Senior Citizens Day
Senior Citizens Day celebrations at various States. Each State held their own celebration for their senior citizens. President Whipps paid visit to seniors in Babeldaob States including Senior Citizens Center in […]
Dr. Roberts named in race for Peleliu Governor
Former Health Minister Dr. Emais Roberts is named as one of the candidates for the Office of Governor in the upcoming 14th General Election of […]
President Whipps heads to Guam for Palau-US defense meet
President Surangel Whipps Jr. and close to a dozen Palauan officials are headed to Guam on Sunday to attend the Joint Committee Meeting with United […]
BPS to strengthen enforcement of traffic laws
By: Olkeriil Ngirudelsang The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) will be strengthening its enforcement of traffic laws. In […]
BOG moves to dismiss suit claiming failure to enjoin IRS,
Plaintiffs oppose saying IRS not party to case In response to a civil suit filed against it by […]
Public education on comprehensive tax reform begins
Another round of public education on the tax reform plan begins with a symposium held at the Palau […]
O’s Means throws MLB’s 3rd no-hitter of season, tops M’s 6-0
SEATTLE (AP) — The clubhouse celebration that awaited John Means was more than 50 years in the making […]
China suspends economic dialogue with Australia
BEIJING (AP) — China on Thursday suspended an economic dialogue with Australia, stepping up a pressure campaign that […]
Over $36,000 worth of turtle shell jewelry seized
Over $36,000 dollars’ worth of turtle shell jewelry have been seized from various vendors in Koror by Fish & Wildlife law enforcement officers […]
Trainings on Flammable Refrigerant
EQPB hosted the first in a series of four (4) virtual trainings on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. The focus of these 4 trainings […]
Taiwan Embassy donates 1,000 USD to The Angel Center—School of Pacific
Ambassador Wallace Chow of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) delivered a check of $1,000 to The Angel Center—School of Pacific […]
Taiwan donates PRCS as humanitarian assistance affected by Typhoon Surigae
The Palau Taiwan Embassy, through H.E. Ambassador Wallace Chow, is providing Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) with $22,000. An amount of $20,000 is […]
Whipps says PIF apology over Sec-Gen selection requires action
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said while Micronesia welcomes the apology made by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the sub-region will remain steadfast on leaving the […]
WIOA tax refunds confirmed, disbursement still pending
By: Olkeriil Ngirudelsang US Department of Labor has confirmed with WIOA Office in Palau that yes, the $1.3 million deducted as income tax to the […]
Central polling places removed except for outlying states
Palau Election Commission Board of Directors adopted a resolution removing “Central Polling Places” normally established in Koror. The new policy applies to […]
90% of adult population received 1st dose of vaccine
Ninety percent (90%) of Palau’s adult population have received their first dose of COVID vaccine as of April 27, 2021, according to […]
Vaccine rollouts to spur North Pacific economic recovery- ADB
MANILA, PHILIPPINES —The economic decline in the north Pacific is forecast to end in 2022 as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine rollout […]
Suns beat Clippers, clinch first playoff spot in 11 years
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker was in middle school and starting […]
Green Fair 2021 features local designers, makeup artists and hair stylists
The Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) along with plant growers and community […]
Young Entrepreneurs in Palau Workshop
The Palau Chamber of Commerce (PCOC) has an on-going partnership with […]
FINDING YOUR VOICE, YOUR PURPOSE
Two roads diverge in a wood, and I — I took […]
Traffic Educational Safety Tips No. 03
Driving While Impaired: § 514. Persons under the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquor. It shall be unlawful for any person who is an habitual user of narcotic drugs or any person who […]
635 marijuana plants, $18,000 cash seized in Peleliu bust
Law enforcement yesterday busted a marijuana operation in a Peleliu residence, seizing 635 marijuana plants, 136 […]
Asanuma sworn in as the New Post Master General
By: Olkeriil Ngirudelsang At the Post office in Koror yesterday, […]
ADB Approves $25 Million to Help Palau’s Recovery from COVID-19
MANILA, PHILIPPINES ) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has […]
75 inmates to be vaccinated
Seventy-five (75) people currently in prison serving sentences will be […]
Typhoon Surigae damage cost reaches $4.8 million
Typhoon Surigae’s damage to infrastructure and public utilities reached an estimated $4.8 million, based on the Immediate and Near-term Response […]
Taiwan Embassy supporting DilNgebuked Inc.
DilNgebuked Inc. presented a donation check of $1,500 from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on April 22, […]
Taiwan gives US$ 1M as post-Surigae tourism revitalization assistance
On April 23, 2021, President Surangel Whipps, Jr. received a generous donation of USD 1 million from H.E. Wallace M.G. […]
Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 jabs resumes
The rollout of Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine rollout will resume, Ministry of Health announced yesterday.The decision to continue […]
Former Marshall Islands President: Fiame’s win for women
APIA, 26 APRIL 2021 (SAMOA OBSERVER) — The former President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands has praised Fiame […]
If it’s safe, dump it in Tokyo.
