HR 2705: Palau to regain access to U.S taped programming

...the legislation reinstates FAS’ access to the transmission of videotaped programming, which those islands previously had access to under trust territory status... and also allows for the creation of a trust fund to assist the Government of Palau in maintaining the recently completed Palau-Compact Road.

Comments

[islander]

Hip-Hip Hoooray... Only worry is who has control over the use of the funds from this trust fund? The President? The OEK? or the Good'ol US of A?

I believe that the US should audit the administeration of this Compact Road Maintenance Fund very closely.

OEK/PDB/MoF/Treasury please ensure that this trust fund is used for the purpose of maintenance of the Compact Road rather than another source for creative accounting like that of Pension Fund & PSB horror...

Mesulang.

[Nanci]

I agree with Islander. Too many people have stolen from Palau citizens and misused funds from US grants and entitlements. Now the US has to watch over Palau and government like a babysitter. Too bad a few spoil the Palau independence. But that's what happens. It's better to have the US watching over Palau than watch a country like Palau fold because a few in the government are being greedy. How much was the Capitol building? And how much to improve the road in Koror? Palau needs to balance their priorities and work on improving PALAU and the living conditions for the palauan people. Improve hospitals and roads and education, not line the pockets of politicians which outrageous expenses

[ngaraardian]

"HR 2705: Palau to regain access to U.S taped programming."

Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Cruised by to say hello to everyone and to see what's new. Anyways, this particular thread caught my eye.

If you go to PACIFICMAGAZINE.NET

http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/11/14/us-house-passes-compacts-of-free-association-amendments-act-of-2007 Here's what it says:
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A ) ..." Most notably, H.R. 2705 would make the U.S. Agency for International Development the lead federal agency in providing future disaster-related assistance to the RMI and FSM."
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The above statement means "ROP" is not included. The Question is why? If you read further down the article, here's where you'll find ROP playing a roll in H.R. 2705
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B ) "Lastly, H.R. 2705 would extend the Republic of Palau’s eligibility to participate in U.S. educational programs through the year 2009 and also allows for the creation of a trust fund to assist the Government of Palau in maintaining the recently completed Palau-Compact Road."

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Here's my assessment before i go, why is the ROP not included in "statement A" ? let me hear from you.

Till then,

[markus]

ngaraardian,

The disaster related issue is to simply shift and clarify that RMI and FSM in not under FEMA and all related agencies. In terms of Palau, Since our compact is up for 'renewal',any new spending and/or programs will be handled at the negotiation process.

Notice the proposed road maintenance assistance,Trust fund simply means the US have no faith in our leadership.
Creation of a trust fund will assure the US govt that the allocated fund will truly be spent maintaining the road and not for 'other purposes'.

In my opinion,we as palauans should expect more US control upon approval of any new funding in 2009. It'll be interesting to see our President getting approval's from DOI before submitting any new budget requests.
We shouldn't assume we're different than our FSM neighbours.

I'm reminded of a not so famous quote by Sec Kissinger during the time when we were all under the TT govt.He yelled to his colleagues " There's only 90,000 of them, Who the hell cares?"

[ngaraardian]

Markus,

Thanks for your input. I'd sure appreciate it.

Now how about those who work for the ROP, could you share some more light into this topic if you may?

Markus, once again, thanks for your contribution.

[Ngerel Belau]

15 November 2007

Guam- Senator Alan Seid delcared he is running for president in 2008 presidential elecctions.

Info from a Guam-based reliable source.

NB

[Vote Johnson Toribiong aka "The People's Turn"]

Sied for President? Ha ha ha - we'll be turned into Israel's donkey.

No thanks - Vote Johnson, he's the most qualified. Chin is a lame duck taiwanese mouthpiece whose US Navy training has only taught him how to bend over... see he does it so well with TR and with Taiwan...

[FearDThruth]

Seid... The man who started PMAir... Which didn't last a year? Business assessments? I think not. The same person who pledged allegiance to Israel! I think not! The person that had beaten up two Palauan citizen... Not to mention a 5th grader. I think not!

I am sorry but the trail of records that Seid left in the past disqualifies him. If we were to think of our government as a business, businessman Alan Seid will sure bankcrupt it. So not to Alan Seid.

What are JT's major accomplishments? What has he accomplished for the betterment of our country? I have yet to hear from his supporters. I say yes to Camsek Chin. I would rather here that JT is the real lame duck who will be easily overshadowed by China.

And what Senator Kissinger said back in the days of the TT is true. Why should the US care much about our 15000 Palauan population. Over time the US has spent a lot of Dollars for us... a currency that is backed by think air... Not just because they were the liberators. Come on, we all know that its Imperialism on the US part. Why do you think they build their military bases around the world? New World Order isn't it. Palau is a strategic location for the US as is Guam. And whether we are ready to acknowledge that or not... The US is investing in Palau and will one day (if the Neo Cons of The Hill) succeed with their broad agenda... They will be running the government of Palau and will be driving down the compact road. No wonder why our Oil ventures were put to a complete hold by our leader TR. Now that is something that I applaud TR for doing.

[Nanci]

THE ROP should have assistance and BE prepared in the event of a disaster, namely Tsunami. AND new roads. Please Please monitor your politicians and pay attention Make sure the money received is placed towards the efforts of protecting the citizens of Palau and developing your roads. Let Palau come first and NOT the politicians pockets. Thank God there are those in Palau paying attention and demanding the politicians and Senators answer for the money received from US. If they don't the funds will stop one day and Palau citizens will say "Hey what happened?"

[DS]

Hey Fear

I finally can find some agreement with what you say except for your comment on NeoCons. Still, there is some common ground between us. I got a question for you. If Seid knows that he cannot win the presidency (or is his ego so biiig to believe he can) hehehehe, what is his real motivation to run? To me, win or lose, he must see a payoff in his pursuit of the presidency at the same time throwing a political wrench into the candidacies of JT, VP, SURANGEL. I don't know Fear, what do you think?

