Jennifer Olegeriil
KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — The Palau Senate has confirmed Jennifer Olegeriil as the country’s new minister of justice, ending months of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the position.
Olegeriil was nominated in April after the position remained vacant for nearly four months. The Senate had not acted on the nomination for several weeks, prompting concerns that the appointment might not be approved.
During the May 13 session, a quorum of senators was present, and they passed a resolution confirming Olegeriil’s appointment. The vote followed a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs, which presented a detailed report supporting her nomination.
The confirmation passed with 11 senators voting in favor and three opposing.
Before the vote, the JGA committee report included Olegeriil’s written response to questions regarding her involvement in the disappearance of two police officers — an incident that drew public scrutiny.
She explained that the handling of the case fell under the authority of the then-director of the Bureau of Public Safety, clarifying that although she was part of the Ministry of Justice at the time, she was not in a decision-making role for that incident.
Olegeriil previously appeared before the Senate during a confirmation hearing on April 22, during which senators examined her qualifications, experience, and responses to critical issues. Her confirmation is seen as a pivotal move to stabilize leadership at the Ministry of Justice amid ongoing challenges in public safety and law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Ministries of Finance and Education continue to operate without appointed ministers.
Former Finance Minister Kaleb Udui Jr, who had been reappointed by President Surangel Whipps Jr., is now serving as director of budget and planning, a division within the Ministry of Finance. The role is a step down from his previous position and may be a strategic placement amid difficulties securing Senate approval for his reappointment.
The Ministry of Education also remains without a confirmed leader following the Senate’s rejection of Dr Dale Jenkins’ nomination. President Whipps has yet to submit a new nominee for the post.
