First COVID case hospitalized, COVID care center opens
A 53-year-old female who is immunocompromised and has underlying conditions is the first person to be hospitalized…
PPUC IPP Solar Project, where are we?
Power rates for all consumers increased by an average of 37% from previous rates based on the tariff approved by PPUC last year. The new rates went into effect this month, causing a public…
Council of Chiefs offer to be part of the solution in mitigating COVID spread
The Council of Chiefs (COC), an advisory body of the 16 traditional chiefs of the 16 states of Palau, offered to be part of the efforts to mitigate and reduce the spread of COVID-19…
Bill removes the requirement for gov’t employees to resign before running for national elective office
A bill to amend the law, removing the requirement for government employees to resign from their jobs before they run for national public office, has passed the 3rd reading in the House of Delegates.…
Laptops and cellphones seized in Online Gambling case turned over to government
Remaining Laptops and Cell Phones Seized in Online Gambling Turned Over to the Government Koror, Palau — The OSP received 44 laptops and 70 phones back from US agencies following assistance from the agencies…
Income from investments supports falling SSA contributions
Income from Social Security Administration (SSA) investments in the stock market kept SSA in the black when benefits expense rose and contributions dropped in 2021 according to the SSA report month ending September 2021.…
Guam, a prime military target for the Chinese
By Rick Perez HAGATNA (SAIPAN TRIBUNE) — Guam remains a key target for the Chinese military. During the Cold War Guam was a target of the Soviet military in part because Sumay was home…
Masterpiece
(a poem) For we are God’s masterpiece. Ephesians 2:10. In other words, we are a piece of art being worked on daily. The word “Masterpiece” is from a Greek word, poem. You are a…
United suspends service to Majuro
MAJURO (MARSHALL ISLANDS JOURNAL) — Lack of action on a two-year-old engineering evaluation that warned Majuro’s airport terminal roof was a “high risk” for collapse resulted this week in a halt to all United…
Pacific may be most likely to see ‘strategic surprise,’ says U.S policymaker
WASHINGTON (REUTERS) — The Pacific may well be the part of the world most likely to see “strategic surprise,” the U.S Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said last week, in comments apparently referring to possible…
First aid shipments leave for Tonga, amid fears aid workers could bring ‘tsunami of Covid’
NUKU’ALOFA, (THE GUARDIAN) — Australia and New Zealand have started to dispatch aid to Tonga, amid fears that relief workers could bring a “tsunami of Covid” cases to the Pacific Island nation that has…
Airlines cancel some flights after reduced 5G rollout in US
DALLAS (AP) — Some flights to and from the U.S. were canceled on Wednesday even after AT&T and Verizon scaled back the rollout of high-speed wireless service that could interfere…
New Zealand says it won’t use lockdowns when omicron spreads
By NICK PERRY Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) —…
UK based marketing firm engaged by Vanuatu to help restructure and rebrand its Citizenship by Investment Programme
LONDON (YAHOO FINANCE) — CS Global Partners, the world’s leading…
Pacers roll past Lakers in 4th quarter for skid-stopping win
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Caris LeVert scored a franchise-record 22…
Nuggets acquire Bryn Forbes from Spurs in 3-team trade
DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets acquired veteran wing player…
NCAA adopts new policy for transgender athletes
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA has adopted a sport-by-sport approach…
Palau’s Summit Realty teams up with a Japan company
ON January 17, 2022, Summit Realty of Palau teamed up…
Allocated vaccines ran out after a huge turnout yesterday
Long lines of kids with their parents and guardians snaked…
19 complete US Coast Guard Boating Officers Course
Nineteen (19) officers from four (4) different agencies completed a two-week US Coast Guard Boating Officers training conducted by the United States Coast…
Bilung as Ibedul takes control of HOTL
Bilung Gloria Salii takes control of the House of Traditional Leaders (HOTL) of Koror State Government assuming the title of Ibedul and the…
Palau and COVID-19, is it too late?
COVID-19 is here to stay. Palau has to adapt to the new normal. It is too late to turn back the clock to…
PEA to have oversight over water and wastewater rates
Palau Energy Administration’s (PEA) authority is being expanded to regulate water and wastewater rates under the proposed House bill 11-50-5S, HD1. It is…
Taiwan Embassy donates 1,500 USD to Palau International Coral Reef Center
Both Taiwan and Palau are ocean countries, which truly value the importance of ocean environment and ecological conservation. Therefore, the Embassy of the…
Tonga eruption likely the world’s largest in 30 years – scientist
NUKU’ALOFA, 17 JANUARY 2022 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Early data from…
EU could suspend Vanuatu visa-free travel over ‘golden passports’ scheme
PORT VILA, 17 JANUARY 2022 (THE GUARDIAN) — The European…
UNICEF ready to support families and children in the aftermath of volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga
SUVA, 17 JANUARY 2022 (UNICEF) — UNICEF Pacific is ready…
Vaccination mandated for commuters on Manila public transit
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — People who are not fully vaccinated…
Double dealing: Legal, illicit blur in California pot market
LOS ANGELES (AP) — On an isolated farm, greenhouses stand…
Philippine dictator’s son defeats bid vs. presidential run
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The son of former Philippine dictator…
Chicago teachers accept COVID deal, keeping kids in school
By SOPHIA TAREEN and KATHLEEN FOODY Associated Press CHICAGO (AP) — Students in the nation’s third-largest school district returned to classrooms Wednesday after Chicago Public…
Army ups bonuses for recruits to $50K, as COVID takes toll
By LOLITA C. BALDORAssociated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army, for the first time, is offering a maximum enlistment bonus of $50,000 to highly…
When am I contagious if infected with omicron?
