There's More to Islands ... OIA Conversations

Office of Insular Affairs

Conversations about Islands featuring the U.S. territories and the freely associated states with a focus on OIA-funded programs and people whose work is relevant to American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Hosted by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Deputy Policy Director and Communications Lead Tanya Harris Joshua. OIA Conversation Series | #WhatWeDoIslands | www.doi.gov/oia | @InsularAffairs | #InsularAreas read less
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Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program
07-07-2022
Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program
Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, talks about her experience in the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) hosted by the Graduate School's  Pacific Islands - Virgin Islands Training Initiative. Ms. Corry  speaks to what she learned in the process and how she applies this knowledge in her work today..Since 2008, the Office of Insular Affairs has supported the participation of young leaders from the Caribbean and the Pacific through a contract with the Graduate School to assist in developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead insular governments into the future. Implemented by the PITIVITI, the ELDP is funded through the Technical Assistance Program in the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. Eligible applicants must submit applications under a competitive application process. For more information visit pitiviti.org.0:00 Introduction1:36 How she heard  about the ELDP program3:01: IGFOA, a program funded by OIA for finance officers 3:26 How she applied 4:33 Program classes and details 8:08 What she learned about herself as a public servant 11:06 Academic work in ELDP 14:00 Pivoting in government work 16:00 Cultural differences between Federal and Virgin Island cohort members18:38 What she disliked about the program 20:30 Support from the Graduate School 22:12 How the island areas of the Pacific and Caribbean differ from one another 25:05 Updating the Travel Regulations for the Virgin Islands 27:19: Advantages of a remote program31:10 How to apply 32:20 Final words 33:06 Conclusion OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with program managers, officials, or non-profit organization stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states. This OIA Conversation series serves to raise awareness and share information about people and programs in the U.S. territories and the freely associated states served by the Office of Insular Affairs.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel. The OIA Conversation series is currently supported by Theresa Wu, a UC Berkeley student serving as the OIA Summer 2022 Communications Intern.    Participation or mention in this program does not imply any specific endorsement and serves only to provide information.    #WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations

Episodes

Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program
07-07-2022
Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program
Tamar Corry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, talks about her experience in the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) hosted by the Graduate School's  Pacific Islands - Virgin Islands Training Initiative. Ms. Corry  speaks to what she learned in the process and how she applies this knowledge in her work today..Since 2008, the Office of Insular Affairs has supported the participation of young leaders from the Caribbean and the Pacific through a contract with the Graduate School to assist in developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead insular governments into the future. Implemented by the PITIVITI, the ELDP is funded through the Technical Assistance Program in the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. Eligible applicants must submit applications under a competitive application process. For more information visit pitiviti.org.0:00 Introduction1:36 How she heard  about the ELDP program3:01: IGFOA, a program funded by OIA for finance officers 3:26 How she applied 4:33 Program classes and details 8:08 What she learned about herself as a public servant 11:06 Academic work in ELDP 14:00 Pivoting in government work 16:00 Cultural differences between Federal and Virgin Island cohort members18:38 What she disliked about the program 20:30 Support from the Graduate School 22:12 How the island areas of the Pacific and Caribbean differ from one another 25:05 Updating the Travel Regulations for the Virgin Islands 27:19: Advantages of a remote program31:10 How to apply 32:20 Final words 33:06 Conclusion OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with program managers, officials, or non-profit organization stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states. This OIA Conversation series serves to raise awareness and share information about people and programs in the U.S. territories and the freely associated states served by the Office of Insular Affairs.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel. The OIA Conversation series is currently supported by Theresa Wu, a UC Berkeley student serving as the OIA Summer 2022 Communications Intern.    Participation or mention in this program does not imply any specific endorsement and serves only to provide information.    #WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
T'Nelta Mori of Guam, an alumna of the Pacific ELDP program and her work - an OIA Highlight
07-07-2022
T'Nelta Mori of Guam, an alumna of the Pacific ELDP program and her work - an OIA Highlight
Guam's T'Nelta Mori is one of over 175 young public servants from the Insular Areas who have graduated from the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) and shares her impressions and experience in the program and her work on Capitol Hill for the Guam Congressman. Since 2008, the Office of Insular Affairs has supported the ELDP to assist the Insular Area governments with developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead insular governments. The ELDP is implemented by the Pacific Islands and Virgin Islands Training Initiative or PITI-VITI (www.pitiviti.org) and is funded by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.Introduction0:53 About the ELDP program 2:13 Working for the Guam Congressman 3:43 Closing thoughts on working on Capitol HillFind the full conversation on Buzzsprout, Soundcloud, and YouTubeThe Chamorro music for this video, Music Esti Ha Bida, was borrowed from Minanq670 - Chamorro Music Esti Ha Bida on Soundcloud.com. Images provided courtesy of T'Nelta Mori, pitiviti.org, and sannicolas.house.gov. The OIA Conversation series is hosted and produced by the Office of Insular Affairs. Participation or mention in this program does not imply any specific endorsement.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like OIA on Facebook.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
T'Nelta Mori, an alumna of the Pacific Executive Leadership Development Program shares her perspective on the program and her work.