[FearDTruth]

Nanci... Have you looked at your country's government... Its a mess... Clean it up...

[Nanci]

Dear Fear D Truth: How can you compare the US of A to Palau? We have government agencies in place specifically designed to investigate and prosecute corruption in BANKS (learning that one first hand right now with the Bank of Hawaii) Tax payers, government officials, police and sheriff's and YES, politicians. It would be nice of our GOVERNMENT help to monitor Palau government I think with all the politicians in Palau with their hands out and a "gimme" attitude you need this. Money for Roads in palau and education for Palau .........NOT lazy greedy politicians. Good luck

[FearDTruth]

The inflation of the USA is an example of the corruption of the USA. Michael Rumsfield... Dick Cheney... Tom Delay... Mike Foley... Sen Craig... Most of your politicians in the hill are taking money and donations from the various lobbyists and interest groups. The poverty of the USA is another example. The War for Oil in Iraq in the name of Terrorism is another example. Condolleza Rice is another corrupted leader as well. The Federal Reserve is another example. The CIA... Blowbacks from the USA support of the Saddams regime back in 1991 is another example. Two steel buildings that fell on itself on the basis of the Pancake theory is another reason... In the recorded history... The only time when buldings were burned to the ground was in 9/11. The building 7 of the WTC that went down at 5:29 pm... The estate owner who was awarded 5 Billion dollars from the Insurance company. So... Greediness is a mankinds flaw... And is not limited to the leaders of Palau. The USA is the prime example. Imperialism! Printing money out of thin air is the prime reason why the Dollar has been plunging to the bottom. $1 = .47 pence on the money market. The Federal Government is printing money out of thin air to support the War for Oil... Who benefits? The armor equipments and the oil company... Halliburton... Yep, CEO was Dick Cheney. How do you justify privatizing Iraq's oil for the interest of USA? Fact of the matter is... The corrupt money hungry politicians and businessmens of the USA imposed the sanctions on Iraq, a Sovereign Nation, they thought it would work to their interest. It didn't! Come to think of it... Wasn't the worthless dollar in crisis when the oil nations of the world gathered and proclaimed the Euro as the currency choice for oil trading. So who in this entire world is the most corrupt and greedy... Nanci, put on your eyeglasses and point to The Hill... That is where all the Greediness overshadow the world. Better yet... Why don't you start working on your country. When you finish fixing up your sinking ship... Then we'll gladly hear your concerns regarding our boat. So no... Throw your luck right back you... You'll need it more than I do!

[Nanci]

Bashing the US of A? Not very courteous to a country who essentially supports Palau do you think? Make sure the money from US goes to help the citizens of palau and your roads and not line the pockets of politicians who sit on their butts scheming ways to make more money on the backs of other palauans Watch out for your backyard I would suggest

[FearDTruth]

Nanci... I see why you are not welcomed here... Bashing? I think not! Its purely stating facts. If you think that what I have stated is the USA then you are truly ignorant. How dare you speak negative of Palau... And expect NO ONE to point out the flaws of your country. Look in the mirror! Take your own advice on your own country. You are such a powerless ignorant woman. Sorry lady, but I for one will not let YOU judge Palau when you haven't turned to look at your own country. Do your homework while we do ours. Once again... Luck be with you... You will need it more than I do... What a smut!

[DS]

Fear say it is'nt so. Leave ole Nanci Mcbrainy alone to her own devices. But really now, "pancake theory" ? Have you taken the side of the american nut jobs? Come now, let's stick to palauan issues and stop delving into the affairs and machinations of the extreme wing of america's democratic party. This is the reason that I have been telling you to fear yourself. Surely, you have not gone over the edge into the side of unfounded american leftist conspiracy theories. I bet you're probably a fan of Ward Churchill's propaganda. Listen Fear, he is not even an American Indian but has been implying that he is one all these years shielded in the lofty perches of academia. In other words, he has been living a lie so how can we believe anything else that comes out of his mouth. Since you are my palauan breathren, I sincerely hope that you can change while your mind is still unlocked and the arsenal of your comments are still filled with heresay. In all honesty, you must make this change soon because your beginning to sound a lot like Raskolnikov. Call me a crusader if you like but I feel that I am only extending my hand to you through my words so that you can take the next step to another line of thought. This will a rebirth of sorts for you. You will see a difference in information utilization. And, through a reinvigorated mental process, you will begin to negate what you currently hold to be your borrowed truisms. Let me know if I can be of more help. Take care buddy.

[Uncle Sam]

Attention all island idiots! The United States has floated this place for decades..and guess what? Surprise! They don't want to do it anymore. There will be no military base here. If the US wanted one here they would have built it years ago. Guam suits the US just fine and...it is the US! Talk about corruption? Yes, all governments have corrupt politicians but this speck in the ocean tops the per capita dirtball factor. Hey, Fear D Truth...what happens to your floating empire when the US decides to pull funding? Sell betelnut to kids? Beat up Filipinos for fun? Act like you are the greatest race of islanders that ever graced the Pacific? Look in the mirror and show me what Palau has done for the world...ever. Nobel Laureates? None. Famous authors? None. Storyboards are Japanese my friend. What does Palau do for the world? Pray for America to continue burning fossil fuels so sea levels rise and you have to beg for a raft when your hamlet begins to meet the sea. Environmentalist country? Please. TR - Time's green guy of the year? Please. Kill more turtles for fun. Take more than you need from the sea for customs and toss the rest. Enjoy diabetes, obesity and a mortality rate that rivals Bangladesh. Tell me what Palau has done for the world? When the US leaves, and the Filipinos leave, and the Bangladeshis leave...look around. Who's going to cut your welfare check? Next time you decide to blast the country that keeps your ass in the black, think about how the Japanese treated your ancestors. Palau deserves to reap what it has sown. Enjoy your Compact Road...drive around and look at all the incredible economic developments. None? Why that is because Palau wants somebody else to do it for them. Countries don't DEVELOP while you sit back and watch. Get off your butt and fix your own country and don't expect others to pay for it. Welfare bum. Stop bitching...fire the politicians and get vocal about it and not on a BLOG that nobody sees because most Palauans can't afford internet...write a letter to the papers, call your representatives, and get involved. Man, this place sucks. Too bad the HMS Antelope hit that reef. Too bad the crew didn't have smallpox.

