Community Town Hall - 2006 Meetings

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin has officially launched his Community Town Hall Meeting Program. The meetings are intended to promote the understanding of public safety and justice programs in each state. At each meeting, Chiefs of each division under the Ministry of Justice and the Vice President's Office will be on hand to disseminate information and answer questions from the public. Meetings may also include representatives from a variety of government agencies in order to be as useful as possible to each community.

Below you will find a summary of each meeting. For questions and answers, visit the q & a section of the town hall.

Ngchesar - November 21, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin and his staff traveled to Ngchesar State to conduct the last Town Hall Meeting of the year. Governmor Dwayne Hideo, Chief Ngirakebou Roman Bedor, and about 30 Ngchesar citizens attended the meeting. Many people brought up complaints about the laws against certain fish such as humphead parrotfish. The Vice President reminded the people that the Ministry of Justice does not make the laws, it only enforces them. The Vice President also said that if the people are unhappy with certain laws, they should bring it up the with the State's legislature. The people also requested that Ngchesar State get a police officer. The Vice President said that there is already a shortage of police officers and that Congress needs to allocate more money to hire at least 30 additional personnel. There were other requests and concerns voiced, to which the Vice President did his best to respond to. The people seemed to be pleased with the information they heard, and the night ended early with a feast of local fish and produce.

Ngiwal - September 14, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin and his staff traveled to Ngiwal State to conduct a town hall meeting there. About 30 Ngiwal residents showed up to attend the meeting. One of the first concerns brought up was the fact that people go around stealing noni fruits from other peoples' plants. Someone asked if there was a program under the Ministry of Justice to help reduce this problem. The Vice President said that he would include it in the weekly safety tips to stay off of other people’s property. Another request was to have the Bureau of Public Safety personnel come out to Ngiwal to administer driving tests and to register vehicles. The meeting was cut short because of a power outage, but the people of Ngiwal seemed satisfied with the information that they received.

Koror Hamlets - August 8 - 17, 2006

Meyuns

On August 8, Vice President Elias Camsek Chin continued his Community Town Hall Meetings in Meyuns Hamlet. Like in previous town hall meetings, many people were concerned about the number of Bangladeshis walking around the streets looking for work. Someone even mentioned that there was a Bangladesh barracks somewhere around town, much to the surprise of the Labor Division. One person asked if there was a sort of business where you could go and ‘rent’ a worker for a day and pay that worker’s employer. Aside from labor and immigration questions, people also asked about the tint law and which law enforcement officers were allowed to have over-tinted cars. Other questions involved the repaving of the Koror road and when it would be completed. The Vice President tried to answer these questions to the best of his knowledge, and referred the people to the Ministry of Resources and Development for the technical questions. At the end of the night, the people seemed well informed and appreciative of the information that they had received.

Ngerkebesang

On August 15, the Vice President and his staff visited Ngerkebesang Hamlet. One of the first questions asked was whether or not people can know when an earthquake is about to hit. People also asked how to be prepared for an earthquake, and the Vice President referred them to the brochures that were handed out by the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) staff. The brochures contain useful information about disaster preparedness. Another concern had to do with passports. People asked why children and adults pay the same $50 fee to get their passports renewed, yet children have to get them renewed every 5 years while adults get them renewed every 10 years. The Vice President agreed that this was not fair because the children end up paying about $150 more than adults. The Vice President said he would look into this matter with the Ministry of State. Finally, someone asked the Vice President if he had any thoughts on running in the 2008 elections, to which he responded by saying that he is not the one to decide, the people are the ones who decide for him.

