Overview:
Concerned residents of Aimeliik State are pressing the Legislature to explain why Gov. Browny Simer did not deliver the constitutionally and statutorily required annual address in May — and to set a date for it to happen. The group is calling for public records, a referral to the attorney general if procedures were violated, and swift action to restore accountability.
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Aimeliik, Palau — Concerned Aimeliik State citizens are questioning the missed State annual address mandated under Aimeliik State Constitution and state law slated for May of each year.
A letter sent to this publication states concerns that the Aimeliik State Legislature needs to publish a written explanation outlining the facts and timeline that led to the missed address. It called for a firm plan and timetable to convene the required joint session of the Legislature and Council of Chiefs or otherwise satisfy the statutory requirement, so the governor may deliver the address.
The letter said the absence of the May address undermined several public rights, including transparency about Aimeliik State’s condition and priorities, budgetary oversight, executive accountability, meaningful public participation, and customary oversight involving the Council of Chiefs. It urged the Legislature to act with urgency and full cooperation.
The requirement for the governor to deliver an annual report is grounded in the Aimeliik Constitution. Article V, section 5(g) directs that the governor report on the administration’s activities and plans to the state. At the statutory level, Aimeliik State Public Law No. 13-08 (ASPL No. 13-08) formalizes how that report must be delivered: the law requires a joint resolution inviting the governor to address a joint session of the Aimeliik State Legislature and the Council of Chiefs, and mandates that the event be open to members of the Aimeliik public. ASPL No. 13-08 also requires the governor to submit a written report of his programs at least three calendar days before the address.
ASPL No. 13-08, signed by Governor Browny Simer on May 13th of last year, amended an earlier statute, ASPL No. 7-05. The amendment moved the annual address from September to May and explicitly opened the forum to the public; the previous law set a September date and framed the delivery as an address to the legislature, leaving public access dependent on the legislature’s discretion.
