cold storage, vessel provisioning, maintenance, and other logistics services essential for the industry.
“We had an opportunity to do this earlier in the 1990s, but we dropped the ball. I see this as a second chance. It is my hope that Pohnpei can be a hub for many ventures,” he added.
Remarks from Dignitaries and Partners
Mason Albert, Chairman of the Pohnpei Port Authority Board, delivered welcoming remarks, highlighting the Authority’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project.
Hon. Carlson D. Apis, Secretary of the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure, shared remarks reflecting the National Government’s perspective, expressing thanks for the continued collaboration with the Government and people of Japan. Secretary Lorin S. Robert of the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs and Officer in Charge of the FSM National Government, represented the President of the FSM.
H.E. Nobuo Kagomiya, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, and Mr. Takeshi Watanabe, JICA Resident Representative, expressed gratitude for the project and emphasized its contribution to the future of Pohnpei and the FSM.
Traditional leaders, including IsoNahnken of Madolenihmw and Nan Pwutak Pikiniap, Nahnmwarki of Sokehs, delivered the final remarks as the Guardians of our lands, traditions, and stories, extending thanks, blessings, and reminders to care for the land.
A Legacy of Partnership and Hope
Governor Joseph praised the collaboration between JICA, the Pohnpei Port Authority, and the National Government, noting that the Dekehtik Port serves not only Pohnpei but the entire FSM.
“The Dekehtik Port is the heart of Pohnpei’s maritime gateway—and because Pohnpei is the seat of our national capital, this port serves not only our State but the entire Federated States of Micronesia. Together, with our partners from Japan, with the Pohnpei Port Authority, with our traditional leaders, and with our people, we are building not only a port, but a legacy of cooperation and hope for future generations,” he said.
Governor Joseph concluded by thanking all stakeholders and partners for their unwavering commitment to the progress, prosperity, and sustainability of Pohnpei and the FSM.
About the Dekehtik Port Expansion Project
The Dekehtik Port Expansion Project is funded through a $30 million grant from the Government of Japan and implemented through JICA. It is the largest infrastructure investment in Pohnpei’s history and among the largest in the FSM. Once completed, the expanded port will enable larger and more frequent cargo vessels to dock, thereby enhancing trade, reducing costs, supporting the fisheries sector, and stimulating local economic opportunities.
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