Echang (Sonsorol & Hatohobei)

The last Koror Hamlet on the Vice President's Town Hall Meeting schedule was Echang, which included Sonsorol and Hatohobei States. On August 17, the Vice President and his staff went down to Echang to meet with the people there. The first thing the Vice President did was congratulate one of Echang’s own Police Officers, who had just been promoted earlier that day during the police inspection. The people in Echang had few concerns, most of which concerned the buoys in the channels and the communication means between Echang and the Southwest Islands. The people showed concern for their families in Sonsorol and Hatohobei because of the distance from the hospital here in Koror and the amount of time it takes to travel between the islands. The people also asked that an alarm system be installed at the two islands to warn of tsunamis or typhoons. All in all, the meeting went well and the people were appreciative of the time the Vice President and his staff spent informing them on safety and law issues.

Koror Hamlets - July 31 - August 2, 2006

Idid

The Vice President continued his Koror Hamlet Town Hall Meetings in Idid Hamlet on July 31st. Many older people attended the meeting, and were concerned about the financial aid for renovating their homes to meet their medical needs. One lady said that she had been applying for the USDA grant for three years and has yet to get any positive feedback. The Vice President told her that he would follow up on her application and see what the problem is. One gentleman commented on the prison system in Palau. He said that prisoners in jail for long terms get used to a certain way of life and become comfortable in prison. He recommended that prisoners participate in community services so that they actually do work and expose themselves to the public. Another person commented on the issue of tour buses parked alongside the highway interfering with traffic. One person recommended that the tour buses only be used to transport passengers to and from the airport. Other comments included topics such as the sewer problem, disturbing the peace complaints, and the need for more buoys in the channels. After all the questions were answered, the Vice President reminded the people that if they had any other concerns to discuss, they could always call his office or drop in to see him.

Dngeronger

The following evening the Vice President and his staff held a Town Hall Meeting in Dngeronger Hamlet. A large group of people showed up, including Legislator Mengkur Rechelulk, Delegate Joel Toribiong, and Delegate Kerai Mariur. Many concerns involving traffic safety issues were brought up. People were concerned about faded cross walks, awkward intersections, a confusing middle lane, and old and unregistered vehicles on the highways. Another hot topic was the issue of Bangladeshi workers walking around looking for side jobs. Many citizens were concerned that the Bangladeshis are getting paid $20/day, while other workers get a salary of $150/month. Some people said that their employees are running away to get these side jobs for $20/day. Labor Chief Russell Masayos reminded the people that Palauans must cooperate with each other to eliminate the practice of hiring other employers' workers to do side jobs. Legislator Rechelulk gave the closing remarks and said that this meeting was the beginning of a good relationship between the people of Dngeronger and the Vice President.

Ngerbeched

The last meeting of the week was held in Ngerbeched Hamlet. Besides the usual questions about Bangladeshi workers and Filipinos married to Palauans, some concerns were raised about people's safety at night. Apparently there is a lack of lighting on the streets in Ngerbeched. There are sections of the roads that are pitch black, making driving or walking at night dangerous. The Vice President explained that due to the rise in electricity prices, some of the lights are no longer turned on at night. Someone suggested that there be more police patrol in Ngerbeched. Again the Vice President reminded the people that there is a shortage of policemen who patrol the roads of Palau. In fact, there are only a total of 6 patrolmen at a time, and this is for the entire country, extending all the way to Ngarchelong State. The Vice President explained that a total of 30 more policemen need to be hired, but the Ministry of Justice does not have a budget to hire any more officers. Someone asked if there was a curfew in Koror. The Vice President confirmed that the Koror curfew is from 9 pm to 6 am, and applies to everyone under the age of 18. Legislator Tero Uehara closed the meeting by thanking the Vice President and his staff for the information that was shared.

