Prior to the announcement, Whipps, with his wife and daughter, walked amongst the crowd to personally welcome each and everyone – no seat was left unattended and all were occupied.
Incumbent senators, governors, ministers, notable high-ranking chiefs of the varying states, pastors from differing congregations, national legislative candidates, and even known supporters of other presidential candidates were seen at the gathering.Members of Whipps’ campaign committee made certain that each who was present was looked after – escorted to a seat, provided with drinks, and later served dinner.During dinner, everyone present journeyed – via a picture show projected onto a huge screen – with Whipps on his previous campaign trails to the United States, Saipan, Guam, and within Palau.According to Whipps, in a succinct speech after the picture show, “I had to choose someone who is honorable, honest, and trustworthy; and whom we can all trust to help share in the decision-making. I choose someone who would work with me and not just for me – a real and true partnership for the benefit of the Palauan people.”Whipps further said that Kuartei was destined to be his companion; however, acquiring his consent was in itself a difficult challenge. Whipps compared his search for a compatible running mate to that of traditional courtship – where just about everyone’s approval is eminent. He further added that since January all the necessary approvals had been acquired except Kuartei’s consent, which because of Whipps’ diligence, perseverance, and persistence was accorded.Kuartei, on the other hand, said “It took a long time for my family and I to make this important decision.” Moreover, he said his commitment to the position required the support of his family, relatives, and members of his congregation. In addition, he and his family had soul searched and prayed for guidance about this important commitment and had decided, “to be at peace with the decision and trust the Lord with the results.”Kuartei went on to say, “Surangel and I are both committed to working together to do the right things that benefit the people. We share the belief of ‘Putting Principles and People first’.”“We commit to work hard to enhance the wellbeing of the Palauan people by creating opportunities for every person to achieve a good and satisfying quality of life; and a better and more secure future of Palau,” Kuartei said.“We have forged a ‘Partnership for the People’ and we thank you for the support you have bestowed on us. We thank you and humbly ask for your continued support and trust in the up coming election,” Whipps said as he bid goodnight to all present.
