JFY2023 GGP “The Project for the Renovation of Judiciary Building in Melekeok”

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Reklai Raphael B. Ngirmang, Hon.Silverius Ouch Tellei of the House of Delegate (Melekeok), Hon. Yutaka Gibbons Jr. of the House of Delegate (Sonsorol), Hon. Francesca Ruluked Otong of the House of Delegate (Ngatpang), Hon. Oldiais Ngiraikelau, Chief Justice, Ministers, and Members of the Council of Chiefs, H. E. Kang-I Chen, ROC-Taiwan’s Ambassador to Palau, Hon. Shankar Rao,  Chargé d’ Affaires at U.S. Embassy to Palau,  as well as H.E. Kenichi Kasahara, the Ambassador of Japan and many other distinguished guests, all of whom gathered to celebrate the completion of the project.

The Melekeok Judiciary Building is one of the two courts in Palau and serves as a key institution supporting Palau’s judicial system. Through this project, walls were installed around the parking area to enhance the safety and privacy of court officials by preventing their movements to and from the court from being visible to the public. In addition, lifts were installed at the court’s main and near entrances to improve accessibility for community members, including older persons and persons with disabilities. These improvements have enabled people to access judicial services more safely and easily, contributing to a safer, more inclusive, and accessible judicial environment.

Chief Justice Ngiraikelau stated, “People in wheelchairs and elderly people had difficulty accessing this building because there were many steps. We appreciate Japan's support, assistance, and efforts in helping make access to justice a reality for them and for everyone.”

“Japan is honored to support Palau's efforts to ensure that everyone has equal access to justice.
We hope this project will help strengthen the bond between Japan and Palau and create a more accessible environment for all,” said Ambassador Kasahara.

President Whipps highlighted “We are really celebrating making sure that everybody has equal opportunities to participate, to be part of the community, and to have a voice. We want to thank Japan for its support and partnership in making this possible.”

The Embassy of Japan wishes that the renovated court building will continue to be used effectively, enabling court users to conduct legal procedures in comfort and confidence, while ensuring a barrier-free environment accessible to all, including wheelchair users, thereby further improving judicial services.

The Government of Japan’s GGP program was launched in Palau in 1999 to support grassroots development in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Since its inception, the Embassy of Japan has signed 105 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life in Palau.

For more information about the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at (680) 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp.

Japan’s “tokubetsu” relationship with the Republic of Palau continues to strengthen with the provision of $154,000 USD to the Government of Palau for "The Project for the Renovation of Judiciary Building in Melekeok” under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) Programme.
 
On January 31, 2025 Japan’s Ambassador to Palau, H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, and the Acting Director of the Bureau of Public Works (BPW) Mr. Calvin Ikesiil, signed the grant contract for this project in the presence of senior government officials including Mr. Kenneth Uyehara, Administrative Director for the Judiciary, Ms. Lady Ngirmeriil, Assistant to Minister of State, and Mr. Lee Otobed, Manager of Capital Improvement Project.
 
The project aims to promote equal access to Palau’s judicial services and facilities for all citizens, including through the construction of a new wheelchair ramp that will provide safer and more convenient access for all people, including the elderly and people with disabilities. 
 
This initiative to create more accessible Palauan justice system will be another step forward for Palau in becoming a more inclusive country.
 
The project will also see the construction of a new car park roof specifically for judges, witnesses and jury members. This new covered area will provide a sheltered and secure environment as people exit their vehicles and enter the building, ensuring their comfort and protection from any security issues.
 
Ambassador Orikasa said, “The Melekeok court building holds around 300 trials a year. It is a symbol of the rule of law in Palau, and a fortress said to be home to a guardian who guarantees the peace and stability of the lives of the people of Palau”.
 
Known for having the highest average life and health expectancy in the world, Japan understands the importance of an accessible and inclusive society. In Japan, the term ‘barrier-free’, is often used when referring to increased accessibility. It refers not only to the removal of physical barriers, such as steps in buildings, but also to the removal of social, psychological, and institutional barriers.
 
The Government of Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999, with the aim of addressing grassroots development needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To date, the Embassy of Japan has signed 105 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs to support various community-focused initiatives.
 
One such project is the ongoing “Project for the Rehabilitation of the Palau Supreme Court Building in Koror” worth $120,800. These GGP projects underscore Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting community-centered initiatives that improve the well-being of Palau’s residents through the improvement of public infrastructure.
 
For more information on the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp