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 […]
Palauan female pioneer to be laid to rest
One of Palau’s well-known female pioneer in many fields, late Joan Mary Hinang Demei, will be laid to rest this Saturday, September 26 in her home State of Peliliu.During the early days of Palau under the Trust Territory government, few Palauan women cut new trails into the professional world, and one of them is Ms. […]
WIOA to request for more funds
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Director Josephine Ulengchong reported yesterday that she has 10 days to report to US federal government and to request additional funding for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.In August, WIOA reported that they only had $4 million remaining from the initial $14 million grant received from the United States CARES ACT. […]
Over $6M housing loans issued
Over $6 million dollars have been disbursed out of the $15 million housing loan Palau received from Republic of China (Taiwan) according to Minister Baklai Temengil-Chilton of the Palau Housing Commission.One hundred and ten (110) homes have been built so far with 66 in the pipeline at National Development Bank of Palau and Palau Housing […]
PPUC Solar contract now under Board review
The Independent Power Producer bid issued out by Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) last year for a renewable solar energy producer is now under the PPUC Board review. With assistance of Asian Development Bank expertise and NREL, PPUC had selected a bidder and have been negotiating with the company since May on Power Purchase Agreement […]
Palau to welcome Micronesian leaders for a face-to-face meeting next week
Palau is ready to host the leaders of COVID-free nations in the Micronesian Region in a face-to-face meeting starting on Sept. 29.President Tommy Remengesau Jr. in a press conference last week said that Palau, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, and the Federated States of Micronesia are holding an in-person 2020 Micronesian Presidents’ Summit (MPS, )which he […]
Primary Election underway to decide 2 Presidential Candidates for General Election
Voters are going to the polls today September 22nd to cast their vote for the two (2) presidential candidates that will be on the final ballot in the November general election. Given the world pandemic and its impact, it is not easy to predict voter turnout this year. For example, in the 2016 general election, […]
Voter turnout uncertain
Voters are going to the polls today September 22nd to cast their vote for the two (2) presidential candidates that will be on the final ballot in the November general election. Given the world pandemic and its impact, it is not easy to predict voter turnout this year. For example, in the 2016 general election, […]
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 […]
Dilisor Agriculture Association of Ngarchelong receives a donation of $1,500
Dilisor Agriculture Association of Ngarchelong has received $1,500 donated by Delegate DilmaiSaiske on Thursday September 10th. The money that has been received will go towards projects that the association is doing which involve wetland and dryland agriculture. At the moment, Dilisor Agriculture Association of Ngarchelongis working on taro fields. Minister FaustinaMaruggwho serves as the chairwoman […]
Powerline failures cause of power outages
Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) apologized and explained multiple unscheduled power blackouts last week citing infrastructure failures such as broken hardware and powerline interference from tree branches. Power disruptions have become normal occurrence on the island but they are usually brief and for the most part, come with advance notices. Most outages occur during heavy […]
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 […]
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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 […]
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 […]
Alone, NOT Lonely
If you cannot feel transformation in your life, your faith remains only in the mind about God. Intelligence will never persuade you to a new hunger, new desires… a new life. In other words, you may do all that is required of you but no real change within. Without transformation, your faith is reduced to […]
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 […]
South China Sea Watch: More talks and more tensions
BEIJING (AP) — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons. The waters are a major shipping route for global commerce and are rich in fish and possible oil and gas reserves. ___ PHILIPPINES WAVERS ON […]
Senate rejects House budget version
Senate rejected the House version of the Continuing Budget bill for FY 2021 and now the bill will go to conference committee. If no deal is reached in the next 19 days, the government will be forced to close.President Remengesau submitted a Continuing Budget bill, proposing to maintain the same level of funding for regular […]
Suzuky leads Angaur governor primary race
Unofficial results from the Palau Election Commission shows incumbent Angaur Governor KenosukeSuzuky leading the primary election for governor of Angaur with NatusMisech coming second and Warren Fukuichi in third place.Suzuky and Misech will now be on the ballot in the upcoming Angaur general election this November.Out of total 451 registered voters, 183, less than half […]
