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Remengesau favored to win; Absentee, walk-in and confined votes left to count
Tommy Remengesau Jr., a long time Palau politician who has served as President, Vice President and Senator in his 20 plus years in politics is favored to win this year’s general election. Securing more than 1,200 votes over incumbent President Johnson Toribiong, political analysts say that he is fixed to become Palau’s 9th President. However, with nearly 3,000 absentee ballots, 540 walk-ins and confined votes left to count, numbers may shift depending on the number of supporters they have outside of Palau. The Election Commission revealed that as of today November 9th, they have verified a total of 1,074 absentee ballots, walk-in and confined votes and continues to receive absentee ballots until Tuesday November 13 for the final tally. In Palau’s congress, a massive support pulled in OEK’s minority group in the Top 13 securing their position in the 9th Olbiil Era Kelulau, becoming a majority bloc in the new congress. In the House of the Delegates, candidates in nearly 10 States are separated by less than 10 or 20 votes, which may change during the final tally. The Election Commission anticipates to count the remaining ballots on November 13 at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center with the results finalized a week after.
AG Office defends its prosecution of American Ex-pat
In and out of the ordinary move, the Attorney General’s office issued a two page “Press Release,” circulated to the media, defending its prosecuting decision in its case against American ex-pat, Steve Remy, who was arrested, charged, and convicted in a record time of 6 days. The AG’s Office stated that they take “all” domestic violence cases very seriously and that this defendant was not “treated differently because the victim, Ms. Bloom, is an Assistant Attorney General.” The AG’s office claims that this case represents the “policy and routine practice of [its] office.” The AG’s Office also clarified that the defendant was not deported, but left Palau as a condition of his plea agreement, an agreement that the AG’s Office explains required him to plead guilty in order to “avoid a trial and criminal sentence . . .” According to their Press Release, the AG’s Office worked with Remy’s lawyer and had him confined in the Behavioral Health Unit during their “negotiations” so that “the community was protected and Mr. Remy could receive a fair plea offer and receive the treatment he needs.” In closing the AG’s Office reiterated that “Ms Bloom, her children, and Ms. Bloom’s neighbors are entitled to the protection of the laws of the Republic of Palau just as any other resident of the Republic of Palau, regardless of where Ms. Bloom works.”
Court orders Koror State to remove barricades from Council of Chiefs office
While everyone was still recovering from staying up all night for the general election results, the Court on November 7 ordered the Koror State Government and the Koror State Public Lands Authority to remove barricades from the Council of Chiefs (COC) office in Malakal. Associate Justice Kathleen Salii granted COC’s emergency motion for preliminary injunction, an injunction enjoining Koror State Government and KSPLA to remove barricades placed on the office on October 9. However, when KSG failed to remove the barricades by the appointed time set forth by the Court, COC agents removed them. In addition, the Court order states that the evidence established that the October 6, 2011 Resolution of Necessity is defective in that it fails to state the nature of the public necessity. The Court also found that prior to the barricading of the office, neither the staff nor members of the COC were given notice that such action was being taking. In conclusion, COC was given back their office until further order from the Court. “Plaintiffs shall have quiet enjoyment of the property pending a final resolution of the merit of this case or further order of the Court,” states the Court order.
Americans exercise their rights in Historic Election
In a tense battle and a historically expensive race, Barack Obama won a second term as U.S. President. Obama beat his Republican challenger by a wide margin in the Electoral College vote, but won the popular vote by only a narrow margin. The 113th U.S. Congress will have at least 19 female senators, the most ever in U.S. history. Democrats held onto their majority in the Senate and Republicans maintained control of the House of Representatives ensuring that there will continue to be a deep partisan divide in the US Congress. History was also made with the election of Democrat Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin who became the first openly gay woman candidate to become a United States Senator. In another historic first, Colorado and Washington legalized the recreational use of marijuana ending over 40 years of prohibition against marijuana use in the U.S. However, it is unclear how US federal law will respond to these state initiatives as marijuana use is still against federal law. Maine and Maryland became the first two states in the US to legalize same-sex marriage breaking a 32 state losing streak.
President Toribiong reflects on his time served
In the wake of the November 6 general election, President Johnson Toribiong sent a heartfelt text message to his close supporters where he reflected on his time served as President saying, “it was one of the most exciting and memorable journeys of my life, unforgettable.” “Back to really living, to stop and smell the roses or sip a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, so to speak,” he said. After nearly four years in office, leading Palau to become a champion in conservation among other great accomplishments, the President is now on a path to a less hectic journey. “Now I have to pick up the pieces and walk onto a less hectic path while cherishing the memories of what I did, which I don’t believe I could repeat ever again even if I were asked to do it”, said the President. The text message was sent on November 8 to his close supporters and friends.
Puerto Rico votes to become 51st U.S. State
For the fourth time in the past 45 years, the Puerto Rican electorate voted on whether to change its 114-year relationship with the United States. And finally, in its November 2012 election, the referendum to become the 51st state of the U.S. passed. While the measure to become a full US state requires the approval of the US Congress, President Barack Obama has said that he will respect the will of the Puerto Rican people should they vote in favor of statehood. The island nation is currently a US territory, but its people do not have the right to vote in US elections. If Puerto Rico became a state it would gain two seats in the U.S. Senate and five in the House of Representatives — a major upgrade from the one non-voting delegate that currently represents the territory. Those who voted for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state said that it is because the island needs a lot more financial help. Becoming a state would entitle them to nearly $20 billion dollars annually in federal funds – something Puerto Rico could use, given its 13 percent unemployment rate. On the other hand, two loopholes would close if they became the 51st state – the people and companies doing business there would have to pay US federal tax.