When am I contagious if infected with omicron?It’s not yet clear, but some early data suggests people might become contagious sooner than…
THE OLDER will SERVE the YOUNGER
Design is so simple that’s why it is so complicated. ~PAUL RAND I’ve been wondering what did God mean when he told…
Rumors of covid community spread trigger people’s fears
Rumors of covid cases spreading through the community were rife yesterday…
27th Police Academy graduates 35 cadets, a third were women
The Palau 27th Police Academy graduated 35 cadets yesterday, receiving their…
8 members of Peleliu 14th Legislature sues other half claiming unconstitutional proceedings
Eight members of the 14th Peleliu State Legislature–consisting of five chiefs…
Road accident claims life, first in 2022
A road accident this weekend claimed the life of a 29-year-old…
PMC awards Most Impactful Person/s of the Year 2021 to Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
After two years of battling the pandemic, Palau had not lost lives or had anyone admitted to hospital due to COVId-19 complications and had reached a 95% vaccination rate, placing it as the…
Japan donates floating docks and batteries
Japan Government donated 2 sets of floating docks to Koror State and 24…
President Whipps’ and His Cabinet Set Course for the New Year
H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and his Cabinet kicked off the new year…
Shin Kong Hospital Continues Its Medical Missions to Palau
A medical team of six doctors from the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Hospital…
SALTY and SHINY
Being something affects your environment. Like salt, it’s all about being present. This…
Increasing minimum wage now will hurt more than help us
Call to increase minimum wage now from $3.50 per hour to $4 or $5 is being…
Our Ocean Conference rescheduled to April due to global Omicron surge
The rising global Omicron cases have forced the postponement of…
President Whipps hopes 2022 brings an increase in minimum wage
President Surangel Whipps Jr. said he hopes that the new…
Three US Army personnel test positive for Covid at Marshall Islands border
Giff Johnson, Editor, Marshall Islands Journal / RNZ Pacific correspondent The US Army ignored agreed-to Covid prevention rules for entry into…
Traditional Samoan medicinal plant may be as good as ibuprofen for treating inflammation, study suggests
A Samoan medicinal plant may be as effective as ibuprofen for treating inflammation, according to a new study that combines…
Prospects dim as US, Russia prepare to meet over Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) — With the fate of Ukraine and potentially broader post-Cold War European stability at stake, the United States…
Bob Saget, beloved TV dad of ‘Full House,’ dead at 65
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bob Saget, the actor-comedian known for his role as beloved single dad Danny Tanner on the…
Australian judge reinstates tennis star Djokovic’s visa
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Tennis star Novak Djokovic on Monday won a court battle to stay in Australia to contest…
“The gov’t subsidy will apply to power rates” assures PPUC
The government subsidy aimed at keeping the power rates from increasing has been received by PPUC (Public Power Utilities Corporation)…
MOE implements virtual high schools in outlying states
Ministry of Education has launched the first virtual high school program, a pilot project for high school students from…
State governments organized, Hideo as Ngchesar governor, Ngirakamerang, Ngaraard Speaker
Four states install new governments this month with Peleliu State leading by having its new government installed on January…
Townhall forum with Airai gubernatorial hopefuls held before primary
Four Airai State governor hopefuls faced a crowd of Airai citizens to answer questions posed to gauge their priorities…
The 2021 Year in Review: Resiliency and Adaptability
2021 was an extraordinary year, a year that tested Palau’s resiliency and adaptability to change. And perhaps no other…
PMC donates
Palau Media Council donates paint to MOJ LEEP Student Program to paint their facility, former entomology building at Ngerbeched. Pictured: Minister of Justice J. Uduch Senior with…
Surangel and Sons Company donates $5,000 to PCS
Koror, Palau – Palau Conservation Society (PCS) ended 2021 on a high note with a donation from one of its longtime supporters. On December 29, 2021, PCS…
Giant clams are abundant and widespread in Palau, new study finds
A recently published study led by former PICRC researcher Lincoln Rehm reports that, in spite of pressures from tourism and fishing, giant clam populations remain abundant and…
Surangel and Sons Company donates $10,000 to PICRC
The Palau International Coral Reef Center has received a generous $10,000 donation from Surangel and Sons Company! Mrs. Marilyn Whipps, Mrs. Yrang W. McCarty and Mr. Eric…
#KeledANgercheled Logo Contest offers $250 prize
Graphic designers and artists are invited to submit logos as part of the #KeledANgercheled (Our Food is Our Responsibility) campaign! The logo contest is open to all local residents. Logos must be submitted in digital form by 5 pm on Tuesday, January 18. #KeledANgercheled is a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to increasing national Food Security…
Commonwealth hires luxury Crown executive jets to do aid work in Pacific
The Australian federal government hired private luxury jets belonging to Crown Melbourne to deliver aid, including COVID-19 vaccinations, to two Pacific destinations earlier this year at a cost of almost $600,000 (US$428,000). The flights were confirmed by Crown and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), though Foreign Minister Marise Payne declined to comment.…
Australia, Japan sign defense pact as China concerns loom
SYDNEY (AP) — The leaders of Japan and Australia signed a “landmark” defense agreement Thursday that allows closer cooperation between their militaries and stands…
SELF-RESPECT
Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth. ~Unknown Anyone who pays attention to young children knows that the child’s…
US forces in Japan ordered to wear masks as COVID cases jump
TOKYO (AP) — The U.S. military on Thursday ordered personnel stationed in Japan to wear masks when going off base to curb the spread of COVID-19 infections. American forces have come under…
Doncic, Mavs beat Curry, Warriors 99-82 on Nowitzki’s night
DALLAS (AP) — Stephen Curry knows he didn’t exactly honor the legacy of the NBA’s best 7-foot 3-point shooter on the night the Dallas Mavericks retired Dirk Nowitzki’s number against the Golden…
PNCC’s CEO and COO resign, core network replacement re-bid out
Palau National Telecommunications Corporation (PNCC)’s Chief Executive Officer Leoben Teriong and Chief Operating Officer Myers Techitong have submitted their resignations to PNCC, according to a reliable source…
Officer resigned MOJ, stood for Peleliu speakership
One of the six police officers given a choice to either remain as an officer or become a state legislator chose to become a legislator and submitted…
One year after Palau’s vaccination program, 95% are now fully vaccinated
Monday marked one year since Palau rolled out the COVID-19 vaccination program; since then, 95 percent of the approximately…
2021 in Review: Taxes, Dead and Justice
The third half of 2021 was just work, work, work, mundane but necessary work. Work to clean…
Ngchesar State Council to elect governor today
Ngchesar State, one of the two parliamentarian-style governments in Palau, will elect…
Palau reports 5 positive travel-related covid cases
Palau on January 1st reported 5 active travel-related cases of COVID-19 as…
New solar system in Tobi to benefit teachers and students
Residents of Tobi, a small coral island in Palau’s Southwest Islands don’t…
Babeldaob Waste Collection Company Donates to Palau Conservation Society
On December 3rd, 2021, Palau Conservation Society (PCS) was delighted to receive a generous donation from Babeldaob…
Bank of Guam Employees Select Non Profits for Holiday Donation Five from Guam, CNMI and Marshall Islands
December 28, 2021, Hagatna, Guam. As they have for the last few years, Bank of Guam employees…
THE UNFORCED RHYTHM OF GRACE
There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of the waves coming in washing the shores then go…
Tackling corruption, important step for ‘inclusive, sustainable development’
Corruption spreads through societies and erodes people’s trust in leaders and institutions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told…
Villagers file human rights complaint over plan for giant PNG goldmine
More than 2,000 people in 60 villages in Papua New Guinea’s north – where the country’s largest…
Has COVID-19 ended seafaring for Kiribati?