We in the Pacific don’t want Japan’s nuclear wastewater Japan’s plans to discharge radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is […]
IT WON’T RAIN ALWAYS
Thunderstorm was rumbling loudly right over my head last night and woke me up. It scared me, to be […]
Three PHS Students join PICRC for Career Mentoring
On April 20, 2021, Palau High School (PHS) students Caley Sumio Adolf, Dillungil Alex Suzuki and Jamie T. Ngirdimau […]
Miss ULI 20-Year reunion organizing committee donates to the Upcoming Senior Citizens Day
On April 24, 2021, the Miss ULI 20-Year Reunion Concert was held at the Palasia Hotel. The original Miss […]
Curry sets NBA record for 3-pointers in a month with 85
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Greeted by more “M-V-P!” chants, Stephen Curry dazzled again in one of the most dominant […]
Biden’s first 100 days: Where he stands on key promises
WASHINGTON (AP) — As he rounds out his first 100 days in office, President Joe Biden’s focus on reining in the coronavirus during the early months of […]
After ‘Green Rush,’ Canada’s Legal Pot Suppliers Are Stumbling
Most marijuana producers in Canada are still reporting staggering losses two and a half years after legalization. By Ian Austen @ 2021 The New York Times CompanyEXETER, […]
Survey shows Pacific business confidence at its lowest
SYDNEY, 26 APRIL 2021 (PTI AUSTRALIA) — The month’s Pacific Business Monitor, a regular survey tracking the effects of COVID-19 on businesses in the Pacific region by […]
DB Approves $18.9 Million for Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Pacific
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (26 April 2021) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $18.9 million in grants to help four developing member countries (DMCs) in the Pacific […]
Seized cash of $87K, laptops and cellphones from gambling case turned over
$87,413.07 dollars, 20 laptops, 74 cellphones, 42 unused internet cards, 11 unused sim cards and numerous accessories and other confiscated electronic items were turned over to President Surangel Whipps Jr. by the Office of Special Prosecutor during Wednesday’s press conference. The items, according to Special Prosecutor April Dawn Cripps, were confiscated in the raid conducted […]
Accidental hooked power lines
Yesterday, Surangel & Sons truck carrying container accidentally hooked power lines in front of PPUC Administration office near the Ministry of Education, pulling down a power line and a street light. Power pole struck one parked vehicle, narrowly missing a pedestrian. The incident took out power to PPUC, cutting off online token purchase and PPUC phone […]
A family of 9 without a home after Typhoon Surigae
By: Olkeriil Ngirudelsang A family of nine living in Babeldaob found themselves with out a home following the aftermath of typhoon Surigae. “Our house […]
Palau government to seeks help for Typhoon Surigae recovery
Palau government will be looking for help to recover from the devastation of the Typhoon Surigae, including seeking grants for continued community outreach to improve […]
Surigae reminds of climate change threats
President Surangel Whipps Jr said Typhoon Surigae’s intensity and surprise trajectory bear signs of climate change effects adding that climate change will continue to be a threat to small island nations in Micronesia. […]
Second proposal to re-organize Executive Branch submitted; Two ministries re-organized (MCCA and MNRET)
A second bill to re-organize Executive Branch ministries has been submitted to the House of Delegates, House bill number 11-25-2. The bill follows the pledge given by President Whipps’ administration to make […]
Samoa in “constitutional crisis”
APIA (SAMOA OBSERVER)—The Office of the Electoral Commissioner’s creation of a new, post-election Parliamentary seat has plunged Samoa into a “constitutional crisis” with no resolution in sight, […]
Five candidates with 7 months to go
By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang To date, there are five individuals vying for the seat of Koror state […]
Finance Minister urges conservative spending
Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui Jr. urged conservative spending by the government as it starts preparations for […]
United States providing humanitarian assistance in response to damaging Typhoon Surigae in Palau
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is […]
Tokyo Olympics torch relay has first positive COVID-19 case
TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo Olympics organizers said Thursday that a policeman tested […]
Knicks beat Hawks 122-119, win streak at NBA-best 8 games
NEW YORK (AP) — Julius Randle had 40 points and 10 rebounds […]
Marshall Islands gets front-row seat at U.S Leaders Climate Summit
MAJURO (RNZ PACIFIC)—The Marshall Islands says it will ensure the Pacific voices are heard at today’s US […]
PICRC partners with Blue Nature to strengthen management of the PNMS
The Palau International Coral Center (PICRC) applauds the Blue Nature Alliance’s launch, one of the largest conservation […]
Dr. Louw Claassens joins PICRC to lead its PNMS Science and monitoring program
Dr. Louw Claassens recently joined the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) as a Science Officer and […]
Emergency Assistance to the Republic of Palau in Response to Typhoon Surigae
On April 20, the Government of Japan decided to provide Palau with emergency relief supplies including generators, […]
Google productivity workshop
On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, Palau Chamber of Commerce and Palau Small Business Development Center hosted a workshop on the Google productivity […]
As extreme weather increases, climate misinformation adapts
PROVIDENCE, 1(AP)– Climate scientists have warned for years that a warming planet would cause more extreme storms, like the one that walloped […]
Biden to pledge halving greenhouse gases by 2030
WASHINGTON (AP)– President Joe Biden will pledge to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions at least in half by 2030 as he convenes a virtual climate summit […]
Hawaii to begin vaccine passports for travel between islands
HONOLULU(AP)— Hawaii officials will allow state residents who have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus to skip pre-travel testing and quarantine requirements for flights between islands.Hawaii […]
Palau assesses Typhoon Surigae aftermath, estimates $2 million in damages
Palau is assessing the damage after Typhoon Surigae left a trail of devastation, with the initial assessment coming in at about $2 million, with the amount […]
Lost lady with dementia survives Typhoon Surigae, alone in the woods
Relief swept family members and the community when the lost elderly lady with dementia was finally found alive, but cold after enduring five days in the […]
Meeting with ROP Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries
The Palau Chamber of Commerce held its monthly general membership meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at The Taj Palau Restaurant. Members […]
Palauan man and his wife free after 12 years of wrongful incarceration
Albert Delbelbot, a Palauan man and his wife Ashley Debelbot, have been freed after 12 years of wrongful conviction in the dead of […]
Government collection stands at 50%, ending 2nd quarter of FY 2021
Halfway through this fiscal year 2021, the government reports 52% of the projected revenue to cover this year’s budget expenditures. It reported 60% […]
Over $154 million of grant programs implemented
Over $154 million dollars of grants from various countries and international agencies that flowed into Palau from 2017 to 2020 are still in […]
SSA seeks waiver for WIOA SS payments
The Palau Social Security Administration is seeking a waiver from the reimbursement of the Social Security and National Health Insurance contributions which were […]
ADB, NARUC to launch training series on power purchase agreements customised for the Pacific Energy regulators Alliance
WASHINGTON (ADB)— With funding from the Asian Development Bank, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners […]
Marshalls monitors group given Johnson & Johnson vaccine
MAJURO (MARIANAS VARIETY)— Just days before the U.S. Centres for Disease Control announced a “pause” on […]
The Americans are coming
(Continue from last issue) Against this background, the three freely associated states — the Federated States […]
Exchange of notes on additional payments for the construction of national landfill project
On April 15th 2021, a signing ceremony for Exchange of […]
Rock Island Weather Live Online
Rock island weather conditions are now available LIVE ONLINE through […]
Nauru President, Speaker, CJ take first vaccine shots
YAREN (NAURU GOVT)—-The heads of the three arms of Government […]
Biden backs Japan’s bid to hold “safe and secure” Games at Tokyo 2020
WASHINGTON, 19 APRIL 2021 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—United States President Joe […]
Environmental protection agency in Palau targeted
Last week during the first national leadership meeting called by President Surangel Whipps Jr. for this 11th government, House […]
Scoop N Go Challenge launched
Koror State Government and its Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement (DCLE) is launching the “Scoop N Go Challenge” […]
Australian Embassy welcome new AG Deputy
The Australian Embassy would like to extend a warm welcome to its new Ag Deputy […]
New opportunities and partnerships to strengthen management of the PNMS
In June of 2019, Palau passed a law mandating the Palau International Coral Reef Center […]
Palau, Taiwan working to improve travel bubble despite low demand
