Running on a slogan, “Capitalizing Human Resources,” gained Dr. Caleb Tyndale Okauchi Otto a seat in the Senate of the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau. Distinguished accomplishments in health services in Palau have earned him the unquestionable reputation of integrity, diligence and the ability to meet challenges straight ahead.

As a member of the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau, Senator Otto is a member of the Senate Committees on Health, Education and Social Welfare (HESW), Judiciary & Governmental Affairs and Foreign Relations (JGAFR), and Ways & Means and Financial Matter (WMFM).

Senator Otto was born on May 19, 1943 in Peleliu. An astute student completing the required schooling in Palau, Senator Otto furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Washington in 1970 and Masters in Health Administration five years thereafter. Subsequently, Senator Otto worked as a hospital specialist during the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and later became a director of health services. In 1989, Senator Otto received a bachelor degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS) at the Fiji School of Medicine, University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. He was an intern at CWM Hospital in General Medicine at Suva for one year and became a clinical tutor at the Fiji School of Medicine for the next three years.

Dr. Otto, upon his return home, was put to work as chief of medical staff at the Belau National Hospital. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Otto was promoted as chief of preventive services overseeing Public Health at the Ministry of Health. He was the director of Public Health before retiring on June 30, 2003 after an illustrious career in health services.

In the international arena, Dr. Otto represented Palau in World Health Organization (WHO) from 1995 – 2003. During that time, Dr. Otto became chairman of the Credentials Committee, 52nd WHA, vice chairman of the Committee A, 54th WHA, and Vice President of the 56th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He was a recipient of WHO Director General’s Award for WPRO for FCTC related activities at 56th WHA on May 2003 at Geneva. He also received the Certificate of Champion of Public Health from Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) in Boston, received a Certificate of Award from International Babyfood Action Network in Delhi, and a recipient of Courage Award from Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment and Leadership in Washington D.C.

Senator Otto is an accomplished researcher and author in the socio-cultural area of Palau. His extensive researches include, “The Palau substance abuse needs assessment: A key-informant approach to the study of alcohol use and the role of socio-cultural factors in an United States-Affiliated Micronesia Population,” “Community Quality in Palau: Perception of the Social, Cultural, and Psychological Well-Being of a Pacific Island Country in Transition,” “Nutritional and anthropometrical assessment of a sample of pregnant women and young children in Palau,” and “the effects of chewing betel-nut (Areca catechu) on the symptoms of people with schizophrenia in Palau, Micronesia.” Literary work published under the National Committee on Population and Children (CoPopChi) include “Population Policy Recommendations,” Palau 1997, “Sustainable Human Development in Palau: Progressing With the Past,” Suva, 1998, “A situation Analysis of Children in Palau 1998,” Suva, 1998, “First Report of Implementing of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child,” Suva, 1998, and “Palauan Children Talk About Children’s Rights,” Barcelona, 1999.

On the personal side, Senator Otto enjoys the most his work as Choir Director of Koror Evangelical Church. In this capacity he has translated, taught and conducted two Christmas Cantatas, wrote and directed another Christmas program called, “Which Candidate Will You Choose.” He was the second president of Palau Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris recipient - Club’s most prestigious award. He has also co-authored a play based on Prince Lee Boo story. He hopes to be able to direct this play with the Berkel Belau Theater. Senator Otto enjoys playing tennis and listening to classical music. He is married to former Judy Buster of West Virginia and they have three children.

Senator Caleb T.O. Otto
The Senate of the Seventh Olbiil Era Kelulau
P.O. Box 8
Koror, Republic of Palau  96940
Email — CalebOtto@yahoo.com