16-05-2022
T'Nelta Mori, an alumna of the Pacific Executive Leadership Development Program shares her perspective on the program and her work.
Guam's T'Nelta Mori is one of over 175 young public servants from the Insular Areas who have graduated from the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) and shares her impressions and experience in the program and her work on Capitol Hill for the Guam Congressman. Since 2008, the Office of Insular Affairs has supported the ELDP to assist the Insular Area governments with developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead insular governments. The ELDP is implemented by the Pacific Islands and Virgin Islands Training Initiative or PITI-VITI (www.pitiviti.org) and is funded by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs.0:00 Introduction and ELDP program overview2:18 What is unique about the program? 4:34 The impacts of COVID 5:05 ELDP guest speakers 6:55 Island area representation and diversity in the cohort 9:26 The meaning of “blue continent” 10:00 Working for Guam and the Pacific Island region 12:38 Process of passing legislation 15:38 Growing up in Guam 17:33 Transitioning out of COVID18:22 Celebrating the 78th Guam Liberation Day 18:40 Where to find the website and social media accounts The Chamorro music for this video, Music Esti Ha Bida, was borrowed from Minanq670 - Chamorro Music Esti Ha Bida on Soundcloud.com. Images provided courtesy of T'Nelta Mori, pitiviti.org, and sannicolas.house.gov. The OIA Conversation series is hosted and produced by the Office of Insular Affairs. Participation or mention in this program does not imply any specific endorsement.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like OIA on Facebook.Participation or mention in the OIA Conversation Series does not imply any specific endorsement and is meant to provide awareness and information about OIA-funded programs.  #WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance with Becky Furey - an OIA Conversation Highlight
16-04-2022
The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance with Becky Furey - an OIA Conversation Highlight
With grant funding support from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) runs an ocean ranger program (Tasi Watch) and works with students to promote the protection of natural resources.  Learn more about the MINA and their work in the Northern Mariana Islands in the full OIA Conversation with Program Manager Becky Furey. The short video is available on the OIA YouTube Channel and the full OIA Conversation is also on buzzsprout. OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with program managers, officials, or non-profit organization stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states. We talk about and learn about programs and issues that affect the islands we work with.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversationswww.doi.gov/oia
Guarding the Ocean and Protecting Natural Resources in the Mariana Islands with MINA and Tasi Watch
01-04-2022
Guarding the Ocean and Protecting Natural Resources in the Mariana Islands with MINA and Tasi Watch
The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) runs an ocean ranger program (Tasi Watch) and works with students to promote the protection of natural resources. Tasi is the Chamorro word for ocean.  Learn more about the MINA and their work in the Northern Mariana Islands in this conversation with Program Manager Becky Furey.  Follow MINA on Facebook and visit the MINA website at https://www.minapacific.org/.  MINA has been a successful grant recipient of the Coral Reef and Natural Resources Initiative program in the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs to support this work. Introduction and WelcomeFounding MINA and the TASI Watch 1:43Marine Debris 3:49Super Typhoon Experience 6:09Adding Focus on Invasive Vines 7:00 Monofilament Lines and Working with Fisherfolk 8:10Saipan is a Coastal Watershed – Ridge to Reef Approach 10:16Schools for Environmental Conservation Program 12:38MINA Works with Tinian and Rota too 15:35Working in the Chamorro and Carolinian Languages 16:52Fundraising and the Green Gala 18:43Contact MINA 20:00OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with program managers, officials, or non-profit organization stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states. We talk about and learn about programs and issues that affect the islands we work with.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Protecting Coral Reefs Against the Stony Tissue Loss Coral Disease in the U.S. Virgin Islands
25-02-2022