Palau and Taiwan are working together to improve the travel bubble which has suffered a […]
“Enhancing Community Health and Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters in Palau” is Palau SUPA Project from 2019 – 2022
Scaling Up Pacific Adaptation (SUPA) is an EU funded project for ten Pacific Countries being […]
The Americans are coming
MELBOURNE(INSIDE STORY)—Fearful of growing Chinese influence, the Trump White House pledged increased engagement with the Pacific islands. Will Joe Biden follow suit?During a regional tour to promote US […]
Three quarters of urban Marshall Islanders get first Covid jab
MAJURO (RNZ PACIFIC)—Nearly 75 percent of adults in the Marshall Islands’ main towns have received their first dose of the vaccine to protect against Covid-19. Just over half […]
Guam, CNMI pause J&J vaccine rollout
HAGATNA/SAIPAN (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Guam and the CNMI have put the brakes on the administration of Johnson& Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine, following the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation. […]
Prosecutor: Missing student killed during 1996 rape attempt
By BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — The suspect in the 1996 disappearance of California college student Kristin […]
Dangerous convict recaptured after jailbreak
A dangerous convict, Amador Osima, who has a history of jailbreaks, escaped again on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at about […]
WIOA to refund $300k
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act) is refunding about $300,000 to the recipients of PUA and FPUC assistance from CARES […]
No quarantine with vaccine
The proposed new directive for incoming travelers will remove the requirement of 14 days of quarantine for individuals who have received their full vaccinations at least 14 days prior to boarding a plane to Palau.Such passengers will […]
Living with rising tides
Super high tides reaching 7 feet pushed inland at the end of March, again flooding coastal areas, homes and farms at low-lying areas. The flooding caused damage to properties, homes and producing farms.Fortunately, the technology of smartphones […]
PALAU RED CROSS SOCIETY
The Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) National and Branch Governing Boards met with the President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., for an Official Introductory Meeting.A brief overview was presented by the […]
Australia abandons COVID-19 vaccination targets after new advice on AstraZeneca shots
CANBERRA, (REUTERS)—Australia has abandoned a goal to vaccinate nearly all of its 26 million population by the end of 2021 following advice that people under the age of 50 […]
Tour agencies in Taiwan drive high cost of tours to Palau
The high cost of package tours to Palau through the Palau-Taiwan travel bubble is attributed to tour agencies in Taiwan packaging tours which have purchased airline seats, and selling […]
Semum season declared
Semum (trochus) season is officially declared, slated to begin around June 23rd. The season is declared to coincide with the lowest tide of the year.President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed […]
Palau continues to woo travel bubble visitors
President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Palau would continue efforts to attract more Taiwanese tourists to take part in the travel bubble.Whipps is one of the University of Guam (UOG) […]
Perhaps public boards have outlived their usefulness
The recent discussions, heated and otherwise, over the EQPB budget issue and its Board had me thinking that perhaps government-appointed boards have outlived their usefulness. Perhaps, as part of […]
BPS Traffic Safety Tip No. 2
Alii and good day everyone. The center lane is primarily used for left turning vehicles. But to manage the traffic congestion the two lane system utilizes the center lane as a second travel lane during traffic peak hours. left turning vehicles and two lane traveling vehicles must yield each others right of way which is […]
CAPTIVATING
The shallow area of my soul sees her reflection on the mirror and say, “Yep, you’re not the person, 25 years […]
Donation from BlueBay & WCTC to PICRC
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is grateful to accept a donation of $1,000 from Blue Bay Petroleum Incorporated for […]
PCOC meeting with VP/ Minister of State Uduch Senior and team
On Tuesday, April 6, 2021 the Board of Directors of the Palau Chamber of Commerce (PCOC) met with the Vice President […]
Matsuyama Breaks Through as Masters’ First Asian-Born Champion
Bill Penningtonc.2021 The New York Times Company AUGUSTA, Ga. — Hideki Matsuyama’s first swing in the final round of the 85th […]
Africa Oceania Olympic Games Qualifiers for Wrestling, Tunisia, Africa
The Africa Oceania Olympic Qualifier was held in Hammemet, Tunisia from April 02-04, 2021 despite many concerns over the COVID-19 epidemic. […]
Officer Near Minneapolis Kills Motorist, and a Crowd Confronts the Police
By Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs And Azi Paybarah@ 2021 The New York Times BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — A police officer in Minnesota fatally […]
Nauru: riches to rags to riches
Written by Stephen Howes, Sherman Surandiran SYDNEY, 12 APRIL 2021 (DEVPOLICY.ORG)—With one of the smallest populations […]
Palau receives vaccines to cover entire adult population
Palau received enough vaccine yesterday to complete the vaccination of its remaining adult population. EOC Deputy […]
New law gives local telecoms another 5-year protection
RPPL 11-4, the fourth bill signed into law in this 11th national government, amends Palau’s Telecommunications […]
“A lesson learned”: Ngirutang and OSP settle on lesser charges
In response to multiple felony and misdemeanor charges filed against him for the misuse of government […]
Surangel Superstore set to open in Airai this year
Surangel and Sons Company is aiming to open the supermarket in Airai by the end of August […]
Gov’t to refund nearly $2m to PUA recipients
A little over $2 million dollars which was deducted for income tax and Social Security benefits […]
Uehara case declared a mis-trial, rescheduled for June
A jury trial for an accused trafficker of methamphetamine, Mr. Aiken Uehara, which began on March […]
PICRC solves the mystery of slow coral recovery from typhoon damage on east coast of Palau
Protecting our marine environment requires investment – investment in funding, time, human resources, information and patience. A recent publication by Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and their collaborators from Australia in the peer-reviewed journal, Marine Ecology Progress Series, both enlightens […]
Managing misinformation, a new normal
Today, 68% of adults in Palau have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48% are fully vaccinated. Three months ago, nearly half of the population was hesitant to receive the vaccine. The barrage of misinformation across nearly all social […]
Palau Health Center to receive $5,636,375 in American rescue plan funding for COVID-19 response
HHS to Award Funding Starting in April One (1) community health center in Palau will receive $5,636,375 in American Rescue Plan funding to support COVID-19 vaccination and services for vulnerable […]
CDC awards $887,347 to expand Palau’s COVID-19 vaccine programs
Funding can be used for innovative partnerships with community-based organizations to increase vaccine uptake, including in underserved populations The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded Palau $887,347 […]
Covid-19 pandemic sent 13,850 Guamanians to jobless
HAGATN (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)— The economic massacre caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has left 13,850 Guamanians jobless as of December 2020, according to the Guam Department of Labour. The labour department said Guam has reached its highest rate of unemployment at 19.4 percent, an increase from September’s 17.9 percent and December 2019’s rate of 6.1 […]
Samoa’s ruling party faces strongest election challenge in 20 years
APIA (THE GUARDIAN)—Samoa’s ruling party will face its strongest challenge in 40 years as the small South Pacific country goes to the polls on Friday. After 22 years in the top job, Tuilaepa Aiono […]
Marianas Visitors Authority reinstates Taiwan office; approves mandatory Covid-19 vaccination for employees
SAIPA (MARIANAS VARIETY)—The Marianas Visitors Authority(MVA)’s board of directors on Tuesday unanimously voted to reinstate its Taiwan office effective 15 April . The board also approved a policy mandating Covid-19 vaccination as a requirement […]
MPII holds hearings on resumption of air travel
Palau has been entertaining for these past weeks the possibility of more airlines flying into the country. “So far there are two airlines who are applying to fly […]
Tourists from inaugural flight return to Taiwan, two more “travel bubble” arrivals this week
Tourists from the Palau-Taiwan inaugural flight returned to Taipei on Sunday night, with two more arrivals this week to continue the travel bubble.According to reports, China Airlines will […]
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Tapioca Ministry to Angaur State by Airai SDA Church
On March 17, 2021 for the whole day, 21 church volunteers were able to travel to Angaur State and distribute to each household, elementary school, & to Angaur clubs 1 case of whole fryer marinated chicken, 2-3 packs of hot dogs, 1 sack of 20 lbs. rice, 1 bag of 10 lbs. chedelluml tapioca, & […]
From Capture to Culture: Aquaculture in the U.S.
