Senate Joint Resolution No. 11-38 memorialized the late Senator Jonathan “CIO” Isechal, expressed sorrow for his loss, and acknowledged his accomplishments and contributions to the people and the Republic of Palau. The resolution passed both the Senate and House of Delegates
The resolution recognized late Senator Isechal’s outstanding characteristics saying he was known to be a person who “enjoyed taking on the most difficult challenges of legislation” and for his abilities to “both broker compromise and to stridently support his views.”
Late Senator Isechal graduated from Maris Stella Elementary School in 1968, Xavier High School in 1972, and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Portland, Oregon in 1976.
He had extensive working experience outside of Palau before returning home in 1987. He worked as Customer Service Manager for Beneficial Financial Company in Oregon until 1981 and moved to Hawaii. In Hawaii, he worked for First Interstate Bank of Hawaii and Case and Lynch Law Firm.
He worked for Senate as Budget Officer after he returned to Palau in 1987. In 1988, he went to work for PNCC as Comptroller. He returned to work for Olbiil ERa Kelulau as Assistant Clerk from 1993 to 2000. He moved on to serve as Special Assistance on Legislative Matters for the Office of Vice President from 2001 to 2004.
He served on the Board of Trustees of the Compact of Free Association Trust Fund and also served on the Board of Trustees of the Palau National Development Bank.
His varied work experience, engaging personality, and especially experience in the area of finance led him to chair the House of Delegates Ways & Means Committee for 16 years or 4 terms.
Last, Senator Isechal served the people of Peleliu as their delegate for 16 years or 4 terms. He ran for a Senate seat in 2020. He won and was appointed chairman of the Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means and Financial Matters Committee.
The resolution said that Senator Jonathan “Cio” Isechal was a “charismatic leader and a man of principle and integrity, …straightforward and no-nonsense leader,” and the loss of their colleague is deeply felt not only by his relatives, the people of Peleliu but also of the Senate and House of Delegates.
Late Senator Isechal is survived by his wife Remeriang Tmetuchel, children and grandchildren, Olkeriil Kazuo, Sione Isechal, grandchildren Rafaela Kazuo, and Olkeriil Kazuo Jr. He is also survived by his siblings Jorang Ridep Daniel, Flora Yasinto, Kione Isechal, Alex Yasinto, Joyce Isechal, Ngiratrang Kyota, Joseph Isechal, and Edith Debelbot.