President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his delegation departed to Glasgow, the UK on Monday, with a week stopover in the United States, and as per protocol issued a designation of authority in his absence.
Unlike previous designations of authority provided by former administrations, the designation is given with specific restrictions.
The designation of authority authorized Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior to act on his behalf “pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the Republic of Palau”, and it noted an exception, stating that “Matters of the Ministry of Health and Human Services shall continue under my direction during my absence, and may be further delegated by me on a case-by-case basis. Ms. Sher Madraisau, as Director of Public Health within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is designated with administrative responsibility for directing to my attention any matters from the Ministry of Health and Human Services that require intervention, direction, or guidance during my trip.”
Furthermore, in addition to holding off on employment contracts, personnel actions, and appointments, it also instructed all ministers to hold off any expenditure over $5,000 until his return.
President Whipps will be off-island for two weeks, returning the second week of November. (By: L.N. Reklai)