It is deeply concerning that our schools are facing a lack of school bus services while some teachers in Pohnpei are still waiting to receive their salaries for Pay Period 21. Behind every delayed paycheck are families struggling to meet their basic needs, pay bills, put food on the table, and provide for their children. Teachers and their families deserve respect, financial security, and timely compensation for the services they provide to our communities.
At a time when our people need solutions, cooperation, and decisive leadership, it is discouraging to see government directors debating mistakes and pointing fingers at one another over who should be blamed rather than working together to correct the financial management mistake. Leadership is not about proving who made a mistake; it is about taking responsibility, finding solutions, and ensuring that essential public services continue without unnecessary disruption.
Our students deserve reliable transportation to school, our teachers deserve to be paid on time, and our families deserve leaders who understand the real-life consequences of administrative mistakes. Government positions carry responsibilities, and those responsibilities must always be guided by service, accountability, teamwork, and compassion for the people.
The people should never have to bear the burden of disagreements among those entrusted to serve them. Instead of focusing on blame, our leaders should focus on solutions. Instead of defending positions, they should work together. And instead of disregarding the livelihoods of families, they must remember that every decision made in government affects real people, real homes, and real futures.
Pohnpei deserves leadership that works together, takes responsibility, and puts the welfare of its people first. Public service is not about protecting one’s reputation; it is about fulfilling one’s duty to the people.
Dennis Poll
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