Police officer suspended for rules violation
Bureau of Public Safety suspended one of its CID investigators Lieutenant Jonie Ngeluk for posting “inappropriate comments” on social media, violating BPS rules by using unmarked BPS vehicles for personal use, and using BPB unmarked vehicle outside of the duty hours while intoxicated. Lt. Ngeluk, based on the adverse action taken against her, is suspended […]
Learning cooperation in Palau
JICA-volunteer Tomoaki Hirano, who worked as a math teacher at George B. Harris Elementary School in Koror until he was recalled to Japan this past March, shared with the Palau Media a letter of gratitude to the Palauan community for teaching him “cooperation”. Hirano had been teaching at an elementary school in Japan for 5 […]
David, the Shepherd Boy
“If you feel you don’t belong to this world, perhaps you were born to create a new one.” – Unknown We first read the story of David, the shepherd boy who became King of Israel, in 1 Samuel Chapter 16. The story of David goes on to his death in the Second Book of Samuel. […]
U.S foreign policy and COVID-19: a Timorese perspective
DILI, 13 JULY 2020 (DEVPOLICY.ORG) — President Trump’s lack of leadership in the international fight against COVID-19, taken to the extreme by his decision to leave the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the midst of the greatest global health emergency in a century, has damaged the reputation of the United States worldwide. This is sad […]
UNICEF welcomes additional US$7.3 million grant from ADB to support 13 Pacific island countries in COVID-19 response
UNICEF welcomes an additional US$7.3 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide urgent medical supplies in 13 countries across the Pacific islands to support governments in the ongoing response to COVID-19. This grant is on top of the US$600,000 provided in March 2020 bringing ADB’s total COVID-19 support through UNICEF in the […]
‘Pacific Principles of Practice’ launched as a guide towards global human rights implementation
On 03 July, the Pacific launched the Pacific Principles of Practice (Pacific Principles) of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow-up (NMIRFs) during a virtual side event at the 44th Session of the Human Rights Council. The Pacific Principles are the result of a group of UN member States in the Pacific (Fiji, Federated States […]
To deny Cook Islands travel bubble is ‘criminal’, tourism operators
It’s the typical wet, winter in New Zealand that should bring peak season for the Cook Islands. Instead, Rarotonga resorts are on the brink of collapse and in danger of taking the islands’ tourism-reliant economy with them. Travel restrictions from New Zealand – the Cooks Islands’ only air link – are strangling the country’s tourism […]
Catholic Church in Fiji to investigate claims of alleged sexual abuse
The Catholic Church of Fiji says it will conduct an investigation after reports of alleged sexual abuse of children within the Church. TVNZ’s One News reported last night that it investigated claims of historic sexual abuse of children at the hands of catholic priests, brothers, and teachers. The media outlet has spoken with Fijians who […]
Frontline workers to receive additional stipend
On July 8, President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. signed the order authorizing a government-paid stipend to frontline workers as the global pandemic affects Palau. The stipend serves as an additional compensation for time and activities which “entail an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19”. In addition to the 58 repatriated citizens who returned to Palau […]
TOP STORIES
Why China’s Maritime Bullying is a Global Concern
Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland As the world appropriately focuses on the fight against COVID-19, the People’s Republic of China has in fact increased its bullying campaign including in the South China Sea. There are lessons here for this region that apply far beyond the Western Pacific. Because when Beijing uses coercion, subversion, disinformation, and other underhanded […]
Palauan woman completes medical studies in Cuba
In the time of COVID-19, a Palauan woman completed her medical training in Cuba, according to the Permanent Mission of Palau to the United Nations. Lara Reklai has completed her training as a medical doctor amid the coronavirus pandemic. She also made history as the first Palauan woman to complete medical studies in Cuba. In a statement posted […]
U.S. government promotes disaster and pandemic resilience among Small and Medium businesses in Palau
Koror, Palau –The United States Government, in partnership with the Palau Chamber of Commerce, today held a training to help businesses in Palau to better prepare for future natural disasters and pandemics. The training is part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ready project, which is strengthening climate change and disaster resilience […]