Angry yet? Fix yourself.

Love,
Your dear Uncle Sam

P.S. - Don't ask for a Christmas Gift

[Uchelmelis]

Uncle Sam;

You invited yourself in. We never asked you to come. Feel free to leave.

[FearDThruth]

DS... Its seems like you mutate into various bloggers each different days. Sounding very similar to an encounter from weeks ago. That being said... Ciao!

[Chad]

How the $&%^ hell did you find your way in here Uncle Sam? Take the same route out if you spit venom...this the 21st century!

ngaraardian,
why do you think the US don't trust us guarding the trust fund? If I'm not mistaken, ROP president did mentioned at one time in his (predetermined) wednesday interview that ROP has the best track/record in Micronesia in terms of handling funds from the US, including the compact funds.

[Chad]

Sorry ngaraardian..
my question is meant for Markus...

[Nanci]

Uncle Sam? You were a bit harsh I think. Palau is a beautiful country and many many good Christian people are doing their best to make a living and improve Palau Please don't allow a few politicians and bankers to spoil the whole bnch. I happen to know a film company who are making plans to shoot in Palau this spring and in conversation I couldn't say enough about the beauty and kind people of Palau. Yes, it is good for people to pay attention but throw the baby out with the bath water. There is still hope for Palau as a nation. Just pay attention and make your politicians answer for missing money and money NOT spent on the nation of Palau.

[islander]

As a Palauan I hate to admit it, but you were right on the bulleye Uncle Sam - could not have put it better myself!!! instead of appreciating the 450 million dollars of generosity that came from Uncle Sam and taking the compact fund to be used for the purpose it was intended, we squandered it away. I can't believe the audacity of our leaders who now bitch about why Uncle Sam does not want to throw more good money after bad...

Chad, Rememgesau said we have the best record in Micronesia? Is that what you take pride in? We still top the amount in dollar value mismanaged and/or missing! Where did the President get that statistic from, oh yeah he pulled it out of his ass like all his other lies... The truth is that the TR Administration are the most organised bullshiters in in Micronesia... hence if we have the best record in Micronesia, that would be the reason why!!!

We need to do something and begging for grants is not going to fix things for the long term, especially when our leaders do not know the first thing about creating a climate for stable sustainable economy other than the noddy microeconomy of getting personally rich.

I urge my fellow brother and sister Palauans to stop getting upset at Uncle Sam and start pointing the finger at the true devils - the "KN & TR Group Holdings Limited". We need to clean up our act before we can even think about asking for grants/handouts - nobody is going give us any significant money just to see corruption squander it away only to see us retunr begging for more -

We are to blame for not having the will to stamp out corruption no matter how high up the Government ladder corruption is going on. No we Palauans just forget and forgive KN/TR and shrug it off as a Palauan "custom" or "way of life" (EMELK's take on it). The fact is some Palauans have relatives in Government and can't afford for their bread winner to be in jail and silently support corruption because it still pays the bills...

[islander]

Hey DS,

Re: Your Posting on 17 November at 4:41am.

Before I address your questions, I would like to place this thought on this forum - Palau has always had limited tourism even from the days of President Etpison.

Let me ask you, in real terms, what has those limited number of tourists done for Palau's economy?

The answer is NOTHING much! After nearly two decades of independence, I still see my brother and sister Palauans poor and it is the same rich cronies of the KN and TR administration who have monopolies that control all businesses in Palau!

Studies and reports produced by world respected international agencies have all recommended Palau reform its FIB Act to enable business and its tourist industry to expand. NOT ONE OF THOSE REPORTS HAS EVER RECOMMENDED THAT PALAU KEEP ITS TOURIST NUMBERS SMALL AND TO KEEP CURRENT MONOPOLIES GOING FOR THE FEW RICH PALAUANS!

DS, if not for the charity Palau receives from Japan, USA and Taiwan - we Palauans would still be living in huts and paddling around in canoes. Backpacker tourists would come and say “hey, look how quaint, the natives are so backward!” is that what you aspire for our people?

Destinations that attract limited tourists simply attract those tourists that have already been everywhere else and just want to visit somewhere different – usually some out of the way and under developed neck of the woods. Then they don’t stay more than a couple days as they cannot wait to leave as there is nothing much to do. Currently in Palau, tourists just dive and fish – that’s it"!

DS, for your information, in Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles, Phuket, Bali, Redang and Simpadan there are far better fishing, better dive facilities, better rescue services, better medical standards, better hotels, easier airline and sea cruise access and more entertainment & activities for tourist to have for better all-round vacation experience that that offered in Palau today. That’s the reason why the tourist numbers are not growing and very few visitors are even coming back to Palau. Currently, tourist numbers of approximately 80,000 annually that currently visit Palau equates to about 15% hotel room occupancy annually. This means most hotels in Palau are barely making a profit. DS, do you open your eyes when you drive around Koror? Do you not see that most restaurants and hotels are empty? The only business that survive are the karaoke & girly bars – is the image of Palau that you want? DS, the category of tourists that you aspire to attract never spend much money locally because there is hardly anything in Palau that they want. Furthermore, these tourists usually pay for their hotel rooms and food to the tour agent abroad. Palau gets meager scraps.

DS, at best they may buy one or two tee-shirts each! The economy does not prosper as earnings are insignificant!

