Your watching the "Weekend Report" for April 10, 2009 (requires Quicktime 7.4)

Below is the text vesion of the weekend report with headlines from around Palau and the Pacific.

NEWS:

PPUC is having engine troubles this week and it doesn't look like a simple oil change is going to fix it. Two generators at the Malakal Power Plant broke down on Monday cutting off electricity to certain parts of Koror. This could not come at a more inopportune time for PPUC as they were recently faced with cable problems. The main line running from the Aimeliik Plant has been under repair since Sunday cutting off power to Koror hamlets such as Ngermid and Iybukel. One Ngermid resident had this to say:

"Out of the last 6 times that power would go off I called PPUC and asked when the power would go on. They would say an hour but it would be more like 3 or 4. I had to spend two nights at an in-law's place because I had no way of knowing when the power would come on."

Satoru Adachi, PPUC's General Manager, told newspapers that PPUC has been working around the clock to figure out the problem with the main line. He also announced during a press conference that he has asked for assistance from the Guam Power Authority. Until then a power-rationing schedule has been issued.

In other news, President Johnson Toribiong issued an executive order regarding the implementation of the environmental fee to begin on March 08, 2010.   The Minister of Finance will be authorized to implement the fee for environmental protection. The senate however approved the proposal measure on the final and third reading which will repeal the green fee law of departing tourists from Palau.   The bill stated that the green fee collected from departing tourists, should be repealed, and that the Protection Areas Network (PAN) law should revert back to its previous form.   The House of Delegates then referred the repeal of the green fee to the Ways and Means Committee.   The repeal states that the tourism industry is under pressure with the number of tourists dropping significantly as a result of the global economic crisis.

The Chief Justice has granted Roll 'em's request to continue restraining Diaz from conduct that has been interfering with their business until trial.   The Preliminary Injunction prevents Senator Diaz him from making threats against Roll 'em or its owners, or those who associate with them, interfering with their grants or business relationships, making false, reckless or defamatory remarks in print, radio, television, internet, or using his color of office or title as a Senator to prosecute, instigate or affect the outcome of investigations of Plaintiffs conducted by the Republic.   Trial in this matter is set for October 13th.

Palau Mission Academy's disciplinary management has been questioned since an event when the keys of the principal went missing.   According to a letter from a parent, on March 26 around 2pm, teachers initiated a lockdown of the classrooms and did a "bodily search" of all students. When the teachers found nothing, they called the police, keeping the students in lockdown unitl police arrived. Concern has been raised as the bodily search was done without the permission of parents.

Seven students from University of Guam are here in Palau to visit the islands. Jon Rey Aguigui, Miara Leon Guerrero, Inez Perez III, Ronel Elizaga, Pauline Cruz, Jasmine Stole and Dominic Castro, along with Yoichi Rengiil, Director of the TRIO program, also came to donate money to PCC. The value of the money was said to amount to $225 and came straight from the students themselves. The students arrived here on Friday and will be returning to Guam on the 12th. During their stay, they will tour all the different states. According to one of the students, they find Palau an "interesting place". They state that they are intrigued by the culture and are impressed that Palau has managed to keep their customs. Hopefully, they will enjoy their stay here.

Dog lovers get ready!   The Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Koror State Government are getting together to host the third annual dog show known as the Olechotel a Bilis ra Belau. All dogs are welcome to participate and compete in the dog show as well as show off their good looks or costumes, but, are required to wear a dog tag and be put on a leash. Besides all the fun and games, the show also focuses on the importance of vaccinations and controlling the population of dogs. Also, workers from the Koror State Animal Shelter and Veterinary Clinic will be there to offer information about services. Those who participate in the show will get a free t-shirt, and the top three winners of every category will win cash among other great prizes. The Dog Show will be held on Sunday May 3rd, at the Asahi Baseball Field at 12pm.

