Four of them are first-time lawmakers and were successful in their first attempt to run for the Senate.
While the new members might lack experience as lawmakers, their entry will be crucial in helping the incoming administration push an aggressive legislative agenda amid the Covid-related economic crisis.
Sen.-elect Andrew Tabelual is an educator who said he will work toward pro-education initiatives.
“I will emphasize the need to make further improvements in education and working collaboratively towards that end,” he stated in an email.
He also said that response to the Covid-19 impact will be a top priority.
“I am hopeful that coming together in partnership as one people focused on the issue of the day, we could certainly navigate our way and take positive steps forward,” he added.
Sen.-elect K Topps Sungino is well known in the world of sports in Palau having worked with the Palau National Olympic Committee for two decades.
As senator, Sungino said he will support funding for the development of youth and state community organizations as well as non-government organizations.
Sungino said he is also ready to work with his colleagues in the Senate “to set up both short- and long-term strategic plans that will address the challenges we are all facing to the best of our abilities and capabilities.”
Sen.-elect TJ Remengesau, the son of outgoing President Tommy Remenegsau Jr., is an entrepreneur before he stepped into politics. He also spent three years in Washington, D.C. working with the International Monetary Fund as advisor to the executive director of Asia/Pacific constituencies.
He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and has vowed to help stimulate the economy and provide opportunities for the young and old.
Sen.-elect Umiich Sengebau is not new in public service, having served for eight years as minister of natural resources, environment and tourism.
A lifelong environmental advocate, Sengebau said the Covid-19 pandemic has presented Palauans the opportunity to be “self-reliant.”
Sengebau said he will continue to make environmental initiatives a priority, including helping local farmers and fishermen through sustainable financial schemes.
He said he will also support regional and global measures to address climate change.
Sen.-elect Jonathan Isechal is a veteran lawmaker, having served many years as Peleliu delegate and chairman of the House Committee of Ways and Means.
Sen.-elect Seciliil Elbedechelis the chief of staff of outgoing President Remengesau, served as member of the House of Delegates in the 8th Olbiil Era Kelulau from 2009 to 2013 representing the State of Ngchesar.
He said he will work toward “revamping the economy through new and innovative approaches.” This includes “developing a legal framework to create opportunities for new businesses and expanding our economic base to include the digital economy, the local production of new products and services, and banking services. “
He said responding to the impact of the pandemic is also among his priorities.
“The country needs to move forward and so every opportunity to start somewhere needs to be explored thoroughly,” he said
