Although Palau’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget earmarked a budget of $42,500 for the six-month operation of the consulate or until March, the Ministry of State opted to close it down by the end of the year.
State Minister Sandra Pierantozzi in an interview however said President Johnson Toribiong has requested from the lawmakers that the funding for the consulate offices be re-established to protect the welfare of the Palauans living in Guam.
“There are a lot of needs for the consulate in Guam, but it is the law and we have to follow it,” Pierantozzi said.
She noted that Guam is the first port of entry of Palauans to the United States.
She said that there are hundreds of Palauans living and studying in Guam.
She said these Palauans need a consulate office for passports processing and to provide assistance to the students studying in Guam.
Pierantozzi added that the Palau consulate office in Guam has been in operation for 26 years and it is important that a diplomatic office remains in Guam in lieu of the upcoming military build up.
She said through the diplomatic office , economic opportunities for Palauans who are wanting to be part of the build-up will be assisted.
Pierantozzi said once the consulate office is closed , it will be hard for Palau to revive the office.
For one year operation of the consulate offices, a budget of $85,000 is needed.
Pierantozzi said the ministry decided to pull out by December so that the remaining money can be used to repatriate workers hired for the office and settle debts incurred by the office.
The consulate office in Saipan will also be closed by March.
Pierantozzi said that if the OEK grants the request for the revival of the offices, the CNMI office will be merged with the Guam office.