Tourists that come to a proper resort as proposed by UKIHL with a multitude of activities, events and world class attractions such as casinos, golfing, yachting, haut-couture shopping and gourmet dining, come with money to spend locally. Now, that’s the category of tourists that Palau professes it desires! If this is the case then Palau must have the NC Resort development otherwise it is just the usual island beetle nut dream.

Now to address your questions:-

You highlighted about UKIHL and Governor JN giving power point presentations to the people of Palau. Well, DS, what does this tell you about JN and UKIHL? You try to make the presentation appear as if they are one-sided.

But my dear DS, I tell you what their presentation tells me. It tells me that these people (JN & UKIHL) respect and care enough about the people of Peleliu to make an effort to keep the people of Peleliu informed! They did not go around slyly bribing politicians (the usual process by other so-called investors) the likes of TR/KN/TS (and others) that have the influence to support the project. Is this (them not bribing) why they are now so unpopular with the current administration and with you?

DS, when they were first in Palau they were invited and promised (by TR and TS) FULL government cooperation. Their Chairman was even appointed as Special Advisor to the President. But when there was no money being passed on, support quickly died off. No surprise, eh? Instead, the TR administration tried to make a case against Governor Ngiraingas for receiving bribes from UKIHL. How absurd! Why would an investor bribe a State Governor who has no influence and nothing to give the investor when its Chairman was already Special Advisor to the President himself, who is in the position to assist the investor achieve all that it wants, especially when the President is reputed as a $50,000 man and TS the $30,000.00 man! Under the circumstances bribing governor for over a million as canvassed by the SP does not make sense when TR & TS can together be bought for less than $100,000.00 – DS would you not agree with my analysis?

DS, are you aware that today UKHIL is more popular than ever with the ordinary people of Palau. The proof is that more people and clans are offering them land for joint ventures.

DS, I ask you, was there anything wrong with JN making a presentation to the people of Peleliu? I say that there was nothing covert in what they did. Was not the Governor doing his job (an honest job) or maybe you prefer lies like what has been coming out of TR?

DS, I know that they (the investor) even hired local attorneys, applied for FIAC, prepared an EA Report, carried out aerial surveys of Peleliu, prepared proper architectural plans, carried out topographic and land surveys, conducted soil investigations, made proper legitimate agreements with the land owners and even registered their lease agreements with the Palau Land Courts. These investors invested time and money in Palau. They did all the right things as is required by our law. Yet it is curious why the TR and his people withdrew their support – why? Still waiting for a handout that did not come, eh!?!?!?!

Next, you state that the presentation only highlighted the good points while totally ignoring tough questions: How do you know this? Were you at the presentation? If you were, did you ask the 'relevant tough questions'? I think not - I was there at the power point presentation and I heard all the hard questions being asked - by Senator Dengokl and by the ‘Pier’ Italian that married our ex-VP as well as by various Peleliu clan members. Many people asked many questions before leasing their land. Therefore, all questions were satisfactorily answered. Of, course there is always the few that berate any project as is the custom in Palau (and you are one of these sorts of people – never happy with anything anybody ELSE says or does!). The fact is, the clans leased their lands and that means that they are satisfied, happy and content – so you should respect their wishes!!!!

Now to address your specific questions (that HAD you been present at the presentation you would know about): -

YOUR QUESTIONS:-

(1) Where will the workers come from? – Palauan citizens will be given first preference at all level of workforce required. If there are no Palauans to take the job then (as usual) foreigners will be employed – this is the law.

(2) Where will the foreign workers stay? – The NC proposal provides for dedicated dwellings on Peleliu to be constructed for foreign workers. (DS, are you jealous about this – did you want a free place for yourself?).

(3) Will the numbers of foreign workers overwhelm the scarce resources of the community? Obviously not! THOUSANDS of Americans and the Japanese troops stayed on Peleliu for many years before and during World War II without depleting so-called ‘scarce resources’ – do you not know your history? Troops are notorious for depleting just about everything but Peleliu is still there. AND, if you do not remember – Peleliu (and its seas) were very heavily bombed to the extent that not even a single tree was left standing! So - the answer is obviously ‘NO’!

For the information of those who did not attend the presentation and did not hear anything because their minds were elsewhere (on beetle nut and with ears clogged with wax):-

The NC plan provides for every home to have its own septic tank to process wet sewage. All homes constructed will have their own 50,000 gallon water storage tanks with filtration system. The accommodation for foreign workers (and in fact for the whole development) will all have new generators for power supply. – The company HAS considered that Peleliu does not have the capacity to supply the development with existing ad-hoc utilities as are begrudgingly supplied by the RoP!

To be more environmentally friendly (than our own government is) they are also proposing to use cleaner fuel in the form of LPG and utilize solar instead of using petrol and diesel for power as is now the case in Palau.

Their designs show that no oil, detergent or anything non-biodegradable will enter the sub-soil or sea. They have even provided for filtering any material being put down the kitchen sink. (this is not done anywhere else in the world today!!!)

Dry garbage that is degradable will be processed and be used for land fill ABROAD unless earth fill is locally required. In other words everything non-biodegradable will be shipped out for recycling. In case you are wondering what will be used for land-fill it will be stuff such as leaves collected, shredded paper that will become mulch – which is plant-feed for any of you ignorants such as DS).

There will be no pollution and/or any adverse effect on the environment and more than likely the land will be enhanced so instead of there being the stupidly feared ‘overwhelming demand on Palau's resources’ there will be benefits to Palau’s resources.

DS, are you not aware that Palau has governmental agencies whose mandate is to scrutinize development to prevent pollution and destruction of natural, historical and religious artifacts and resources - the EQPB – why have such Agencies if you are going to be the sole decision maker (as you clearly want to be)? If you want to be Mr. Decision – then stop barking and run for President!

