Palauan community in CNMI honors elderly

At 91 years old, Tekereng “Tenten” Sylvester still loves to ride his bicycle, walk, visit friends, and tell stories.

“He’s still very active, very independent,” CNMI Palauan Community Association youth coordinator Bernice B. Ravell told Saipan Tribune.

Sylvester, the oldest Palauan man in the CNMI, was honored at the PCA Youth Club’s senior citizens’ appreciation dinner at the Garapan Central Park on May 21.

All other Palauan senior citizens or those at least 55 years old, along with their families and friends, shared an en evening of fun, food, cultural dance, and song performances chants and games.

Ravell, during an interview at the Saipan Tribune office on Friday afternoon, said Sylvester’s message to those present at the event was to always “love one another” and “take good care of your health.”

Sylvester, born in Yap, was brought to Palau by his family when he was still 5 years old, said Ravell. He studied in Indonesia and Japan. During World War II, he was an interpreter for Japanese soldiers because he’s fluent in Japanese, Ravell added. After the war, he went back to Palau where he worked for the government as a telephone operator and repair man.

“He moved to Saipan in 1966 and retired as a community worker for the CNMI government in 1987. He also worked for Tasi Tours for 10 years as a tour guide and interpreter. He’s now retired and lives in Oleai,” Ravell added.

The Palauan community also honored Ereong Samil as the oldest Palauan woman in the CNMI. She’s also 91 years old. But she was visiting Palau during the appreciation dinner so her daughter Elena Sutton accepted the recognition in her behalf, said Ravell.

Samil, from Peleliu, worked for the Palau government for 22 years. She was supervisor for the Peleliu Elementary School’s cafeteria.

“She likes gardening, and loves to plant tapioca. She’s also very independent. Her message to others was to always remember God and to love and respect one another,” said Ravell.

Ravell said the Palauan Community Association officers, led by president Rufino Aguon and the PCA Youth Club officers and advisors, are thankful for those who made the event successful and memorable.

On March 26, the Palauan Community Association also sponsored the 2nd Annual Palau Youth Day at the American Memorial Park.

“It was a good event to help empower the youth,” Ravell said, adding that it was also a day of games, fun, and festivities.