Koror Hamlets - July 24-27, 2006

Ngermid

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin began his Koror State Town Hall Meetings on July 24. The Vice President began in Ngermid Hamlet, where Legislator Wilson Ngirausui and other community members came out to attend the meeting. After the Vice President gave his overview of programs and projects under his office and in the Ministry of Justice, the floor was opened for questions and answers. There were questions asked concerning the $7,500.00 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Program to assist people with home renovations. The Vice President explained that applicants need to be 62 years and older and must own a house on their property or lease. He told the people that there is $1 million allocated for Micronesia every year for those who need assistance renovating their homes to be more accessible for the elderly. Other people asked about the Filipinos and Bangladeshis who go around selling vegetables. Russell Masayos, Chief of the Labor Division, said that people need permits to be able to sell things to the public. He said that whenever these people come around selling things, they should be reported to the Labor Division. Many other things were discussed, and at the end of the night, the people assured the Vice President that they would help him by spreading what they have learned with others.

Ngerkesoaol

The next evening the Vice President visited with people from Ngerkesoaol Hamlet. Some of the comments the people had were about the safety and education of their children. The Vice President told the people about two school programs that were launched under his Omengull ma Okurulel a Klechad (Double OK) Program. In the Law Enforcement Explorer’s Program (LEEP), children learn about different aspects of law enforcement and are required to maintain a certain grade average in school. LEEP is currently active in 5 schools in Palau, and will be implemented in 4 more schools next year. Another program is the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, where high schools students act as tutors and counselors for elementary school students. The Vice President explained how research has shown that elementary school students are more likely to listen to high school students than to their own parents. The high school students also benefit from the program by gaining valuable skills that come along with responsibility. The fact that the students are involved in this program may also be a deciding factor on scholarship applications. The people appreciated how the Vice President was interested in the lives and futures of their children. The Vice President told them that his office is always open if they wanted to discuss anything else.

Ngerchemai

On July 26, the Vice President went to Ngerchemai Hamlet to meet with the people there. One of the major concerns the people had was about the number of Bangladeshis walking around their neighborhoods asking for jobs. The people wanted to know why there are so many of them here, and why they are not working for their employers. Labor Chief Russell Masayos explained that it is illegal for those Bangladeshis to go around looking for side jobs and that they should be reported to the Labor office. He also said that there are currently only 5 Labor officers working in town trying to track down illegal activities. Given this fact, the Labor office needs the help and support from the public not to hire these so called “u-drives” and to report them to the Labor office. He explained that we Palauans are the ones who recruited these workers here, but then once they got here, we couldn’t afford to pay them, so we let them go out and find their own work. Other issues were discussed, such as the laws prohibiting certain fish and birds. The Vice President reminded the people that if they wanted the laws to change, they should talk to their legislators and delegates.

Iyebukel, Meketii, Ikelau, and Medalaii

The next night the Vice President held a meeting at the Koror State Assembly Hall with people from Iyebukel, Meketii, Ikelau, and Medalaii Hamlets. The first issue brought up by Legislator Eos Rudimch was about the overflowing sewer in Iyebukel Hamlet. Legislator Rudimch said that the sewer problem is so severe that he thinks a state of national emergency should be declared. He said that the public needs to know that the area around the sewer is contaminated and unsafe for swimming or fishing. Other people brought up the issue of sewers in their hamlets overflowing and causing many problems for the community. The people asked for the Vice President’s support to help fix this problem. One person said that before we re-pave the roads in Koror, we should replace the sewer lines with larger pipes that can handle the increased volume of waste in the city. The Vice President said he would work with EQPB to see what can be done about the sewer problems. After several other issues were discussed, the people thanked the Vice President for coming out to share information with them. The Vice President told them that they can always call his office to talk to him, or they can make an appointment to come and see him. He told them that on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, people can walk in from 3:00 to 4:00 to meet with him.

