Working dog shelter upset community
Eight drug and bomb-detecting working dogs, which were transferred from their temporary shelter at Camp Katuu to the Narcotics Enforcement Agency (NEA) headquarters in Ngesekes this past Saturday, have drawn complaints from neighborhood residents, who think that the dogs are an unwelcome disturbance.The Belau National Museum (BNM), which sits next to the NEA headquarters where […]
Flags ordered half-mast in honor of late President Kuniwo Nakamura
Presidential Proclamation No. 20-291 ordered all national flags both in and outside the Republic to be flown half-mast in honor of Palau’s 5th President Kuniwo Nakamura. The flags will remain at half-mast until after his state funeral on November 6th, 2020.Late President Kuniwo Nakamura was a prominent politician and public servant, serving Palau during the […]
$3,053 raised for legal fees of BOG and BP customers with frozen accounts
$3,035 dollars was raised yesterday from a fundraiser event held to help Bank of Guam and Bank Pacific customers with accounts placed on hold due to the Economic Impact Payment issue.Funds raised are said to pay for a lawyer’s retainer fee to help the customers file a lawsuitAlthough the fundraiser had a big turnout of […]
Young man’s good deed recognized by the Koror State Leadership
Tim Beketaut was given an Outstanding Citizenship Award by the Koror State Leadership on Thursday October 22nd.This award was given to Mr. Beketaut to recognize his effort in re-painting a wall in Dngeronger that was vandalized back in September.Intially, Dngeronger Legislator Tangesechel Mariur was made aware of the vandalism and was about to take care […]
Fire a-top of power pole
PPUC reported fire on top of power pole in front of Bank of Guam on October 16 to be due to lightening strike.The fire was reported at 4:15pm in the afternoon on the center transformer. It was determined upon inspection that the was due to excessive voltage from lightening which burned the neutral line and […]
Family cook food and spent evening with elderly
A family chose to spend a day with elderly at Palau Old Age Center in Koror on Tuesday afternoon, October 20 and providing 30 boxed lunches for them.Queen Benhart, Elmer Iyar, Sabeth Iyar, and Rosania Iyar, said they spent the evening before and the morning of cooking the assortment of lunches, which included burgers with […]
Enhanced Collaboration
(Press release) The Honorable Francesca R. Otong, Governor of Ngatpang State and Mr. Elia Yobech, Chairman of the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to mark the beginning of close collaborations between the two agencies on October 14.Both parties “agreed that improved and enhanced collaboration to protect the environment and […]
Ipang Seineng of Koror State donates to PICRC
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is happy to announce a generous donation of $300 from the women’s club Ipang Seineng of Koror.The women hosted a gathering on October 8, Friday evening, underneath the Tommy Remengesau, Jr. Building, on PICRC grounds. PICRC’s Outreach office was able to make a presentation about ongoing projects at […]
Story book launched to help children cope during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government of Palau along with UNICEF and NABU recently launched a story book called “The Virus-Stopping Champion: Pacific Islands Edition” to help aide the children of Palau during the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to UNICEF, one of the greatest challenges that children are facing in the Pacific is understanding and coping with the changes […]
UN launches regional website to connect Pacific nations
The United Nations last week launched its first regional website to connect Pacific nations and be the hub of centralized information around which UN agencies work in 10 nations, including in Palau. The website was officially launched on Oct. 15 at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office based in Suva, Fiji. The theme for the […]
Palau seeks to participate in the first ever Y-Innovator Challenge
Palau seeks to participate in the first ever Y-Innovator Challenge co-hosted by UNICEF Hong Kong and UNICEF Pacific. Split into a 2-day boot camp, the Y-Innovator Challenge seeks to bring youth around Hong Kong and the Pacific online to co-create innovative solutions centering around the theme of Child Online Protection in the Pacific Islands. After […]
Palauan St. Dominic graduate wins best thesis in medical tech
A Palauan graduate of St. Dominic College of Asia in the Philippines received special recognition for her research on diabetes treatment. Ms. Morisang Shoulyn Terong received the award for Best Thesis in Medical Technology, which was written on the study of Neurophil-Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) as a potential biomarker for Type-1 diabetes. Ms. Terong graduated alongside […]
Coral bleaching happening again, study shows
Coral bleaching has been detected again in several sites in Palau according to studies conducted by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). The coral bleaching is said to be likely due to changing weather patterns. PICRC CEO Dr. Yimnang Golbuu said that so far the bleaching does not seem as widespread as it was […]
Six new Covid-19 cases in CNMI
SAIPAN (RNZ PACIFIC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s CNMI Covid-19 Task Force on Saturday reported six more confirmed cases of Covid-19, bringing the islands’ total cases to 86 since reporting started in March. CHCC spokesman Lee Tenorio said that the individuals were identified by travel screening and confirmed diagnosis through testing upon […]
With Covid-19 Under Control, China’s Economy Surges Ahead
Exports jumped and local governments engaged in a binge of debt-fueled construction projects. Even consumer spending is finally recovering. BEIJING (The New York Times) — As most of the world still struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, China is showing once again that a fast economic rebound is possible when the virus is brought firmly under control. […]
Japan, Vietnam agree to boost defense ties, resume flights
HANOI, Vietnam. (AP) — Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, in his first overseas summit since taking office last month, agreed with his Vietnamese counterpart to step up defense and security cooperation in the face of China’s expanding influence in the region. In talks in Hanoi on Monday, Suga and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc […]
Does the flu vaccine affect my chances of getting COVID-19?
