Oct. 13-20, 2008 #11

An apartment located in an area known as Smiich in Ngerchemai Hamlet of Koror State was broken into last Monday, October 13th, around 9:00 am in the morning, through the bedroom window.

With less than three weeks left before the November 4, 2008 General Election, aspiring candidate to House of Delegates of the Olbill Era Kelulau to represent the state of Ngaraard, Salvador Remoket, met with the people of Ngaraard in Guam and Saipan on the weekend of October 17-19. In Guam, Remoket went on a house-to-house spree virtually visiting each Ngaraard voter residing on the island. The citizens of Ngaraard were invited to a gathering at Christobal Teliu’s

residence in Astumbo area for a brief face to face discussion. Remoket proposed an agriculture industry that he believes can change the face of Ngaraard… “it is an industry that can open opportunities for the people of Ngaraard and help improve their well-being for the better,” said Remoket. While in Saipan, Remoket drove around the island visiting each house distributing his brochure and speaking individually with each Ngaraard voter while REMOKET… (Cont. on page 4)

Valuable items stolen were two laptop computers worth $5,000 combined including mini-Dvd player, a back-pack, cellphone, and jewelries among others. According to the victim, the thief or thieves used tools to cut through the security screen covering the window and entered the apartment. The incident was reported to the police and the victim asks the public to notify the authorities on any suspicions and/or information related to the incident. The victim requested that hers and her husband’s named not be published. In related news, a report filtered from Ngatpang State of a thief who stole four Palauan money beads and seven “ongall ‘l toluk” last month in September. It is said that the suspect, a heavy alcohol drinker, have been identified and items returned.

Travelers to and from the islands through Continental Airlines have on occasion encountered the security checks conducted by the airline in Yap and the other Micronesian islands. Many are irritate and at times are infuriated considering passengers on either the left or the right side of the plane are asked by the pilot to deplane while security checks are conducted, especially in Yap. Than while on Yap air-

port building, there is only one rest room used by men and women where the pasSAFE CHECK... (Cont. on page 6)

Continental personnel on security Check duty

CORRECTION

Ngaraard citizens in Guam gathered at Teliu’s residence in Astumbo

Last issue of Roureur Belau No. 10 published a story of a non-profit group “Desiungii a Buai” on the front page which was not the name of the organization. The group’s correct name is “Desisichii a Buai”. The paper also made a typo error on Senator Santy Asanuma’s background which Ms. Nangisa Mai was nice to point it out. According to her, the Senator is running for a second term instead of a third term. RBN truly apologizes, in particular to members of “Desisichii a Buai” and Senator Asanuma.

on the machine counting specifications and, “therefore the specimen is outlined the way it is,” he said. The specimen is designed into three columns with instructions on the left column. Instructions are registered on the top in Palauan and English down-

The Ballot Specimen was re-design exactly as printed by Palau Election Commission for this paper with full knowledge of Chairman Santos Borja.

Specimen for the November 4th General Election are off the press and currently available at the office of the Palau Election Commission as of Monday, October 20th. According to PEC Chairman Santos Borja, the specimen was designed based

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ward to the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates followed by candidates to the House of Delegates on each ballot for every States at the bottom. The middle column and the far right column list all 43 names running for the Senate with one write-in line on the bottom of the far right column. “Although the ballot displays one write-in line,” stated Borja, “voters can and may scribble the names of 13 candidates of their choice other the ones written on the ballot.” Borja said that the names of absentee requestors received by PEC for the Primary Election will automatically be re-send to them for the General Election. “However, since ballot boxes are to be sent to Guam, Saipan and Honolulu than absentees will not be sent to absentee requestors from those areas. From the 1,700 plus absentee request for the primary, PEC Chairman said close to 1,000, or probably over, absentees were eliminated. “PEC has received more than 500 requests for absentee ballots beyond the Honolulu area,” said Borja. Guam, Saipan, and Honolulu will hold the General Election on November 1st starting from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Guam Palauan residents’ voting place is Astumbo Senior Citizens building while Saipan’s Palauan voters will go to Marianas High School to cast their votes. “As for Honolulu voting place,” said Vestus Ringang, “the area is still to be arrange.” “For the voters scheduled to go offisland they can cast their vote before departing Palau,” said PEC Commissioner Baudista Rengulbai, “if their return date is beyond the General Election or the person is not returning to Palau.” The 22 amendments proposed by members of the Second Constitutional Convention in 2004 will also be voted for during the General Election. “However, the counting on the amendments,” said Borja, “will be done manually and not by the counting machine.” PEC said that the specimen for the amendments was design by the 2nd ConCon and given to their office. The 23rd amendment to the Constitution passed and adopted by the Olbiil Era Kelulau, according to PEC, will be a separate ballot sheet from the 23 amendments.

