KOROR, Palau — The Ministry of Finance remains without a minister, while its Bureau of Budget and Planning lacks both a director and a chief, raising concerns as the government prepares its national budget.
President Surangel Whipps Jr. confirmed that former Director Cashmir Remengesau has retired, and Acting Chief Darren Fritz has taken a new job. In their absence, Delor Yosiwo has been appointed acting director of the Office of Budget and Planning (OBP).
The OBP, responsible for drafting the unified national budget for submission to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) by April 1, must begin its preparations despite the leadership gaps.
Whipps urged the OEK to act on pending ministerial appointments, emphasizing that critical government functions depend on their decisions. The nominations of Dr. Dale Jenkins for the Ministry of Education and Kaleb Udui Jr. for the Ministry of Finance remain before the Senate. While the Senate has conducted an oversight hearing for Jenkins, no hearing has been scheduled for Udui.
Speculation surrounds the delay in Udui’s confirmation, with some linking it to his abrupt departure from a July 23, 2024, Senate oversight hearing. Udui walked out after refusing to answer further questions from the Senate’s legal counsel, a move that may have contributed to the stalled deliberations.