Fisheries Protection Trust Fund approaches $3 million
The Fisheries Protection Trust Fund, which is expected to help finance management of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), has risen close to $3 million, according to the PNMS update published by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) last week.The goal of the fund is to reach $10 million, at which point it will […]
Kayangel reaps harvest from home-gardening project
The Kayangel State Food Security Resilience Project, which financed the planting of home-gardens for each house on Kayangel Islet, had its first corn harvest this month.The project, which was funded by the India-Palau Small Grants Program, consisted of building 27 table gardens for the households, as well as a community garden, where crops such as […]
Comic book featuring Palauan legend released
A colorful comic book featuring the legend of Kedung el Chebub me a Dengerenger el Chebud (The good Grasshopper and the naughty bad Grasshopper), was recently released by the Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation.The legendKedung el Chebud and Dengerenger el Chebud is fromKayangel State and illustratesa story that teaches a moral lesson of respect […]
California fire that killed 3 threatens thousands of homes
OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A Northern California wildfire threatened thousands of homes Thursday after winds whipped it into a monster that incinerated houses in a small mountain community and killed at least three people.Several other people have been critically burned and hundreds, if not thousands, of homes and other buildings are believed to have been […]
Hopes fading for coronavirus deal as Congress returns
WASHINGTON (AP) — At least there won’t be a government shutdown.But as lawmakers straggle back to Washington for an abbreviated preelection session, hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill — or much else.Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last month and remain off track, with the bipartisan unity that drove […]
India adds 5 French-made fighter jets in military upgrade
NEW DELHI (AP) — The Indian air force inducted into service five French-made Rafale fighter jets Thursday amid heightened tensions with China along their disputed frontier.New Delhi has sent reinforcements of fighter jets and military equipment to the Ladakh region after the tense standoff there escalated to hand-to-hand combat between Indian and Chinese soldiers on […]
On to Game 7: Raptors survive Celtics in double-OT thriller
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Toronto Raptors faced a sizable early deficit. They trailed in the fourth quarter. And again in the first overtime. And again in the second overtime.Exhausted and on the brink, the reigning NBA champions rose to the moment.Next up: Game 7, for a spot in the Eastern Conference finals […]
Koa Moana uncovers 14 unexploded bombs
During Task Force Koa Moana’s visit to Palau last month, 14 pieces of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were identified and disposed of by the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization, a team of Marines specialized in disposing of bombs. The bombs were all ordnance left over from World War II, according to 1st Lieutenant Oscar Castro of Koa Moana. […]
Palau remains in Tier 2 for trafficking efforts
Palau remains on the Tier 2 of the Trafficking in Persons Report released by the US State Department in June while continuing to make significant efforts to eliminate trafficking but still lacks standards in many key areas. Palau is one of the areas that is evaluated by the US and the nations efforts are ranked […]
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 […]
Japan PM Abe thanks President Remengesau
Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who announced his resignation in late August for health reasons, responded to President Tommy E. Remengesau’s Twitter message with a message of gratitude. On August 29, President Remengesau tweeted a message to the Japan PM saying, “Although I am greatly saddened by this news, I hope that the focus you […]
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 […]
TOP STORIES
150 US soldiers arrive for Angaur Airfield Improvement
About 150 soldiers will arrive today in Angaur State via C-130 , as part of United States Army Defender Pacific 20 Exercise.The four-day exercise will support Angaur airfield improvement and assist the state government with respect to a barge that was swept unto the reef in Angaur after a major storm last year.Vice President RaynoldOilouch […]
$250,000 Awarded to Mitigate Compact Migration in Hawaii through We Are Oceania
WASHINGTON – The Trump Administration announced $250,000 in fiscal year 2020 grant funding provided through the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs’ (OIA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP) to support We are Oceania, a one-stop service shop in Honolulu, that liaises with the government and other organizations in Hawai’i to help individuals and […]
China incoming passengers’ tested negative