Does the flu vaccine affect my chances of getting COVID-19?The flu vaccine protects you from seasonal influenza, not the coronavirus — but avoiding the flu is especially important this year.Health officials and medical groups are urging people to get either the flu shot or nasal spray, so that doctors and hospitals don’t face the extra […]
Australian police clear 3rd reporter of charges after raids
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Police announced on Thursday that a third journalist will not be charged with obtaining classified information 16 months after high-profile police raids triggered national outrage over the state of press freedom in Australia.Australian Federal Police targeted Australian Broadcasting Corp. reporter Dan Oakes and his producer Sam Clark when they executed search […]
Postal Service agrees to reverse service changes
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service agreed Wednesday to reverse changes that slowed mail service nationwide, settling a lawsuit filed by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock during a pandemic that is expected to force many more people to vote by mail.The lawsuit filed against Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and the U.S. Postal Service on […]
Dodgers score record 11 runs in 1st inning vs Braves in NLCS
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Max Muncy hit a grand slam to cap an 11-run first inning for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series, the highest-scoring inning ever in a postseason game.The 11 runs came against the Atlanta Braves, who were also on the wrong side of matching the previous […]
‘Bad Hombres’ film uses baseball to show the game of borders
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — People have always crossed borders to play baseball, and the sport routinely reaches across borders to fans. But rarely do players have to cross a border almost every day to participate in a game they love while dodging the tensions and rhetoric around this imaginary line.And that’s what members of […]
Health spending and foreign aid in the Pacific
SYDNEY, 09 OCTOBER 2020 (THE INTERPRETER)—In 1918 and 1919, the influenza pandemic swept across the world and killed millions. The Pacific suffered disproportionately high mortality. While around three percent of the world’s population died of influenza, mortality reached 22% in some Pacific nations, such as Samoa. Pacific islanders are generally overrepresented globally for the burden […]
La Niña officially declared in the Pacific
APIA, 09 OCTOBER 2020 (SPREP)—La Niña is officially underway in the Pacific, as confirmed by the Pacific Meteorological Desk Partnership at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). La Niña is a Spanish term which means “the girl”, and is the name given to the phenomenon where the trade winds become stronger, enhancing […]
Our need for Patience
(Self-Love Recovery) Love of self is not as easy as it sounds. To be patient and kind to yourself is not simple either. A young woman tells me that she is always anxious. My heart went out to her. I remember as a teenager how anxious I was. I was so afraid I’d fail and […]
COVID-19 and mental health: War on two fronts for the Pacific
SUVA, 12 OCTOBER 2020 — On 10 October, many people across the globe will mark World Mental Health Day with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues. World Mental Health Day is a day set aside globally for mental health awareness and education and is commemorated annually through varying events and programmes. This year though […]
Sam’s Tours celebrates 30th Anniversary
Koror, Palau, Oct 12, 2020– Even in challenging times a 30th Anniversary calls for a celebration. October 2020 marks thirty years in business for Sam’s Tours. To celebrate this milestone achievement Sam’s Tours treated 30 young Palauan divers to a dive with founder Sam Scott at his all-time favorite dive site Ulong Channel on Saturday […]
Supreme Court nominee Barrett faces Senate despite virus
WASHINGTON (AP) — Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett are set to begin as a divided Senate charges ahead on President Donald Trump’s pick to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and cement a conservative court majority before Election Day. Barrett, a federal appeals court judge, will tell the Senate Judiciary Committee that she is “forever […]
Asia Today: China to test 9 million after fresh outbreak
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese health authorities will test all 9 million people in the eastern city of Qingdao for the coronavirus this week after nine cases linked to a hospital were found, the government announced Monday. The announcement broke a two-month streak with no virus transmissions within China reported, though China has a practice of […]
English villages wake up to find they’re Brexit’s new border
SEVINGTON, England (AP) — Four years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Brexit can still seem abstract. But in the county known as the Garden of England, it is literally taking concrete form. Just beyond the ancient oaks and yews that surround medieval St. Mary’s Church in the village of Sevington, bulldozers, dump […]
Missing man found alive on 10th day of search
After 10 days of searching for Mathew Omengebar of Ngarchelong State, man reported missing on September 27th, he was found walking along the main road early yesterday morning. The area is said to be close to where his house is located.The search which was extended to Friday, October 8 by the Ministry of Justice, was […]
IATA: Looming cash crisis threatens airlines
