On February 18, 2018, our Honorable Governor Benjamin Iskawa and the Ngaraard State Assembly met with Ngkeklau citizens to discuss the Ngkeklau Briber Marina Project. The project which began during the previous government under Governor Isaac Bai is about 25% completed.
Governor Iskawa spoke to Ngkeklau Traditional Chiefs and citizens expressing the issue of lack of funds to continue the project and asked to shield the site until funds could be allocated.
Ngkeklau Chiefs agreed with the governor’s plans to secure the site but expressed their hopes of getting the project completed soon and asked the Governor and the Assembly members to seek immediate funding.
The meeting concluded with a site visit to the Briber Marina Project. Below are some photos taken during the visit.
The Office of the Governor and the Ngaraard Legislative Chambers recently went online with the assistance of Palau’s own Palau National Communication Corporation (PNCC). On February 02, 2018, Ngaraard State At-Large Legislator Dwight Alexander, Keizy Shiro, and Ulimang Legislator and Floor Leader John Temengil met with PNCC board members and their management team to seek assistance in getting the state offices online.
As a direct result, PNCC has provided the technical services and the office of the Governor and the Legislative chamber are now online. WiFi access will soon be made available to all citizens who wish to visit the Ngaraard State Government grounds in Urung, Ngebuked. In addition, a dedicated landline was also installed enabling direct calls to the legislature chamber at (680) 824-1951.
The 10th Ngaraard State Legislature extends its gratitude and appreciation to Palau National Communication Corporation for their unwavering support to the Ngaraard State Government.
Today (Tuesday, January 29th, 2018) marked a special day for Ngaraard State Government as Governor Benjamin Iskawa signed in to law the 2018 Unified Budget. Both the Ngaraard State Assembly and the House of Chiefs were on hand to witness the signage.
As the financial aspect ratified, strength can be seen as new foundation grounds are revamped leaving room for each government branch to showcase their ambitions for the entire year. The presence of unity and togetherness is expressed by each branch promising that Ngaraard State Government remains unified with common goals for the benefit of its citizens and its beloved state.
Thursday, January 25th, 2018 marked the third day meeting of the legislatures first regular session. Financial talks with the House of Chiefs was fruitful as they too outlined some of their plans throughout the coming year as formal talks began to push through the 2018 Unified Budget.
Speaker Wilbert Ngirakamerang than called the meeting into order, the assembly’s ways and means committee submitted its 2018 Unified Budget report along with needed revisions recommended by the House of Chiefs and the Assembly. The session adopted the report and by a role call vote, the 2018 Budget was approved unanimously and given to the House of Chiefs for review and transmittal to the office of the Governor.
Yesterday January 23, 2018 at 7pm, the 10th Assembly convened at the state legislative office in Ngebuked, Ngaraard for their second day of their first regular session. Among the things discussed was Bill No. 10-1-1R ( Proposed Unified Budget for FY 2018). Prior to the start of the session, the legislature was greeted by our Honorable Governor Benjamin Iskawa with a brief discussion on the proposed bill in which he highlighted various revenue sources considered and several line items for the proposed 2018 budget.
During the session, each assembly member shared their views and a motion was issued and adopted by a unanimous first reading vote. Speaker Wilbert Ngirakamerang assigned the bill to the legislature’s ways and means committee to make further study prior to approval on its 2nd and final reading. A proposed joint meeting with the State Governor and the House of Chiefs is to be scheduled this week to revisit the bill for a unified agreement.
A series of meetings have been scheduled after an important dinner hosted by our Honorable Floor Leader Delegate Gibson Kanai. His Excellency Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., Governor Benjamin Iskawa, and the Ngaraard State House of Chiefs Maderngebuked Thomas Remengesau Sr., Ngirameketii and Minister of Finance Elbuchel Sadang, Ngirarois Francis Kib and the entire 10th Ngaraard State Assembly members were on attendance.
Among the issues discussed were unity/fellowship between each government body to steam line priorities as we take a new step to address development goals and bring success and growth to our communities. Delegate Kanai, the three presiding Chiefs, Governor Iskawa, and our Assembly Speaker Wilbert Ngirakamerang all emphasized the importance of working together to achieve real progress for our state and our citizens.
President Remengesau highlighted several areas were development could be realized but tasked each state body to be mindful of the many state level responsibilities before real investment and growth could be assessed. A hint of potential funding for state projects could be achieved provided that all state government levels work toward unified goals.
In addition, Governor Iskawa shared his inaugural plans to have his ceremony on the 2nd of February (Friday, 02/02/2018). This will give time to our close partner state of Peleliu to visit us as we install our new governor and celebrate this year of good health.
Finally, the office of the President was given the task to host the next leadership meeting in March 2018 to follow up on discussed priority areas. The 10th Ngaraard State Assembly humbly extends its thanks to His Exellency Tommy E. Remengesau, the House of Chiefs, and our host Honorable Floor Leader Gibson Kanai for an exemplary night of needed discussions.
The second Tuesday of January 2018 (01/09/2018) marked a special day for Ngaraard State as the 10th Ngaraard State elected members were sworn in at the state office in Ngebuked, Ngaraard. A momentous ceremony as Speaker Wilbert Ngirakamerang, Vice Speaker Lucia Franz, and Floor Leader John Temengil where installed as the assembly’s presiding officers. All other legislators were assigned roles to chair their respective committees.
The ceremony was well received by most as His Excellency Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. cheered on the newly installed assembly with a brief speech and a pledge that his office will be devoted to work with the legislature. Along with President Remengesau, Honorable Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch, Honorable Judge Honora E. Remengesau Rudimch, Ngirameketii Elbuchel Sadang, and Governor Benjamin Iskawa were on attendance. With thanks to the President and our honored quests, the assembly is extremely grateful for the citizens who gathered for the ceremony. Special thanks goes out to the men and women who also played a vital role in making this event memorable.
Kom Kmal Mesulang
On December 14, 2017, all newly elected assembly members met at the Governor Elect Benjamin Iskawa’s residence in Koror for the first time. The meeting purpose was to discuss possible dates for the upcoming state inauguration. The assembly was greeted by the Transition and Inauguration Committee in which plans were shared for the event.
The Transition and Inauguration Committee is composed of former Senator of Palau and Chairman of the committee Mr. Steven Kanai. Members include Mr. Johnny Sokau, Legislator Jefferson Matul, Mr. John Mengidab, and the Ngaraard State Legislative Clerk, Magario Watchi.
The meeting proved beneficial as all agreed to the intent of the ceremony and suggested to meet again to finalize dates and agree on the event organization.
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10th Ngaraard State Assembly 