President Toribiong will be making his first State of the Republic Address (SORA) on April 20th. In the constitution, it states that the President make an annual report to the OEK regarding the progress of the administration. This results from a joint resolution adopted from the senate. That transmitted to the House for concurrence. The resolution calls for a joint session of the 8th Olbiil Er a Kelulau to receive the president for his first SORA. The SORA will be made a day before the President is to leave to Japan upon the invitation of the Prime Minister, Taro Aso, on the 21st. this will be President Toribiong's first state visit to Japan since he assumed office.

We at Otv would like to take this time to congratulate Mayce Ngirmeriil who just recently graduated from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies in the Philippines. Ngirmeriil received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Transportation and has joined the elite Palauan Seamen Club known as the "Captains Of the Sea". Happy Sailing to Mayce Ngirmeriil and his family.

Dr. Greg Dever has accepted a new position in Hawaii along with the Pacific Island Health Officers Association. He resigned from his position as the Director of the Bureau of Clinical Services and will soon be leaving to Hawaii. We, from the Otv family, would like to offer our congratulations and good luck.

Dr. Minoru Ueki a bla le accept er ngii a government er a beluu er a Siabal el mo Ambassador er a Belau el mo er a Siabal. Ng ka el toktang a mla ureour el congressman el mo er se el Micronesian congress, mla minister er a health, senator, e chelchal taem e ng businessman. Ngklel ngkal toktang a blal submit er ngii el mora senate ia lsekum e ng mengai e ng mo nguu a kingellel a ambassador er a chelchal taem el Daiziro Nakamura. Dr. Minoru Ueki a Half Japanese e kmal blides er a tekoi er a siabal.

In other news Dr. Minoru Ueki, has been approved by the Japanese government as the new ambassador of Palau to Japan. The Dr. has worked as a congressman attending the Micronesian congress, as the minister of health, senator, and is now a businessman. His name has been submitted to the senate and if he is indeed approved, he will assume the position as ambassador of Palau to Japan in place of Daiziro Nakamura.  

President Toribiong, along with his cabinet and immediate staff members, met with the Ngchesar state government on Friday the 3rd at the state building in Karmaliang, Ngchesar. Governor Florencio Adelbai submitted a list of six state priority projects during a committee with the whole state session. The projects are for funding and implementation, which include a concrete road in the state that connects to the Compact Road, a State Capitol Building, Shimizu Bridge Construction, Upgrade of the Solid Waste Site, a Ngchesar State master plan, and a Ngchesar State Sewer System. Governor Adelbai and Ngchesar State has also offered a large site for the Babeldaob High School project which has been reviewed by the Education Ministry with the CIP people. Governor Adelbai told the president that the offer still stands if the high school is still a priority for the national government.

Ulekerreuil A Klengar has elected Belhaim "Bena" Sakuma as the new Chairman for their organization. Ulekerreuil A Klengar or UAK is an organization that promotes a healthy lifestyle for everyone living in the community. UAK is a combination of four non-communicable disease groups including Alcohol, Tobacco, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. Sakuma is a retired government employee with a long history in politics and community activism and has worked with various environmental and educational groups.

Just this Tuesday, the senate passed a first reading on a proposed bill that will require the National Development Bank of Palau, (NDBP), to seek approval from the OEK before granting loans to or financing non-citizens. This would include any foreign businesses or corporations as the Senate believes that NDBP should first and foremost, tend to the needs of the Palauan people. The current law does not restrict the NDBP from loaning to foreign individuals or businesses for the purpose of development in Palau.

Minister of State, Sandra Pierantozzi attended the 5th conference on Business Opportunities in Hawaii this week along with other representatives from islands all over the pacific. The conference was held to discuss economic problems and possible solutions. In the conference, Minister Pierantozzi was able to share the possible opportunities for business in Palau including relating to tourism, fisheries, oil exploration, and alternative energy.   Pierantozzi also introduced potential partners and investors to Palau's new amendment that will make Palau more investor friendly.

CAT is looking for new apprentices. The Civic Action Team has been training Palauan's in the construction field for many years. After a year of being in the program, five apprentices will be honored in a graduating ceremony at Kamp Katuu in Airai. Congratulations to those five apprentices. With the graduates leaving the CAT program, several positions are now available at the CAT training program.    Those interested can call Irung from PCAA at 488-1170 to schedule an interview.