GENEVA, 08 OCTOBER 2020 (IATA/PATA) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned that the airline industry will burn through US$77 billion in cash during the second half of 2020 (almost US$13 billion/month or US$300,000 per minute), despite the restart of operations.The slow recovery in air travel will see the airline industry continuing to burn […]
More action needed for seafarers, ‘collateral victims’ of measures to curb COVID-19
GENEVA, 07 OCTOBER 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — Highlighting an “unparalleled crisis” affecting hundreds of thousands of crew members and maritime workers reeling due to the impact of COVID-19, the UN has called on the business sector and others involved in the shipping industry to do more to address the plight of seafarers worlwide.In all, […]
Taiwan Embassy donates 1,000 USD for Ngarchelong State’s Constitutional Day
Ambassador Wallace Chow of the Republic of China (Taiwan) made a donation of 1,000 USD to Mr. Richard Ngiratrang, Governor of Ngarchelong State on 6 October for the 38th anniversary of Ngarchelong Constitution.The said amount will be used in support of the program of Ngarchelong’s Constitutional Day events, including different races and softball game. Ambassador […]
PICRC updates Rubekul Belau on conservation, sustainability, and research projects
For over five years, the Palau International Coral Reef Center has been providing annual updates to the Rubekul Belau. Keeping to this tradition, the Center met with the Rubekul Belau earlier this week, on October 6, 2020, to present progress to date on the Center’s newest mandate, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). In addition […]
4 students from Airai receive a 500-dollar scholarship
On Wednesday October 7th, 4 students from Airai have each received a 500-dollar scholarship and accepting it on their behalf was their parents. The 4 students who received the scholarship are Chealsey Daniel majoring in Business Administration at Eastern Oregon University, Vivica Nakamura who is taking Business Administration with an emphasis on Finance at Hawaii […]
Journey of Learning:
Experiencing Love, Grace and Mercy “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Blaise Pascal The most important aspect of our healing journey is to remember that we never arrive. It’s an ongoing process. “The road is long with many a winding turn…” (Bobby Scott and Bob Russell). […]
TOP STORIES
LEADING OFF: Homers fly in playoffs, Atlanta arms dominate
A look at what’s happening around the majors on Thursday:OCTOBER OCTANEMaybe it’s the Southern California air or the indoors atmosphere in Texas, but the ball is really flying this postseason.With Chad Pinder, Travis d’Arnaud and others powering up, there had been 75 home runs in just 26 playoff games this year through Wednesday afternoon. That […]
Clevinger replaced on Padres playoff roster with elbow issue
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Clevinger was replaced on San Diego’s playoff roster Wednesday because of his elbow injury, a move that would keep him from pitching again this postseason unless the Padres make it to the World Series. That would also depend on if his ailing right elbow is healthy enough to get back […]
Safety Office maps bomb-contamination
Two weeks after the unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonation in the Solomon Islands which killed two bomb-disposal experts, the Palau National Safety Office is reviewing its bomb-disposal protocols, which involve GPS mapping and dismantling in safe zones. Ms. Eunice Akiwo of the Bureau of Domestic Affairs (BDA), which heads the bomb-removal task force in Palau, says […]
One month out, battered Trump campaign faces big challenges
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s long-hidden tax returns leaked out. His first debate performance ignited a firestorm over white supremacy. He was hospitalized for COVID-19 after months of playing down the threat of a pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans. And that was just this past week. Trump’s reelection team, battered on […]
Asia Today: Remote-learning begins in virus-hit Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Grade and high school students in the Philippines began classes at home Monday after the coronavirus pandemic forced remote-learning onto an educational system already struggling to fund schools. The shift to distance-learning has been a logistical nightmare for the poverty-stricken Southeast Asian country that has long lacked enough classrooms, teachers and […]
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Top Stories
NPA suspends bomb-removals following Solomons explosion
The Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in Palau, which works alongside the Palau National Safety Office to dispose of World War II-era unexploded ordnance (UXO), has suspended bomb-disposal operations this week in order to conduct refresher training for its staff. This occurs in the wake of the UXO detonation in the Solomon Islands two weeks ago, […]
New Caledonia to vote on independence from France
NOUMEA, (RNZ PACIFIC) — New Caledonia will have its second referendum on independence from France this Sunday amid expectation of a final showdown to come in two years. Although opinion polls were commissioned no results have been published. The rhetoric of recent weeks however doesn’t suggest that the status-quo will be upended – just yet. […]
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World
Taiwan Embassy donates $1,000 to Palau Track and Field Association
Ambassador Wallace Chow of the ROC (Taiwan) presented a check of $1,000 to Senator Regis Akitaya, concurrently the President of Palau Track and Field Association, on September 25, 2020 in support of the development of track and field sport in Palau. Taiwan Embassy is delighted to support Palau Track and Field Association(PTFA) and hopes […]