By: Charlotte Norsworthy@The Outlaw Ocean Project As the Biden administration turns to environmental concerns, one of its top priorities will be how to better protect the world’s oceans. With more than 80 percent of the world’s fish stocks at or near collapse, some marine conservationists suggest that aquaculture might help counter the problem of overfishing.Now […]
FSM begins citizens repatriation
The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is planning to bring in its first flight of repatriated citizens from Guam on May 13, many of whom have been stranded outside of their […]
“Restore our Earth”: President declares National Earth Week
President Surangel Whipps Jr. declared the week of April 19th to the 23rd to be National Earth Week for Palau, in the interest of “protecting the health of the Palauan people and our environment […]
President offers condolences and prayers for Taiwan tragedy
In a letter to President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, President Surangel Whipps Jr. expressed his “deepest condolences and prayers” for a deadly accident which occurred only hours after he returned from his visit to […]
More than 50 die in flash floods in Indonesia and Timor-Leste
DILI/JAKARTA, 05 APRIL 2021 (THE GUARDIAN)—More than 50 people have died after flash floods and landslides swept through eastern Indonesia and neighbouring Timor-Leste on Sunday, authorities said, with warnings the toll could rise further.Torrential rain wreaked havoc and destruction […]
Las Vegas Asian, Pacific Islander community pushing back on racism, hate with rally
LAS VEGAS, 05 APRIL 2021 (KTNV) — Pushing back against Asian hate.Members of the Las Vegas valley’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community rallied together in Chinatown to condemn racism and violence across the country.Governor Steve Sisolak and other […]
PNG’s coronavirus cases spike, health system ‘at risk of collapsing’
PORT MORESBY, 02 APRIL 2021 (CNBC)—The coronavirus crisis that has gripped Papua New Guinea continues to worsen, as the Indo-Pacific nation waits in earnest for vaccines to arrive.Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged last week there is “rampant community transmission.”The […]
Worldwide whitewash?
By Jason Brown RAROTONGA/SUVA, 05 APRIL 2021 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Worldwide anti-corruption rankings – or first world […]
BOG 10th annual fit scholarship available due April 24, graduating high school seniors eligible
April 5, 2021, Hagatna, Guam. In its 10th year, Bank of Guam is offering up […]
Rikako Ikee qualifies for Tokyo Olympic after leukemia
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee on Sunday qualified for the Tokyo Olympics just […]
Shohei Ohtani homers, pitches into 5th inning for Angels
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani both hit the hardest homer and threw the hardest […]
Taiwan Crash Investigators Focus on How Truck Fell in Train’s Path
By: Amy Qin, Amy Chang Chien and Joy Dongc.2021 The New York […]
Argentina’s President Tests Positive for Coronavirus Despite Vaccination
By: Daniel Politic.2021 The New York Times Company BUENOS AIRES — President […]
Nauru receives full COVID19 vaccines to cover 20 percent of the population
YAREN, 02 APRIL 2021 (PACNEWS)—Nauru is the first country in the Pacific […]
“Have fun and enjoy Palau,” Whipps tells travel bubble tourists
Over 100 tourists from Taiwan that included media members arrived in Palau […]
Aguon examines BPS changes
Ismael Aguon, who was sworn in as the new Director for the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) on March 18, has said that he will be implementing some changes in the bureau. Director Aguon has been put in charge of a consolidated bureau, consisting of drug enforcement, corrections, fire, patrols, and criminal investigations, with subsections […]
Palau Health Care Fund marks its 10th Anniversary
Touted as the most successful national health insurance program among the Pacific island nations, Palau’s Health Care Fund (HCF) marked its 10th year anniversary yesterday. The program, which was signed into law in 2011, now has 90% of the total population insured under its National Health Insurance (NHI) and 100% of the population under its Medical Savings […]
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PNCC employees found guilty of gov’t property thefts
A former employee and a current employee of Palau National Communications Corporation have been found guilty on all charges filed against them, including Theft in the Second Degree and Theft of Government Property in […]
Assistance to Palau continues under America Rescue Plan Act 2021
US Pandemic unemployment assistance under the America Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA), has been extended again to Palau. ARPA was signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden on March 13, 2021. WIOA Director […]
Company at heart of J&J vaccine woes has series of citations
The company at the center of quality problems that led Johnson & Johnson to discard an unknown amount of its coronavirus vaccine has a string of citations from U.S. health officials for quality control […]
Hong Kong Court Convicts Democracy Leaders Over Protest March
Austin Ramzy c.2021 The New York Times Company HONG KONG — Seven of Hong Kong’s leading veteran pro-democracy advocates were found guilty Thursday of unauthorized assembly, as […]
The impact of COVID-19 on foreign aid
Written by Stephen Brown SYDNEY (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — Across the Global South, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of socioeconomic progress, disproportionally harming poor people. Low- and lower-middle-income […]
Pandemic will weigh heaviest on tourism-dependent economies, warns IMF
WASHINGTON (THE GUARDIAN) — Scars from the pandemic will prevent the global economy from making a full recovery, though the impact over the rest of the decade […]
Meet the women who contributed to Operation Rai Balang
HONIARA (FFA) — Five women from five different organisations contribute […]
New Caledonia ministers again fail to elect president
NOUME (PACNEWS) — Once again, a meeting of the New […]
Masasinge Tellei Hideos joins PICRC’s communications & outreach team
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has recently hired […]
Local canoe building project
Thafaas Sonsorol State Men’s Association, with the Bureau of Historical […]
Drummond leaves debut with bruised toe, Bucks beat LA 112-97
By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — […]
BNM’s “modern” department: learning through music and dance