Peleliu - July 19, 2006

After Vice President Elias Camsek Chin's Angaur Town Hall Meeting, he traveled to Peleliu State with his staff to conduct another meeting. Governor Jackson Ngiraingas welcomed everyone and thanked them for visiting Peleliu. The Governor also thanked the Vice President for the ambulance that was recently donated to Peleliu State. Many Peleliu citizens made comments about certain laws and how perhaps these laws should be changed. The Vice President reminded everyone that his job is not to make laws, but to enforce them. He told the people that if they were unhappy with certain laws or if they wanted to see new laws, they need to talk to their delegate, Jonathon Cio Isechal. The Vice President also reminded the people that they need to obtain burning permits from the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB). He told them that this process could be done through phone and fax from the Governor's office. Many people did not know that a permit was required for burning, and thanked the Vice President for this information. Obak Isao Singeo closed the meeting by thanking everyone for coming out and sharing vital information, and urged the Vice President to follow through on the requests that were made. Governor Ngiraingas also expressed his gratitude to the Vice President and his staff and said he will work with the Vice President on all issues pertaining to the people of Peleliu.

Angaur - July 19, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin and his staff traveled to Angaur State to conduct a Town Hall Meeting. Governor Horace Rafael and Angaur State Legislature President Norbert Blau welcomed the Vice President and thanked him and his staff for riding the rough seas to get to Angaur. The Vice President told the people of Angaur about certain issues that they should be aware of, such as the different protected species of fish and wildlife and the fines for possessing and selling marijuana plants. The Vice President also informed them that his office recently received a shipment of airport and buoy lights that Angaur State had requested from him on his last visit. He told them that the buoy lights will be installed by the end of September. The airport lights will be installed after the runway surface is grated and the surrounding area is cleared. The Governor said that once the airport is operational, there will be a need for a fire truck in Angaur. The Governor also said there is a need for an ambulance for the State. The Vice President said he would look into these issues. The Vice President also recommended that the people who relied on marijuana sales for their income should look into planting Noni trees and selling the fruit as a legal alternative for making money. The people were very receptive and thanked the Vice President and his staff for coming out to share useful information with them.

Ngaraard - July 18, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin conducted a Town Hall Meeting in Ngaraard State where around 40 community members came out to attend. Governor Laurentino Ulechong welcomed the Vice President's staff and thanked them for traveling all the way to Ngaraard for the meeting. The Vice President reminded the people that there is an ambulance and fire truck at the Melekeok Police Substation that can be dispatched to Ngaraard in case of e mergencies. The ambulance is free of charge for those needing assistance to the hospital. The Vice President also informed the people that there is a reward for reporting commercial fishing boats within 24 miles of the shoreline. The people expressed their concern for the kebeas plants growing all over the place and asked for help from the Vice President to control it. The Vice President said that there are researchers currently in the process of developing a substance that can be used to eradicate this invasive species. The meeting ended with Speaker Isaac Bai assuring the Vice President and his staff that the information they shared with the people of Ngaraard will remain with them long after the Vice President and his staff return to Koror.

Airai - July 17, 2006

Around 60 Airai community members came out to attend Vice President Elias Camsek Chin's Town Hall Meeting. Governor Vicky Kanai and members of Airai's legislature were among the citizens who came out to the Ked Community Center. Governor Kanai opened the meeting with a few remarks, then handed it over to the Vice President and his staff. The Vice President congratulated the people of Airai for winning first place in the Olechotel Belau Fair. He also acknowledged Governor Kanai for all the things she has accomplished since taking office a few months ago. The Vice President then told the people about various programs and projects, and mentioned several recurring issues that he has faced during his Vice Presidency. One issue mentioned was the lack of manpower to provide security for the country, especially during large-scale events such as disasters or when hosting things such as conferences or sporting events. He asked the State if it could provide people to be trained as a reserve force to be used during such events. The Vice President went on to mention several services that his office and Ministry could bring to the people, such as having Bureau of Public Safety personnel travel to Airai to conduct vehicle registration and administer driving tests. He also mentioned other services that can be taken care of over the phone, instead of having people drive all the way to Koror. Applying for burning permits and filling out housing grant applications can be done by fax and phone through the Vice President's office or the Ministry of Justice. The people were very receptive to the fact that services could be brought to them instead of having to go out to seek these services in Koror. Overall, the meeting was a success. The Vice President shared vital information with the people, the people had their questions answered, and everyone left the meeting with a feeling of satisfaction.

