Palau honors the late former Public Safety Director Brell

President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. issued a presidential proclamation to order the entire Palau, including the country’s embassies and consulates in other countries, to hoist Palau’s flags at half-mast on Friday, August 17 to give honor to the late former Public Safety Director Kaoru Brell who died on August 3.

August 17 is also the funeral of the late former Director of Public Safety Brell.

Brell began his career as a police officer under Palau’s Justice Department in 1971 and rose to the ranks throughout his years of service, gaining positions as a Police Officer II, Police Officer III, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, and eventually a Police Captain in 1982. The following year after he earned the Police Captain rank, Brell was then appointed as the Director of Public Safety. He held the post until his retirement in December 2001.

During his stint as the Public Safety Director, Brell had been instrumental to the successes of various Drug Enforcement Operations starting when Palau was still under the trusteeship of the United Nations. It was during his time when Palau had implemented various Anti-Drug Task Forces and Awareness Campaigns to combat drug trafficking in the country. His works served as an example to many young men and even commended by local leaders, individuals, organizations, and foreign institutions such as the United States Department of State, the United States Department of the Interior, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of the Navy, and the Association of Pacific Islands Legislatures, among others.

Brell is remembered by his community in Idid Hamlet in Koror as leader and a father figure who kept open arms to the youth, especially to those who needed guidance and protection. His family also described him as a devoted husband and loving father.

Brell bore the traditional title of Ngiratoluk of the Clan of Toluk of Ngerngesang of Ngchesar State, in addition to his various contributions and responsibilities.

In his proclamation, President Remengesau stated that Brell’s passing is not only a loss to his family, relatives and friends but also a great loss for the country of Palau.

 “The Republic of Palau express deep sadness for the passing of this remarkable man and further pay tribute to his invaluable contributions to his family, community, and the People of the Republic of Palau,” the proclamation stated. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)