43rd death, 68 new Covid-19 cases reported in Guam
HAGATNA,(PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Joint Information Centre reported Guam’s 43rd Covid-19-related fatality at the Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH). The patient, a 53-year-old man, died on Saturday. He had underlying health conditions that were compounded by the coronavirus and was admitted to GMH on 30 August after testing positive at Guam Regional Medical City. “Almost […]
Foreigner engaged in sham marriages with PNG women caught
PORT MORESBY(POST COURIER) — A foreign national, allegedly believed to be behind a ‘marriage of convenience’ scheme has been caught in Papua New Guinea while trying to avoid a police dragnet when crossing the Waghi river in the Jiwaka province. The suspect from Bangladesh is alleged to have developed this profitable scheme which involves marrying […]
Covid-19 among crew halts French Polynesia cruise
PAPE’ETE(RNZ PACIFIC) — A cruise from Tahiti to the Marquesas Islands has been aborted after several crew members were informed that they were Covid-19 positive. The Aranui 5 had already left the French Polynesian capital and was forced to return to Papeete. Seven crew are affected. Tahiti Nui TV reported that locally resident passengers were […]
Rodgers, Packers unbeaten with 37-30 victory over Saints
By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers sounds increasingly enamored with the scheme and play-calling philosophy of second-year head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers are unbeaten and putting up some of the best offensive numbers in the NFL. So why not? Rodgers passed for 283 yards and […]
Organizer arrested after driving car into California protest
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An organizer of a Southern California demonstration against racism was in jail Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder after authorities say she drove through a crowd and struck two counterprotesters. Tatiana Turner, 40, was arrested Saturday in Yorba Linda after speeding from a parking lot when her car was surrounded by […]
NY Times: Trump paid $750 in US income taxes in 2016, 2017
President Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income taxes the year he ran for president and in his first year in the White House, according to a report in The New York Times. Trump, who has fiercely guarded his tax filings and is the only president in modern times not to make them public, […]
Oilouch vs. Whipps in race to presidency
Presidential candidates Raynold Oilouch and Surangel Whipps Jr. will advance to the Nov. 3 race for the presidency, according to the unofficial result from the Palau Election Commission.Slightly less than 8,000 voters cast their votes in last Tuesday’s primary election, with Whipps Jr. topping the race with 3,546 votes and Oilouch second with 1,984 votes.Along […]
Senate slammed over the delay in passing budget
Members of the Senate Conference Committee were slammed yesterday during the national leadership meeting over the delay in passing the continuing budget resolution.“Respect, respect, respect,” stressed President Remengesau, urging OEK to allow the Continuing Budget Resolution to pass as is. “Have faith in the next administration, in the next OEK” to develop their budget according […]
65th Anniversary of BNM kicks off 8 days of Independence Day activities
Celebration of Belau National Museum 65th anniversary last night also kicked off the 1st day of the many Independence Day activities to come.The celebration featured a temporary exhibit showcasing the late Dave Ngirailemesang’s artwork of the Presidents of Palau. The museum previewed their 2019 State of the Bird Report along with the promotion of the […]
Billboard
PICRC completed the follow-up assessment on Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary
Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) research team has completed a report titled, “2019 Assessment of Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary: Results indicate intervention is needed to boost reef recovery”, on the conservation area in Melekeok state.The main objective of this survey was to understand the status and trends of ecological indicators within the Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary, […]
Seklii graduates and completes JICA SDGs global leader program
Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) research team has completed a report titled, “2019 Assessment of Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary: Results indicate intervention is needed to boost reef recovery”, on the conservation area in Melekeok state.The main objective of this survey was to understand the status and trends of ecological indicators within the Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary, […]
BNM education campaign launched in Northern Peleliu Lkes
The Belau National Museum, the focal point for the National Bird Program, together with its partners, The Palau Conservation Society, focal point for Bird Life International, and Kaudiais, a local community group in Peleliu, launched an Educational Campaign for the Northern Peleliu Lkes during September 10, 2020. This two-year campaign is funded through the Small […]
First socioeconomic report on the 13 states under PAN is released
A new report released by Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) titled, “Human well-being and the perceptions of stakeholders of 13 states in the Palau Protected Areas Network (PAN)” is now available to the public. This is the first nation-wide socioeconomic study in the 13 registered states under Palau’s PAN sites. The main objective of […]
ADB vows to be developing Asia’s partner for recover from Covid-19
