Your watching the "Weekend Report" for May 8th, 2009 (requires Quicktime 7.4)

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

NEWS:

On Thursday may 7, 2009 the formal review called for in section 432 of the united states- Palau Compact of free Association commenced at the Palau Pacific resort.   Representing Palau was Ambassador Joshua Koshiba with the US interagency was represented by Dir. Alcy Frelick of the Department of state. The review will include Palau's current economic situation and how the first 15-year of the compact assistance has been used to assist Palau in advancing its development goals. The US and Palau will come up with specific recommendations to implement results of the review, which is anticipated to finish by the first of October. The US and Palau representatives will have their second meeting of the formal review on July 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Also yesterday, President Toribiong disclosed a new date for the implementation of the green fee, which will be on the first of October. This is all in line with the next fiscal year. He also reported that he'd be meeting with the minister of Finance and the leaders of the House and the Senate to discuss the proposal. The President however, stood strongly by his order of postponing the green fee much later until March 8, 2010. This, he said, was because it felt too early to start the collection of the green fee. Also, new regulation was yet in place and no proper notice was given to the airlines and tour agents. This bill is the same bill that was repealed earlier by the Senate because of its interference with Palau's tourism industry, especially when the number of tourists is continuing to go down due to our economic crisis.

President Toribiong made it clear that he was not pointing fingers at any body for the previous administration. He continued to say that what he reported during his State Of the Republic Address were simply facts. During the SORA, the President reported numerous debts that he administration had to pay since entering office. He went on to say that he's not blaming anybody but simply acknowledging the challenges that his administration must face. Although he had the utmost respect for former president Tommy Remengesau Jr, he was only reporting what was written on previous records.

The virus Influenza A(H1N1) is still affecting people around the world. There is no known case here in Palau, but more than 1,800 people with about 30 deaths has been accounted for worldwide as of May 06, 2009. The Belau National Hospital urges the public to practice hygienic habits; wash your hands often with soap and water, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or loose sleeves, and don't go near sick people. The flu is highy contagious and can spread from one person to another through droplets from coughing and sneezing, or touching infectious surfaces. You don't get the flu from eating well-cooked pork. If you think you have the flu, call the Hospital ER first for instructions, 488- 2558.

Three Filipino prisoners will be returning home today as the Palau Supreme Court ordered their immediate deportation. Jose Eller Daguinot, who has been serving time in jail for six years for a drug-related case, will be released along with Enrique Deatras and Mark Fred Jose, both convicted of child abuse. The Philippine Ambassador Ramoncito Marino thanked the President Johnson Toribiong and Justice Minister Johnny Gibbons for allowing the release of the remaining Filipino prisoners. The motion stated that the deportation will be "substantial assistance to the republic in that it would reduce jail overcrowding."

On Friday, May 1st, Fiji became the first member nation of the Pacific Islands' Forum to be suspended. The suspension came when Fiji's military leadership failed to meet the May 1st deadline imposed by the Forum to come up with a schedule for holding elections in 2009. The suspension means Fiji will not be eligible for funding or technical assistance and its leader, ministers and government officials will not be allowed to attend Forum meetings.

Ripple effects resulting from the suspension are expected as the Pacific Islands Forum's Secretariat is currently located in Suva.   Fiji's acting Prime Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said they would consider engaging in fresh talks with the Pacific Island Forum and called the suspension, "regrettable", claiming it has the support of many of their Pacific Island neighbors.

The Pacific Islands Forum has 16 member countries of which Palau is one.

On the Lighter side of news   

May 5 2009 which was Tuesday marked Palau's 50th Senior Citizens Day where Palau took a day off to celebrate and acknowledge the people who have helped paved the way for the younger generations. Senior citizens day was honored at various places in Palau including the state of Peleiliu where more than 50 senior citizens from all over Palau gathered to celebrate their day.

The 2009 Palauan Dog Show was a success as over 25 dogs participated in this years event.   A large crowd was on hand to watch the 10 different categories which included the owner and dog obstacle course won by local dog "George" and Jane Menz.   The Happiest Dog went to Heinz, the best large dog was awarded to Kilo, best small dog to Shrek, best smile to Pongo, and best look-alike to She-Bee and Kuniko Yasuda.   All winners of their categories were entered into the Best in Show which went to She-Bee!   Congratulations to all the participants and Koror State and PAWS for another educational and fun filled day.

This Sunday is Mothers day and OTV would like to wish a happy mother's day to all beautiful moms of Palau.... And a Big HAPPY MOTHERS DAY also to

Jill Senior's Mom

Spis's mom Maura Gordon

Rob's Mom Laura Swanson

Robert's Mom Mitsko Ngirchomlei

Peterson's Grandma   Irachel Adelbai

Tiph's Mom Mesiwal Madelutk

ET's mom Toyoko Singeo

Mikes baby mamaVeronica Fox

And Jeff's   Sexy Mama Kassi Berg

my mom Lorraine Emul Ronny   happy mothers day mom!!!

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