PVA and Local Artist work together for beautification project
Through the re-employment program, a group of young artist are collaborating with Palau Visitors Authority for their beautification project. Going on their second week, these artists can be seen painting the auto shop tin wall and at the airport. Director of Palau Visitors Authority Kadoi Ruluked mentioned that the paintings will depict Palau’s culture, but […]
Kayangel government on hold; Governor and Speaker to take oath of office this week
Kayangel State government is on hold while it waits for its Governor-Elect Richard Ngiraked and the newly elected officers of the 12thKayangel State Legislature to be sworn into office this week. Members of the 12thKayangel Legislature took oaths of office Monday, July 6th and convened in the afternoon of the same day to pass a […]
EDITORIAL CARTOON
BNM gets GEF funds for migratory bird campaign
The Belau National Museum is the recipient of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program entitled Education Campaign for Migratory Birds in Palau. This 2-year project aims to increase awareness of migratory birds and to garner support for protection of the Northern Peleliu Lkes. The Belau National Museum (BNM) established a partnership with Kaudiais […]
Repatriated residents in self-quarantine, all tests negative for COVID-19
The National Emergency Committee (NEC) is pleased to inform the public that all our 58 repatriated residents have taken their final COVID-19 test, and results are all negative. NEC takes this opportunity to appeal to the community to show support for the repatriated residents as they finish their last days of being monitored in the […]
Rodchenkov Act could undermine anti-doping system, warns drafter of World Anti-Doping Code
LAUSANNE, 06 JULY 2020 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—The Rodchenkov Act could compromise the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) ability to investigate and will undermine the anti-doping system, Ulrich Haas, one of the co-drafters of the World Anti-Doping Code, has said. In a blog for insidethegames, Haas said the Act in its current form is “seriously flawed” and […]
Renovations for Our Ocean Conference is on schedule
Renovations in preparation for Our Oceans 2020 are still on track with most scheduled to be completed this July, this according to Minister UmiichSengebau during the weekly press conference on July 1st. Work to repair and improve the Asahi field is ready to start and a bid invitation has been issued. Some of the renovations […]
Second Charter Flight coming in July 23
Vice President and Chairman of National Emergency Committee Arnold Oilouch announced that the second charter flight bringing the repatriated citizens from Guamis arriving on July 23rd. This second arrival will include some of the stranded citizens and students from Hawaii and the mainland. Vice President Oilouch said that the Ministry of State and the embassies […]
Peleliu leadership accepting of KOA MOANA
Vice President and Chairman of National Emergency Committee Arnold Oilouch, Minister of Health Dr. Emais Roberts, United States Ambassador John Hennessey-Niland, members of the EOC (Emergency Operation Command) and members of NEC met with the leadership of Peleliu State on Wednesday to address the concerns raised in a State resolution regarding the planned United States […]
12 new COVID-19 cases in Guam
HAGATNA, 02 JULY 2020 (THE GUAM DAILY POST) —Another 12 people were confirmed as the newest COVID-19 cases on island, according to the Guam Joint Information Center on Wednesday. That means Guam had a total of 87 active COVID-19 cases and that number could grow as the Department of Public Health and Social Services continues […]
Google’s top executives jetted into Fiji
NADI, 02 JULY 2020 (FIJI SUN) —A Gulfstream private jet with an Aircraft Registration N998PB arrived at Nadi International Airport last weekend. It was believed to be carrying 11 Google executives, a usually reliable airport source said. The aircraft arrived from the United States sometimes in the early afternoon on Saturday and was believed to […]
The Process
Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. C.S. Lewis We really don’t know much about stages of development in our instant culture. We have someone make our coffee for us. We no longer have to wait to have our photos developed – not even an hour – for now we have digital cameras […]
Palau rejects postponing selection of new PIF head
Palau has rejected a proposal by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Chair and Prime Minister of Tuvalu Kausea Natano, to defer the appointment of the new PIF Secretariat Secretary General saying its an issue that has to be resolved and had nothing to do with COVID-19. President Tommy Remengesau Jr. and a separate letter to […]
