At this critical juncture for Palau’s economic development, this meeting is born of the need to identify, discuss and agree on projects and issues that are important to the states such as the economy, health, law enforcement, customs and the ongoing Compact Review process, among others.
Also discussed during this meeting at the HOD Chamber, is the need for the National Government to allow for more funding and responsibilities to the states. There is consensus that the states must become more autonomous in order for them to play a key role in their development initiatives and programs. After all, the states own all the lands, waters and all living and non living resources within the Republic of Palau, as recognized by our Constitution.The Delegates and the Chiefs agreed that in order to provide for a stronger and more prosperous national government, we must first recognize that this national status can only come with stronger and more prosperous state governments at its foundation.The atmosphere at the meeting was cordial and the delegates and the chiefs freely exchanged views on various issues and they agreed to continue meaningful dialogue and cooperation in order to achieve common objectives during the term of this 8th Constitutional Government which ends on December of 2012.This meeting is a prelude to HOD’s preparation to conduct visits to their respective states. The Delegates believe that before they visit each state, they should first meet with the state leaders to begin discussions on issues of mutual concerns to pave the way for a much more meaningful discussion with members of their respective communities. This is why they met with members of the Governors’ Association earlier this year prior to this meeting with the chiefs.
