Petition to the OEK.....let's kick some butts!

To: Honorable President Kuniwo Nakamura
      The Senate
      House of Delegates

From: Belau Bridge List Members and Other Concerned Palauans

Subject: Petition requesting measures needed to combat prostitution in Palau; and expressing concern over leadership performance and integrity.

Date: May 21, 1998

Dear Elected Leaders:

     The Belau Bridge List is an Internet forum which was instituted soon after the collapse of the K-B Bridge in September 1996. At the time, members shared information on the conditions back home and other matters concerning Belau. Since its inception almost three years ago, the membership of the Bridge has grown to almost two hundred persons at home and abroad. Its function as a forum for sharing information and discussing Belau issues has been very rewarding.
     Recently, it was brought to our attention that prostitution is in fact an issue at home. Our concerns over the issue were further exacerbated when we were informed of an Internet web site which not only advertised prostitution but also described in offensive detail, how one institution already operates in Palau less than a mile from where you sit. This advertisement is found at:
http://www.paranoia.com/faq/prostitution/palau_bits.txt.html
and a copy of it is enclosed for your information. As you will note from the advertisement, the establishment described is called "Madalaii Chinese Massage" and sits atop what was once Midtown Gas Station. In addition, a Bridge member was recently informed in an interview that there were in fact two establishments, the other one being Crystal Palace which is also not more than a mile from where you sit. It is a shame for some, if not all, concerned Palauans.
     Other information which have been brought to our attention and which you might want to look into include the following:

*According to a former employee of Sunrise Villa, business cards soliciting customers are slipped under the doors of the hotel rooms.

*According to a Bridge member, concern over rumors alleging prostitution activities at Crystal Palace led some to request a change of venue for an EPA conference originally scheduled to take place at the said establishment.

*According to a Bridge member, the phone number provided in the Internet advertisement is valid since he called long-distance and spoke to a man sounding like a Taiwanese or Chinese who then asked the Bridge member which hotel he was in, what his room number was, and whether or not he wanted to be massaged at the hotel or at the establishment. Although the receptionist was elusive when asked if sexual favors were offered, he still verified the Internet advertisement's claim that the girls were "young" and that the fee was $35.00 per hour.

*According to another Bridge member, the OEK has been lax in its attention or response to others' concern over the prostitution issue, and this indifference is indicated by the OEK's inaction with regards to a pending Anti-Prostitution Bill.

     These are just some indications, circumstantial as they may seem, of an issue which troubles us. We are also disturbed by the apparent lack of concern from some legislators and are puzzled as to why pending legislation combating prostitution has not been passed. Our concern, therefore, is not limited to prostitution: we are also concerned about the performance of some of our legislators whom we entrusted with our confidence at the voting polls.
    Granted you have done much good and we applaud and thank you. However, we have here an issue the solution of which should not be ambiguous or elusive yet no action has been taken. Why is a pending legislation which addresses and combats a wrong not passed? Does one actually need time to reflect on the merits of prostitution if there are actually any? If there are actual merits to prostitution which any of you are reflecting upon, we would like to know. For now, we are puzzled and concerned.
    Therefore, we, the undersigned members of the Belau Bridge List and other concerned Palauans, request the Senate, the House of Delegates, and the President to take all action required in addressing and ridding the threat of prostitution in Palau. It is embarrassing, offensive, and degrading, and we would appreciate some effort and attention over this issue which seems to have been needlessly delayed. We also request that any action taken by the Olbiil er a Kelulau and the President be transmitted to the Belau Bridge List for our information.

Kom Kmal Mesulang,

Palauans who endorse this petition with their names and personal comments:

NAME: Gunagand Semdiu Decherong
STATE: GUAM
COMMENT:

All Palauan owned business entities in Palau that have been serving as "fronts" to foreign businesses should have their business licences revoked and assets frozen if they are participating in activities such as prostitution or any other such illegal profit ventures.
Our laws are only as good as the people who obey them. Keeping unwanted businesses out of Palau starts with the Palauan business person. The sole responsibility and blame should be on the shoulders of the Palauan business people who do not have the best interest of the community in mind.
Legislation should be passed and action should be taken immediately. This is not an isolated case but should be used as an example that irresponsible business practices that are counter to the our nation's values will not be tolerated and will not be taken lightly. All parties involved, local and foreign, should bear the brunt of applicable laws. Fines, revocation of licences, and even prison terms should be seriously considered.