Written by Maria Borovnik, Charlotte Bedford, Rochelle Bailey The Kiribati government closed their international border late in…
Men accused of setting fire to Solomon Islands PM’s residence deny charges
Two men have denied setting fire to Solomon Islands Prime minister’s residence. PM Manasseh Sogavare’s mansion at…
Hong Kong news outlet to close amid crackdown on dissent
HONG KONG (AP) — A Hong Kong online news site said Sunday that it will cease operations in light of deteriorating press…
AT&T, Verizon reject U.S. request to delay 5G wireless plans
WASHINGTON (AP) — Verizon and AT&T have rejected a request by the U.S. government to delay the rollout of next-generation wireless technology.…
KC’s Giddey youngest in NBA history to get triple-double
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma City rookie Josh Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double on Sunday…
Cards hold off Cowboys 25-22 in matchup of playoff teams
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The troubles for Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals weren’t anything that a trip to the star quarterback’s…
Brown scores 50, rallies Celts to 116-111 OT win over Magic
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored a career-high 50 points, rallying the Boston Celtics from 14 points down late in the fourth…
HRCT&D turns over tools Maiberel in support of sustainable indigenous medical plants
In support of Koror State’s program of Oidel a Chas Indigenous Medicinal Garden located at what is known as Long Island Park, the Ministry of Human…
2021 in Review:
Vaccines, typhoon, and government reorganization As we steam into the 2nd quarter of 2021, the focus was to recover Palau’s economy by getting the people vaccinated…
Edaruchei of Ngerdelolk owns Ngercheu island says court
The trial court decision this week declared the Edaruchei clan of Ngerdelolk, Peleliu as the owner of Ngercheu island (aka Carp Island) and that the 10…
Former PPUC superintendent charged for theft
A former plant superintendent at the Palau Public Utilities Corporation’s power plant in Aimeliik has been charged for allegedly selling PPUC’s fuel without authorization from PPUC. …
BPS Law Enforcement 1st Formation & Inspection
On Tuesday, December 28, 2021, the Bureau of Public Safety held its 1st Law Enforcement Formation and Inspection. The morning dawned bright…
PICRC’s 21st Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Gala
Feature Elilai Restaurant & Keriik’s Catering with Full Table Service The Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) 21st Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Gala will…
My gut says the year 2022 will be the worst since the pandemic began
In some cultures, people predict the future by killing animals such as chickens or goats and look at the guts or stomach contents…
Ja Morant scores 41 points, Grizzlies beat slumping Lakers
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant scored 41 points, Desmond Bane added 20 and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to…
Candace Parker voted AP Female Athlete of Year for 2nd time
Candace Parker wrestled with the decision to make a huge change in her life and leave Los Angeles — where she had played…
NBA postpones Heat-Spurs, after Miami has COVID outbreak
MIAMI (AP) — The NBA postponed Wednesday’s game between Miami and San Antonio after a combination…
Gender Inequality & Climate Change
Climate Change is a hot topic across the globe aside from Covid-19 and it affects multitude…
Tongans told to protect water tanks from acid rain, as eruption continues
(TONGA WIRES/PACNEWS )Hungary Ha’apai is located 65km NNW of Nuku’alofa, from where the bright white gas…
French Polynesia confirms Omicron cases
(RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS) French Polynesia’s health minister says there are now…
ADB, FSM sign $4 million grant to strengthen and secure FSM’s electricity network
(ADB/PACNEWS)The agreement, additional financing, as part of the ADB supported…
France criticized for haste with New Caledonian referendum
(RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS) Amid a boycott by the indigenous Kanaks, fewer…
Hong Kong police charge 2 from news outlet with sedition
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong police on Thursday formally…
2021 in Review: Pandemic and the new government
The year 2021, an unprecedented time in Palau’s modern history, is reflected in the events, people, actions, and challenges…
VIVI NGUYEN INTERVIEW 2021
KNOWLEDGEWELL FOUNDER AND SENIOR CONSULTANTINTERVIEWS KNOWLEDGEWELL’S FIRST STUDENT Recently KnowledgeWell connected with the first student it sent overseas. At…
President seeks 10 million authorization to buy properties for diplomatic missions
President Surangel Whipps Jr. is seeking authorization of 10 million dollars from congress toward the…
CNMI exempted from South Korea travel quarantine
SAIPAN, 21 DECEMBER 2021 (MARIANAS VARIETY) — The Marianas continues to be exempted from South…
Pacific collective oppose Japanese Government utility company’s plans to dump radioactive waste in the Pacific Ocean
The Tokyo Electric Power Company’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is seen from Futaba Town,…
100-Ton white rice donated by Taiwan Government handed over to the ROP Government
On December 23, 2021, Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Palau…
PNSB is ready to disburse over $1.3 million for Spring Semester
As the fall 2021 semester ends and the Palauan students are getting ready to begin their winter/spring 2022 semester, Palau National Scholarship Board gears up to disburse over…
Palau Chamber of Commerce elects new Board for 2022
On November 9, 2021, the General Membership of the Palau Chamber of Commerce voted to reduce the number of their Members on the Board of Directors from 11…
Wolf Note
Wolf Note is that strange sound produced by a cello or a guitar as if the instrument and the strings are communicating in disagreement. I may be wrong…
Papuan rebel fights a war without weapons from a land without food
YAPSI, 21 DECEMBER 2021(AFP) — Wiro Nongganop says he commands a battalion of West Papua independence fighters, but he has…
Suspected COVID-19 case in Pohnpei deemed false positive
POHNPEI, 23 DECEMBER 2021 (FSMPIO) — The government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has determined that the person…
First disbursement made by the Green Climate Fund to the Federate States of Micronesia
PONPHEI, 23 DECEMBER 2021 (SPC) — The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has transferred the first disbursement of funds for the…
Photos of aftermath of massacre in Myanmar fuel outrage
BANGKOK (AP) — Photos of the aftermath of a Christmas Eve massacre in eastern Myanmar that reportedly left more than 30…
Flight cancellations snarl holiday plans for thousands
NEW YORK (AP) — Airlines continued to cancel hundreds of flights Saturday because of staffing issues tied to COVID-19, disrupting holiday celebrations during one of the busiest travel times of the year. FlightAware, a flight-tracking website, noted nearly 1,000 canceled flights entering,…
New easy-to-use COVID-19 pills come with a catch
Newly infected COVID-19 patients have two new treatment options that can be taken at home. But that convenience comes with a catch: The pills have to be taken as soon as possible once symptoms appear. The challenge…
Prescott, Cowboys celebrate with 56-14 rout of Washington
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t have to worry about the NFC East title anymore once they kicked off against Washington. So they took care of the star quarterback’s slump instead. Prescott…
Chiefs rout stumbling Steelers 36-10 to clinch AFC West
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The chances that the Kansas City Chiefs would spend Sunday night celebrating their record sixth straight AFC West title seemed slim last week when…
New law allows non-citizens to be digital residents of Palau
President Surangel Whipps Jr. Wednesday signed into law the proposed bill that will allow non-citizens to be digital residents of Palau. Under the new law, a non-citizen, without having…
First-year accomplishments of this administration
Citing establishing a good working relationship with the Olbiil Era Kelulau (congress) as the biggest accomplishment of his administration’s first year in office, President Whipps said that “working and…
Detained Chinese nationals held on bonds
The 21 Chinese nationals who were detained in November after arriving in Palau without work permits or round trip tickets are still here a month after their arrival, confirmed…
MOE deals with the aftermath of student bullying
Traumatized students who were in the school bus when two eighth-graders attacked a fourth-grader are being counseled as well as being accompanied by their school Vice Principal on the…
Christmas gift bags from Santas
Kids and parents packed Global Village(former Bethlehem park) to meet Santa Claus and get gift bags courtesy of Ekei group, Ministry of Finance and both Senate and House of Delegates. The kids got their hands sanitized first before receiving their gift bags from Santas.
