The first countries I sent letters to were those countries which comprise the “Compact of Free Association.” These are the independent nations of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. The compact is a relic of the United Nations Trust Territory system, which is an extension of the old League of Nations Mandates that passed the islands from European powers to the United States and Japan, and then later to the United States.
These countries are on the front lines of climate change and have a host of unique cultures and a rich, beautiful history. Letters were sent to the President of the Federated States and the Governors of each state that comprise the country. I included the Chief Magistrate of Kapingamarangi atoll since his settlement is one of the most isolated communities in the world.
Unfortunately, all letters posted in 2019 received no response. In the intervening years, mostly new leadership entered each place I sent letters, so I sent a new batch in 2022. The United Nations climate forums brought the pleas of these countries very much before the international public.
Marshall Islands
| Country Dependency/State | Head of State Title |
|---|---|
| Republic of the Marshall Islands | David Kabua President |
Federated States of Micronesia
| Country Dependency/State | Head of State Title |
|---|---|
| Federated States of Micronesia | Peter M. Christian President |
| FSM Chuuk (Truk) | Alexander R. Narruhn Governor |
| FSM Kosrae | Carson K. Sigrah Governor |
| FSM Pohnpei | Reed P. Oliver Governor |
| FSM Yap | Jesse J. Salalu Governor |
| FSM Pohnpei Kapingamarangi Atoll | Nathan Ulik Chief Magistrate |
Palau
| Country Dependency/State | Head of State Title |
|---|---|
| Republic of Palau | Surangel Whipps, Jr. President |
| Palau Aimeliik | Governor – Browny Simer Governor |
| Palau Airai | Tmewang Rengulbai Governor |
| Palau Angaur | Kennouske Suzuky Governor |
| Palau Hatohobei | Huana Nestor Governor |
| Palau Kayangel | Richard Ngiraked Governor |
| Palau Koror | Eyos Rudimch Governor |
| Palau Melekeok | Henaro Polloi Governor |
| Palau Ngaraard | Sharp Sakuma Governor |
| Palau Ngarchelong | Richard Ngirngetrang Governor |
| Palau Ngardmau | Johnston Blesoch Aderkeroi Governor |
| Palau Ngatpang | Francesca R. Otong Governor |
| Palau Ngiwal | Cisco Melaitau Governor |
| Palau Ngchesar | Duane Hideo Governor |
| Palau Ngeremlengui | Ilolang Sisca Vogt Governor |
| Palau Peleliu | Emais Roberts Governor |
| Palau Sonsorol | Nicholas Aguino Governor |