In the Civic Center in Koror, a group of young students, ages six to twelve, gather on Monday afternoon, and together tell a story not through words, but through movement and sound.The Belau National Museum (BNM) recently launched two song and dance programs, including an afterschool program, Creative Music and Dance, which targets students between […]
Jury trial begins for accused meth trafficker
An 8-person jury trial for a man accused of trafficking methamphetamine, Mr. Aiken Uehara, began yesterday at the Palau Supreme Court, and is scheduled to continue throughout the week.Mr. Uehara […]
US Ambassador joins President Whipps’ delegation to Taiwan
On his first official trip overseas since taking office, President Surangel Whipps Jr. invited United States Ambassador to the Republic of Palau, Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland, and his wife to accompany […]
86 tourism-related businesses certified for tourists
As Palau prepares to receive its first tourism flight in over a year on April 1, the Bureau of Tourism (BOT) has […]
Koror State feature young artists in its 2nd Art Exhibition
Koror State Government hosted its 2nd Art Exhibition at the Koror State Constitution Hall on Friday March 23rd.The Art Exhibition showcased the […]
Palau receives Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine
By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang Johnson & Johnson, the second type of covid-19 vaccine to arrive in Palau was distributed all over the island since last week. This single shot vaccine is unlike Moderna, the vaccine the ministry of health has been giving out which requires 2 doses.Because it has the advantage of being administered through […]
Last year’s press release circulated to mislead public
An MOH press release from last year of a suspected covid case is being sent around with a red circle on the date March 16 20 causing […]
FSM group sues BOG
A group of citizens and residents of Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) filed a Civil Action 2021-008 against Bank of Guam at the Federated States of Micronesia […]
In the remote atolls of the Pacific, women struggle for basic resources
By Ritu Verma, Principal Social Development Specialist, Pacific Regional Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) SYDNEY (ADB) — The immense distance […]
Pacific Mini Games 2022 Appoints Babauta as CEO
Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) – The organizing committee for the Pacific Mini Games 2022 has appointed Vicente “Ben” Babauta […]
CTSI Logistics/WU Palau donates $1,000 for FBL 2020
CTSI Logistics/WU Palau donates $1,000 for FBL 2020 . In photo is CTSI Station Manager Ronnie Giman handing out the check donation to FBL Chairman Engr. Mario Retamal. Contributed photo
PICRC hosts PHS Job Shadow students
On March 25, 2021, two sophomore students from Palau High School (PHS) conducted their Job Shadow at Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). Nemani Shallom Ravia observed the Aquarists’ daily routine, taking care of the marine organisms as well as maintaining the exhibits. Sage Kubarii Uchel, spent her day at the Administration Office to observe […]
JCM lays framework for carbon reduction in Palau
In a bid to combat climate change, the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), a Japanese-based system aimed at cooperating with countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is looking to pave the way for low-carbon tech in Palau, such as solar energy and electric vehicles.Faced with what present and past leaders have dubbed as the “existential threat […]
U.S Survivor Series to begin filming Season 41 in Fiji; 400 jobs to be created
SUVA, 29 MARCH 2021 (FIJI TIMES) — The U.S Survivor Series will soon begin […]
Ship Blocking Suez Canal Set Partially Afloat on Monday Morning
By: Vivian Yee and Marc Santora@ 2021 The New York Times Company The mammoth […]
American Samoa loses fishing rights decision in Ninth Circuit
PAGOPAGO, 29 MARCH 2021 ((CN NEWS SERVICE) — The American Samoa government was dealt […]
Misinformation threatens control of Covid-19 outbreak in Papua New Guinea
By Sue Ahearn PORT MORESBY (THE STRATEGIST) — A member of the PNG parliament […]
Exercise Tempest Wind not a grant: Aguon
An audit report issued by the Office of Public Auditor in 2016 on Exercise […]
PMA, new Koror State Interscholastic Debate 2021 Champion
Palau Mission Academy edges out Mindszenty High School in tight contest to be Koror […]
Palau joins Japan in Olympic Torch Relay
In celebration of the Olympic Torch Relay for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, a five-kilometer run and walk […]
Door slowly opens “With Care”
After a year of border closure to regular scheduled flights, Palau is slowly making moves to open its doors […]
K9 dogs prove effective in border detection, says Aguon
Following January’s graduation, twelve officers who trained to handle eight drug-and-bomb-detecting K9 dogs have begun to patrol Palau’s […]
Are businesses ready the Travel Bubble?
Businesses such as restaurants, hotels and tour agencies have been preparing for the “travel bubble” between Palau and […]
EQPB budget cut for being “too pro-environment”
The Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB), an agency tasked to protect Palau’s environment, had its budget cut by […]
Investigations shed light on athlete fatality
A police report filed by the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) on last Saturday’s hit-and-run incident shed light […]
Walk Safe Mascot contest winning design announced at KES Education Awareness Week
“Randy the Rooster” garnered the top prize for the Walk Safe Mascot Design Contest At the end of […]
Japan’s GGP Grant to PEC Gospel Kindergarten
On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, Ambassador KARASAWA Akira of the Embassy of Japan, and School Director Prima Kual of PEC Gospel Kindergarten signed a grant contract for “The Project for Reconstructing PEC Gospel Kindergarten Facility”, valued at $376,270 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the […]
Melekeok Conservation network volunteers reforestation for PHA
Ngeburch, Melekeok (March 3, 2021) – The Melekeok Conservation Network (MCN) in partnership with the Palau Housing Authority […]
PCOC held Palau-Taiwan Sunset Mixer
Palau Chamber of Commerce held its first business networking mixer of 2021 last Friday, March 19, 2021, at […]
Micronesian student explores floor of Marianas Trench
MAJUR (MARIANAS VARIETY)—— A PhD student from the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM) became the first person from her […]
Should Samoan citizens living overseas get to vote?