NAME: Carl Quay Polloi
STATE: Angaur/Airai/Ngchesar/Melekeok
COMMENT:

I endorse this Bridge Petition wholeheartedly for the reasons stated therein and more.

NAME: Jon-Marvin T. Ngirutang Jr.
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I fully endorse this Bridge petition..

NAME: Alexander Azuma
STATE: Idid, Koror / Peliliu / Ngiwal
COMMENT:

I'm behind this petition all the way....100%. No matter what it takes......."PROHIBIT PROSTITUTION PRONTO!"

NAME: Maria Cowan
STATE: Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I do support the Bridge in the concern about prostituion in Palau.

NAME: Bechal B. Salvador
STATE: Meketii, Koror/Ngerchelong/Choll/Ngermlengui
COMMENT:

I fully endorse this Bridge petition all the way... 100% to the maximum.

NAME: Rebluud Kesolei
STATE: Oreor
COMMENT:

The petition is real and I endorse it wholeheartedly.

NAME: Sunsils P. Harms
STATE: Oreor/Airai
COMMENT:

I endorse

NAME: Prudence P. Harms
STATE: Oreor/Airai/Ngchesar
COMMENT:

I endorse

NAME: Luela P. Harms
STATE: Oreor/Airai
COMMENT:

I endorse

NAME: Wayne D. Wong
STATE: Ngesaol/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I'm a supporting non-member of the Bridge.

NAME: L.Motil Timarong
STATE: Ngerchelong
COMMENT:

It's disappointing to know that something as demeaning as the business of prostitution can occur in Belau further more, the fact that our "leaders" aren't aggresively opposing/combating the issue is discouraging...

NAME: Hannah Ongrung-Ongelungel
STATE: Ngaraard/Airai
COMMENT:

I fully endorse the Bridge Petition 100+10%.

NAME: Aileen Mikel
STATE: Peliliu State
COMMENT:

I fully agree with this petition and I hope that something is done about this problem soon.

NAME: D'Arcy Sakuma
STATE: Ngaraard/Peleliu
COMMENT:

I am a supporting non-member of the Bridge List, and I endorse the "ANTI-PROSTITUTION PETITION".

NAME: Delrose M. Nagata
STATE: Airai
COMMENT:

I fully support and endorse the removal of prostitution in Palau. It is degrading to even think that there is such thing (prostitution) in Palau.

NAME: Allyntha Eraldil Mengloi
STATE: La-Ang/Ngaraard/Airai
COMMENT:

I, Allyntha Eraldil Mengloi, do solemly swear to uphold my traditional values and customs to the full extent of my abilities. Therefore, I support this petition....so help me God! Belau is INDEED a "Heaven on Earth" so let's keep it that way.

NAME: Sarah Sugiyama
STATE: Koror
COMMENT:

I endorse and will fully support the "Anti-Prostitution Petition" eventhough I am a non-member. Hopefully, this will attract not only our political figures but citizens of Palau about our concerns towards this appalling dilemma.

NAME: Volette Polloi
STATE: Angaur, Ngchesar, Melekeok, and Airai
COMMENT:

Not only do I believe that prostitution will give our country a bad reputation, I also strongly believe that it is morally wrong the 'use' people in this manner. Will the next generation be raised in a society that regards prostitution as 'okay'? Or will they also be living in a society where businessmen USE women with possible problems for profit?

Due to these reasons and those stated above, I sign this petition with no hesitation.

NAME: Verna Narzekalski
STATE: Koror/Ngerdmau/Choll
COMMENT:

I fully support this petition more then 100%!!!

NAME: Fumio Kyota
STATE: Ngermlengui
COMMENT:

I support the petition. I hope you hear our cries before it's to late.

NAME: Toshie Lebhar
STATE: Babeldaob
COMMENT:

I endorse anti-prostitution petition.

NAME: JOY SHMULL
STATE: PELILIU STATE

NAME: Melinda Lawrence
STATE: Oreor
COMMENT:

I endorse this petition.

NAME: Madeline Ngirutang
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Sayo Ngirutang
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Pollstar Ngirutang
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I endorse this petition.

