As President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. wraps up his long-career as an elected official, he recognized those of his staff that had served with him consistently over the years of his political career with Lifetime Achievement Award Certificates.
Those recognized included Renay Robert whose public service covered 34 years as Clerk and as Secretary to Thomas Remengesau Sr. when he was Vice President and when he became President. Secretary to President Kuniwo Nakamura when he was Vice President and into his Presidency. She also served as Administrative Assistance to President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. when he was Vice President, to President Johnson Toribiong and again to President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. from 2001 to 2019 and 2013 to 2021.
Minister Baklai Temengil-Chilton of MCAA was also awarded the Meritorious Achievement Certificate in recognition of her 25 years of service with President Tommy Remengesau Jr., starting with her initial service as Legal Assistant to Remengesau when he was Vice President, then as Executive Director 1998 Micronesian Games, as Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee and now as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Another recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award Certificate was Ruthie Aitaro who had served 36 years in various capacities to President Tommy Remengesau Jr., starting as Assistant to then Senator Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and as his Executive Secretary when he took office as President from 2001 to 009 and from 2013 to 2021.
Last recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award Certificate was Minister Elbuchel Sadang of the Ministry of Finance. He had served 42 years as public servant. He served as Director of Finance under then Vice President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and as Minister of Finance under President Remengesau Jr. from 2001 to 2009 and from 2013 to 2021.
In addition to these meritorious awards, President Remengesau Jr. also recognized other members of his staff for dedicated 16 years of service under him. The recipients included Kimiyo Nakamura, Apsalom Ngiraklang, Clifton Soalablai, Calvin Martin, Scott Chiokai, Dietz Rengechel, Douglas Tkel, Warden Siksei, Kuniwo Mikel and Yohei Merur.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions of these individuals to the government and the Republic of Palau.