API (ABC) — Samoans will head to the polls in a matter of weeks to elect their government – but only if they are […]
Biodiversity at risk, threatens human survival, UN forum hears
NEW YORK/PARIS (UN NEWS CENTRE) — As the living tissue of the earth, biodiversity is “intimately linked to human health” the head of the […]
North Korea Fires 2 Ballistic Missiles in Challenge to Biden
Choe Sang-Hun SEOUL — North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles off its […]
Torch relay for Tokyo Olympics kicks off its 121-day journey
TOKYO (AP) — The torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its […]
World Rugby to support 2 Pacific Island teams in Super Rugby
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — World Rugby will provide financial support to allow […]
Guam flight takes many by surprise
The March 21st United Airlines flight to Palau brought in essential workers as […]
Ngerbeched Legislator Francisco investigated
Ngerbeched Legislator and former police officer Felix Francisco is reported to have been […]
Top Stories
Yapese in Palau celebrates Yap Day
Yap citizens in Palau got to celebrate Yap Day for the first time in Palau last Sunday, at Long Island Park, in Koror.The day, celebrated every March 1st in Yap by the people of Yap and normally joined by many Palauan government officials and dignitaries, was not possible this year because of COVID.Over 200 Yapese […]
AstraZeneca: US data shows vaccine effective for all ages
LONDON (AP) — AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection against disease and complete protection against hospitalization and death across all age groups in a late-stage U.S. study, the company announced Monday.AstraZeneca said its experts also identified no safety concerns related to the vaccine, including a rare blood clot that was identified in Europe. Scientists found […]
CNMI’s government cut recalled, furloughed employees reinstated
SAIPAN, 22 MARCH 2021 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — CNMI Governor Ralph Torres has recalled an earlier directive to cut the government workforce and authorised the reinstatement of all furloughed employees before the end of the month.Torres his administration has managed to secure funding to allow the government to operate without laying off civil service employees.The […]
CEO: Port Moresby General Hospital Hospital overwhelmed by patients
PORT MORESBY, 22 MARCH 2021(THE NATIONAL) — The number of Covid-19 patients in Papua New Guinea turning up at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) is much higher than the available manpower to deal with them.Hospital chief executive officer Dr Paki Molumi said with the closure of the Gerehu Hospital, the number of patients arriving […]
8
Suns roll past LeBron-less Lakers for 111-94 win
PHOENIX (AP) — The LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers are off to a predictably slow […]
Ex-NRL star Jarryd Hayne found guilty of sexual assault
SYDNEY (AP) — Ex-rugby league international Jarryd Hayne has been found guilty of the […]
Palau to open borders to COVID-safe Taiwan
President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced on Wednesday that Palau is preparing to open up […]
HHS says Palau’s health system is “strong and prepared” for visitors
As the Palau-Taiwan travel bubble prepares to open on April 1, personnel from the […]
Aguon sworn in Director of BPS
Director Ishmael Aquon, former Director of Narcotics Enforcement Agency, was sworn-in yesterday as the […]
Kayangel leadership joins Governance Clinic
Leaders of the 17th Kayangel State Government joined Vice President Senior and other members of […]
Students compile waste collection calendar for recycling project
The awarding ceremony for a drawing contest for the 2021 Waste Collection Calendar, used […]
A family receives full closure on missing daughter case
This week, family of Ochob Jaycee Iyar Soto finally had full closure when the […]
New House legal counsel sworn-in
A new legal counsel for the House of Delegates, a French national, Ms. Charlotte […]
Palau banks solvent, says FIC
The Financial Institutions Commission (FIC) assures the public that all […]
Rengulbai convicted for possession and trafficking of meth
Following a six-day trial in the Supreme Court, a jury […]
BMR and Ebiil Society released 3000 juvenile Sandfish in Ngarchelong
On Feb. 27 2021, the Bureau of Marine Resources (BMR) […]
PICRC meets with Airai State Legislators to discuss the status of Medal Ngediull Conservation Area
On March 09, 2021, Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) […]
We’ll have to close the doors’: Medical workers brace for chaos as virus grips PNG
PORT MORESBY, (SMH) — Local media outlet in Papua New […]
World
Our four nations are committed to a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region
Joe Biden, Narendra Modi, Scott Morrison and Yoshihide Suga Special To The Washington Post Mar 15, 2021 In December 2004, the continental shelf off the coast of Indonesia shifted two meters, creating one of the largest tidal waves in modern history and a nearly unprecedented humanitarian crisis around the Indian Ocean. With millions displaced and […]
Judges and Magistrates bolster people-centred justice procedure
SUV A (UNDP/EU/FIJI GOVT)–Access to Justice is being further strengthened in Fiji through the enhanced expertise of Judges and Magistrates, who are currently attending the Family Law Workshop conducted by the Judicial Department. Twenty-nine Magistrates are advancing their expertise with 11 Judges through an exchange of knowledge and experience in key areas of professional concern […]
Airai State signs MOA with MNRET; all ten States on Babeldaob undertake State Master Planning
Airai State signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with MNRET on Wednesday, March 17 to undertake State Master Planning. All ten States on Babeldaob have now committed to updating or writing State Master Plans covering all development sectors. The ten States are also participating in island-wide ecosystem-based land use planning through the Babeldaob Joint Coordination […]
Influx of fishing fleets stressing fish stocks
PORT MORESBY, (THE NATIONAL)—The influx of overseas fishing fleets in Pacific waters is putting stress on fish stocks which requires greater resource management by nations in the Nauru agreement, an economist says. PNG Institute of National Affairs executive director Paul Barker said: “The fishing fleets have been growing, particularly the Chinese fleet, which used to […]
Antetokounmpo lifts Bucks to 109-105 OT victory over 76ers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo came up big in overtime, and then took a seat — right on the court. Antetokounmpo scored 10 of his 32 points in the extra session to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night in a matchup of two of the Eastern […]
Tokyo Olympics: yet another scandal over sexist comments
TOKYO (AP) — In yet another setback for the postponed Tokyo Olympics — and another involving comments about women — games’ creative director Hiroshi Sasaki resigned on Thursday after making demeaning comments about a well-known female celebrity in Japan. The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open in just over four months, dogged by the coronavirus […]
MHS races Land Shark robots
Twelve senior students from Mindszenty High School’s (MHS) Robotics Team, accompanied by the Maris Stella Fifth Grade Class, held their annual race with robot models built and programmed throughout Third Quarter, last Friday afternoon at MHS Gym.With twelve Porpoise Robotics kits which were lent to the Mindszenty Robotics Team by the Coral Reef Research Foundation […]
Nearly $30 million moved, not all accounts closed
Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui Jr. confirmed last week that about $30 million dollars of government funds were moved out from Bank of Guam. He further clarified that not allgovernment accounts were closed.“We can’t close all the accounts. We have customers that bank there and grantors thatrequire separate accounts for projects. We will close though […]
Sunken fishing vessel poses pollution problem
A rusted fishing vessel which sunk last August off of Ngerchaol Island is drawing concerns after the oil booms placed around it to contain leaking fuel opened at either end, allowing the flow of diesel into the surrounding bay.The oil barrier was implemented by the Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) and the Koror State Rangers […]