HONIARA, 03 SEPTEMBER 2020 (SOLOMON STAR) — A total of 104 passengers arrived at Henderson International airport last night, 10:15 pm local time with most of the tested negative prior to boarding the flight.The Solomon Airlines Airbus A320 left Honiara 9am on Tuesday, made a brief stop-over at Biak Airport in Indonesia and then continued […]
Health officials worry nation not ready for COVID-19 vaccine
Public health departments, which have struggled for months to test and trace everyone exposed to the novel coronavirus, are now being told to prepare to distribute COVID-19 vaccines as early as Nov. 1. In a four-page memo this summer, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told health departments across the country to draft […]
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Top Stories
PPUC crippled with no functioning board
Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) is crippled without functioning Board with major projects and operations affected. With only three (3) Board members, the corporation does not have a quorum to approve projects and policies that requires Board approval. Some of the 18 items pending before the PPUC Board include FY 2021 Budget, approval of Quarterly […]
Murray out duels Mitchell, sets up first Game 7 in the bubble
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Jamal Murray-Donovan Mitchell duel will be settled in the first Game 7 in the bubble. Murray extended his torrid run with 50 more points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 119-107 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. Murray had his second 50-point game of the series […]
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World
Mixed reaction to Australia’s pledge to help Pacific and Asian neighbours get coronavirus vaccine
CANBERRA, 27 AUUST 2020 (SBS)—Australia’s promise to set $80 million (US$57 million) aside for an initiative that would help Pacific and Southeast Asian countries get cheap access to a coronavirus vaccine has been met with both applause and concern.The federal government’s support is going to the Gavi COVAX Facility Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC), a […]
New Zealand mosque shooter sentenced to life without parole
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) — The white supremacist who slaughtered 51 worshippers at two New Zealand mosques was sentenced Thursday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the first time the maximum available sentence has been imposed.Judge Cameron Mander said the crimes committed by 29-year-old Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant were so wicked that […]
The Latest: India reports record 75,000 new virus infections
NEW DELHI — India has recorded another single-day record of new coronavirus cases, reporting 75,760 new confirmed infections in the past 24 hours. The Health Ministry on Thursday also reported 1,023 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total fatalities up to 60,472.India’s previous highest daily count was 70,488 on Aug. 22. India has been […]
TikTok CEO resigns amid US pressure to sell video app
HONG KONG (AP) — TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigned Thursday amid U.S. pressure for its Chinese owner to sell the popular video app, which the White House says is a security risk.In a letter to employees, Mayer said that his decision to leave comes after the “political environment has sharply changed.”His resignation follows President Donald […]
Games stop again, this time players decide when they resume
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — NBA players didn’t come to Disney solely for a restart. The Milwaukee Bucks showed how far they’re willing to go to get it by opting not to play in their playoff game Wednesday. Two more games were postponed later in the day, the second time this season NBA basketball […]
Osaka withdraws in protest; W&S put on hold Thursday
NEW YORK (AP) — Fourth-seeded Naomi Osaka reached the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open on Wednesday and withdrew a few hours later in a call for racial justice, drawing quick support from other players. Soon after, the whole tournament was put on hold for a day.“As a sport, tennis is collectively taking a […]
Experiment shows online predators targeting children in Palau
A recent online experiment done by the Koror State Digital Citizenship Initiative Summer Youth Program has brought to light the presence of online predators targeting under aged kids in Palau. Prior to this experiment, the 19 youth mentored by Joleen Ngoriakl, Arvan Subris, and Tobe Techur, went through series of trainings for 3 weeks under […]
BNM digitizes cultural exhibits
While the lockdown has slowed visitor traffic to sites such as the Belau National Museum (BNM), the BNM has taken the opportunity to update its exhibitions, and is in the process of digitizing its cultural displays with the development of an online gallery. According to workers at the museum, the online gallery is intended to […]
FSM “deeply concerned” about Guam news targeting Micronesians
The National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) released a press release expressing “deep concern” over various news outlets in Guam citing specific Micronesian ethnicities as the source of the recent COVID-19 surge. A series of articles, “sourced from print, radio, television, and online news sources”, claimed that the newest COVID cases were […]