Aimeliik - July 5, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin held his 7th Town Hall Meeting of the year in Aimeliik State. Governor Demei Obak and around 30 community members came out to attend the meeting. After the Vice President gave an overview of all the programs under his office and the Ministry, he opened the floor for questions and answers. One person asked about burning and whether a permit from EQPB was necessary just for burning a small pile of trash. The person said it was very difficult to drive all the way to Koror to get a permit and drive back to Aimeliik, just to burn a small pile of trash. With gas prices so high, it's hard for people to make trips between Aimeliik and Koror. Ben Baulechong, Chief of Fire and Rescue, said that the Bureau of Public Safety has to enforce the EQPB regulations, and charge people burning without permits $100.00. He also said that there is no fee for the burning permits.

Another concern raised was about the Subelek Farm. Citizens wanted to know things like whether there was 24-hour security there, who decides which prisoners get to go there, and what the benefit of the farm is to the country and to Aimeliik State. The Vice President responded by informing the people that there is in fact 24-hour security at the farm. The prisoners who go to the farm are thoroughly screened by the Corrections Division and personally approved of by the Vice President. Before the Subelek Farm was established, many prisoners were ill and had to go to the hospital because of malnutrition. Now that the farm provides healthy and nutritious food for the prisoners, malnutrition is no longer an issue. This saves the country money on food and hospital expenses for the prisoners. Aimeliik State also benefits from the food provided by the farm. In the past when there was not enough food for the elementary school, the farm donated food to the cafeteria. Aimeliik State can also utilize the labor provided by the prisoners, similar to what Ngatpang State does. So overall, the Subelek Farm is a safe and beneficial project that rehabilitates prisoners back into society.

Many other issues were discussed, and at the end of the night the people seemed content with the information they received. The people thanked the Vice President and his team for coming out and sharing useful information with them. The Vice President said that it was his duty to bring services to the people.

Melekeok - June 22, 2006

Last Thursday members of the Melekeok community came out to the Old Age Center to attend Vice President Elias Camsek Chin's Town Hall Meeting. High Chief Reklai, Governor Lazarus Kodep, and Legislature Speaker Danny Ongelungel were joined by about 30 other Melekeok citizens at the meeting. The Vice President gave the overview of all the divisions under his Ministry and Office. One of the concerns raised was the fact that many people including foreigners come to surf in Melekeok and are in danger of drowning or hurting themselves on the reef, especially when the waters are rough. The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) said that surfers would be included in the small craft advisory warnings. Another concern was the frequency of minors attending house parties at bars and not having anyone to control alcohol consumption. A comment was made that everyone should have ID cards and there should be bouncers at every bar to control minors from getting in. After about an hour of questions and answers, Governor Kodep thanked the Vice President and his staff for coming out to share information with the Melekeok community. The Governor invited the Vice President to return to Melekeok soon to have another meeting and share more information.

Ngatpang - June 20, 2006

Last Tuesday Vice President Elias Camsek Chin visited Ngatpang State to conduct his 5th Town Hall Meeting of the year. Around 30 community members, along with Rubeang Hiromi Nabeyama, Rebelkuul Felix Osilek, Rechiuang Demei Otobed, and Executive Officer Cesca Otong, came out to the State Building to meet with the Vice President and his staff. Representatives from the Labor Division joined chiefs and directors from the Ministry of Justice and the Vice President's Office to inform the citizens of Ngatpang about various programs and projects and to answer questions posed by the public. The Vice President talked about his Omengull ma Okurulel a Klechad (Double OK) Program. Under the Double OK Program fall the Law Enforcement Explorers Program (LEEP), the Subelek Farm Program, the Tree Planting Program, The Big Brother/Big Sister Program, and the Mousubes Fishing Vessel Program. The people of Ngatpang expressed their gratitude for the work that the prisoners have done to help the community with various projects. Ngatpang utilizes the prisoners who are staying at the Subelek Farm to help with things such as clearing land for the community center and building the rock wall around the cemetery. The people of Ngatpang were also grateful for all the information that was shared and invited the Vice President and his crew to come back to Ngatpang so that the community members could discuss more things that they didn't have time to cover.