“We’re ready”: President hopes for visitors within the month
While the proposed March 15th date of the opening of a Palau-Taiwan travel bubble has come and gone, President Surangel Whipps Jr. has said that Palau is ready to start receiving visitors, and Taiwan seems to be eyeing the beginning of April as a new date for this bubble to open.President Whipps, in an interview […]
Billboard
Capacity-Building Trainings for Marine Law Enforcement in Palau by Japan Coast Guard Mobile Cooperation Team
From 8 to 10 March, Japan Coast Guard Mobile Cooperation Team (MCT) conducted online capacity-building trainings for Division of Marine Law Enforcement (DMLE) staff. MCT has carried out the training project in 14 Indo-Pacific coastal countries since 2017, in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation. This is the third time for […]
Ambassador Wallace Chow donates 6,000 surgical masks to Ngarchelong State
On behalf of the Mayor of Keelong City, Mr. Lin Yu Chang, Ambassador Wallace Chow donates 6,000 surgical masks to Ngarchelong State On behalf of the Mayor of Keelong City, Mr. Lin Yu Chang, Ambassador Wallace Chow of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau donates 6,000 surgical masks to Ngarchelong State […]
Financial Advisor Daniel Roland appointed to Raymond James’ Sustainable Investing Advisory Council
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Daniel Roland, CIMA®, AIFA®, Managing Director, has been appointed to the Raymond James Sustainable Investing Advisory Council (“the council”), according to Samantha Trebesch, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Raymond James and council chair. Raymond James’ approach to sustainable investing is collaborative in nature across all business segments and heavily influenced […]
Interior Provides $4 Million to Guam in FY 2021
Capital Improvement FundsTo Design New Leed-Certified Multi-Purpose Centerand Fund Deferred Maintenance Needs at Public Schools WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs announces $4 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grant funding to design a new Guam multi-purpose/emergency operations center and handle deferred maintenance needs in Guam’s public schools.“We […]
Japan’s GGP Grant to KSG Solid Waste Management Office
On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Ambassador KARASAWA Akira of the Embassy of Japan, and Governor Franco B. Gibbons of Koror State signed a grant contract for “The Project for the Procurement of a Tractor to Koror State Recycling Center”, valued at $90,810 under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony […]
The reconstruction from Great East Japan earthquake
~10 Years since 3.11.2011~ Today, 10 years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred at 2:46pm, on March 11th, 2011. It resulted in unprecedented human and material damage of 19,726 people losing their lives, 2,559 people missing, 121,996 houses totally destroyed and about 470,000 people seeking for shelter. In Palau at […]
BOG Commemorates 49th Anniversary with “Founder’s Day of Giving”
Branches in Guam, CNMI, RMI, FSM, Palau, and San Francisco Unite on March 13 for Community Cleanups and Projects March 11, 2021, Hagatna, Guam – Living its founder’s vision to bring prosperity and goodness to island communities, Bank of Guam is commemorating its 49th Anniversary with its employees joining together to organize community cleanups and […]
International Women’s Day Workshop
On March 8, 2021, more than 33 Palau women entrepreneurs joined with the Palau Chamber of Commerce and the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project on International Women’s Day to start developing a new toolkit to assist Women Entrepreneurs in Palau to improve business integrity within their businesses and the community. The workshop was conducted […]
Taiwan Embassy supports activities of Apostolic Foundation Church and Ngaraboes Association
Ambassador Wallace Chow of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Republic of Palau, made donations to Apostolic Foundation Church’s field trip learning and Ngaraboes Association’s first ever Ngiwal Women’s Conference on Friday, March 5.Taiwan Embassy hopes with these small grants, the two organizations will conduct very successful programs and provide the opportunities for the […]
People, lands, oceans, climate change
In the next 25 years Palau Conservation will continue and expand its conservation mission in these four strategic areas. The PCS board and staff concluded a 3-day retreat on March 4th to review and update its Strategic Plan 2016 – 2021 and look at the next 25 years for Palau. A key output of the […]
Opinion
New Zealand lost at sea on human rights
by Darren Brunk When Air New Zealand took on a contract to keep the ships of the Royal Saudi Navy afloat, they were aiding a brutal war machine that is contributing to a human rights and humanitarian disaster in Yemen.Neither Air New Zealand – nor the government – saw a problem with this contract when […]
How Eight Pacific Island States are Saving the World’s Tuna
By Christopher Pala WASHINGTON (FOREIGN POLICY) — They control the richest tuna waters on the planet, an area of the Pacific roughly one-and-a-half times the size of the United States. But 10 years ago, eight island states in whose waters most of the world’s canned tuna is fished were seeing almost none of the profits. […]
Impact of the EU tax blacklist in the Pacific
There are currently twelve countries on the European Union’s “tax haven blacklist” – half of which are in the Pacific (American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu). Panama is the largest country (population 4.2 million). All of the remaining eleven have populations less than one million. All these countries have been blacklisted ostensibly because […]
Covid-19 brought new, unexpected challenges to the Pacific fisheries sector
PONPHEI/HONIARA (FFA) — Covid-19 has brought new, unexpected challenges to the Pacific fisheries sector according to Justino Helgen, Senior Fisheries Compliance Officer, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA).Speaking after attending our recent Covid-19 Operating Protocols for Fisheries Sector Regional Awareness Workshop Helgen said he now had to also focus on […]
Come and walk in my shoes!
Sitting inside my car in midafternoon sun sobbing my eyes out, a grown adult and here I am crying because PPUC is cutting off water to my house and there’s no way I can find over $1,000 to pay them off in order to stop them. Since the pandemic started and borders closed, my husband […]
Virtual meeting between RMI Vice Speaker, Senator for Bikini people and Arkansas State Rep Godfrey
MAJURO, 22 FEBRUARY 2021 (RMI GOVT) — On Wednesday, 17 February, Kili Bikini Ejit Senator/Member of the Parliament of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Vice Speaker Peterson JIbas convened a courtesy call with Arkansas State representative Megan Godfrey of District 89.Vice Speaker Jibas acknowledged Representative Godfrey’s continued efforts in introducing legislations, specifically the Marshallese Law Enforcement […]
Small island developing states do not have the luxury of time
By Riad Meddeb NEW YORK (UNDP) — The COVID-19 pandemic has turned Small Island Developing States (SIDS) economies and livelihoods on end. Many of these island states depend heavily on tourism to drive their development. With international travel severely restricted this year as well as global supply chains disrupted, economic contractions of up to 15 […]
2021 Ocean reports launch affirms value of the Blue Economy
SUVA/FUNAFUTI, 12 FEBRUARY 2021 (PIFS/OPOC)—The Pacific’s leadership on sustainable management of the world’s biggest ocean continues with a suite of Ocean reports launched in Suva this week.The collection centerpiece is the Blue Pacific Ocean Report 2021 by the Pacific Ocean Commissioner. Seven other reports focusing on ocean finance are also now available online at the OPOC website.Attending today’s virtual launch Forum […]
Pacific Islands’ Most Important Megaphone Falls Into Discord
The future of an 18-nation group is in doubt after Palau abandoned it over a leadership dispute. By Damien Cave SYDNEY, Australia (@2020 The New York Times)— The Pacific Islands’ most important regional body is on the brink of collapse after a dispute over the election of a new leader led the nation of Palau […]
What is PIF and do we care?