Palau featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine
Palau was featured in a National Geographic magazine special issue entitled “50 of the world’s last great places; Destinations of a lifetime” published this past month of October. The famous rock islands of Palau made the cover as the issue highlights pristine locations, unforgettable landscapes, and unspoiled environments such as those found in Palau. 49 other last great places were named in the special issue including Floriday Keys in Florida, Kauai Island in Hawaii and Wolong Nature Reserve in China among others. The magazine cover features Palau’s world-renowned Rock Islands, which was inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage list this year.
FSM plans to nominate Nan Madol to UNESCO’s World Heritage List
With plans to nominate the historical ruined city of Nan Madol in the Federated States of Micronesia to UNESCO’s World Heritage list, a delegation from Pohnpei including FSM’s Historic Preservation Officer recently completed a study tour in Palau on the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. Before nominating the site, the delegation decided to learn more about Palau’s new World Heritage property including the implications, benefits and impacts of the inscription. The delegation took tours around the Rock Islands to learn more including meeting with Koror State officials, traditional leaders, and members of the community including a meeting with officials from Palau National Commission for UNESCO responsible for World Heritage matters. Like the FSM, Palau learned more about the World Heritage list and went on a study tour to Tongariro Park in New Zealand before nominating the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon. Nan Madol is an ancient ruined city located in Pohnpei that contains a series of islands linked by a network of canals built with large basalt rocks.
Palau delegation heads to Korea for COP5
Palau Minister of Health Dr. Stevenson Kuartei is leading a delegation to the 5th Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Korea. Parties to the Convention are set to review and further promote implementation of the Convention during the 7-day meeting. Among the topics up for discussion is a protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products, which is expected to be adopted at the meeting. Once adopted, it will be the first protocol to the WHO FCTC and an international treaty in itself. Other topics of discussion include guidelines on price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, matters related to smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes among others. Participants from Palau will also include Kambes Kesolei and Annabel Lyman, active members of the Coalition For Tobacco Free Palau. The meeting is set for November 12-17th.
Japan funds extensive Majuro water management effort
A series of reports issued earlier this month on a large underground fresh water lens in Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands show both the significance of the resource for supporting the population and the need for conservation and management to prevent damage. The scientific mapping of the large fresh water resource is being conducted by the Japan International Research Center for Agriculture Sciences (JIRCAS) as part of a Japanese government five-year research program in coordination with local Marshall Island agencies. According to reports from Marianas Variety, JIRCAS scientists over the past three years have studies the dimensions of the lens, its susceptibility to contamination by salt water and pollution, overall water usage in Majuro, and are experimenting with a low-cost home desalination unit they hope can be put into use for island residents after further testing. The research program is anticipated to continue into 2013.
Micronesian women leaders attends FAWA convention
Micronesian women leaders gathered together in Guam last month to attend the 20thFederation of Asian-Pacific Women Association (FAWA) Convention, to empower women in the Asia-Pacific region including enhancing women’s access to professional developments in the region. First Lady Lieom Anono Loeak of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, head of RMI’s delegation to the convention said “Women in the Asia-Pacific region share similar desire to come together to address issues of concern in areas of health, education, sustainability and issues that continue to challenge us. FAWA recognizes the critical importance of coming together and sharing experiences to develop a way forward.” Guam’s First Lady Christine Calvo, U.S Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Palau’s Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Tina Rehuher-Marugg were among many women leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region attending the 4-day convention taking part in a series of workshops, activities and events.
Police warns Yap residents of Deadly Chemical
Yap state residents have been advised to report silver canisters containing toxic chemicals that have reportedly been washed up on several beaches in Australia. The Yap Division of Public Safety issued the public notice saying the toxic chemicals contained in the canisters is a poison used for fumigating ships that are plagued with pests, especially insects and rodents. Fishermen, divers and others who are involved in water activities to immediately report any sightings of the canisters to the appropriate authorities. For safety purposes, people have been warned not to open or transport any of the canisters if seen.
PICRC charts charts a new strategy for the next five years
“Breaking down walls and silos” could be used to sum up Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) approach to implement its new 5-year strategy. In its 11thyear of operation, PICRC is need of a new strategic plan, which CEO Dr. Yimnang Golbuu says, “will ensure that it remains relevant in addressing the pressing needs facing Palau and the region.” The first step that PICRC took was an assessment by employees as well as external partners. The assessments focused on capturing how well the organization has achieved its goals and objectives for the current strategic plan for 2007-2012, as well as identify what it has done well, what should be improved and what opportunities should be explored for the next five years. Discussions on the strategies, approaches, and actions needed to accomplish the outcomes took place only after a consensus was reached on identified outcomes. In addition, the Board held a Board retreat in line with process of revisiting and rewriting the Center’s new strategic plan. The new plan is anticipated to go into operation from 2013-2017.
Palau Airways introduces new flights to Hong Kong
Palau Airways has launched a new flight between Hong Kong and Palau, bringing in more tourists and giving consumers more options. The airline, which is owned partially by a local investor, is offering direct service route between both locations serviced by a Boeing 737-400 aircraft. According to Palau Airways, the biweekly flight service is aimed at providing a more convenient and comfortable way for regular business travelers and seasonal tourism travelers interested in visiting Palau. However it will also enable consumers to find an alternative and more affordable route to get to their destinations.
Japanese association donates to Omekesang
The Japan War Bereaved Families Association (JWBFA), a non-government organization actively involved in the promotion of disability awareness recently visited Palau along with members who lost their relatives in Palau during WWII. During their recent visit, the association donated a wheelchair and other gifts to Omekesang, making it their third wheelchair donation to the Palau based disability organization. While in Palau, JWBFA visited Angaur and Peleliu where they held memorial services as well as visited Peleliu Elementary School to present some stationary from Japan.