President Remengesau told reporters that the Oregon gathering was a successful one and hoped that the tradition will be continued by the next president.He said Palauan residing in Arizona, Washington, Hawaii and other areas in the United States attended the event.“All different ages, senior citizens to students came with their families to the gathering,” Remengesau said.In that meeting Remengesau said a powerpoint presentation on the infrastructure development of Palau and important pieces of legislation.The residents also asked questions regarding dual citizenship, elections and other issues.The president said that the Palauans also shared with the Palau leadership the hardship they have been experiencing due to the energy crisis.The event also featured Palau candidates who attended the celebration to start campaigning.This year will be Remengesau’s last year to attend the celebration as he will end his term by 2008.Presidential candidates Johnson Toribiong, Surangel Whipps joined the celebration during the weekend.Toribiong was accompanied by his running mate , Del. Kerai Mariur while Sen. Alan Seid is also in Portland to represent presidential candidate Elias Camsek Chin.The event in Portand is a gathering of hundreds of Palauan families giving them the opportunity to talk with the president. The president meanwhile can update them on the happenings in Palau.The candidates are expected to also hold their own meetings with the residents.The president said that Palauans leaving in the United States remit at least $20 million to Palau.
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