By: L.N. Reklai
August 11, 2017 (Koror, Palau) President Tommy Remengesau Jr. issued a proclamation 17-213, honoring Late Former Minister Fritz Koshiba, expressing deep sadness at his passing and conveying the appreciation of a grateful nation.
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Proclamation recognized former Minister Fritz Koshiba’s accomplishments and illustrious career starting with his education. It states that late former Minister Koshiba was an exceptional student who did his undergraduate at multiple colleges in California, Guam and Papua New Guinea earning his Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying and diploma in Cartography.
He went on to his postgraduate studies in Taiwan and Canada earning postgraduate certificates in Land Reform and in Advanced Survey Course on the Application of Modern Technology in International Maritime Boundary Delimitation.
Furthermore, late Minister Fritz Koshiba acquired professional qualifications including Registered Land Surveyor, Member of American Congress on Surveying and Mapping and Secretary of the Board of Land Surveys Examiners.
His long career included serving as Surveyor for the District Land Management Office, as Chief Surveyor of the Palau Public Lands Authority, and finally as Director of Land and Survey until 2001.
Late former Minister Fritz Koshiba served from 2001 to 2008 during the two consecutive terms of President Tommy E. Remengesau as the Minister of Resources and Development.
In addition to his career, former Minister Koshiba was an active and proficient member of the society serving on many boards, authorities and commissions such as serving as Chairman of the Palau Automated Land and Resources Information System from 1998 to 2007, Compact Road Committee from 2001 to 2007, Urban and Community Forestry Council from 1998 to 2007, Palau Maritime Boundary Delimitation Project from 1996 to 2008, Palau Extended Continental Shelf Taskforce from 2007-2008, Chairman of Palau Public Utilities Corporation Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of the National Landfill Taskforce from 2013 to 2017 and as Senior Advisor to President Tommy Remengesau Jr.
Proclamation states that his impeccable leadership, education and experience were asset to the Republic.
Late former Minister Fritz Koshiba is survived by his loving wife Martha F. Koshiba, daughters Alfonsa Koshiba, Jovanka Koshiba, Jovalyn Koshiba, Shirley Koshiba and son Fritz Koshiba, Jr. as well as numerous grandchildren, siblings and family members.
Late former Minister Fritz Koshiba was called to his eternal rest on July 27, 2017 and all Palau flags will fly half mast in his honor for five days commencing on August 14, 2017. [/restrict]