Bill extending deadline to receive absentee ballots submitted
A bill proposing to extend the deadline for receiving absentee ballots was submitted last week. It seeks to extend the deadline to receive absentee ballots from 7 days to 10 days andextend the certification of the election by another 7 days. The bill was submitted by President Remengesau Jr. to both Senate President HokkonsBaules and […]
Billboard
Diplomatic Corps holds softball celebration
The Diplomatic Corps held a ceremony at the Taj Restaurant on Thursday, August 19, in appreciation of their effort on the field during last month’s 40th Constitution Day Leadership Softball Tournament. The team, dubbed the “Diplomats”, placed third in the seven-team softball tournament. It was represented by all four resident ambassadors and their staff, as well […]
BOA hosts handover ceremony for Japanese-donated tractor
The Bureau of Agriculture (BOA) hosted a handover ceremony for the tractor funded by Japan’s grant aid on Friday, August 21. The tractor is worth $40,000. The grant aid which provided it is one of the schemes under the “Economic and Social Development Programme in fiscal year 2016” of up to 200 million yen, signed […]
Rotary clubs donate $10,000 to UOG scholarship
The Pacific Basin Group of Rotary clubs from Rotary District 2750 donated $10,000 on June 22 in continued support of the PBG Rotary Friendship Scholarship Program at the University of Guam. The funds were part of more than $23,000 that the group raised through two golf tournaments in support of student scholarship programs.The Pacific Basin […]
EQPB ADDRESSES SUNKEN VESSELS
On July 11, 2020 EQPB received a call from Koror State Rangers reporting a sunken vessel at the Malakal Port. Monitoring & Compliance Manager, Mike Blesam and Environmental Inspector, Darwin Florencio responded to the scene immediately to assess the situation. At the scene, Koror State Rangers helped to identify the owner of the vessel enabling […]
Palau Conservation Society Receives Donation from Melusch-Dil Beauty Shop
On August 14, 2020, the Melusch-Dil beauty shop gifted the Palau Conservation Society (PCS) with a generous donation of $100 in support of the efforts to integrate marine conservation into elementary school education. Pictured to the right is Administration and Development Intern Emengel Singich receiving the donation.With the strong support of corporate partnerslikeMelusch-Dil, PCS was […]
PHS receives agricultural project donations
The Koror State Government Solid Waste Management Office donated bags of compost and seedlings to Palau High School on August 13, for part of an agricultural project aimed at teaching students to become self-reliant in food security. The Natural Resource Academy students at PHS and their teachers expressed their gratitude for the donated supplies, which […]
Miel Sequeira-Holm selected to be 3rd NES Keynote Speaker
Palau’s own Ms. Miel Sequiera-Holm, a passionate youth oceans activist and an innovative social entrepreneur, will be the Keynote Speaker at Tuesday’s 3rd National Environment Symposium (NES). The theme of the 3rd NES is “New Opportunities for a Resilient Palau.” Discussions and preparations for the 3rd NES made it clear that in order to build […]
Strengthening Capacity for Palau’s, Preparedness and Resilience to Disasters
Second Official Handoverof goodsto the Government of Palau The UNDP Pacific Office, through Japan funded Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience (EDCR) project, in collaboration with the Government of Palau, is working towards strengthening Palau’s preparedness and resilience to disasters. The EDCR project in Palau was initiated in March 2019. The implementation challenges due to COVID […]
3rd National Environment Symposium looks inward at Self-reliance to Build Resilience
On Tuesday, August 18 the 3rd National Environment Symposium (NES) will take place at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center. The event, which is free and open to the public, goes from 8:45am to 4:15pm with registration starting at 8:00am. Remote access will be available via PWFM radio, Facebook live stream on pwfm staff, or live on […]
Walking Toward Independence Day Challenge
Join #Palau Walks Coalition, Palau Track and Field Association, and Kotel ADeurreng, Inc at the Track on Friday evening August 14th to register for the 2020 Independence Day Walk Challenge. The Six-Week Challenge encourages you to set your own personal walk goals, lean about walkability, and compete for prizes in three categories – most total […]
Efforts underway to address food security of Palau”
The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) recently invited Ngaramaiberel not only to a take tour at their facility, but also to learn new techniques on how to plant and maintain crops such as fruit trees, vegetables, taros, etc. This field trip took place on the 30th of July, 2020 departing from Palau Community College at 8:30am and […]
TTM Field Trip Addresses Food Security for Palau