MHHS forges ahead with its travel protocol amid global Omicron cases
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) is forging ahead with its travel protocols the rise in cases of the…
Police release an assault suspect before charges could be filed
A man who allegedly slashed another man in Ulimang county, Ngaraard state, spent the entire weekend free before being charged. The…
Amnesty for cars with expired registration offered until Jan 22
The Ministry of Justice has announced a temporary amnesty for expired vehicles to register without paying penalties for a period of…
Taiwan Alumni Association in Palau holds 11th Annual Convention
Taiwan Alumni Association in Palau (TAAP) held its 11th Annual Convention on December 20 at Sea Passion Hotel. This year, around…
PICRC bids farewell to Mr. Hiroyuki Tanaka, Board of Directors Vice Chairman
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is bidding farewell to one of its longest serving board members, Vice Chairman Hiroyuki…
KSG – Protecting Ulong
In a bid to protect the integrity of the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Koror State…
Taiwan Embassy donates US$1,500 to PRCS
On December 21, Ambassador Jessica C. Lee delivered a check of $1,500 to Palau Red Cross…
A plea to make widespread environmental damage an International Crime takes Centre stage at The Hague
By Katie Surma THE HAGUE (INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS) — The campaign to make ecocide an international…
God Bless the Children
“The true character of a society is revealed by how it treats its children. ~ NELSON…
Pause on student loan payments is extended through May 1
By COLLEEN LONG Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration on Wednesday extended a student…
China orders lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi’an
BEIJING (AP) — China ordered the lockdown of as many as 13 million people in neighborhoods…
Family unveils statue of Palau late President Kuniwo Nakamura
On December 20, 2021. The family of the late President Kuniwo Nakamura had an unveiling ceremony…
Japan handed over high-performance cooler boxes “Daijob” to BOFI
On 22 December, a handover ceremony of Japanese high-performance cooler boxes was held at Belau Offshore…
Manhunt for cults in PNG
PORT MORESBY 1 (THE NATIONAL) — Papua New Guinea Police have launched a massive manhunt for a notorious cult group that has been terrorising villagers in Rai Coast’s Nayudo local level government (LLG) for the past few weeks. The cult members…
CNMI Governor is not resigning, looks forward to a fair Senate trial
SAIPAN (MARIANAS VARIETY) — “I am not resigning,” CNMI Governor Ralph Torres said on Tuesday. “The issue between former Governor [Benigno R.] Fitial and myself is totally different,” he added during a media briefing on KKMP radio. In February 2013, Fitial…
Senate approves Gaafar’s nomination to health ministry 12-0
Senate, in a special session yesterday, approved the appointment of Gaafar Uherbelau as Minister of Health and Human Services unanimously in a 12 to 0 vote. One senator was absent,…
Palau Conservation Society honors its founding members
“Without Palau Conservation Society, where would we be today,” posed Mr. Noah Idechong last night as Palau Conservation Society honored nine (9) founding members during its’ year-end event last evening…
Videos of school age kids fighting going viral
“Are these learned behaviors from the internet by kids, or is the school system broken, or are these symptoms of a larger social problem,” questioned one person who has seen…
Whipps urges Senate to reconsider passage of digital residency bill
President Surangel Whipps Jr. urged senators to reconsider the passage of the proposed Digital Residency Identification bill, which earlier failed to get a majority of the votes in the Senate. In his letter to Senate President Hokkons Baules yesterday, Whipps vowed to engage with the Olbiil Era Kelulau to consider amendments to the bill.“I write to…
Public screening of “To What Remains” film held on Palau
Project Recover team, a group of volunteers that look for the wreckage of warplanes and the missing American soldiers, attended the public screening of the documentary “To What Remains” here on Palau. In an interview,…
5 to 11 years old start receiving COVID-19 2nd dose
Palau yesterday started giving a second dose of coronavirus vaccine for the 5 to 11-year-old. Last week, the Ministry of Health and Human Services ( MHHS) reminded parents to get their kids to the…
JICA and MAFE sign record of discussion for technical cooperation project: Forming good practices of island-type blue economy
On December 7, 2021, the Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries an the Environment (MAFE), Steven Victor, and Chief Representative of JICA Palau office, Ryutaro Kobayashi, signed the…
𝗗𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 ‘𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁’ 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Koror, Palau – The coming storm didn’t stop Dngeronger Youth Group (DYG) and Ucheliaur Organization from enjoying a weekend full of exploration! Throughout the weekend of December 10,…
22
WCC donates to Palau Conservation Society
Palau Conservation Society (PCS) received a generous donation from WCC Construction Company. WCC is locally owned and operated by Mr. Billy Takamine. Mr. Takamine is one of the few local young and successful enterpeneurs in Palau and hails from the great state of Nchesar. He owns several successful businesses including the famous Jungle River Cruise,…
Bank of Guam announces new Senior Vice Presidents Symon Madrazo and Matt Limtiaco appointed
December 20, 2021, Hagatna, Guam. Bank of Guam Board of Directors and Management are proud to announce the following appointments effective January 2, 2022: Symon A. Madrazo has been promoted from Vice President/Controller to Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. Symon joined the Bank in 2001 following his graduation from the University of Guam with a…
University of Guam produces first civil engineering graduates
This Sunday, the University of Guam will celebrate a historic milestone as 12 graduates become the first to earn civil engineering degrees from the university. Evolved from a two-year pre-engineering program that had been…
Back to Nature: Jellyfish Lake Reaches More Students
Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) continues their “Back to Nature: Jellyfish Lake” program for a second year with support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. For the 1st semester of the Academic School Year…
ROOTS and WINGS
If love were food you’ll see and know when a child is starving. My nephew is counting the days to when he’d leave home to attend college abroad. I think I know how he…
Omicron: School closures must be ‘avoided whenever possible’
GENEVA (UN NEWS CENTRE) — COVID-19 cases are spiking all over the world, but the Executive Director of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Friday that despite the rise of the highly transmissible Omicron variant “nationwide school closures…
Enabling people to get on track for recovery
SIGATOKA, 17 DECEMBER 2021 (UNDP)—Aminiasi Navukura is a happy man, thanks to a community visit to his village recently. He almost lost his eyesight after noticing that the condition of his right eye was deteriorating but he was fortunate…
Chinese Foreign Minister blames ‘forces with ulterior motives’ for Solomon Islands riots
BEIJING, 20 DECEMBER 2021 (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has accused “forces with ulterior motives” of inciting riots in the Solomon Islands last month, which have been blamed in part on discontent with China.…
Yap lawmakers remove Governor Falan from office
YAP, 20 DECEMBER 2021 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Yap State Legislature got the eight…
US$7 million ADB Grant to help Marshall Islands move to renewables
MANILA,20 DECEMBER 2021 (ADB) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the…
More than 200 dead after typhoon slams Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The death toll following the strongest typhoon to batter the Philippines…
Rapper Drakeo the Ruler fatally stabbed at LA music festival
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A West Coast rapper known as Drakeo the Ruler was fatally…
Broncos QB Bridgewater in hospital with head injury
Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was taken to a hospital for a head…
Devin Booker returns, NBA-leading Suns rout Hornets 137-106
PHOENIX (AP) — In Phoenix’s last game, a victory over Washington on…
Peng Shuai tells paper she never wrote of being assaulted
BEIJING (AP) — Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai has denied saying she…
Biodiversity-friendly event showcases local producers and artists
The showcase of local artists, entrepreneurs, and producers demonstrated hidden talents and…
Taiwan delivers stimulus grant of 2019 and 2020
Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented two stimulus grant checks of 4.78 million US dollars to Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui, Jr., as the fifth tranche of 2019 annual grant…
La Niña just raised sea levels in the western Pacific by up to 20cm. This height will be normal by 2050
By Shayne McGregor SYDNEY (THE CONVERSATION) —Severe coastal flooding inundated islands and atolls across the western equatorial Pacific last week, with widespread damage to buildings and food crops in the Federated States of Micronesia,…
Treasures
Buddha said, “Any increased attachment to anything earthly is suffering.” Jesus said that we are to store up treasures in heaven. They’re basically saying the same thing only difference is they’re from a different…
Omicron found to grow 70 times faster than Delta in bronchial tissue
HONG KONG (THE GUARDIAN) —The Omicron Covid variant has been found to multiply about 70 times quicker than the original and Delta versions of coronavirus in tissue…
Honolulu prepares to host 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture after pandemic delay
HONOLULU (HONOLULU PUBLIC RADIO)—People call FestPAC, the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, a life-changing experience because of the immersion in Polynesian cultures it offers. Preparations are…
U.S, New Zealand defense officials discuss threats to stability in Indo-Pacific
WASHINGTON (SPUTNIK)—U. S and New Zealand defense officials participated in a virtual meeting to discuss enhancing bilateral security cooperation to address challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the…
SKorea bans gatherings of 5 or more people amid virus surge
By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) —…
Why the Fed feels now is time to tighten credit more quickly
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — For…
Compassionate service from afar
Palau is fortunate to have many people near and far…
$150M ADB loan to support service delivery in PNG
MANILA, PHILIPPINE — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved…
Bank of Guam announces Senior Executive retirements
Frank Atalig, Joe Bradley and Ernest Villaverde Retire End of…
BIOTA donates to PCS
Exectuve Director Ms. Michelle Ngirutang accepting the check from BIOTA representative, Ms. Ordiil Isalias. On December 1st, 2021, Palau Conservation Society (PCS) received a generous donation of $1,000 from BIOTA, one of it’s long time Corporate Partners for Conservation (CPC). BIOTA is state of the art aquaculture facility located in Ordomel, Airai whichis owned and…
“It’s better to be prepared,” says VP Sengebau-Senior,
“It’s better to be prepared,” says Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau about the announcements and preparations ahead of an expected storm today. Palau was place on typhoon…
Airai State procurement officer sentenced, jail time suspended
Airai State procurement officer Vilma Yoshiwo was sentenced on Friday after being convicted of Theft of Government Property in the First Degree, Code of Ethics violation, and Misconduct in Public…
Six officers get indefinite suspension without pay effective today
Six (6) police officers were served yesterday with indefinite suspension without pay effective today. The suspension is a result of a violation…
Media members get updated on cybercrime and cryptocurrency
Members of media in Palau and the Marshall Islands gain an understanding of cybercrime, cryptocurrency, and blockchain last Friday from a UNODC…
US Rear Admiral Nicholson on island for JCM
US Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, the Joint Region Marianas commander and INDOPACOM’s senior military for the Republic of Palau is currently on island to attend the 2nd JCM held this year. The first one this year was held in Guam in May, where military leaders of U.S. INDOPACOM hosted President Surangel Whipps Jr. and the…
Pacific elders urge Fiji PM to demand Australia for greater climate commitments
Former Pacific Island nations leaders said Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama to demand from Australia, in his capacity as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, to commit to greater climate…
Japan Hands Over 27 Hand-Wash Stations at schools in Babeldaob and Outlying State
On December 10, 2021, His Excellency KARASAWA Akira, Ambassador of Japan handed over 27 hand-wash stations to Ministry of Education. The handover ceremony for “The Project for…
The Ceremony of Presenting Certificates to 24 Firefighters who have mastered the use of two state-of-the-art fire trucks provided by Japan
On December 10, the Ceremony of Presentation of Completion Certificates on Basic Operations and Maintenance Training for the Fire Trucks…
End Violence Against Women Now!
