P.O. Box 147 Nuku'alofa, Tonga Tel:21-466, 21-467 Telex: 66236

DESCRIPTION OF PEACE CORPS SERVICE

Michael Bradley Thomas
Country: Kingdom of Tonga

After a competitive application process stressing applicant skills, adaptability and cross-cultural sensitivity, Michael Thomas began Peace Corps on October 27, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the completion of training, he was chosen to begin a 9 week Tongan language and cross-cultural training program in Makave, Vava'u. The training included living with a Tongan family in a traditional village setting.

Michael Thomas enrolled as a Peace Corps Volunteer on December 28, 1989. He was responsible to the Ministry of Agriculture during his service in Tonga. Mr. Thomas served as the Tropical Fruit and Nut Crop Research Adviser assigned to the Diversified Fruit Tree Development Project at the Vaini Research Station.

Mr. Thomas's primary responsibilities included: Project planning, design, execution, and supervision of all activities for the Diversified Fruit Tree Development Project. In particular, he was responsible for all technical assistance activities in the area of tropical and subtropical tree crop development. He managed an introduction program which successfully introduced 25 newly introduced fruit tree species including numerous cultivars of mango, carambola, longan, avocado, papaya, rambutan, mangosteen and durian. Michael maintained the project vehicle, equipment, and 5 hectares of existing orchards including citrus, mango, and macadamia nut. He initiated proposals for the Australian International Development Assistance Burea (AIDAB) funding to support additional funding and to initiate new development projects. Financial assistance was received as a result. Michael also authored extension documents, technical bulletins and farmer training aids and represented the Government of Tonga on various regional and international workshops and symposiums. He assisted in preparing the agricultural sector plan, specifically tropical fruit crop production, for the national five year development plan. Finally, Michael was responsible for the termination of the Peace Corps assistance to the project, transfer to national counterpart staff and preparation of final report.

In addition to these responsibilities, Michael served as a computer assistant to the computer lab which consisted of 10 Macintosh and 2 IBM computers. Michael was responsible for many computer developments and assistance including teaching and training. Michael also provided the Tongan government with valued experience and knowledge in the area of tropical fruit crop management, and propagation. He has acknowledged managerial and leadership skills and has demonstrated particular strength in planning, organizing projects, and activities. Michael works well with others and is adept in the areas and training and teaching.

This is to certify in accordance with Executive Order No. 11103 of April 10, 1963, that Michael Thomas served satisfactorily as a Peace Corps Volunteer. His service ended on 3/15/1993. He is therefore eligible to be appointed as a career-conditional employee in the competitive civil service on a non-competitive basis. This benefit under the Executive Order entitlement extends for a period of one year, except that the employing agency may extend the period for up to three years for a former Volunteer who enters military service, pursues studies at a recognized institution of higher learning, or engages in other activities, which in the view of the appointing authority, warrants extensions of the period.

Pursuant to Section 5 (f) of the Peace Corps Act, 22 U.S.C. # 2504 (f) as amended, any former Volunteer employed by the United States Government following his Peace Corps Volunteer service is entitled to have any period of satisfactory Peace Corps Volunteer service credited for purposes of retirement, seniority, reduction in force, leave or other privileges based on length of government service. Peace Corps service shall not be credited toward completion of a probationary or trial period or completion of any service requirement for career appointment.

Date: March 9, 1993

Vinette Jones Peace Corps Country Director