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  • ABOUT THE STATE OF YAP

         The State of Yap is one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, along with the states of Pohnpei, Chuuk and Kosrae.  Yap is the Western-most island in the FSM, located about midway between Guam and Palau.

         Yap is comprised of the main islands of Yap, Gagil, Tomil, and Rumung.  Yap State stretches eastward, for another 1,200 or so kilometers and includes another 134 outer islands, most of them low-lying atolls.

         The Yapese were seafaring people who sailed vast distances over the Pacific.  Even in recent times, canoes from Yap have sailed to the Marianas, Okinawa, and Palau.  The trip to Palau was made to re-enact the quarrying of stone money.  In centuries past, Yapese made the life-threatening 1000 kilometer round trip voyage to Palau's Rock Islands to quarry the now famous stone money. Yap is probably best known for this stone money - huge disks of crytalline stone.  These stone disks measure up to two meters in diameter, and weigh as much as four tons, making them the world's largest currency.

         Yap State has its own constitutional government with three co-equal branches of government consisting of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.  Yap also has traditional leaders that serve in the Council of Pilung and the Council of Tamol which perform functions concerning tradition and custom.  See Art. III of the Yap State Constitution .

         The Executive Branch is headed by a Govenor and a Lt. Governor and they are primarily resposible for executing the laws and administering state government services.  See Art. VI of the Yap State Constitution.

          The legislative power of the State is vested in the Legislature. Such power extends to all rightful subjects of legislation not inconsistent with the Yap Constitution.  The Legislature is composed of ten members, who shall be elected by the qualified voters of their respective election districts.  See Art. V of the Yap State Constitution.

         The judicial power of the State is vested in its State Court, and other courts as may be created by law.  The State Court is the highest court of the State and consists of a Chief Justice and two Associate Justices.  The number of Associate Justices may be increased by law upon the request of the State Court.  Retired justices may serve temporarily on the State Court at the request of the Chief Justice.  See Art. VII of the Yap State Constitution.

         The state government leaders and some key staff are as follows:
     
    Executive Branch
    Governor: Hon. Charles Chieng
    Lt. Governor: Hon. Francis Itimai
    Chief of Staff: Paul J. Ayin
    Director, Administrative Services: Joseph Giliko
    Director, Planning & Budget: Ivan B. E. Kadannged
    Director, Department of Resources & Development: Leelkan Southwick
    Director, Youth & Civic Affairs: Alex Gilfiley
    Director, Department of Education: Dominic Fanasog
    Director, Department of Public Works & Transportation: Joe Giltug
    Director, Department of Health Services: Maria Marfel
    Attorney General: Joses Gallen
    Chief, Division of Public Safety: Daniel G. Ramngen

    Legislative Branch
    Speaker: Hon. Nicholas Figirlaarwon
    Vice Speaker: Hon. Theodore (Ted) Rutun
    Floor Leader: Hon. Terrence Fong
    Chairman of Committe on Finance: Hon. Pius Talimeisei
    Vice Chairman of Committe on Finance: Hon. Ann-Marie Laamar
    Chairman of Committe on Health & Welfare: Hon. Victor Bamog
    Vice Chairman of Committe on Health & Welfare: Hon. Gabriel Ramoloilug
    Chairman of Committe on Resources, Education & Development: Hon. John Mafel
    Vice Chairman of Committe on Resources, Education & Development: Hon. Liyon Sulog
    Other Members: Hon. Joh Masiwemai
    Chief Clerk: Mrs. Dee N. N. Libian
    Assistant Chief Clerk: Mr. Ben Chosmal
    Budget Officer: Ms. Noimilynn N.F. Pigao
    Administrative Secretary: Ms. Theresa Kitin
    Legislative Counsel: Ms. Genevieve M. Mangefel
    Assistant Legislative Counsel: VACANT

    Judiciary Branch
    Chief Justice: Hon. Cyprian Manmaw
    Associate Justice: Hon. Jesse Torwan
    Hon. Jonathan M. Tun
    Yap State Court Counsel: Seema Shaw, Esq.
    Clerk of Court: Ms. Julianne Giley
    Court Administrator: Mr. Achilles Defngin

    Traditional Leaders
    Chairman, Council of Pilung: Hon. Thomas Falngin
    Chairman, Council of Tamol: Hon. Paul Marlul

    Other Agencies/Organizations
    Public Defender: VACANT
    MLSC, Dir. Attorney: John T. Mootmag, Esq.
    Director, Yap Environmental Protection Agency: VACANT
    Director, Yap Community Action Program: Mr. Sabino Sauchomal
    Director, Yap Investment Trust: Ms. Patricia D. Moonfel
    Director, Yap Fishing Authority: Mr. Constantine Yowbalaw
    Director, Yap State Public Service Corporation: Mr. Victor Nabeyan
    Director, Yap State Public Library: Ms. Erica Ruepin
    Director, Yap Visitors Authority: Ms. Susan Gooliyan
    Director, Yap Sports Council Office: Mr. Lawrence Uwelur