Respond, Innovate & Leave No One Behind to Orange the World.UNDP’s regional response to Gender-based Violence SUVA (UNDP)— The UN…
Australia to help fix internet for Pacific nations in bid to counter China
CANBERRA, 13 DECEMBER 2021 (SMH)—Australia has partnered with Japan and the U.S to help improve internet access in three Pacific island nations in efforts to counter China’s influence in the region. The partnership will build a new undersea cable to give Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia faster and more reliable internet connections.…
‘We are infested with wild pigs’: Guam mayors seek solutions
HAGÅTÑA, 13 DECEMBER 2021 (THE GUAM DAILY POST) –In the wee hours of the morning, a wild pig knocks down trash bins in search of food and strews their contents all over the usually well-kept yard in a Mongmong neighbourhood in Guam. Before the trash collectors make their Wednesday rounds, the bins are already emptied.…
CNMI reports sixth Covid death
SAIPAN, 13 DECEMBER 2021 (MARIANAS VARIETY)—CNMI Governor Ralph DLG Torres, the CNMI Covid-19 Task Force, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp announced on Saturday the islands’ sixth Covid-19-related death. The individual was an unvaccinated CNMI resident who tested positive for Covid-19 in November. The individual was isolated, and admitted to the alternate care site at Kanoa…
New Caledonia Says ‘Non’ to Independence
By: Hannah Beech @2021 The New York Times Company NOUMÉA, New Caledonia — New Caledonia, a tiny scattering of islands in the South Pacific, will not mark the new year by becoming the world’s newest country. In a referendum held Sunday, voters rejected independence overwhelmingly, with 96% electing to stay part of France, according to…
Broncos honor Demaryius Thomas with 38-10 rout of the Lions
DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos honored the memory of Demaryius Thomas with tributes,…
Cooke leads No. 1 Gamecocks to 66-59 win over No. 8 Terps
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Zia Cooke knew South Carolina needed a late lift and…
UN secretary general to attend Beijing 2022 after IOC invite
NEW YORK, 13 DECEMBER 2021 (INSIDE THE GAMES)—The secretary general of the United Nations…
Human bones found in over 1,000-year-old terrace in Aimeliik
Fragments of human bones from five (5) individuals have been found inside a man-made…
Governor Iskawa pleads guilty to felonies and misdemeanors
Benjamin Iskawa, incumbent Governor of Ngaraard State, has entered a plea agreement to 2…
Dr. Roberts tops race for governor of Peleliu State
Unofficial results from the Peleliu State 14th General Election show Dr. Emais Roberts, former…
Cross Act continue, WIOA to release next year
The CROSS ACT, a pandemic relief law that provides some financial assistance and job placements to those affected…
Palau gets vehicles, protocol training from Indonesia ahead of Our Ocean Conference
Palau on Wednesday received 10 police vehicles and four protocol cars from The Indonesian government in support of…
FIC advises of termination of Commissioner Decherong
Financial Institutions Commission’s Board advised leaders of both houses of congress (Olbiil Era Kelulau) that Semdiu Decherong was…
Sugiyama takes over as acting CEO from Kumangai, Argus contract on hold
Jennifer Sugiyama, PNCC board member and Secretary, has taken over as acting CEO/GM of PNCC, replacing Bradley Kumangai,…
55 Palauans certified on Pandemic Customer Service & COVID-19 PPE Training
Fifty-five (55) Palauans seeking employment received certifications yesterday from Palau Community College on Pandemic Customer Service and COVID-19…
Two former JICA volunteers return to Palau
On the 6th of December, two former JICA Volunteers returned to Palau to resume their activities as Japan…
Food producers, jewelry artisans, bakers, woodworkers among local producers at the Local Product Showcase and Buyer Preview
A diverse collection of producers will showcase their added-value food products and locally-sourced gifts at the “Biodiversity-Friendly Local…
Australia hands over maritime boarder fundamental kits
8 December 2021- Illicit activities perpetrated by small sea craft, such as the movement of weapons, drugs and people, remain a significant threat to all countries in the Pacific. The Australian Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force (ABF) have developed a web-based application – the Pacific Small Craft App – to assist Oceania…
Appointment of Interim Executive Commissioner of the FIC
The Financial Institutions Commission (FIC) is mandated by the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) to protect and ensure the…
IOM and USAID support early warning process review workshop in Palau
Palau — On October 28 and 29, the Palau National Weather Service Office and the Palau National Emergency…
A Mandarin learning program for Elementary school students
This semester Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) cooperated with all public elementary schools in Koror to provide a series…
All Black Will Jordan wins World Rugby award as Ian Foster misses out
DUBLIN (STUFF NZ)—All Blacks wing Will Jordan has won World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year award. The 23-year-old flyer beat out a field…
Second IOC Athletes’ Commission vice-chair position approved
LAUSANNE (INSIDE THE GAMES)—A second International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission vice-chair position has been approved by the organisation’s Executive Board today. The IOC…
Crypto execs head to Capitol as Congress mulls regulations
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Cryptocurrency executives went to Capitol Hill Wednesday to say their fast-growing industry understands more regulation is likely coming, but they don’t want it to squelch the next wave of the internet or send it offshore to other countries. Leaders from major crypto exchanges, mining and…
CDC chief says omicron mostly mild so far
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer ATLANTA (AP) — More than 40 people in the U.S. have been found to be infected with the omicron variant so far, and more than three-quarters of them had been vaccinated, the chief of the CDC said Wednesday. But she said nearly all of them were only mildly ill. In an…
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WWF calls for greater climate change support as Pacific communities flood
PORT MORESBY (WWF PACIFIC) — The World Wide Fund for Nature expresses concern…
Hundreds of Chinese residents left homeless by Honiara unrest
HONIARA 1 (ABC) — Hundreds of Chinese residents in the Solomon Islands have…
U.S, Australia confident amid Omicron variant in Fiji
SUVA 1 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Australia and the United States will continue to…
Top Stories
Transformative changemakers named UN’s 2021 Champions of the Earth
NAIROBI – The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) today announced its 2021 Champions of the Earth. The Champions were chosen for their transformative impact on the environment and their leadership in advancing bold and decisive action on behalf of people and the planet. Since its inception in 2005, the annual Champions of the Earth award, the…
PERSPECTIVE is WONDERFUL
What you see depends on not only on what you look AT, but also where you look FROM. ~ James Deacon (a Musician from South Africa). The older I get the more I see and reflect on things that impacted my life. I’m turning seventy in a few months. I’ve lived at least three life…
WCPFC tuna fishery needs better management: Pew
By Iliesa Tora NUKU’ALOFA, 03 DECEMBER 2021 (NUKU’ALOFA TIMES) — The Pew Charitable Trusts has called for better management of the tuna fisheries of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. In a statement released to the 18th regular session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission(WCPFC), which is being held virtually from 29 November…
Solomon Islands may switch diplomatic ties from China to Taiwan amid unrest, says provincial leader
HONIARARA, 06 DECEMBER 2021 (THE TELEGRAPH UK) — Solomon Islands Premier Daniel Suidani says his province of Malaita will also push for independence if the prime minister does not stand down. The premier of the most populous province in the Solomon Islands said the nation would likely switch formal diplomatic ties from China back to…
8
New Covid-19 restrictions take effect Monday in CNMI