DS, are you aware that the President did give his full support to Shimao Corporation for quite a long time. TR’s support speaks volumes does it not? Do you think that the Palauan people do not know why TR supported Shimao - ( Hey man! we all know that TR and his cronies were ‘wined and dined’ by Shimao Corporation– the SAME thing the Special Persecutor (not Prosecutor) is trying to charge JN for. Why has the SP not investigated TR for being ‘wined & dined’? Why have you not made issue of this? Do you support corruption in high places?

DS, it is Shimao (not UKIHL) who demanded for EQPB to be waivered, FIAC to be waivered and asked the GoP to provide infrastructure and grant them tax waivers as well (none of these were asked by UKIHL) – this makes you wonder why TR supports Shimao rather than UKIHL, does it not? – and it makes me wonder about YOU “DS”!

Why are you so opposed to the NC project when there is the possibility that the project will bring good effects and revenue, jobs and business opportunities for Palau citizens – what do you have to offer that is better? Nothing but spiteful jibes and jealousy!

(4) You claim that there will be a great deal of earth movement. Ha, ha ha – what about the earth movement from construction of the Compact Road – did you object to the Compact Road being built! No of course not! Hypocrite! We were all for that one! Did you object to the airport being built? Did you object to the various ports and docks being built? Did you object to the many dredging project that is going on all over Palau? Not likely!

DS, your stupid questions and objections to the NC Project shows me that you are NOT from Peleliu – you know NOTHING about soil conditions in Peleliu. Sooooo, let me inform you AGAIN! Peleliu is NOT Babeldaob, Koror or Malakal. Peleliu does not have red clay soil and there are no land slips in Peleliu. Peleliu has limestone soil so leaching will not be a factor! End of story! Do your research before spitting useless poison.

DS, perhaps you are not aware but Peleliu is mostly flat in terrain and this means no cutting required!

Unlike Palau and Koror, construction methods in other countries have moved on. There are so many new technologies that make construction require little or no excavation. I was advised that most of the construction for the NC will be pre-cast and pre-fabricated. This means no heavy digging and no earth being moved or dumped into the sea as you so stupidly claim will happen. You are so silly that you sound like the person always crying that the sky will fall down if one does anything new or different. You are so uncomfortable with change that you remain lost in your own world of doom!

Furthermore, the developers of the proposed NC project have in their planning even made conscious effort to preserve all mangroves, set aside land for parks, identified taro patches, historical and religious sites so that the sites are not tampered with. More than what some of us do!

(5) Dust? Ha ha ha….there is dust everywhere even in your own bathroom if you care to look!

The NC project is far from the local Peleliu residential area and UKIHL intends to leave much of the natural vegetation untouched – so the fear of dust is unjustified. Does not God provide you with nose hair to filter dust? I think you will have enough nose hair left no matter how old you are to filter dust from Peleliu even if the wind blows towards Koror! BTW, older people have more nose hair – so no worries my man! By the time construction starts you will have more nose hair!

DS, you are really scraping the very BOTTOM of the barrel with your arguments. Since your questions are so hilariously stupid, I could not help giving you a little of your own medicine – Ha, ha, ha!

God has also given Peleliu a site far away from Palau’s main population (I wonder why!) and many trees have sprung up after the bombing so existing vegetation and trees will shield the population from the dust storm you predict! Your dust storm is a storm in the teacup! Maybe you should look at the dust your own car makes when you drive it and even tire dust – perhaps you should stop driving altogether, this will stop your contribution to pollution and you will also save on gasoline bills too.

(6) Unexploded ordinance (if any). Are you afraid that JN will be sending you to do checks on unexploded ordinances? Are you the ‘scared-cat’ that sees himself being blown up? If you are so scared of foreign investment you should be happy that there may be bombs – maybe there will be less foreigners then?????? Ho Ho Ho!

I am sure, with the whole world knowing about Peleliu being at the centre of the battle for Palau, the planners have given due consideration to this – and if they have not, then what is our EQPB for? All this will be taken care of by experts that will be employed long before any construction begins. So please do not worry your pea brain with this issue unless you are a bomb expert who is trying to get a job!

DS, NC is way above any plan and concerns than you can EVER imagine with your small frightened brain.

You tout that you are soooo ‘aware’, but you do not even know that UKIHL have already planned for:-

1. A hospital for Peleliu with facilities for the locals as well as tourist who visit Peleliu. Do you think just building hotels is good enough to attract top-end tourists? What do they do when they get injured or sick? Die while sitting on the 1 hour boat trip back to Koror?

2. Emergency rescue services and evacuation service by helicopter, boat and sea-planes has also been planned for – something that the TR/KN administration has not even provided Palau with. When someone dies from lack of these services, TR just says sorry and pleads for forgiveness with crocodile tears in his eyes! Loss of life due to neglect and lack of facilities seems to be of little consequence to this Palau administration (otherwise something positive would be done long ago) but these foreigners (UKIHL) who you propaganda as ‘evil and land grabbing’ are the only company that care enough to have planned for such services! Maybe foreigners care more about us than our government care (or don’t care is a more appropriate statement) for our own citizens!

3. Proper security for Peleliu has also been planned and outlined in the NC project proposal submitted long ago to the national government; however, this needs the cooperation with the National Government – if it is ever forthcoming!

4. An International airport and scheduled airline services. This has also been planned for. The foreign support is to come from Malaysia and once again, this will require cooperation with the National Government. Direct world-wide scheduled airline services is the ONLY way Palau will get significant numbers of tourist to visit Palau thereby generating worthwhile tax revenue to benefit the people and government of Palau. Small time development that you suggest will fail… as is proven by the number of airline services that have failed miserably!

5. Strategies to address any fears (perceived or otherwise) that citizens may have about gaming adversely affecting local lives have long ago already been included in their planning. For details, DS, why do you not talk to Governor Ngiraingas – study the NC proposal! Then talk!

6. A training institution and education assistance programs will provide training for local Palauans who desire to work in NC has also been detailed in the proposals.