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to partnering with developing economies in Asia and the Pacific to achieve their recovery goals from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, President Masatsugu Asakawa said in an address to ADB’s Board of Governors today. “ADB will continue to earn your trust as a steadfast partner […]
Handover Ceremony for new Street sweeper, wood chipper, cardboard baler and road maintenance tools provided through Japan’s Grant Aid
On September 15, 2020, Bureau of Public Works held the handover ceremony for the new street sweeper, wood chipper, cardboard baler and road maintenance tools (worth up to approx. 464 thousand dollars) provided through Japan’s grant aid. The ceremony was attended by Honorable Charles Obichang, Minister of Public Infrastructure, Industries and Commerce, and Ambassador Karasawa […]
Taiwan Embassy Donates $1,500 to support PCS’s Fall Fundraising Event
On September 14, 2020. Ambassador Wallace M.G. Chow of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Palau donated $1,500 to Palau Conservation Society(PCS) for its annual fundraising event.Chairman of PCS David A. Orrukem said PCS normally hosts its Annual Gala at this time of the year, but this year due to the impacts of COVID-19 on […]
PCS and Belau National Museum: Education campaign for Migratory Birds at Peleliu Lkes
On September 10, 2020, the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) and the Belau National Museum (BNM) in partnership with Kaudiais brought about 20 students and teachers from Peleliu Elementary School to the northern Peleliusandflats, known as lkes, to monitor the abundance of migratory coastal and shore birds that can be found at the site. Through a […]
Groundbreaking ceremony for Japan’s GGP Grant for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center”
On Thursday, August 27, 2020, Ambassador Karasawa joined the groundbreaking ceremony for “The Project for Renovating Senior Citizens Center” at the Meyuns Youth Center compound. This ceremony was held with other four infrastructure projects’ groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies that attended by President Remengesau, Jr., Minister of Communityand Cultural Affairs Temengil, traditional chiefs and some […]
Recover Better Together － Taiwan can help
In 2020, the world has been hit by an unprecedented public health crisis, with the effects of COVID-19 being felt across every aspect of people’s lives. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Charter of the United Nations—the mission statement that stands at the very heart of the inclusive multilateralism […]
Bringing health and wellbeing closer to people in Palau
‘Be your own best medicine!’ – Gender and Lifestyle Medicine Awareness Lectures in support of the Palau Ministry of Health. Palau – the Pacific island nation made of 200 pristine islands and reefs in the Western Pacific – is one of the world’s last countries still free of the coronavirus. However, there are remaining health […]
PICRC shares updates with PAN Coordinators
Last month, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) Outreach team joined a meeting of the Association of State PAN Coordinators (ASPC), held at Ngatpang dock. Outreach officers offered updates on ongoing collaborative projects between PICRC and the Protected Areas Network (PAN), in several of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) around Palau. PICRC officers were […]
Palau National Scholarship Board Awards 5 full scholarships for SY 2020-2021
Palau National Scholarship Board has completed reviewing and awarding this new school year 2020-2021 applications for PNSB financial assistance. The Scholarship Board is happy to report that among this year’s recipients are 5 outstanding students who were declared eligible to receive full scholarships. A recipient of the Palau Full Scholarship must be at least in […]
EST Memorial Scholarship awarded to Airai student
The Elgina Sechedui Takeo (EST) Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Mr. Koteb M. Aulerio, a graduate of Airai Elementary School, on September 4. The $500 scholarship was presented by the children of the late Sechedui Takeo to Mr. Aulerio, who is pursuing his liberal arts degree at Palau Community College. The EST Scholarship is awarded […]
Taiwan makes donation for Independence Day fireworks display
The Republic of China (Taiwan), represented by Ambassador Wallace Chow, presented a check for $50,000 to Chief of Staff of the President’s Office Secilil Eldebechel to sponsor Palau’s upcoming Independence Day fireworks display on September 4. Palau’s 26th Independence Day will take place this October 1. Palau has contracted Giant Show, one of the most […]
Opinion
Impact on workers of COVID-19 is ‘catastrophic’: ILO
GENEVA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — COVID-19 has had a “catastrophic” impact on workers, the head of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said on Wednesday, with lost working hours higher than originally forecast, and equivalent to 495 million full-time jobs globally in the second quarter of the year.The bleak news from ILO Director-General […]
UN chief: COVID-19 vaccine must be affordable and available to all
NEW YORK, 17 SEPTEMBER 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —-The continuing COVID-19 pandemic continues to top a long list of global concerns, the UN chief told journalists on Wednesday, noting that “the grimmest of milestones” is upon us.“The outbreak remains out of control”, Secretary-General AntónioGuterres declared in his press conference ahead of the UN General Assembly […]
U.S. Territories, Not States, Bear the Scars of WWII