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Micronesia opposes deferral of Forum SG appointment
KOROR, 25 JUNE 2020 (RNZ PACIFIC)—Micronesian countries say they oppose a postponement of the appointment of a new Secretary-General for the Pacific Islands Forum. The Forum chair, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Kausea Natano, has suggested that while the covid-10 pandemic continues the appointment of the Forum Secretariat head be deferred to next year. This year’s Forum […]
Ex-Arizona official pleads guilty to human smuggling charge involving women from Marshall Islands
LITTLE ROCK, 25 JUNE 2020(AP)— A former Arizona official pleaded guilty Wednesday to a human smuggling charge for what prosecutors called his role in running an illegal adoption scheme in three states involving women from the Marshall Islands. Paul Petersen pleaded guilty in federal court in Arkansas to conspiracy to commit human smuggling, the third […]
Asian tycoon team breach PNG immigration, Customs, airport and Covid-19 protocols
PORT MORESBY, 24 JUNE 2020 (POST COURIER) —The four-man Asian tycoon team arriving in Papua New Guinea on a London-based private jet early Monday morning defied the Immigration, Customs, Airport and Covid-19 protocols. The team travelling under a privately-chartered London Air Service Limited flight comprising passengers Cao Yu, Chen Mailin, Hui NgokLun and Wong Da […]
IMF predicts deeper global recession due to coronavirus pandemic
WASHINGTON, 25 JUNE 2020 (REUTERS)— The coronavirus pandemic has caused wider and deeper damage to economic activity than first thought, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday, prompting the institution to slash its 2020 global output forecasts further. The IMF said it now expects 2020 global output to shrink by 4.9%, compared with a 3.0% […]
Medical equipment and supplies continue to come from Taiwan
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ambassador Wallace Chow donated to Palau Government on June 23 another batch of anti-pandemic medical equipment and supplies, including 2 PCR machines, 3 Infrared thermometer systems, 250 forehead guns, 500 protective clothing, 2,000 medical isolation gowns,1,000 N95 masks and 40,000 surgical masks, totally valued […]
Babeldaob joint coordination body begins island-wide planning process
A collaborative effort between the 10 Babeldaob States and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism (MNRET) to plan for the sustainable development of Babeldaob kicked off on June 17, 2020 with the inaugural meeting of the Babeldaob Joint Coordination Body (JCB). The 11-person Babeldaob JCB is composed of one member from each Babeldaob […]
All repatriated citizens tested negative of COVID-19
The National Emergency Committee announced on June 19 that all 58 of the repatriated citizens have undergone testing, and all results have come back negative for COVID-19. A female repatriated citizen from the University of Guam stated that they are all glad and relieved to hear the results. The repatriated citizens have one more week […]
NZ has one new case of COVID-19
WELLINGTON, 18 JUNE 2002 (NEWSHUB) —New Zealand has recorded one new case of COVID-19, Dr Ashley Bloomfield has confirmed. The individual is a man in his sixties. He is located in the Jet Park Hotel quarantine facility in Auckland. He flew from Pakistan to Doha to Melbourne on 11 June. He then flew from Melbourne […]
Australia coronavirus travel ban extended to 2021
CANBERRA, 18 JUNE 2020 (7 NEWS/AAP)—After confirming there’s next to no chance of an overseas holiday for the foreseeable future, the federal government is pushing its case for Australians to explore their own backyards. The prospect of a ban on Australians travelling overseas being extended to 2021 was described as “likely the case” by Tourism […]
New tennis tournament in France aiming for younger audience
PARIS (AP) — With discussions ongoing over whether the U.S. Open or the French Open can even take place later this year, a new digitally friendly tennis tournament starts Saturday in southern France with four Top 10-ranked players involved. Co-founder Patrick Mouratoglou hopes the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) — whose first edition features ATP Finals winner […]
Palau, ADB working on debt ratio analysis
The Palau government is working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for a debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) analysis which is expected to be pushed higher following a planned loan to mitigate the COVID-19 economic impact. Finance Minister Elbuchel Sadang last week said that debt-to-GDP ratio is currently at 30 percent and that they plan to keep the […]
Virtual Pacific Islands Dialogue on COVID-19 Assistance