Ngeremlengui - May 25, 2006

On May 25, Vice President Elias Camsek Chin conducted his 4th Town Hall Meeting of the Year in Ngeremlengui State. Over 70 people came out to the Old Age Center to attend the meeting. Governor John Skebong opened the meeting by welcoming the Vice President, his staff, and all the members of the community who came out. Governor Skebong gave an overview of several ongoing projects in Ngeremlengui, including the noni and shochu processing plants. He voiced his concern for the damage caused by the Compact Road work on several natural resources like the Yamato River and the Wonderpool. He also made apparent his frustration regarding the slow process for obtaining permits through EQPB. He asked for the Vice President's cooperation on these particular issues. Following the Governor's remarks, each division presented a short overview of various ongoing programs and projects. During the question/answer section of the program, one person asked what the fine was for burning. The Division of Fire and Rescue chief replied that if a person is caught burning without a permit, he/she will be fined $100.00. Other questions were raised about tourist visas, foreign workers' contracts, penalties for growing marijuana plants, and protected birds and marine animals. After all questions were answered, Vice Speaker of the Ngeremlengui Legislature closed the meeting by thanking the panel for all the information shared. The Vice President assured the people that he would work with the Governor on all the issues that were brought up. He also thanked the people for coming out and preparing a delightful feast.

Ngardmau - May 19, 2006

On May 19, Vice President Elias Camsek Chin visited Ngardmau State to conduct his third town hall meeting of the year. The Vice President met with the community at the Ngardmau State Bai. He brought with him members of the different divisions under the Ministry of Justice and the Vice President's office. Each division head gave a brief overview of ongoing programs and projects. Several citizens had questions about the changes to the Marine Protection Act. The representative from the Division of Fish and Wildlife explained that because it is illegal to possess napoleon wrasse and humphead parrotfish, even having those particular fish in your ice box from many months ago will result in a fine. The representative also explained that it is better to throw away an accidentally-caught illegal fish than to have to pay a $250 fine. Other questions related to immigration, labor, and public safety were also answered. Acting Governor Demei Obakrairur thanked the Vice President and his staff for traveling all the way to Ngardmau to promote understanding of public safety and justice programs.

Kayangel - March 10, 2006

Vice President Elias Camsek Chin conducted his second Community Town Hall Meeting in Kayangel last Friday. Staff members from the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Justice were happy to be accompanied by representatives from the Division of Labor and the Palau Red Cross Society, including a special guest from the Japan Red Cross. The Vice President opened the meeting with introductions and the program overview. He went on to discuss the various ongoing programs under the Ministry of Justice and the Vice President's office. He mentioned the LEEP program, the Double OK program, and the tree planting program. One man commented that Kayangel can help out with the tree planting program by donating coconuts and banana trees. After the NEMO briefing and the Immigration overview, people were allowed to ask questions. Questions ranged from erosion issues to water and fire safety concerns. All the attendees were quite satisfied and expressed their gratitude for the visit. Afterwards, everyone indulged in a buffet of delicious fresh local food.

Ngarchelong - March 3, 2006

On Friday, March 3, the first meeting of the year came to order in Ngarchelong State. Division chiefs under the Ministry of Justice and representatives from the Office of the Vice President answered questions and shared information with the community. The meeting was also fortunate enough to include representatives from the Palau Housing Authority who informed the public about the many programs offered to those in need. During the question and answer section of the program, people posed a variety of questions related to topics such as immigration policies and public safety procedures. The meeting attendees were satisfied with the information they received and expressed their gratitude to all those who participated.