NAME: Maverick Ngirutang
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

Non-member of the Bridge, but I endorse.

NAME: Heidi Masang
STATE: Oreor
COMMENT:

I endorse the petition.

NAME: Michelle Ngirutang
STATE: Angaur/Ngaraard
COMMENT:

Endorse.

NAME: Felisa Gulibert
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

Non-Bridge member, but I endorse this petition.

NAME: Clifford Gulibert
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

Non-Bridge member, but I endorse.

NAME: Jeannette Ebsang Temengil
STATE: Belau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Veronica Temong
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: John Tadao
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Roy Akiwo
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

Endorse.

NAME: Yoko Starling
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Ren Sakura
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Rolly Sakura
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

Non Bridge member and I endorse.

NAME: Evelyne Misech
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Hilaria Rengulbai
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Aulerio Dengokl
STATE: Airai, Melekeok, Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Marcus Marcello
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Daisy Rengulbai
STATE: Aimeliik
COMMENT:

Endorse.

NAME: Scott Henley
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Raymond Polzin
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Cheryl Reeser
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Yaoch Ngirkelau
STATE: Airai
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Zita Parker
STATE: Angaur/Peleliu
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Bras Oiph
STATE: Koror/Peleliu
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Tzusie Tadao
STATE: Ngerchelong
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Allen Daniel
STATE: Angaur, Palau
COMMENT:

PUSHER.

NAME: Olkeriil Saburo
STATE: Ngchesar, Palau
COMMENT:

I fully support.

NAME: Jerry Tkel
STATE: Koror, Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse.

NAME: Namaiki Perez
STATE: Peliliu
COMMENT:

It's about time, I endorse all the way.

NAME: Eyos Rudimch
STATE: Koror
COMMENT:

Prostitution is taking its toll in Palau. It's a serious problem and I'm glad to be part of the solution. I go for it.

NAME: Sibong Toribiong Harms
STATE: Ngerkesowaol
COMMENT:

I endorse the bridge petition.

NAME: Elsie Ann Ikeya
STATE: Ngesang, Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I support the Bridge Petition wholeheartedly. Prostitution is not only degrading but also a contrary to what we as Palauans teach our children. It contradicts with our moral beliefs and religion. How can we even say that Palau is abundant with its natural beauty and genuine hopitality if such business activities exists? Is prostitution what we call natural beauty and genuine hopitality? Let us not allow such business activities to continue in our small but beautiful and preciuous island. This type of business activities would not help Palau but demeans what we like the rest of the world to perceive our island. We say to the rest of the world with this slogan, " Please love Palau as we do and leave it the way you would like others to find it, Beautiful and Unspoiled", but yet we don't apply the slogan ourselves. There should be a law banning such business activities and practices in Palau. Think about it, and act upon it. Thank you very much..

NAME: Charlene Merirei Ongelungel
STATE: Melekeok, Ngerchelong, Airai, and Ngaraard
COMMENT:

If you don't sign, you're obviously not Palauan!.

NAME: Sarah Sumang-Wenty
STATE: Peliliu
COMMENT:

Non-Bridge member but fully supportive of this petition

NAME: Maria Joseph
STATE: Ngiwal State
COMMENT:

Hello there! i hope all are doing good! My name is Maria Joseph and i'm attending San Jose State University. I want to sign the petition for getting the laws passed to ban and or stop prostitution in Palau. I can't even begin to say how i feel!! it's a disgrace to us Palauans,,that's what it is! What makes me so angry about this type business that i never thought would take place in Belau is that, it's not operated by Palauans. However, if those allegations are true that there are some high officials who are involved in this, its just making it more disgusting and un-Belau thing to do. when i'm asked by my friends, colleques, and professors of where i'm from, i get so excited and i tell them that i'm from the most beautiful and peaceful place in the world! i even recommend them to go and see for themselves how pure and unique our homeland is from other places. Now, i don't know if i can say them anymore.
The very nature of prostitution takes away purity and uniqueness right out of Belau,,,and what's furious about it is that, it was brought to Belau by foreigners and our elected leaders.
Please, pass this law and put it to effect before it's too late! What you decide to do today is going to affect tomorrow and the days to come. I pray that you make an intellegent decision!