By: Douglas W. Domenech, U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Insular and International Affairs September 11, 2020 -As we mark 75 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific Theater of the Second World War, we should keep in mind that it was not the United States’s 48 states then whose land and people sustained […]
COVID magnifies health disparities for Micronesians
Inadequate access to insurance results in a higher prevalenceof diseases that could be prevented. HONOLULU (CIVIL BEAT) —Although it appears COVID-19 is indiscriminate in who it infects, we know that minority communities are disproportionately affected because of pre-established health disparities.Within Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos make up 59% of active cases. Under the […]
To Partnership, To Palau
From: LtCol Thomas Stona, Task Force Koa Moana 20 Commanding Officer Over the past two months, I have had the distinct pleasure of commanding this year’s rotation of Koa Moana Marines and Sailors in beautiful Palau. My Marines and Sailors benefitted from this deployment by refining their technical skills, gaining experience and learning about Palau’s […]
COVID-19 and violence against children
SYDNEY, 04 SEPTEMBER 2020 (DEVPOLICY) —Lockdowns across the world have pushed people into the privacy of their homes, unintentionally closing the shutters on violence against children. Children and young people are facing unprecedented threats to their childhoods and futures as a result of COVID-19. For many children, home is not a safe place – because […]
Women are key to response and recovery out of the COVID era: Deputy UN chief
NEW YORK, 04 SEPTEMBER 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —Young women are fighting interconnected battles for “environmental, economic and racial justice”, the deputy UN chief said in a discussion on Thursday. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told the second of a series of roundtable discussions with renowned women economists that she was honoured to witness the […]
Attacks on journalists are attacks on all civil society: UN rights chief
GENEVA, 02 SEPTEMBER 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet has urged all countries to do more to protect journalists, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, as their work helps save lives.Speaking at an event in support of press freedom in Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that around 1,000 […]
Digital economy can put citizens in control of finance, says UN taskforce
NEW YORK, 27 AUGUST 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —A UN taskforce set up to look into the risks and benefits of the digital economy, has concluded that it could have a transformational impact on sustainable development, and empower citizens, both as taxpayers and investors.The report, “People’s Money: Harnessing Digitalisation to Finance a Sustainable Future”, was […]
‘Cultural rights are human rights too’: Kiribati gesture of welcome must be understood from the island’s perspective
TARAWA/CANBERRA, 24 AUGUST 2020 (THE GUARDIAN) —The image flew around the world, far ahead of any understanding of what it represented. In the grainy picture, the Chinese ambassador to Kiribati was being welcomed onto the atoll island of Marakei. A row of young men lay face-down on the ground, their backs forming a path for […]
China testing its vaccine in PNG
PORT MORESBY, 20 AUGUST 2020 (THE AUSTRALIAN)—A Chinese mining company in Papua New Guinea claims to have immunised its employees against COVID-19 in an apparent vaccination trial as Australia and China prepare for a new “vaccine diplomacy” battle for influence across the region.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison Wednesday vowed to help the nation’s “Pacific family” […]
UN salutes real-life heroes doing ‘extraordinary things, in extraordinary times’
NEW YORK, 20 AUGUST 2020 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —-Marking World Humanitarian Day, top UN officials are honouring the workers overcoming “huge challenges” to save and improve the lives of millions of women, men and children, hit hard by crises and the COVID-19 pandemic.UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged everyone to applaud and support the humanitarians, health […]
Social media and intimate partner violence in PNG
PORT MORESBY, 17 AUGUST 2020 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —In June 2020, two cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) went viral on social media in Papua New Guinea (PNG) sparking public commentary on the specifics of the two cases and the problem of IPV in PNG more broadly. Despite similarities between the two cases, they received divergent responses […]
PNG Controller of the National Pandemic Response issues 11 new measures to stop the spread of COVID-19
PORT MORESBY,13 AUGUST 2020 (PNG GOVT) —- Papua New Guinea Controller of the National Pandemic Response David Manning says the 14 day lock down of the National Capital District following a surge in COVID-19 cases officially ends Wednesday 12 August 2020.Manning also issued 11 new measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19. Ten of […]
‘Worst-case’ global warming scenario still best guide until 2050, study says
NEW YORK (CLIMATE HOME) — A ‘worst-case’ scenario of surging greenhouse gas emissions this century is still the ‘most useful choice’ for government planning until 2050 despite criticisms that it is alarmist, a U.S study said on Monday. The scenario of rising fossil fuel use, used by the UN panel of climate scientists in reports […]
Include voice of civil in the COVID response
As Pacific Forum Economic ministers prepare to meet next week, there is a call to include the voice of civil society in the COVID response. The voice of the people needs to be heard as Ministers seek a path out of COVID crisis. At their meeting economic ministers will grapple with an economic crisis worse than […]