Protecting Coral Reefs Against the Stony Tissue Loss Coral Disease in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Coral reefs in the U.S. Virgin Islands are under attack from the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. With assistance from the Office of Insular Affairs, the USVI DPNR partners to save coral reefs which protect coastal resources and are home to vibrant fisheries resources, providing food and bolstering tourism industries in the territory. Learn more in this conversation with: Matt Warham, Director of the Coral Reef Initiative at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in the United States Virgin Islands.Introduction and WelcomeOIA Funds DPNR to Fight SCTLD - 1:15Stony Tissue Coral Loss Disease and Spread to the USVI - 1:25Magnitude of Damage to Coral Reefs in the USVI -  2:17What are the Causes? – 3:06Outreach Phase and Steps to Counter the Disease – 5:12How to Kill the Disease; Treating Corals with Antibiotics – 7:07Visit the one stop shop at vicoraldisease.org – 9:58 Partnerships to Protect the USVI Coral Reefs – 10:34 Is the Invasive Lion Fish Still a Threat? – 13:15Work with Other Territories – 15:24The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and Opportunities to Advocate for the USVI – 16:37Continuing in 2022, OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with officials and stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states, discussing programs and issues that concern the Insular Areas.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel. #WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Pohnpei Public Radio keeps listeners in Pohnpei and overseas informed and entertained.
23-12-2021
Pohnpei Public Radio keeps listeners in Pohnpei and overseas informed and entertained.
In fiscal year 2021, the Pohnpei State Governor's office successfully applied for Technical Assistance Program funding from Interior's Office of Insular Affairs to help the Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation and the V6AH radio station. Commissioner Peterson Sam shares how the radio station will be strengthened by that support, the programs it provides, and the public it serves in Pohnpei and overseas.OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with officials and stakeholders who either receive funding from the Office of Insular Affairs or whose work relates to OIA, the U.S. territories, and the freely associated states also known as the Insular Areas.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Micronesia is a Biodiversity Hotspot - A Highlight
30-09-2021
Micronesia is a Biodiversity Hotspot - A Highlight
Trina Leberer, the Pacific Division Director at The Nature Conservancy based on Guam discusses the value of Micronesia's biodiversity, conservation efforts in the Micronesia region, among the Insular Areas, and the important interconnectivity of life and resources and resource protection for livelihoods both on land and sea.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Conservation in the Micronesia Region with Trina Leberer of The Nature Conservancy
13-09-2021
Conservation in the Micronesia Region with Trina Leberer of The Nature Conservancy
Trina Leberer of The Nature Conservancy discusses work and collaborations in the freely associated states and and the Pacific U.S. territories. With a regional office on Guam, The Nature Conservancy has been active in the Micronesia region for over 30 years, helping inspire and support conservation efforts in the region.OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with officials and stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states, discussing programs and issues that concern the Insular Areas.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Vivian Hutson, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Pacific Strategy, Veterans Affairs
30-08-2021
Vivian Hutson, Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Pacific Strategy, Veterans Affairs
Vivian Hutson, newly appointed Senior Advisor for Pacific Strategy at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs talks about her goal and mission to understand the needs of Asian American and Pacific Islander veterans, in particular in the Pacific Island areas.OIA Conversations is a series of conversations with officials and stakeholders whose work relates to the U.S. territories and the freely associated states, discussing programs and issues that concern the Insular Areas.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Managing Disaster Recovery Takes Coordination and Support from Friends - A Highlight
19-08-2021
Managing Disaster Recovery Takes Coordination and Support from Friends - A Highlight