He will be recorded in history of political development in Palau as the longest serving Vice Speaker of any legislative body in a state government with 24 years since the constitutional government was launched in 1981. Kalistus Wasisang who became the Speaker of the 14th Ngarchelong State Assembly during its installation last week was sworn into office on Friday, October 10th along with Immanuel Maldengesang as Vice Speaker and Rimirch Hayes

Ngiratereked as Floor Leader. Allen Kangichi representing Ngermetong Village became Chairman of Judiciary and Governmental Affairs Committee while Chief OBAK RA IYEBUKEL Lorenzo Ngiramolau took over as chairman of the committee of Resources & Development. Abraham Osima representing Ollei Village became the chairman of Ways & Means and Chief IECHAD RA BUTELBAI Mathias Erbai took hold of Capital Improvements with John Sambal representing Iyebukel Village to the committee on Youth & Social Welfare. Chief UONG ERA ETEI Victor Joseph was granted

the position to head the Traditional Committee, Dorothy T. Ueda of Ngeungel Village took the chairmanship of Tourism and James Ultirakl of Mengellakl Village tackled the committee on Education and Health. Wasisang never lost an election in twenty six years for representing Ngeriil Village of Ngarchelong State. He was challenged once but unopposed eleven times in the 12 elections since 1982. Wasisang also served as Chairman of Ways & Means Committee for two years but in 24 years of 12 terms, he was the Vice Speaker. A soft spoken and consensus builder as community leader, Wasisang is the present leader of Modekngei,

With the decline of Crude Oil per barrel at $75.48 plus on Monday, October 29th, from an area of close to $160.00 about three months ago that brought prices at gas stations in Palau soaring to its highest at $5.05, it still remains to be seen whether gas prices trickling down will eventually bring into line a fair price at the pumps. This weekend gas prices in Guam’s pump stations from different areas was stable at $4.04 while in Saipan it was $4.17 all over the island with Palau’s different gas stations in Koror and Airai pumping between $4.10 and $4.16 per gallon.

Last Thursday, October 16th, Crude Oil in the world’s market price slumped to $69.85 per barrel but still along ways from the close to 160 mark. During an interview conducted by Fox News last month with Donald Trump, he mentioned that the possibility of oil price may fall downward to $25.00 per barrel provided the US Federal not help bail out the corporations. In related news, Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) increased the cost of electricity during the out of control scenario three months before of oil prices which prompted the National Gov-

ernment to pump $3 million to help the public defray the overcharge. As of now, there has been no announcement whether PPUC will lower down the cost of power or not considering the oil per barrel price on Sunday is a little over the $70 dollar mark. On the other hand, Palau

Palau gas stations fuel price as of Monday, October 20th at 10am.

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GAS PRICES… (Cont. on page 6)

Palau’s native religious and social organization. He succeeded his older brother Ngirchobeketang after his death as the head of Modekngei. Wasisang took over the Speakership left vacant by former Speaker Koichi West who took the reign from the longest person to ever hold a state speakership Tadao Ngotel who is a candidate to the Senate of the 8th Olbiil Era Kelulau this upcoming general election. Unlike the other states except Ngiwal, Ngarchelong State elects its governor every four years and members of its Assembly every two years.

(above) Saipan gas prices as of Saturday, October 18th. (below) Guam gas prices as of Sunday, October 19th.