The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) recently invited Ngaramaiberel to a take tour at their facility while learning new techniques on how to plant and maintain crops, such as fruit trees, vegetables, and taros. 42 participants attended the field trip on July 30, with the bus departing from Palau Community College at 8:30am and returning from […]
Ngchesar State Ranger reports meyas harvest
On Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at the Ngchesar State dock, there was a harvesting of cultured Meyas (Rabbit Fish). State residents and people from other places came and attended the harvesting program. We believe that a very high percentage of the rabbit fish fries cultured were harvested. We know the feeding of the fries and […]
UOG: Cycad size and habitat contribute to plant’s survival when confronted with invasive species
A long-term study on Guam and Micronesia’s native and threatened species of cycad plant has revealed factors that contribute to the plant’s ability to survive in the face of invasive species. Research out of the Western Pacific Tropical Research Center at the University of Guam and College of Micronesia-FSM shows that the Cycas micronesica population in Guam declined […]
PVA and Palau’s hospitality industry volunteers team up to further gauge Kayangel’s tourism
Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) teamed up with Palau’s hospitality industry managers to conduct a second assessment of Kayangel’s tourism potential on July 29-30, 2020. The second assessment brought forward perspectives of well-experienced managers of Palau Pacific Resort who volunteered their time for this project: Alex Suzuki – Executive Chef (34 years), Amelia Olebuu – Credit […]
Opinion
‘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 […]
Unforced Rhythm of Grace
My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, renewed in you, to receive from you all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day. I honor as my Sovereign and I surrender every aspect and dimension of my life totally and completely to you. I give to […]
Include voice of civil society 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 any […]
“Women’s rights are non-negotiable in COVID-19 response programming” says the Pacific based Shifting the Power Coalition
SUVA, 03 AUGUST 2020 (SHIFTING THE POWER COALITION) — Mobilising Women’s Leadership: Solutions for Protection and Recovery in a Time of COVID 19 and TC Harold is a new report from the Shifting the Power Coalition’s network of women leaders and focal points, including young women and women with disabilities which is an urgent call […]
Our children warned us but we didn’t listen
STOCKHOLM, 30 JULY 2020 (REUTERS)—-When children start suing governments for inaction on climate change, like they have in South Korea, Pakistan, India and several other countries, it’s time to sit up and take notice.There is a strong moral obligation on governments to take effective action to help minimise the effects of our unsustainable consumption of […]
Pacific islands: The cost to tomorrow of the crisis today
The brunt of the Covid-19 recession will be borne by developing nations, where youth populations are dominant.SYDNEY,30 JULY 2020 (THE INTERPRETER) — The global economic recession triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic will have acute repercussions for the youth of today – both now and for their inheritance. The International Labour Organisation recently warned the economic […]
FEAR
The number one place relationships break down is the health of communication – what we say, how we say it, what we hear, and how we hear it. – Mark DeJesus. Someone said to me, “Ngdiak mdu ke medakt”. Ke explain … leng ngdiak medakt ra ngidil ngerang… ngsebechek el mekiis el tmik a medam.” […]
“We would like the French state to apologise”
MELBOURNE, 27 JULY 2020 (INSIDE STORY) —As the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings approaches, the legacy of Cold War French nuclear testing is still in dispute. Nuclear survivors in French Polynesia are calling for changes to the law that governs compensation for people exposed to radiation during French nuclear testing in the […]
Micronesia climate refugees increasingly relocate to Oregon
OREGON, 22 JULY 2020 (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) —While their home islands face rising tides due to climate change, Micronesians living in Oregon struggle to preserve their heritage.Bouncing a baby on his lap in his apartment in Salem, Dexter Moluputo recalls the rhythms and simple pleasures of his childhood home in the Federated States of Micronesia, a […]
‘I was naive to think this couldn’t touch my family’: Pacific Islanders hit hard by the coronavirus
LOS ANGELES, 20 JULY 2020 (LA TIMES) —It was still early in California’s coronavirus outbreak when Lina Ili started feeling the symptoms that would soon turn her family’s life upside down. Coughing and running a fever, she holed up inside the bedroom of her Long Beach home for weeks. But breathing grew increasingly difficult, Ili, […]
Pacific News
Covid-19 is an opportunity for Pacific to return to traditional foods – scientist
PORT VILA, (RNZ PACIFIC) —A genetic scientist and tropical root and tuber crops expert says the Covid-19 pandemic is an opportunity for Pacific countries to return to traditional food sources. Vincent Lebot recently published a second edition of his book on the crop production science and horticulture of cassava, sweet potato, yams and aroids. Dr […]