Reports from Guam news outlets have stated that Tan Holdings Corporation is on the verge of buying Mobil Operations here in Palau. This statement comes from the country manager for Guam, Mariana Islands, and Micronesia, Kamal Sihn.    Mobil Oil Palau Operations Manager, Anhel Salii, said that he has not been informed about the reported deal. Tan Holdings is one of Micronesia's largest companies that is involved with manufacturing, infrastructure, real estate, and media, just to name a few. The price for the purchase of Mobil Operations has not been disclosed.

19 students from Bethania High School's biology class, and 5 teachers, visited the Taiwan Technical Mission Farm in Aimeliik State, in a hands-on field trip that allowed them to experience and learn about the different kinds of fruits and vegetables. The farm advisor, Ben Lin, introduced the students to 22 different types of fruit trees. Lin also explained the process of composting, taro seedlings, propagation, and other agricultural activities.

Palau Community College celebrated its 40th Anniversary last Friday with the President's Run/Walk followed by a special ceremony held at the PCC Cafeteria.  The special commemoration of the school's anniversary held even more significance as it also marked the 10 year anniversary of Dr. Tellei's presidency at PCC.   A record number of participants- both from PCC and the community turned out for the  40th anniversary Run/Walk;  organizers say that there were well over 400 participants that attended the early morning race.  The 5K run/walk started at the Japan-Palau friendship bridge and finished on PCC campus.  Over 300 commemorative t-shirts were given away to those who crossed the finish line first.    After the President's Run/Walk, a special ceremony was held at the PCC Cafeteria where students and staff honored President Tellei for his 10 years of leadership at PCC.  During the ceremony, President Tellei delivered a special address to the gathering, highlighting the milestone accomplishments at the College since he took over the presidency in February, 1999.   The PCC's 40th Anniversary celebration last Friday punctuates four decades of rich educational history that began when the institution was first established forty years ago.

In preparation for its 25th year anniversary, the Palau Pacific Resort, is holding an Arts and Craft Exhibition and sale beginning July 13 thru September 15 at the main lobby. PPR's assistant general manager, Lucy Sugiyama explains that it will be an opportunity for local artists to display and sell their product like paintings handicrafts, and photography. Those interested have until May 30 to register at PPR for the exhibit. The exhibition is just a small portion of a big line up of events leading up to the 25th anniversary on the 10th of December, which would include sports, cultural activities, and many others.

Continental Airlines was allowed to join the Star Alliance this week. US Department of Transportation tentatively approved Continental's application to join the existing antitrust immunized alliance between United Airlines and eight other star alliance member carriers, and for continental to enter an integrated worldwide alliance. "This will provide substantial benefits for consumers worldwide while preserving domestic competition", says Continental's Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.

Another escaped monkey was shot in koror last Friday, April 3. A resident of a crowded resident neighborhood, called the Division of Fish and Wildlife and reported that the monkey was seen scaring the children in the neighborhood. This makes the fourth monkey eliminated this year with 3 in koror and 1 in Melekeok. Those with unwanted pet monkeys are kindly requested to call the Bureau of Agriculture, at 488-2504.

Rob Spence, a Canadian filmmaker, told reporters that he would install a prosthetic eye with a camera into the socket where one of his eyes was removed as a result from a childhood accident.   The camera is said to have a wireless transmitter and will hopefully be powered in the same way that his muscles control his good eye. This will be part of a documentary project that involves peoples attitudes towards privacy. he closed by saying that " the best way to communicate is to make eye contact...when you bring a camera, people change."

The JST ERADO ASADA PROJECT is finalizing their new CB2: a child robot with a robo-mimetic program that enables it to "learn" the robot can now get up on and walk around a room with some aided assistance of course. And is learning new facial expressions. The CB2 is covered with a skin that replicates human skin that enables the CB2 to interact with people. This ongoing project is further pushing the robotic limits in attempts to study the human body.

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