The United States and Taiwan are enhancing our important cooperation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We want countries around the world to benefit from the generous contributions and impressive expertise that Taiwan—a vibrant democracy and a force for good—brings to the global community, and improve the health and welfare of their people. As part of that effort, on June […]
UOG launches initiative to provide students with financial relief and support
The University of Guam announces UOG Cares, a new initiative that will provide financial, academic, and health and wellness support to UOG students in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. “UOG Cares is part of the university’s response to the needs of our students and reaffirms our commitment to help them reach their academic goals,” UOG […]
Former PICRC Intern accepted to UH Mānoa Marine Biology Graduate Program
Ms. Alexi Meltel, a former Palau International Coral reef Center (PICRC) intern, has been accepted to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) Marine Biology Graduate Program for Fall 2020. Her master’s thesis advisor is Professor Robert Richmond, who is the director of UH’s Kewalo Marine Laboratory and also a member of the Board […]
Remengesau opens Day 2 of the World Economic Forum Virtual Ocean Dialogue
President Tommy Remengesau Jr. last week delivered the opening video address at the World Economic Forum: Virtual Ocean Dialogue, a global online conference for ocean action which started June 1 to 5, 2020. In a virtual address, President Remengesau Jr made a call for “blue recovery” citing that the border closure is keeping the virus at bay. […]
UN-DP donates 1000 scrub sets for Palau’s response to COVID-19
On June 5th, The United Nations Development Programme donated 1000 scrub sets to the Ministry of Health to assist with Palau’s response to COVID-19. The scrub sets come in varying sizes ranging from XS (extra small) and XXL (extra extra large). The set will be given to the nurses and will be worn solely for […]
Dan Carter to make Super Rugby comeback with the Blues
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — World Cup-winning All Blacks flyhalf Dan Carter will make a surprise return to Super Rugby in New Zealand at the age of 38. Carter has signed as an injury replacement with the Blues, joining current All Blacks No. 10 Beauden Barrett at the Auckland-based franchise for the upcoming Super Rugby […]
Newly graduates worry about COVIDs effect on future plans
Most people right now are worried about catching COVID-19 but young newly graduates have additional worry of not catching their future. Plans of high school and college newly graduates are on hold now while they are trying to work with what is going on right now as result of COVID-19 pandemic. A recent PHS graduate, “Kelly […]
United States Holds Initial Consultations with the Freely Associated States
Related to Expiring Provisions of Compact of Free Association Agreements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs, Douglas W. Domenech and U.S. Department of State Ambassador Karen B. Stewart this week held initial consultations with teams from each of the Freely Associated States (FAS)to organize talks around the […]
Violence again rocks Minneapolis after man’s death; 1 killed
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man was shot to death as violent protests over the death of a black man in police custody rocked Minneapolis for a second straight night Wednesday, with protesters looting stores near a police precinct and setting fires. Police said they were investigating the death as a homicide and had a suspect […]
‘The disease is ripping through’: why coronavirus is devastating California’s Pacific Islanders
SACRAMENTO, 25 MAY 2020 (THE GUARDIAN) — The coronavirus is tearing through Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander communities in California, fanning longstanding health disparities and killing community members at a higher rate than any other racial group in the state. Data from California’s department of public health reveals that Pacific Islanders have contracted coronavirus […]
Over 500 corporations face dissolution due to non-filing
Office of the Registrar listed over 560 entities with corporate charters including corporations, partnerships and associations that are in danger of getting their corporate charters dissolved due to non-filing or not having filed required Annual Reports for the last two years. The list printed in this publication show sports associations, youth clubs , civil society […]
Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice
In a low-key yet quietly dignified air, the US airmen raised the flag to sound of United States national anthem in the background, to honor and remember thousands of US servicemen who paid the ultimate price for freedom and liberty on the shores of Peleliu 75 years ago. The US Memorial Day yesterday was marked […]