New CNMI Covid-19 directives in effect today
SAIPAN, 24 AUGUST 2020 (MARIANAS VARIETY)—Effective today, Monday, amendments made to the CNMI Covid-19 emergency directives on in-person social gatherings, curfew, and business hours will be reimplemented until 06 September. “It is critically important that the people of the Commonwealth continue to remain vigilant and take personal responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, our friends, […]
PNG Pandemic Controller wants clarification from Chinese government on COVID-19 vaccination
PORT MORESBY (POST COURIER)—Papua New Guinea Pandemic Controller David Manning has given the Chinese government this week to clarify their position on the vaccination statement released by Ramu Nickel. And Manning in his letter to the Chinese Ambassador has demanded the full programme and status of the vaccine, including its potential risks. The Post-Courier was […]
New Zealand boost Anti-Corruption efforts in the Pacific
A new Pacific-wide anti-corruption partnership has been launched between the Government of New Zealand and the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, in an effort to improve the livelihoods of people in 13 Pacific Island countries.Valued at NZ$4 million (US$2.6 million), this new partnership will assist UN-PRAC Project to boost its anti-corruption and governance […]
Pacific Tuna Tagging expedition overcomes COVID Challenge
Despite the significant challenges presented by COVID-19, the Pacific Community (SPC) 7-week research expedition to monitor the health of world’s largest tuna fishery departed from Honolulu on Saturday 15 August 2020.Half of the world’s tuna catch comes from the Western & Central Pacific, providing a critical source of protein and export revenue for Pacific Island […]
Approval given to declare PNG a ‘Christian’ country
The Papua New Guinea National Executive Council (NEC) has approved a proposal to formally declare PNG a Christian country under the Constitution.PNG is founded on two basic principles — ‘our cultural heritage and our Christianity’’ — as declared in the preamble to the Constitution, which provides the cornerstone to its existence.Prime Minister James Marape said […]
Palau aims to become world’s first “Carbon neutral tourism destination”
KOROR, 17 AUGUST 2020 (TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL) —The Palau Bureau of Tourism, Sustainable Travel International and Slow Food have launched a new project in Palau that aims to mitigate the tourism sector’s carbon footprint and establish Palau as the world’s first “Carbon neutral tourism destination.” The project is taking a destination-level approach that includes promoting […]
Vanuatu Citizenship sale revenue skyrockets
PORT VILA, 17 AUGUST 2020 (VANUATU DAILY POST) —The revenue collected from the sales of Vanuatu citizenships under the two citizenship programmes has skyrocketed in the last three and half months. Chairman of the Vanuatu National Citizenship Commission (VNCC), Ronald Warsal confirmed that from 15 June to 14 August, passport sales raked in approximately Vt9.6 […]
Closure of Utah health clinics endangers Pacific Islanders
UTAH, 17 AUGUST 2020 (RNZ PACIFIC) —A public health specialist in the U.S state of Utah says this month’s closure of health clinics could badly affect Pacific Island victims of Covid-19. Jacob Fitisemanu has been managing the Health Clinics of Utah, which are being shut down by the government as its finances are battered by […]
55 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in PNG, total 287
PORT MORESBY, 13 AUGUST 2020 (PNG GOVT) — Papua New Guinea National Pandemic Response Control Centre has announced 55 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country Wednesday, bringing the total to 287.The cases being the single highest recorded in a day, include 18 from the National Capital District and 37 from Western Province.The 18 cases […]
World News
Top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway to leave White House
WASHINGTON (AP) — Kellyanne Conway, one of President Donald Trump’s most influential and longest serving advisers, announced Sunday that she would be leaving the White House at the end of the month. Conway, Trump’s campaign manager during the stretch run of the 2016 race, was the first woman to successfully steer a White House bid, […]
China holds another round of naval drills in South China Sea
BEIJING (AP) — A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple territorial disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons. The waters are a major shipping route for global commerce and are rich in fish and possible oil and gas reserves. ___ CHINA HOLDING NEW […]
Emergency postal aid stalls as WH rejects House-passed bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — Help for the U.S. Postal Service landed in stalemate Sunday as the White House dismissed an emergency funding bill aimed at shoring up the agency before the November elections as “going nowhere” and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged senators to act quickly. “The public is demanding action on this now,” Pelosi said. “I can’t […]
Trump announces plasma treatment authorized for COVID-19
