Palauan association inducts new officers

It was a celebration and representation of culture as dozens of Palauan community members from near and far, along with Republic of Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. and his delegation, joined the Palau Community Association-CNMI as the group welcomed their new officers on Saturday at the Garapan Central Park.

Johnvianney Tutiy was sworn in as PCA’s new president, and the other new officers are Thelma Mizer, vice president; Nancy Mengidab, treasurer; and Frances Marie Kintaro Xavier. They were sworn in by Whipps.

In a short interview with Tutiy, he said he is looking forward to continue the already outstanding involvement of the organization in the community, such as donations to Karidat Social Services and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.

This year, he said, the association is considering adopting a bus stop and donating to the Palauan Evangelical Church. He shared that there are also some big projects in the works that the association is looking forward to unveiling for the community as soon as they are finalized.

As Tutiy was the PCA president from 2017 to 2019, he said the role is already familiar to him and he feels that, with the experience and support of the Palauan community, they can accomplish much.

“With the help of the Palauan community, we can achieve a lot more. There’s nothing much that we can’t do, if we only work together. That’s what I conveyed tonight in my address to them, that without them I cannot do much, but with their support, we can continue to strive and make a good mark and representation in the CNMI,” said Tutiy.

Besides Whipps and his delegation from Palau, the other dignitaries present that night were Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez (Ind-Saipan), and Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres.

The event itself brought over a hundred individuals to the ceremony, which culminated with a celebration where food, music, and culture were shared.

Whipps, who was the event’s special guest speaker, said he is glad to see the Palauan community in the CNMI not only representing their country but also eagerly sharing their culture.

“It’s just wonderful and…we’re just so grateful for…being able to be here, the wonderful hospitality of the governor, and, of course, having the speaker here with us and the mayor. It’s just wonderful. And then the community, the Palauan community here, getting together, celebrating their Palauanness, but also being part of the community here on Saipan. …[We’re] just grateful to be here and to see everyone here tonight,” he added.