SAIPAN, 06 DECEMBER 2021 (MARIANAS VARIETY) — The Commonwealth faces new Covid-19 restrictions effective…
Guam pandemic rules unchanged
HAGÅTÑA, 06 DECEMBER 2021 (THE GUAM DAILY POST) — Guam’s Covid-19 community and travel…
At Least 14 Dead as Volcano Erupts in Indonesia, Spewing Ash Cloud
By: Aina J. Khan and Muktita Suhartono @ 2021 The New York Times Searing…
Fauci says early reports encouraging about omicron variant
U.S. health officials said Sunday that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is…
Solomon Islands leader wins no-confidence vote after riots
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The leader of the Solomon Islands has survived a…
Chiefs keep AFC West lead with 22-9 victory over Broncos
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs’ Andy Reid is an offensive-minded coach to…
“Zero”-interested Liz Cambage to miss 2022 Women’s World Cup
SYDNEY (AP) — WNBA star Liz Cambage has been omitted from Australia’s preliminary squad…
Unauthorized Chinese survey vessel found in Palau waters north of Kayangel
A Chinese survey vessel Da Yang Hao has been observed north of Kayangel State…
Power rates to increase by 15 cents if subsidy of $1.5 million is not approved
Power rates will increase by 15 cents per kilowatt-hour starting January 1st, 2022 announced…
Palau second cable breaks ground today
The second submarine Cable Landing station breaks ground today at Ngardmau State according to…
Quarantine in Taiwan with “travel bubble”
Palauans flying to Taiwan will go through quarantine like every…
Student stabbed in ongoing retaliatory fights
Upset parents of Mindzenty High School students showed up at…
Japan Grants $404,828 to the PRCS for a New Warehouse and Training Center
On Thursday December 2, 2021, Ambassador of Japan Karasawa and…
Japan’s Health Screening “KENSING” Ship Arrived in Palau to Prevent NCDs
On 30 November, 2021, Peace Winds Japan held the unveiling…
Kumangai Bakery donates to PCS
On November 16th, 2021, Palau Conservation Society (PCS) received a…
World
Taiwan Embassy donates UAS1,000 to the Friends of the PNMS to pursue sustainable development in Palau
On November 30, Ambassador Jessica C. Lee delivered a check of $1,000 to the Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FRIENDS), in support of its projects to pursue sustainable development and the annual Palau Pledge Cigarette Butt Challenge. In attendance were FRIENDS President Adolph Demei and Vice President Elia Yobech. Ambassador Jessica C. Lee…
JASDF and the U.S. Air Force are to perform Operation Christmas Drops (OCD) in Koror, Kayangel, Tobi, Sonsorol, Pulo Anna, Angaur and Peleliu
On December 5, 2021, at 12:03 p.m. JASDF and the U.S. Air Force perform OCD at Skojo in Meyuns, Koror. The public is welcome to view the JASDF plane flying for OCD. This Japan-U.S. joint effort will deliver Christmas gifts for children in Palau while giving aircrews experience in airlift and strengthening the friendly…
Global displacement rising despite lockdowns that kept billions grounded
GENEVA (UN NEWS CENTRE) — There was a dramatic increase in internal displacement due to disasters, conflict and violence in 2020, but global mobility overall, ground to a halt due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. That is the main finding of the World Migration Report 2022, launched on Wednesday by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). …
WHO AM I?
Don’t waste your pain. ~Dan Allender The six million dollar question. To keep going in my life is to totally accept that many people hate me. Life has its dark side and bright side. When I was in my adolescent years I was not quite alive. In my 20’s I only lived to survive. In…
First U.S case of COVID-19 omicron variant identified
WASHINGTON (AP) — A person in California became the first in the U.S to have an identified case of the COVID-19 omicron variant, U.S officials said Wednesday as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new strain of the virus. The Biden administration moved late last month to restrict travel from Southern Africa…
Pentagon to build up U.S bases in Australia and Guam to meet China challenge
WASHINGTON (CNN/9 NEWS) —The Pentagon will focus on building up bases in Australia and Guam to better prepare the U.S military to counter China, a senior defence official said. The moves have been prompted by the U.S Department of Defence’s global posture review, which President Joe Biden ordered Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin to undertake…
Guam Catholic Church offers to pay up to US$34M to sex abuse victims
HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Guam’s Catholic Church has come up with a revised proposed payment of US$27.96 million to US$34.38 million to those who claimed they were raped or sexually molested by priests and other members of the clergy when they were minors, dating back to the 1950s. That’s more than US$100,000 per…
MLB owners lock out players, 1st work stoppage since 1995
By RONALD BLUM and STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writers IRVING, Texas (AP) — Major League Baseball plunged into its first work stoppage in a quarter-century when the sport’s collective bargaining agreement expired Wednesday night and owners immediately locked out players in a move that threatens spring training and opening day. The strategy, management’s equivalent of…
Loss of China events over Peng could go past ’22
By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer The suspension of all WTA tournaments in China because of concerns about the safety of Peng Shuai, a Grand Slam doubles champion who accused a former government official there of sexual assault, could result in cancellations of those events beyond 2022, the head of the women’s professional tennis tour…
Laos-China railway to launch as debt to Beijing mounts
By JOE McDONALD, SAM McNEIL and ELAINE KURTENBACH Associated Press BEIJING (AP) — Laos, a nation of 7 million people wedged between China, Vietnam and Thailand, is opening a $5.9 billion Chinese-built railway that links China’s poor southwest to foreign markets but piles on potentially risky debt. The line through lush tropical mountains from the…
Billboard
Taiwan Embassy donates 1,000 USD to Belau National Museum
On November 24, Ambassador Jessica C. Lee delivered a check of $1,000 to Belau National Museum (BNM), in support of the Museum’s annual publication “State of the Palau’s Birds.” In attendance were BNM Director Olympia E. Morei-Remengesau, Manager for BNM Natural History Section Dr. Ann Kitalong, and Field Ornithologist Milang Eberdong. BNM holds community bird…
CAT Team helps Palau Chamber of Commerce renovate its
office space at the PTHSE – Palau Community College
On Friday, November 19, 2021 the Civil Action Team started the renovation works at the Palau Chamber of Commerce office space located at the Palau Tourism andHospitality School of Excellence, on the Palau Community College Campus. The office space was kindly donated to the Palau Chamber of Commerce from the Palau Community College, due to…
BankGuam holding company declares dividends
BankGuam Holding Company (BKGM) announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share for the holders of its common stock and a dividend payment to the holders of the Company’s 4.97% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Noncumulative Preferred Stock, Series A, at its Board’s regular meeting held on Monday, November 22,…
Local Producers invited to register for Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase; Support services available for producers
Palau-based producers, artisans, artists, and “Creative-preneurs” are invited to participate in a “Biodiversity-Friendly Local Product Showcase” on payday Thursday, December 16 at Palasia Hotel from 11 am until 6 pm. The event is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment (MAFE) and the Palau Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Palau Visitors…
Australia to joins Pacific partners to end gender-based violence
Australia stands with Palau as organisations and government ministries raise their voices to end violence against women and girls during the global campaign for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign starts on the 25 November with the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence and ends on 10 December, Human Rights…
MHHS UPDATES ON TESTING, QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION IN PALAU