Two back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, hit the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017....and disaster recovery efforts are ongoing. Want to learn more? See the full conversation with Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
RMI Ambassador to the U.S. on Challenges to the Health Sector from COVID-19 - A Highlight
19-08-2021
RMI Ambassador to the U.S. on Challenges to the Health Sector from COVID-19 - A Highlight
RMI Ambassador Gerald Zackios speaks about the Marshall Islands, and how the health sector overcame challenges when faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Want to learn more? Check out the full conversation with Ambassador Zackios on our Channel.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Palau's Conservation and Climate Change Initiatives - A Highlight
19-08-2021
Palau's Conservation and Climate Change Initiatives - A Highlight
Palau is a global leader in conservation efforts - hear more from Palau's Ambassador to the United States on these efforts and climate change impacts on Palau and the region.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Chief of Staff to the USVI Delegate Discusses Work and Goals of the Office - A Highlight
19-08-2021
Chief of Staff to the USVI Delegate Discusses Work and Goals of the Office - A Highlight
Learn more from this Chief of Staff and her work on Capitol Hill for the USVI Delegate who is now on the exclusive Ways and Means Committee.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Ambassador Akillino Susaia on the Relationship Between the U.S. and the FSM - A Highlight
18-08-2021
Ambassador Akillino Susaia on the Relationship Between the U.S. and the FSM - A Highlight
The FSM Ambassador to the United States Akillino Susaia talks about the ways in which the Federated States of Micronesia has a relationship that is long and enduring. For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
On Choosing Coral Reef Fellows and the Importance of Coral Reefs - A Highlight
18-08-2021
On Choosing Coral Reef Fellows and the Importance of Coral Reefs - A Highlight
OIA funds Coral Reef Fellows for the U.S. Territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In this important collaboration with NOAA, learn how the fellows are chosen and why coral reefs are worth protecting with Program Director Wendy Wood-Derrer.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
The Brown Tree Snake and Other Invasive Species in the Marianas - A Highlight
18-08-2021
The Brown Tree Snake and Other Invasive Species in the Marianas - A Highlight
On Guam, the invasive Brown Tree Snake has decimated bird populations and causes power outages. Dr. Earl Campbell discusses the BTS  and shares observations on other invasive species in the region such as the little fire ant and the coconut rhinoceros beetle.  For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
The Voice Local Governments Have in the Grant Awarding Process - A Highlight
18-08-2021
The Voice Local Governments Have in the Grant Awarding Process - A Highlight
The Technical Assistance Program awards and oversees grants to organizations doing work in the Insular Areas. Hear more from the Director, Ms. Charlene Leizear, as she talks about how local governments can endorse grant applications. For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
Importance of Preserving the Land and Oceans in American Samoa for Future Generations - A Highlight
13-08-2021
Importance of Preserving the Land and Oceans in American Samoa for Future Generations - A Highlight
#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa is the largest in the U.S. marine sanctuary network, and they recently signed a sister agreement with Palau and Hawaii. Hear more from the Acting Superintendent, Mr. Atuatasi-Lelei Peau, as he emphasizes the importance of preserving the land and oceans for future generations.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... #OIAConversations
The U.S. Builds and Strengthens Relationships and Infrastructure in Palau - A Highlight
12-08-2021
The U.S. Builds and Strengthens Relationships and Infrastructure in Palau - A Highlight
#WhatWeDoIslands | There's More to Islands ... U.S. Ambassador to Palau John Hennessey-Niland discusses vaccination efforts, high-level visits, military projects in Palau and more. All represent the U.S. commitment and partnership with the Republic of Palau.For more information about the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, visit our website at www.doi.gov/oia, follow on Twitter @InsularAffairs, follow on Instagram @usinsularaffairs, and like us on Facebook at InsularAffairs. Don't forget to click the subscribe button on this channel.