Cost of repatriating 143 to reach $1m
The estimated costs of bringing back home 143 Palauan students and stranded citizens and putting them through 2 levels of quarantine, in Guam and in Palau will cost approximately $1,018,839 dollars according to the report provided to Olbiil Era Kelulau by the Office of the President on May 22, 2020. In a letter to Senate […]
Coronavirus lockdown cut energy-related CO2 emissions 17 percent, study finds
BONN, 21 MAY 2020 (CLIMATE HOME) — Daily carbon dioxide emissions from energy use and heavy industry fell by 17 percent globally in early April, under peak coronavirus lockdown, scientists have estimated. As governments restricted travel to curb the spread of Covid-19, emissions from aviation were slashed by up to 75 percent and road transport […]
Utah’s Conley waiting for news, like the rest of the NBA
Mike Conley is waiting for further instructions. So is the rest of the NBA. The league is continuing to work through multiple return-to-play scenarios, with two people with knowledge of the situation saying Wednesday that Orlando — which has been talked about for several weeks — along with Las Vegas and Houston remain under consideration. […]
NFL reinstates Cowboys’ Aldon Smith, who last played in ’15
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Aldon Smith will be able to take part in team activities with the Dallas Cowboys after the NFL on Wednesday conditionally reinstated the pass rusher from an indefinite suspension for off-field issues. Smith, who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2015, will be able to participate in the Cowboys’ virtual […]
Hamlin scores 2nd win of season at rain-shortened Darlington
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Denny Hamlin won NASCAR’s first Wednesday race since 1984 when rain stopped the event with 20 laps remaining at Darlington Raceway. The Daytona 500 winner was out front but out of fresh tires and trying to hang on when he got unintended help from Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch. The […]
BILLBOARD
McIlroy delivers the winner as live golf returns to TV
Rory McIlroy delivered the money shot Sunday as live golf returned to television for a Skins game that revealed plenty of rust and raised more than $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. McIlroy and Dustin Johnson, who had not won a skin since the sixth hole, had a chance to win the final six skins […]
Korean soccer club apologizes for putting sex dolls in seats
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean soccer club has apologized after being accused of putting sex dolls in empty seats during a match Sunday in Seoul. In a statement, FC Seoul expressed “sincere remorse” over the controversy, but insisted that it used mannequins — not sex dolls — to mimic a home crowd […]
Thousands defer plans to leave the military during crisis
WASHINGTON (AP) — Army Sgt. Antonio Gozikowski was planning to leave the military next month and head to college. After serving for six years, the dental assistant’s goal was to become a dentist, and then return to the Army in a few years with his expanded medical skills. But now, with the coronavirus forcing universities […]
Strong typhoon slams into pandemic-hit Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A strong typhoon slammed into the eastern Philippines on Thursday after authorities evacuated tens of thousands of people while trying to avoid the virus risks of overcrowding emergency shelters. The first typhoon to hit the country this year rapidly gained force as it blew from the Pacific then barged ashore in […]
New Zealand plans spending spree to counter virus job losses
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s government plans to borrow and spend vast amounts of money as it tries to keep unemployment below 10% in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Thursday unveiled a budget unlike any in the nation’s history. Debt would shoot up from just over 20% […]
As coronavirus rolls on, Republicans hit ‘pause’ on new aid
WASHINGTON (AP) — Businesses are going belly up, tens of millions have been laid off and, by some measures, the U.S. seems headed for another Great Depression. But Republicans surveying the wreckage aren’t ready for another round of coronavirus aid, instead urging a “pause.” It’s a position based on a confluence of factors. Polls show […]
SPTO launches COVID-19 recovery strategy for members
SUVA, 13 MAY 2020 (SPTO) — The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has today launched the “SPTOCOVID-19 Recovery Strategy”, which has been developed to guide and support the COVID-19 recovery efforts for SPTO and its members. “In order to encompass SPTO’s diverse membership, this strategy has been informed and supported by various organisations and partners including […]
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