This week, 9 out of 18 countries that are members of the Pacific Island Forum voted former prime minister of Cook Islands, Henry Puna as Secretary General of PIF. 8 countries that include 5 Micronesian countries and 3 from South Pacific voted for Gerald Zackious, Marshall Ambassador to United States and nominee of the Micronesian […]
It’s Micronesia’s turn to head the Forum: Tong
By Samisoni Pareti SUVA, (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — As Pacific leaders meet Wednesday this week to try and select the next head of the Pacific Islands Forum, former Kiribati Leader Anote Tong weighs in on what has been a divisive process.Long-time President of Kiribati, Anote Tong, says it’s Micronesia’s turn to head the Pacific Islands Forum.“There […]
Over 1.9 billion people in Asia-Pacific unable to afford a healthy diet: UN report
NEW YORK, 22 JANUARY 2021 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — According to the 2020 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, the region’s poor have been worst affected, forced to choose cheaper and less nutritious foods. The report is jointly produced by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food […]
The Extraordinary Courage of Aleksei Navalnyd px
After a near-fatal poisoning, Russia’s top dissident steps back into the bear’s den.By The Editorial BoardThe editorial board is a group of opinion journalists whose views are informed by expertise, research, debate and certain longstanding values. It is separate from the newsroom. (@2020 The New York Times) Aleksei Navalny knew he would be arrested as […]
Pacific News
ADB signs $65 million loan to sustain Fiji Airways’ services in the Pacific
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (12 March 2021) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $65 million COVID-19 Liquidity Support Facility for Fiji’s […]
Fully vaccinated frontliner in CNMI tests positive for Covid-19
SAIPAN, (MARIANAS VARIETY) — The islands’ 147th positive case of Covid-19 is a frontliner who was fully vaccinated, Commonwealth Healthcare Corp Esther […]
Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands pave the way for ambitious Climate Change action in IMO
SUVA, 12 MARCH 2021 (MARSG GOVT)—The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Solomon Islands are leading the call for ambitious […]
Double murderer gets reduced sentence in Marshalls
MAJURO, 15 MARCH 2021 (MARIANAS VARIETY) — Sentenced to 50 years in Majuro jail as a teenager for a gruesome double murder, […]
The little island that could: Yap takes the lead in digital communications for FSM
COLONIA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — It’s been nearly three years since the installation of the World Bank-funded fibre optic cable brought the […]
PNG hospitals run out of funding as Covid cases surge
PORT MORESBY, 08 MARCH 2021 (THE GUARDIAN) — Papua New Guinea is battling to control a surge in coronavirus cases across the […]
Flight to bring in workers from China to build fourth USP Campus in Solomon Islands
HONIARA, (SOLOMON TIMES ONLINE) — The Solomon Islands Government has approved a flight from Guangzhou, China tomorrow (Friday 05 March 2021) bringing […]
They think it’s a white man’s disease”: Bougainvilleans not worried by surge in COVID-19 cases
BUKA, (ABC) — In Papua New Guinea’s Autonomous Region of Bougainville, life is largely carrying on as normal, despite a dramatic increase […]
Pay increase for FSM Gov’t Employees Signed into Law
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—On March 1st, 2021, His Excellency David W. Panuelo—President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)—signed Public Law 21-237. The law, […]
World News
Covid? What Covid? Taiwan Thrives as a Bubble of Normality.
The island has used its pandemic success to sell something scarce: life without fear of the coronavirus. Citizens have flocked home from […]
Congress OKs $1.9T virus relief bill in win for Biden, Dems
WASHINGTON (AP) — A Congress riven along party lines has approved the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, as President Joe Biden […]
China blasts BBC report after summoning UK ambassador
BEIJING (AP) — China is complaining anew about recent reporting by the BBC, days after summoning the British ambassador to Beijing to […]
China tells Biden to reverse ‘dangerous practice’ on Taiwan
BEIJING (AP) — China’s foreign minister warned the Biden administration on Sunday to roll back former President Donald Trump’s “dangerous practice” of […]
Fraud overwhelms pandemic-related unemployment programs
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — With the floodgates set to open on another round of unemployment aid, states are being hammered with a […]
Dozens of refugees released after years of detention by Australia
BRISBANE, (AFP) — Australia has freed dozens of refugees after holding them in detention for years under a policy designed to deter […]
Australian prime minister stands by minister accused of rape
CANBERRA, Aurtralia (AP) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday stood by an unnamed Cabinet minister against calls for him to […]
Sports
Amazin’ at-bat: Mets’ Guillorme draws 22-pitch walk vs Hicks
This easily could be the most amazin’ at-bat of the entire season.Yep, in a spring training game.With his New York Mets teammates […]
Nobody comes for free in NFL free agency that begins Monday
The term in use these days is “legal tampering.” Doesn’t seem sensible, and some might call it the “cheating period” instead.Regardless, on […]
2021 IP&E Amateur Basketball League has started
Playoffs have started with schedules and rankings (see chart)
Still perfect: Team LeBron wins NBA All-Star Game 170-150
ATLANTA (AP) — In the midst of a pandemic, this was assured of being an NBA All-Star Game like no other.The stands […]
Welcome back: Optimism abounds as MLB’s spring includes fans
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Brian Delaney checked his ticket, found his seats and then sat down for a minute in the sunshine. […]
James scores 19 in 1, 300th regular-season game in Lakers win
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead in their first meeting against the Golden State Warriors. […]
Palau Olympian wins Gold at Jiu-Jitsu World League 2021
Palauan Olympian wrestler Florian Temengil took another Gold medal in the Jiu-Jitsu World League competition held in Dallas, Texas, in February 2021.A […]
Elementary school swimmers break 12 championship records
Student swimmers competing in last Friday’s All Elementary Schools Swimming Championships broke twelve records out of the twenty events hosted at the […]