Adventist Inaugurated President in Palau Written by: The January 2021 inauguration was a time of celebration, reflection, and prayer. On November 21, 2020, Adventist Surangel Whipps Jr. won the presidential election in Palau, becoming the 10th president of this beautiful Pacific nation. Whipps was sworn in as president on January 21, 2021, during the inauguration ceremony at the Palau National Capitol. The pillars of church and family supported the president through the ceremony. His parents both delivered speeches and with his wife Valerie and their three daughters standing at his side, Whipps placed his hand on a Bible held by the couple’s son and took the oath of office.