God Bless,
Maria Joseph

NAME: Gloria Worswick-Hunter
STATE: Angaur/Ulithi/Ohio
COMMENT:

Although, I am not a Bridge member, I admire what the members and others are doing to keep our beautiful Palau clean from such dirt/pollution of prostitution. I fully endorse!

NAME: Lorraine Hobson
STATE: Ngaraard
COMMENT:

I fully support the prohibition of prostitution in Palau.

NAME: Richard N. Salvador
STATE: Odesangel
COMMENT:

Hello and Bonjour From Geneva, Switzerland:
To the Young Peoples of Belau, where were you all during between 1979 and 1993 when Belau desperately needed you? Perhaps each of us differently come to the struggle when the time is proper for us to make a difference. Well, the important things is that WE ARE HERE, and we can begin to make a difference. I am proud to join each of you as we seek to make ourselves and our training relevant to nation-building in Belau.
>From Geneva, Switzerland, I send greetings of love, respect, and solidarity.

Merci / Mesulang.
Richard Salvador
Geneva, Switzerland

NAME: Canisius Tkel Filibert
STATE: Melekeok
COMMENT:

Ke de mekeskelang, Kid el ngelekel a Latmikaik, Me ke de mechititerir, A rechad er a ngodech el beluu, Me te me tmuu er a beluad, E a re bebil er kid, A ousbech er tir el oteruul, Ng meringel a rengul a osisecheklel, A Delad er a Dirramellomes, El di mocha cheloit er a, Cheungel chochid e kid de tak, E di dorael bedul luchei e leng, Ng udoud a kerdel a medad, E diak do mdasu er a omeruul, El doruul er ngii, Me a tekoi me a omeruul, El lomes el losuub a re, Ngalek, el ngeleked el dirk, Mekekerei e dirk ngar er a omerolir, El mei, Me ng iuchel a medal a Delad er a Dirramellomes, Ng lengelel a Delad er a Dilidechuu, Ng ringelel a chaidirengul a Delad er a Iluochel, Ng suebek a rengul a Delad er a Dirrabkau, Ng klider a delchil a Delad er a Dirrachedebsungel, Ng mekngit a rengul a Delad er a Miladeldil, Ng mengard er a klengiterreng a Delad er a Dirrabakerus, E mlia ngklel er tiang el lobengterir, A re desik, E le ki ngelekel a Latmikaik, El loumerang, e okiu, e oumerang, A Llemalt.

NAME: Tomiwo Suzuky
STATE: Angaur
COMMENT:

Endorse.

NAME: Darnelle Worswick
STATE: Angaur/Ngiwal
COMMENT:

I am a supporting non-member of the bridge. Belau is all we got, and we need to take care of it TODAY! I endorse this petition.

NAME: Remeliik,L.
STATE: IouelDaob/BabelDaob
COMMENT:

"Supporting non-member".

NAME: Michie Emeraech "MEU" Sadang
STATE: Choll a beluu/Oikull/Oreo/Meyuns
COMMENT:

I FULLY ENDORSE THIS PETITION! SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE OR BELAU WILL NOT BE KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND BUT A PROSTITUTION HAVEN!!!

NAME: RIMAT POLLOI
STATE: MELEKEOK/OREOR
COMMENT:

ENDORSE!!!!!! :-)

NAME: Belinda Masayos
STATE: Ngiwal, Ngchesar
COMMENT:

I endorse this petition.

NAME: Romana "Om" wong
STATE: Chad ra Ngerbeched
COMMENT:

Prostitution is morally wrong; therefore, I am in full support of the petition.

NAME: Coline Marbou Tmoderang Bond
STATE: Palau
COMMENT:

I endorse and do so wholeheartedly!

NAME: Bob Naito
STATE: Kayangel/Meketii
COMMENT:

I support fully. Jesus said to a prostitute, "go and sin no more". Leaders, do the right thing, and enact a strong measure eradicate this shameful and immoral profiting.

NAME: Julie Naito
STATE: Ngiwal/Koror
COMMENT:

I fully Support!

NAME: Jeremy I. Polloi
STATE: Melekeok, Ngchesar, Kayangel, Ngiwal
COMMENT:

I endorse and fully support this petition a 100%

NAME: Andrew Ngiratewid Polloi
STATE: Melekeok, Ngiwal, Ngchesar, Kayangel
COMMENT:

I endorse!

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