Pacific News
Cocaine and Meth most seized illicit drug in the Pacific
SUVA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2020 (FBC NEWS) — Cocaine and methamphetamine continue to be the most seized imported illicit drugs in the Pacific.This was highlighted in a zoom meeting held with members of the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCC).The meeting chaired by the Samoan Police Commissioner Egon Keil to discussed the challenges faced by Pacific regional […]
Investigations indicate the pair killed in Solomon Islands explosion “were up to something”
HONIARA, 24 SEPTEMBER 2020 (ISLAND SUN) — Two foreigners killed in a Solomon Islands bomb blast at Tasahe last Sunday may have been illegally disarming World War II munitions at their home for some time.That’s according to sources close to the police team investigating the case.Australian Trent Lee and Briton Stephen “Luke” Atkinson died when […]
Two die in in Solomon Islands bomb blast
HONIARA, 21 SEPTEMBER 2020 (SOLOMON STAR)—Two foreign nationals have lost their lives during an accident last night at their private rented home in Tasahe, West Honiara. The duo – a British and an Australian nationals died when an Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) they were working on went off between 7.30pm and 8pm last night. It was […]
Guam’s positivity rate jumps to 14%, among the highest in U.S
HAGATNA, 21 SEPTEMBER 2020 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Of the 305 samples tested Friday, 43 were confirmed positive for Covid-19, raising Guam’s positivity rate to 14.1 percent from 8 percent over the past week. With the sudden increase, Guam now ranks 10th among the U.S. jurisdictions with the highest positivity rates that far exceed the 5 percent […]
Marshall Islands auditor: Many reports of ongoing abuse of public office
MAJURO, 21 SEPTEMBER 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY)— The past six months has seen over a dozen reports to the Marshall Islands Auditor General’s office of theft from and abuse of government offices. Auditor General Junior Patrick told Nitijela or parliament last week in his 73rd Semi-Annual Report that since the January report was issued, “we recorded […]
Six newly arrived passengers test positive for Covid-19 in CNMI
SAIPAN, 21 SEPTEMBER 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY) —The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHC) on Sunday announced that six newly arrived individuals tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. This brings the CNMI’s total number of cases to 68 since March. The six individuals came from a foreign country and were diagnosed through testing upon arrival at the Francisco […]
FSM’s Panuelo offers funding and expertise to Pohnpei to explore alternatives to coral
POHNPEI, 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 (FSMIS/MARIANAS VARIETY) — Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) President David Panuelo has sent a letter to Reed Oliver, governor of the State of Pohnpei, regarding the FSM national government’s concerns regarding “dredging activities and quarrying of large amounts of landfill materials,” several instances of which are objectively harmful to the environment […]
Two more Covid fatalities reported; CDC model projects 64 deaths on Guam by 01 November
HAGATNA, 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Two more Covid-19 patients died at the Guam Memorial Hospital today, bringing Guam’s death count to 28.The first patient, a 45-year-old woman with had underlying health conditions. She was initially admitted to Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) on 17 August and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.An 84-year-old man […]
Dengue fever hangs on in Marshall Islands
MAJURO, 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY) — Fourteen months after an outbreak of dengue fever hit the Marshall Islands, the country cannot shake the mosquito-borne illness. It raises the question of whether dengue is becoming an endemic illness for the first time. After averaging over 200 cases per week in the January and February period, […]
10-year-old boy Guam’s 26th Covid fatality
HAGATNA, 14 SEPTEMBER 2020 (RNZ PACIFIC)—A 10-year-old boy, who had underlying health conditions compounded by Covid-19, died at the U.S. Naval Hospital, becoming Guam’s 26th and the youngest coronavirus-related fatality. The patient died on Saturday night, according to the Joint Information Centre. He tested positive for Covid-19 on 03 September, 2020. He is Guam’s youngest […]
World News
Before the Blast
By Ian Urbina (#@ian_urbina – Instagram, Twitter / @ianurbinareporter – Facebookor visit https://www.theoutlawocean.com Hidden behind the tragedy of the deadly explosion in Beirut is the more pervasive travesty of the abandonment of ships, seafarers and cargo, and unless the global public reckons with this deeper problem, a next disaster is all but inevitable.Though Lebanese investigators […]
70 whales rescued from Australia’s worst mass beaching
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Authorities revised up the number of pilot whales rescued from Australia’s worst mass stranding from 50 to 70 on Thursday, as the focus shifted to removing 380 carcasses from Tasmania state shallows. The number of rescues had been estimated at 50 late Wednesday, but 20 more came to light following later […]
Asia Today: China to let in more foreigners as virus recedes
BEIJING (AP) — Foreigners holding certain types of visas and residence permits will be permitted to return to China starting next week as the threat of coronavirus continues to recede. The new regulation lifts a months-long blanket suspension covering most foreigners apart from diplomats and those in special circumstances. Beginning Monday, foreign nationals holding valid […]