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced emergency authorization to treat COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma — a move he called “a breakthrough,” one of his top health officials called “promising” and other health experts said needs more study before it’s celebrated. The announcement Sunday came after White House officials complained there were politically motivated […]
Democrats pound their message: To oust Trump, you must vote
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Former President Barack Obama warned that American democracy could falter if President Donald Trump is reelected, a stunning rebuke of his successor that was echoed by Kamala Harris at the Democratic Convention Wednesday night as she embraced her historic role as the first Black woman on a national political ticket.Obama, himself […]
Hong Kong government slams US decision to suspend treaties
HONG KONG (AP) — The Hong Kong government on Thursday condemned the U.S.’s decision to suspend bilateral extradition and tax exemption treaties with the semi-autonomous Chinese city, saying it was being used as a pawn in geopolitics.On Wednesday, the U.S. suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, becoming the latest country to do so after […]
Northern California wildfires threatening thousands of homes
VACAVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Wildfires raged through Northern California on Wednesday, threatening thousands of homes and blackening the skies near San Francisco as crews struggled to surround them despite steep terrain and blistering heat.The fires, many caused by lightning and sometimes pushed by strong winds, had burned hundreds of thousands of acres as they chewed […]
: Coronavirus slams Japan’s economy
Eds: UPDATES: CORRECTS: Subs 4th paragraph to show previous worst contraction was in 2009, not 2008-2009. AP Photos.; Subs 4th paragraph to show previous worst contraction was in 2009, not 2008-2009. With AP Photos. TOKYO — Japan’s economy shrank at annual rate of 27.8% in April-June, the worst contraction on record, as the coronavirus pandemic […]
Sports
Tatis’ stellar catch, Machado HR lift Padres over Astros 5-3
SAN DIEGO (AP) — What a wild, spectacular week it was for budding superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres. From Tatis’ grand slam on Monday night in Texas that reignited debates about “unwritten rules” to his jaw-dropping defensive play on a popup to left field on Sunday at Petco Park, the 21-year-old […]
Dodgers pound 7 homers, beat Rockies 11-3 to finish sweep
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kiké Hernández hit a three-run drive, crossed the plate and motioned taking a 3-point jumper in a tribute to Kobe Bryant on what would have been the late NBA superstar’s 42nd birthday. “It’s probably one of those that I’ll always remember,” Hernández said. “We lost Kobe a little too soon.” Mookie […]
Ravens terminate contract of S Earl Thomas after fight
The Baltimore Ravens have terminated the contract of seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who got involved in a fight with a teammate Friday and did not attend practice Saturday. According to a statement released Sunday by the team, Thomas was released “for personal conduct that adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens.” The action stems from […]
Koa Moana soldiers participates in US Softball Tournament
Nothing like a friendly game of softball to relax and create network and friendship among colleagues and new friends. Koa Moana 20 marines enjoyed a lively game of softball hosted by the US Embassy after yielding negative results for COVID-19.The two-day event, brought together the Koa Moana Soldiers, Civic Action Team, members of the US […]
Mavs pull away while Doncic sits, beat Clippers 127-114
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Luka Doncic has his first NBA postseason victory, though probably not the way he expected.Instead of leading the Dallas Mavericks on the court, he was helping lead cheers from the sideline as his teammates pulled away while he sat. Doncic scored 28 points and the Mavericks put together the […]
Bauer blanks Royals, sports cheeky T-shirt in twinbill split
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Trevor Bauer pitched seven innings of one-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night to split a doubleheader marked by strong starting pitching.In the opener of the two seven-inning games, Brad Keller didn’t allow a hit until the sixth and extended his shutout […]
Donovan Mitchell scores 30 points, Jazz rout Nuggets 124-105
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Donovan Mitchell remained patient with Denver’s defense making things difficult for him.Instead of forcing the issue, he simply distributed the ball — until his opening arrived.Mitchell scored 21 of his 30 points in a big third quarter and the Utah Jazz beat the Nuggets 124-105 on Wednesday to even […]
PSFA fishing derby launches off
The Angaur Male’s Health Evolution Derby launched off on Saturday, August 15, with fishermen across Palau setting out from Koror’s Dropoff Bar&Grill and Angaur. The derby, a collaboration between the Palau Sports Fishing Association (PSFA) and the Ministry of Health, aims to provide fishermen in Palau the chance to hone their pelagic-fishing skills. The derby […]