7. Joint venture plans to include local business people who want to supply material, services and food to the NC resort is also on the table. DS, who and/or which government even or which private enterprise has gone this far before in their planning? Certainly not our government!

8. The NC project sets aside a percentage of profits for good causes - i.e. grants for scholarships for the youth of Palau. Grants for the aged. Grants to upgrade the hospital in Koror. Grants to upgrade the facilities of the State Government of Peleliu. Grants to top-up Palau’s social security. The same social security that lost a packet in the PSB! Grants to build churches in Peleliu. These are but a few examples of how NC will directly benefit the People of Palau – even those people who are not clan members of Peleliu. Tell me DS – who else has bothered to make such a comprehensive proposal before? You scoff and ridicule but what have you done for your country to improve it? You just want it to remain small and insignificant! I want it to be somewhere where the people have opportunity to be happy and prosperous.

9. Even a bank in Peleliu is planned for so that local people as well as foreigners can borrow to purchase developed properties in Peleliu and for local businesses to start up.

DS, perhaps NOW you will understand why Governor Ngiraingas supports NC?

But I think not – I believe you are the ‘Donkey Shit’ who will continue to stubbornly deny the truth and deny support for NC because you have not been fed a carrot. Maybe DS also stands for Deny Support as some senators in Palau enjoy doing for anything someone else supports??

Governor Ngiraingas supports NC based on merit, not for personal support as you suggest otherwise where are the corruption benefits you keep on pretending exist? I see many corrupt benefits in Palau owned by those you support and who do not support NC.

So stop your hollow shouting. The developers of NC have considered and covered every single aspect to ensure that the project is viable and at the same it ensures the well being of Palau and its people, far more than you could have ever imagined or demanded.

DS, give credit to Governor Ngiraingas for carrying out his own due diligence on claims made by UKIHL and is satisfied about Malaysia being prepared to provide scheduled air services to Peleliu. He has met the Prime Minister and other Ministers and even the King!

DS, you and your kind propose rejection and stand in the way for Peleliu obtain such an opportunity? Are you mad? Your facetious remarks and unrealistic suggestions for small development are like pissing in the wind of change. Change is the one true certainty in life – so stop being afraid of the inevitable. If you are so unhappy and want everything small – find a small rock island and retire there – become a hermit.

Have you heard of the saying “do not look a gift horse in the mouth” – this opportunity may not come around again. All you unbelievers should be ashamed that you are not supporting JN to secure foreign investment. NC is the ONLY project that has the ability to earn sufficient revenue in taxes to enable our country to become economically self-reliant – something that KN/TR has squandered away and could not achieve in 16 years!

So if I were you, I would not vote for any Presidential candidate who does not support the NC development.

I suggest that you learn not to make mistakes from what TR/KN have done for Palau – with them squandering away our compact funds means that Palau will never become self-sufficient. You are following in their footsteps and ask Peleliu to squander an opportunity of a lifetime that will make Palau self-sufficient. You must be a moron to stand in the way.

You and the TR administration need to stop being obstinate. There is no shame to admit to ones mistakes. TR needs to realize that he was badly advised, retract from the flawed path and move forward! TR needs to get rid of criminals like the SP otherwise his legacy will be that of a President who surrounded himself with and pardoned the most criminals ever. Maybe you are one of them? One thing is sure you sure do hate JN – wonder why! Repent your ways before you die of jealousy, envy and hate – sins in all religions!

One last thing, since TR makes so much noise about collecting ‘honors’ the next one he receives may be from the Guinness Book of Records for the President who pardoned and surrounded himself with the most amount of criminals maybe you are trying to run for a supporting role title for this?

Our island is waiting for support – will you deny us this (again)? If you do it is out of jealousy and because you have not received your pay-off, nothing else!

[DS]

Dedicated to my dear islander words borrowed liberally from Paul McCartney:

When you were young and your heart was an open book
You used to say live and let live

(you know you did, you know you did you know you did)

But in this ever changing world in which we live in
Makes Islander give in and cry
So live and let cry
Wave to NC Bye Bye
Live and let cry
Live and let cry.........
HEHEHEHEHEHE

[Uncle Sam]

Do you see the debate I started? Good. Now start implementing these ideas and get VOCAL about it. Do something about it. Palau could (and should) be a beautiful, prosperous, truly independent country (it isn't financially independent). Look at America in the 1700s. Palau is living in welfare, ghetto America in the 1940s. In the US, people used to spit out their car windows, let kids sit in the front seat without seat belts, rely on the gov't for jobs and we spent money in ridiculous ways (FDR, JFK, Jimmy Carter) all in the name of government programs...so stop relying on the government and rely on yourselves. I've met half a dozen cool Palauans. They are out there. Get together and get rid of the folks who are ruining your country. FYI - the US would love to be a closer ally...and not simply someone you feed off of.

Get to work.

Uncle Sam

[whatever]

Islander ma DS kom kora kmall mla rulii a Uncle Sam el mo proud meng ngkora kmall ansing er ngii kung. Ngkora olsisechakl er rar mekebelung el chad.
Aikakid a somiu lorrenges?

[DS]

Whatever:

Bai moureng a sulel a Uncle Sam el bai mla tmengi a uldesuem el kirel a beluad. Malmuut el bebil, ngmai a kel telkib el tekingel e momdasue seng sebechel ngosukau, alsekum eng diak, e dim choit ra uldesuem. Adang

PS Fear and Islander are the guilty ones.HEHEHEHEHEHE

[Ke Bloes]

You really think Uncle Sam is not Palauan? He could say it nicer, but much of what he says is true. The truth hurts but it will set us free.

Another thing, why would anyone vote want to vote for someone for President who has been in government all his life. All the problems we talk about in this blog are all caused by incompetent mismanagement, maybe some because of corruption, but mostly because our leaders have never known anything but government. Chin is a lifelong government man. He has no idea of anything else. You think government is going to give us fish and feed us forever? Maybe, but we better learn how to fish.