Judge agrees to delay US government restrictions on WeChat
NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has approved a request from a group of U.S. WeChat users to delay looming federal government restrictions that could effectively make the popular app nearly impossible to use. In a ruling dated Saturday, Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler in California said the government’s actions would affect users’ First Amendment rights, […]
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies at 87
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a towering women’s rights champion who became the court’s second female justice, died Friday at her home in Washington. She was 87. Ginsburg died of complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer, the court said. Her death just over six weeks before Election Day is likely to set off a heated […]
Deputies find 1 woman dead, 1 chained to bed at Texas home
CLEVELAND, Texas (AP) — Deputies are looking for a man after one woman was found chained inside his home and the body of another woman was found inside a burning vehicle outside his Southeast Texas house, authorities said Sunday. After responding to a 911 call Saturday evening, deputies with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office found […]
As India’s virus cases rise, so do questions over death toll
NEW DELHI (AP) — When Narayan Mitra died on July 16, a day after being admitted to the hospital for fever and breathing difficulties, his name never appeared on any of the official lists put out daily of those killed by the coronavirus.Test results later revealed that Mitra had indeed been infected with COVID-19, as […]
US charges 5 Chinese citizens in global hacking campaign
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has charged five Chinese citizens with hacks targeting more than 100 companies and institutions in the United States and abroad, including social media and video game companies as well as universities and telecommunications providers, officials said Wednesday.The five defendants remain fugitives, but prosecutors say two Malaysian businessmen charged with […]
Sports
He’s a Herro: Heat top Celtics, move a game from NBA Finals
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Herro should still be in college. He’s not, but is still a student. He carries a red spiral-bound notebook with him at all times, jotting down notes when things pop into his head. What worked, what didn’t, where he thinks he can get better and how he’s feeling […]
Rays beat Mets 8-5, clinch 1st AL East title in 10 years
NEW YORK (AP) — Confetti instead of champagne. Silly string instead of beer. The Tampa Bay Rays, long accustomed to doing more with less, figured out a way to maximize the division-clinching celebration they were allowed to enjoy during a 2020 season shortened by the coronavirus. Randy Arozarena homered twice and the Rays clinched their […]
Clevinger suddenly pulled after 1 inning, Pads fall to Halos
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The euphoria of clinching their first playoff berth in 14 seasons three days earlier was tempered for the San Diego Padres when right-hander Mike Clevinger was suddenly pulled after only one inning of his start Wednesday. Clevinger was sent for an MRI on his right biceps while the Padres were losing […]
Seahawks stuff Newton on final play, beat Patriots 35-30
SEATTLE (AP) — Russell Wilson continued his sizzling start throwing five more touchdown passes. Unheralded second-year defensive end L.J. Collier made the play that assured those five TD tosses came in a victory. Collier stuffed Cam Newton at the 1-yard line on the final play, and the Seattle Seahawks held off the New England Patriots […]
Rally puts Padres back in playoffs for 1st time in 14 years
SAN DIEGO (AP) — After 14 long years, the San Diego Padres are back in the playoffs, this time with a cast of stars who never flinch when they get down. The Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 7-4 Sunday with a three-run rally in the 11th inning that included a go-ahead double by newcomer Mitch […]
Davis hits 3 at buzzer, Lakers edge Nuggets for 2-0 lead
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Anthony Davis has never been this deep in the playoffs, never had the chance to take such an important shot. It’s nothing new for the Los Angeles Lakers, though. So when Davis’ 3-pointer swished through the net as time expired to give the Lakers a 105-103 victory over the […]
LeBron James makes All-NBA team for record 16th time
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — LeBron James now stands alone in All-NBA recognition history, getting there unanimously.James was revealed Wednesday as an All-NBA player for a record 16th time, breaking the mark he shared with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. He was a first-team pick on all 100 ballots, joining Milwaukee’s Giannis […]
Dodgers 1st team to clinch playoff spot, beat Padres 7-5
SAN DIEGO (AP) — While the Los Angeles Dodgers are regular participants in postseason baseball, there was something unusual about becoming the first team in the pandemic-shortened season to clinch a berth in the expanded playoffs.“It’s different, I guess. I just found that out five minutes ago,” manager Dave Roberts said in his video news […]
Reverse: Big Ten will try to play fall football after all
Players were pumped. Coaches were stoked. Fans seemed relieved. Even the president was pleased.The Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all.Less than five weeks after pushing fall sports to spring in the name of player safety during the pandemic, the conference ran a reverse Wednesday and said it plans to […]