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(Continued from page 1) … REMOKET

supporter James M. Elidechedong in Saipan organized a gathering of Ngaraard people on Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at 4H Building behind Susupe Sabalu across from Marianas High School. Despite a gathering of Chin/Seid supporters on the same evening, many Ngaraard voters showed up at the gathering and were enthralled with the presentation projected on a laptop computer displaying pictures of the five counties of Ngaraard before the candidate addressed the crowd. An issue that outshined many of the questions asked from the crowd was a request from Mr. Victor Ngiraswei of the design of first-rate sewer system for Ngaraard State. “In Saipan after a heavy rain the island floods and the sewer system overflows running down onto the beach resulting in flags warning the public that the water is contaminated and should not be entered,” said Ngiraswei. “Many of us here on Saipan are fishermen,” continued Ngiraswei, “ and therefore those without work depending on fishing as a source of income and raw sewage flowing into the water to the west of Saipan ruins everything.” Ngiraswei continued saying that Ngaraard can learn from this understanding to prevent ruining the natural beaches to the east of Choll County. “This is the first time that the building 4H has been used for rally gatherings,” said Francis Remoket. According to Elidechedong, 4H Building is the former session hall for the House of Representatives of the CNMI government. Food and drinks were provided by the Saipan supporters which the candidate and his committee expressed their appreciation including a hotel room that was donated by the Saipan supporters as well. Remoket along with his delegation left for Guam on the Roureur Belau

early morning flight the next day and rested for the whole day before departing to Palau that Sunday evening. There are over 50 Ngaraard voters each in Guam and Saipan. Remoket’s team included his wife Sharon with campaign manager Jerome Temengil and advisors Cleophas Roberts and Washington Elidechedong. In related news, team Toribiong/Mariur held their rally in Guam on Saturday afternoon while Chin/Seid’s rally was in Saipan on Saturday evening. On Sunday, Toribiong/Kerai supporters were in Saipan on a house-to-house visit while Chin/ Seid attend their Guam rally. Supporters of Ngaremlengui candidate to the House of Delegates, Swenny Ongidobel, were also seen on Saipan on Saturday with plans on meeting with his constituents.

Saipan residents from Ngaraard gathered at 4H Building, the former CNMI session hall for House of Representatives Join the Island

Palau High School students visiting the Agriculture Festival during their free time from classes on Thursday, October 16th.

Republic of Palau on Thursday, October 16, 2008, held for the very first time an Agriculture Festival that took place on the grounds of the old Olbiil Era Kelulau adjacent to the main highway in Koror. The event, although it was a working day as well as school day, it was packed with young and old and highlighted diversified local plants and fruits including farm livestock such as goats, horses, chickens, and ducks from Polycarp Basilius’s farm in Ngchesar, pigs from Palau Community College and a cow from Lucky’s Farm in Ngiwal. Non-profit group “Desisichii a Buai” exhibited their harvest of giant papayas, the five types of taro plants, soursop, guavas, etc… with Taiwan Technical Assistance showcasing jellies made of local papayas and other local fruits. Ngchesar women displayed syrups made from sugar cane and WCTC’s Ace Hardware putting on views assorted farm and garden tools and supplies. Most items at each booths were for sale, especially plants, beverages, foods, and animal feeds for pigs and fowls. Lucky’s Farm even went as far as to sell fresh roasted pig that immedi-

7th

Graders from Koror Elementary School took a field trip with their teachers to observe the animals and enjoy the event Roureur Belau

WCTC Ace Hardware personnel displaying their items

Goats to the left with ducks on the right and a cow and horses exhibition

ately ran out of stock to the customers’ exasperation. The Division of Agriculture of the National Government hosted the event and announced publicly through EcoParadise Radio Station that the festival will be an annual event.

“Desisiich a Buai” group on the booth selling their hard earn harvest during the festival and were admonishing RBN publisher for making a huge error in their group’s title on last issue’s front page story. Join the Island

Roureur Belau recently learned that the Division of Communications under the Ministry of Commerce & Trade informed Mr. Salvador Tellames by a letter dated October 13th to cease broadcasting and close his radio station. According to the office of Communication, Mr. Tellames did not have a license to operate a radio station and that the radio station on a test mode at frequency 80.0 megahertz is way passed on its deadline. The currently law allows FM to be transmitted on 88.0 frequency and up. Eco Paradise is broadcasted on 87.9 and asked why the government is allowed to broadcast on that frequency Chief Takon Chin said it is the government and is therefore allowed to do so. Roureur Belau’s attempted inquiries to Mr. Tellames were unsuccessful as it went on-line. Tia Belau’s Volume 17

(Continued from page 1) ... SAFE CHECK

sengers are kept and the line is often long and embarrassingly cumbersome. On the plane after security checks on one side of the plane, the passengers are asked to remove their belongings from their side and move over to the other side for security checks by Continental personnel to be conducted once again. All seatings are checked over by personnel pulling seating bases to look under the cushion as well as running their hands behind the head padding. Passengers’ litters are also collected and thrown into trash bags including blankets and pillows folded back and put back in place. During such security checks, the plane sits idle on the tarmac for about two hours and are escorted back on the plane once the security checks are completed for take off to its destination.

