Last Presidential State Visit to the Southwest Islands last week returned announcing successful outcomes.
The Presidential State visit comprised of President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., First Lady Debbie Remengesau and staffs from President’s Office, Minister Elbuchel Sadang and Minister Baklai Temengil-Chilton accompanied by Historical Preservation Director Sunny Ngirmang and her Bureau staff, Palau Energy Administration Executive Director Tutii Chilton, Amos Solomon of the Ministry of Health, and community partners with first visit to Helen’s Reef, Hatohobei State, Pulo Anna, and Sonsorol State.
The President emphasized that the Southwest Islands “will not be left behind” as he and his Cabinet works to address the needs of the islands in the remaining months of his administration. The Palau Energy Administration (PEA) of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce (MPIIC) is committed to boost the islands’ solar power capacity especially in the schools as well as work with key agencies such as Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) and the Bureau of Public Works to address water tank issues in Hatohobei and solar accessibility and maintenance, and communications needs in both Hatohobei and Sonsorol States, including neighboring islands. MOH nurse Solomon had an opportunity to talk to community leaders and teachers on basic essential medicinal needs for students and residences, and received feedback that all the community members in the islands visited are in good health without flu symptoms.
The Southwest Islands trip provided the President and his Cabinet an opportunity to personally visit schools, assess solar power, communications access, and water tank capacities in the islands, including cultural and historical site reconnaissance survey and assessments to identify urgent needs with follow up actions and implementation plans.
While visiting, the President and his Cabinet in partnership with the First Lady, the Palau Visitors’ Authority, Palau National Olympic Committee, and community partners donated 25 sacks of 60 kg rice, 20 cases of frozen chicken, 50 cases of ramen, 50 bags of cereal, 25 cases of milk, 50 cases of water, 4 cases of sugar, 4 cases of coffee, 4 cases of peanut butter, pastries and bread, canned foods, children’s clothes, toys, sports equipment (basketballs, volleyballs and table tennis equipment) to schools and school supplies, including notebooks, water flasks and pencils. The donations were divided and delivered to each of the islands visited.
With the assistance of the National Parks Services Historical Program with the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs (MCCA) Bureau of Cultural and Historical Services, the Historical Preservation reconnaissance survey work was done as well with the good weather and calm seas.
President Remengesau and his Cabinet extended sincere appreciation and gratitude to Hatohobei and Sonsorol States and the neighboring islands for the successful visits.
Presidential State Visit to Southwest Islands a Success
