By Bernadette H. Carreon
Horizon news staff

Palau is mourning the death of Senate President Johnny Reklai as Palauan flags outside and in Palau are flown at half-staff starting last March 13 and will last for 10 days.
"By virtue of the authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Palau and by virtue of the provisions of Executive Order No. 24, I Tommy E Remengesau Jr. President of the Republic of Palau, hereby proclaim that as a showing of respect, all flags regularly flown within the jurisdiction of Palau and flags of the Republic of Palau flown at the embassies and consulates of Palau in other countries shall be hoisted at half mast for a period of 10 days commencing March 13, 2007 or until after the funeral , whichever is later," Presidential Proclamation No. 07-08 said.
Reklai passed away on March 11 following a spearfishing accident.
Reklai was born on July 1, 1948 to the late Reklai Baul of State of Ngarchelong and Remurang Reklai of the State of Ngaraard.
Reklai was first elected to his first term as senator in the 4th Olbiil Era Kelualu where he chaired the Committee on Ways and Means and Financial Matters and served on committees on the Judiciary and Governmental Affairs, Foreign Affairs and State Relations Tourism Development and Cultural Affairs , Resources, Commerce, Trade and Development and Health and Education and was selected to be president of the Senate of 7th OEK on May 3, 2005.
The president said that Reklai is a successful private businessman , owning and operating various business ventures ranging from Palau Shipping to finance, to tourism related concerns, and he was a shareholder and member of the Board of Directors of WCTC, United Micronesia Development Association and a member of the Palau Chamber of Commerce.
Reklai’s state funeral will be on March 23 at the Capitol.