[FearDTruth]

Stop mutilating DS! You and your pathetic lyrics. How sad!

[Slam Dunk]

Good on you, Uncle Sam.

Way to go. Tell it how it is. Constructive critisim MAY work???? All else has failed.

How dare they bite the hand that has fed them for decades. Maybe there was too much help? There are too many ungrateful people on earth and many are in Palau.

Sad to be Palauan myself.

Ask big 'Uncle Sam' to stop all aid and maybe we will then grow up. Shock treatment? It works!

[DS]

Set Shot slam dunk:

Talk about taking it to the hoop for a slam dunk, not! About the only thing you're taking it to is the Cuckoo's nest. HEHEHEHEHHE
When you say "shock treatment" works? Do you speak from personal experience? I read they use that kind of treatment in the insane asylum. Are you accessing the internet from such a treatment facility? WOW WOW KEWOW Don't forget to take your meds and try to read books from Marx and Engles. HEHEHEHEHEHE

[Chad]

islander
Ke mesaul ra nger kau.. eng di, ngera me komdasu el uase ng dmeu a renguk ra tekingel?

Ak di ua rebebil ra rechad el mla obal e obais a rengrir ma uldesuir ra omerellir tirkal ngar bab el chad.

Ng bai soak el dmu el uase: derengrir a rechad ra OEK ma EXECUTIVE ma rebecherir, el sebecherir el tint a mlirir ra ikel sorir el tint e merael ra buai. Derengrir el dirrekl el sebechel a mlirir el diak a plate er ngii e di ungil besul.

Ng kmal betok olengasch reng el tekoi ma omeruul el domes er chelechang eng di..aika di telemelled el rokui.

Kede rruul el chad el diak domekerreu a mekekerei el tekoi. E mla obes el uase, a klou el tekoi a ulemuchel ra kekerei el tekoi. E tiaikid el uldasu/blekeradel a lobang a rengeask er chelechal taem.

Meng diak ldeu a renguk ra tekingel a TR. Ng bai olengasech reng a blekerdelir le te screen a ker meng diak lsebeched loker a meral soad el ker.

Ka becherei eng kora mla mo betok a ulaoch el tuobed, me di domes el uase tial merael mei el rak ng mo ua ngerang.

[Hunter]

My God,

Just the mention about grants and all you guys can do is drool and connive about ways and means of how to get Palau's sticky finggers on it.

Come on Guys, we should be proud enough to proclaim loudly "we're independent"! "We do not want charity!"

Let's use our brains, lets work and earn our money. Let us be proud! Let us be men!

Let's vote for Johnson Toribiong who will guide us throuh there dark times.

JT knows how to make Palau self sustaining, self reliant and self sufficient!!

VOTE JT!!!

[Slam Dunk]

Hey DS,

the insane asylum? you do know where that is?...is'nt that the corner of the Palau 'Senate' where you and your mutant names reside and speak to eachother daily?

You are of course day-dreaming AGAIN as I do not believe there is a REAL asylum that can house your multiple personalities on island unless you are referring to your home residence?

I ACTUALLY forgot about you when I wrote the blog...YOU are exempt from any recommendations as NO form of truth and facts and shock treatment nor constructive criticism will ever work with you as you are only stuck on the same one sick groove and are the most brain-dead individual (or should I say "brain-dead 'multiple personality' inmate") on island.

I am of course referring to ALL of you DS multiple name post identities.

Please don't take any more medicine as it is doing you NO good at all. Perhaps you may finally 'get it' (as in the meaning of what I wrote) when you are cured of....yourself!

Be happy - but you can't can you?

[Uncle Sam]

Is Uncle Sam an American? Wow, you guys are really sharp.

[DS]

Hey Set Shot Slam Dunk:

That's it let it out. Its good therapy for you. It's not good to hold all that anger inside. By the tone and rhythm of your comments, it would seem whatever I said had the desired effect. What's that word I'm thinking about? Oh that's right, my words had "shock value" on that weak mental appratus you call your mind. As I recall, you have been the one so keen on talking about treatment. So now that you have received it from the one and only DS, consider yourself healed from all of your ill mannered and pretentious remarks. But if you persist with your rants, raves, begin to speak suddenly with a deep raspy voice, write with your poison pen and your head spins 360 degrees without warning, well let's just say DS does not do exorcisms but I know a preacher who knows a priest, well you know what I mean. If I can be of anymore help, let me know. HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE

[kngibech]

Back to the beginning...brother from ngaraard had a question. If you read the title, this is the COFA Amendments 2007 for RMI and FSM. The parts that deal with ROP were requested by ROP to be inserted as riders, our COFA renegos is in 2009 remember. Plus I heard that FEMA and such had been cashed out during KN's time. Just like the FSM and RMI had cashed out on their educational grants programs, which is why the ROP had to request separately that educational grant programs continue until 2009, our review year.
So these four items will be included in the RMI & FSM amendments as riders, plus I did not see the provision that expressly allows Palauan Citizens the ability to receive Merchant Marine cards.
Tia mla mo betok el rak el dongiil er ngii, ulekum meng mo sebechel pass ra uchei ra el kuk recess a Congress.

[Slam Dunk]

Hey DS,

Please do not type anymore from the asylum...it is getting too much for you.

Get some sleep you are too lonely to stay awake for long hours at a time.

I think you are talking about yourself being exorcised..otherwise how would you know?

Living your life out of movies and songs AGAIN?? This is what is used for therapy for inmates but they are not supposed to be 'educational'...suggest you change channels to national geographic ...or can't you turn the knob because you are strapped down by your handlers?

Maybe you need to get back on medication?