RADIO… (Cont. on page 8)

(Continued from page 3) …GAS PRICES

Public Communications Corporation (PNCC) Board of Directors have approved on July 4th an increase of 10% for all services such as Internet and Data, Digital TV, local and business phones, installation and reconnection fees, etc… to take effect in January 2009, according to PNCC news bulletin on Channel 6.

In Guam, customers get a bright smile from Bem Yore’s clerk located at the Barrigada Heghts. The store front doors are littered with candidates’ posters and pictures (right)! Roureur Belau

(Issue No. 40) reported as follows… a new radio station debut last week adding to the existing three FM stations in the country. PWFM went on air at 80.0MH2 on Monday, September 30th and is on for 24 hours with all music for now as the founder and owner prepares to launch a variety of programs in the coming weeks. Salvador Tellames who just retired as the Director of Domestic Affairs under the Ministry of States to run for the House of Delegates representing Koror State said that he received from a friend in Japan equipment for the station that include an antennae and 800 wires. His friend came down last week and they worked together to set up the station last week. Tellames assured that his station will focus on news and talk programs that will disseminate factional and reliable information to the public which is much needed

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The people of Koror led by their government celebrated for three days their 25 year dubbed as the Silver Anniversary which commenced on Sunday and concluded on Tuesday (October 19, 20, & 21). Day one on Sunday started off with a Walk-A-Thon in the morning followed by the fishing derby and various activities at Long Island Park. Day Two on Monday an Open House started at 9:00am at the state’s Capital Building in Ngerbeched with an opening remark by the overall chairman of the event Adalbert Eledui. The crowd was invited to take a tour at the Capital Building with presentations from the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) and various agencies under the Administration from the Legal Department, Treasury Section, State & Cultural Affairs area, Conservation & Law Enforcement sector, Koror State Public Lands Authority (KSPLA) office, etc… Day Three on Tuesday was reserved for the floats from the villages which was scheduled to start at 7:30am but due to heavy traffic they had to lengthen the time to 9:00am beginning at the old Koror State Building to the Asahi Ballfield. Spectators were lined up on the side of the main street to gawked at the colorful floats that exhibited mainly Palauan traditional outlook. National Police rerouted traffic from NECO to Dngeronger so as not to interrupt the float line-up. Koror State Rangers coordinated traffic at the Asahi area where the main event took place.

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(Cont. from page 6) … RADIO

in the broadcasting media in Palau today. When asked why he did not do it with public radio stations that he managed, he responded that in the government there is a problem of funds and also political control. Tellames added that his station has two phone lines that can take in two callers at one time during talk shows or live interviews. The news and talk show programs will be broadcasted during 7:00am to 8:30am and 11:00am to 1:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm every day after the station is formally launched. Tellames is a former newscaster of WSZB that is no Eco Paradise FM and T8AA AM station and moved up in the government civil service to director before he retired in August after filing his candidacy for Delegate of Koror State to the House of Delegates in

the Olbiil Era Kelulau. Having served as a member of the Koror State Legislature for twelve years, Tellames never lost an election and was the Speaker for eight years. He is presently the Chairman of the Koror State Planning Commission and a member of the Koror State Public Lands Authority. The Division of Communication under the Ministry of Commerce & Trade said that Tellames has applied for a license to run at 88.3 frequency.

The navy blue Toyota RAV4 with Ngerchelong License Plate 672, according to a witness, is owned by Rory Taro and crashed on the front lawn of the Hospital on October 21st morning.

P.O. Box 9006 Koror, Republic of Palau 96940 Cell: 779-3440 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: “Under Construction

PUBLISHER JeRome Temengil

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Mrs. Jennifer Y. Sugiyama - Yano , a strong willed and aggressive young woman running for the Senate, flew by her own self visiting constituents in Guam and Saipan on October 18-19 with posters, campaign business cards, rosary “good luck charm” and her word of promise to represent the people with her leading logo “Beches el Omerael.” Mrs. Yano’s number on the ballot is #40. Roureur Belau

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