By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial has extended the CNMI’s deepest condolences to Palau for the death last week of its Senate President Johnny Reklai, whom he described as a “great leader.”
“On behalf of the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, we extend sincerest sympathies on the passing of a great leader. Johnny Reklai was one of the Republic of Palau’s most established businessmen, and he was a distinguished statesman from the time of Palau’s First Constitutional Convention,” the governor said in a letter to Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. (See related story on page 8)
Reklai died on March 11. He was 58.
Fitial said Reklai was not only a politician but a “personal friend” as well.
“Johnny Reklai was not only a great leader; he was also a dear personal friend. It is difficult to find words to express the depth of our camaraderie. His companionship and counsel as a brother throughout the years will be greatly missed but his memory will remain in our hearts,” said the governor.
The 7th Western Micronesian Executives Summit to be held on Saipan will start tomorrow instead of Wednesday to allow Remengesau and other officials to attend Reklai’s state funeral scheduled for Friday.
The summit is a yearly gathering of the chief executives of the Northern Marianas, Guam, Yap and Palau aimed at fostering regional cooperation on issues confronting these islands.
Reklai was a successful private businessman in Palau. His business interests included shipping, retail, finance, tourism, and news publication.
He is survived by his wife Loretta Wong Reklai, their children, brothers and sisters.