[DS]

Set Shot aka Slam Drunk

Again tone and rhythm, you are all over the place with your comments which I am sure are definitely not making any sense to the rest including me, myself, and Islander.HEHEHEHEHE Since I have no way of knowing what is on your medical chart there at the asylum, my initial diagnosis for you is that you appear to be exhibiting signs of denseophrenia. The most significant evidence to support this finding are your disorganized thoughts manifested through your delusional remarks. I am sorry to say that there is no pharmaceutical regimen for this rare mental illness. If I have maintained your attention this far, the only known cure is to stop completely what you are doing and go on all fours and howl at the moon. Tell me if that helps you or even better keep it to yourself. We would'nt want others here to know your secret.HEHEHEHEHEHE

[Heart of Palau: Bigger than others]

Uncle Sam,

First of all, to start a debate or a solution you dont start with " You idiot islanders!!!" As an Islander I feel like you label all pacific islanders idiots. You dont sound like an American but more of an islander version of Benedict Arnold. One of the reason Palau didnt want a military base here is because we will be one of many targets by U.S. enemies, we Still own 98% of our land,by birth and by tradition. Analysis of your first comment is that your an islander but not a palauan, because palauans never asks for retrobutions from what japan did to us, we learn to forgive. Uncle Sam has alot of issues but tend to ignore domestic ones and concentrate on ones that makes him happy. Like an Addictions on oil and pursuit of global power. A True American would disagree with your approach because the road for the Americans hasnt exactly been smooth as silk. Globalization has opened a lot of opportunities for us Palauans and other developing countries. Palau is an example of what America does, because if we fail then America fails. We are an accomplishments of what a true democratic nation. Palau nation is a son a democratic nation and along the way the son will question some of his fathers tactics and approaches. That is natural. People like you Wannabe Uncle Sam makes this whole process of Democracy negative because democracy leads to many ways and many branches, not one(thats U.S. Hegemony)We dont need to impress anybody including you but ourselves. We are like the little engine that could have sit in the united nation. We dont care if our Per capita is less than the rest of the world but as long as our families and children are safe, well fed and get good education we are good. You said Guam suits U.S just fine which is good cause we do not have any intentions of becoming like Guam or CNMI. Never. Give us some credits for holding our own country afloat with American help and others. We are the only island in the pacific Sitting with the big boys in the United Nation. We do not need your approval or your opinions. Let me Introduce my Race: I AM AND WE ARE BELAUANS OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN AND WE HAVE SURVIVED OVER MANY CENTURIES THROUGH OUR OWN TEACHING OF LIVES (CULTURES) AND FRIENDS. WHO ARE YOU? AND WHERE YOU DESCEND FROM AND WHO ARE YOUR FRIENDS?

Our Own is Our Own, let it be known.

Tara ngelkel a Belau el ngelkel a Milad.

[Heart of Palau: Bigger than others]

Mora rechad er Belau,

Kid a rechad er Belau, Ma troched el chised ma delikidenged a kirel di dosaod era ulolel a blid. Diak de becherei a chad er a ngodech el beluu el me mengedereder ar kid, e le bode deketouch e kedemo mechitchut ea klaukledm eke de ngoriakl e mesisiich. Kid a di mekesai e di kauchad, malta ngkel chad el ngara deruchall a mekngit engdi morngii a rolel eke de sumcheklii eleng di kid a sengkyo er ngii engii a dirrek el chedad. Either way it hurts us. Boltarengud e dodersii Belau el mor bab.

Kom kmal mesaul era temiu.

[Mardingaol]

Uncle Sam:
Wow. I thought I was an angry MF. You seem bitter my friend. That leads to a whole host or problems. Maybe you can join me and my haole friends at Kramers for a good ol' ho-down palauan bashing party.

True, we have to fix our problems and we are. I think every "idiot islander" on this blog is doing their part, in their own way to help improve Palau, though views differ. But thank you for coming to show us how deficient we are. We were truly ignorant of this fact and we so humbly bow down on our hands and knees to thank you so very much for you shedding the light on Palau's problems...a modern day fucken savior to the human existence.

Please haole, come save us from our miserable selves; we so desperately need you to shed your views on HOW THE WORLD SHOULD BE IN YOUR BOOK.

Go back to kansas and contemplate how your country came to be. Built on the backs of the Negro, the Chinese, and the financed by the Jews. We "idiot islanders" should be assimilated just as the one little two little three little indians.

My little spoiled american friend, you sound like one of the spoiled brats who grew up spoon fed on lies and misconceptions about the world while your mommmy drove you to soccer practice. Must be nice to exist in a vacuum.

Nonetheless, I thank all the other Americans out there that have come to Palau and actually helped without preconceptions or ill will towards the people of my land. Corruption is magnified in small places and politics is just as worse. If you can see behind the BS, you will realize that Palau's problems are not endemic, rather they are symptoms of a failing world perpetuated by unfettered resource consumption by a few large and powerful nations.

Ngkal chad a kudengelii e di ngii mo osiueklii a telmellel.

[LF]

Uncle Sam:

"Floated us for decades", as if US found our island floating without course. Believe me, we were doing well until you bring your war to our peaceful island.

$450 million dollars is not much for 45 years of your support and administration that amounted to nothing. Infact, I believe that you've help created our problems today. You've taught our leaders to cheat and be greedy like you. For approximately $10 Million a year..that is nothing for what we are facing today. I believe Uncle Sam that you should pay 5x of $450 today for problems you've help advanced.

Maybe proper monitoring in place come 2009 would help put money where it should be and make it work for every Palauans..not to the greedy pockets of those who has learned from you.

[Husky]

Uncle Sam,

Your problem in this blog comes from the fact that you have lived to associate with an islanders and got lost.
You came and I learned to invite or welcomed you to my home. Then, you did shared everything about how your mom raised you. You see, be all you can be, but your mommy is not here. Unless you have broken heart, and now you just have to look for your own kind such as bangladesh, philipino, or chinese.
Do not underestimated maternal society. This is where most hoale failed to do their homework.

Ask for Antie Sam.