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) informsthe public of the following updates on testing, quarantine and isolation in Palau: • One hundred and twenty-eight (128) in-bound travelers who arrived today, November 29, 2021, tested negative on day 1 of testing conducted at Palau International Airport. They have been released into restriction of movement…
Taiwan delivers stimulus grant of $ 1,113,500
On Wednesday, November 17, Ambassador Jessica Lee of the ROC (Taiwan) presented two stimulus grant checks amounting to about 1.14 million US dollars to Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui, Jr., as the last tranche of 2017 annual grant and the sixth tranche of 2017 annual grant.Funded project in this action for 2017 is Ngaraard Ngerchokl…
Pacific security leaders focused on COVID-19 recovery
On 10 November leaders of the Pacific security agencies met virtually for Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHOPS) 2021. The annual event provides an opportunity for heads of police, defence, immigration and customs to share ideas and discuss solutions to common security challenges.This year’s event was the third occurrence and the second virtual meeting. It…
PPUC Welcomes New Hires
PPUC is excited to announce the recent hiring of four individuals, 3 females and 1 male, to the PPUC family. All four were placed at the Aimeliik Power Plant. Two of the females namely Amanda Yukiwo and Hope Helacio were hired as control room operators which is a significant milestone for PPUC as the operator…
MHHS Division of Behavioral Health Receives Donation from Senate President
The Division of Behavioral Health under the Republic of Palau Ministry of Health & Human Services (MHHS) would like to recognize 11th Olbiil Era Kelulau (11th OEK) Senate President Hokkons Baules for his recent donation of personal care items to the patients at the Behavioral Health Ward. The donation included shampoo, soap, and rubbing alcohol.…
Opinion
Australia’s early intervention can help Solomon Islands but the roots of the conflict run deep
By Mihai Sora HONIARA (THE GUARDIAN) —-Honiara has awoken to a calmer scene but tension lingers as quelling the violent protests has not resolved their underlying causes Unresolved tensions and geopolitical pressures are a volatile mix in Solomon Islands. What began as a peaceful protest calling for the resignation of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare on…
In remote Pacific islands, businesses look local to survive COVID
PORT VILA (ALJAZEERA) — Dressed for work in a torn T-shirt and a plain black baseball cap covering his thinning dreads, Lopez Adams’s appearance belies his success. He is at the forefront of a wave of business owners in tiny south Pacific nation Vanuatu who are finding new ways to survive in a world without…
PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH: First Study to Show Plumes from Ocean Mining would overlap with important international tuna fisheries
Pacific fisheries, including the US fishing fleet, would be at greatest risk in terms of overlap with mining areas; Fisheries in Mexico, Spain, Ecuador, and the Philippines are also at risk HONOLOLULU (UNIVERSITY OF MANOA) — As companies and countries push to open international waters to ocean mining in as little as two years, a…
Pacific battles for environmental integrity on the table at COP26
GLASGOW (SPREP) — As the Pacific emits less than 0.06% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, this means the Pacific may not be able to fully participate in carbon market trading – however, the island region is taking a strong interest and the lead in Article 6. The negotiation of the market and non-market…
AOSIS not happy with COP26 draft text
GLASGOW (PACNEWS) — The Alliance of Small Islands States (AOSIS) is unhappy with the language of the United Kingdom COP26 draft text released Wednesday.It warned that the language in the text is not strong enough to prevent dangerous warming and keep 1.5C within reach.AOSIS Chair Aubrey Webson said the UK draft COP text: ‘Urging’ ‘encouraging’…
Australia’s commitment to coal is putting my country of Kiribati in danger
By Anote Tong TARAWA (THE GURDIAN) — When I came into office as president of Kiribati in 2003, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had released its third assessment report and, like my predecessors, I believed the report’s projected rise in sea levels posed a real threat to the survival for those of us…
Forum politics fails to dampen regional efforts to fight climate change at COP26
By Pita Ligaiula in Glasgow GLASGOW (PACNEWS) — Despite the fallout, between members of the Micronesian sub region of the Pacific Islands Forum, it seems the region is committed to work in unison in the fight against the impact of climate change at the COP26 meeting underway in Glasgow. Samoan Permanent representative to the United…
Climate change: Why Australia refuses to give up coal
SYDNEY (BBC) — In a world racing to reduce pollution, Australia is a stark outlier. It is one of the dirtiest countries per head of population and a massive global supplier of fossil fuels. Unusually for a rich nation, it also still burns coal for most of its electricity. Australia’s 2030 emissions target – a…
Third of Pacific islands unable to attend Cop26, sparking fears summit will be less ambitious
SYDNEY, 21 OCTOBER 2021 (THE GUARDIAN) —A third of Pacific small island states and territories do not plan to send any government figures to the COP26 summit in Glasgow due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. The lack of high-level representation of Pacific nations at the meeting has led to fears that the concerns of these countries,…
What is ‘net zero’ and why does it matter?
A growing number of countries, cities and companies are aiming for ‘net zero’ emissions to meet climate goals – but it will require huge changes in how we live and work By Megan Rowling BARCELONA (REUTERS)—Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday that his country “leads the world in the race to net zero”…
Human cost of the Pacific’s COVID-19 recession
By Dane Moores, Jonathon Gurry SYDNEY (DEVPOLICY.ORG) —The socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 are devastating communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste as much as the virus itself, and sometimes to an even greater extent. World Vision surveyed 752 households (with an average of six people per household) in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu…
Finance Ministers hold key to COP26 success: UN Secretary-General
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The COP26 climate change conference must be “a turning point” if countries are to limit global temperature rise in line with the Paris Agreement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday. Addressing members of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, he highlighted their critical role as the conference…
Journalists who ‘speak truth to power’ recognised with Nobel Peace Prize
NEW YORK (UN NEWS CENTRE) —Two campaigning journalists were awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres said was recognition that a free press is “essential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rights – and the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions”. From the Philippines, Maria Ressa, Chief…
Pacific News
First Australian cases of Omicron COVID-19 strain confirmed in Sydney
NSW Health has confirmed two returned travellers have tested positive for the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney, making them the first…
PCRIC seals partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
The Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) signed an MOU with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) regarding institutional cooperation to promote…
‘Declaration of war’: Pacific islands blast COP26 pledges
Nations most vulnerable to climate change say rich world must step up, meet goal to limit temperature rise to 1.5C. By Catherine…
Still ‘not clear’ whether Omicron COVID variant is more transmissible or more severe than Delta: WHO
GENEVA, 29 NOVEMBER 2021 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —-The World Health Organisation (WHO)published on Sunday an update on the science regarding the new…
More Australian police join Solomon Islands peacekeeping mission after charred bodies found
SYDNEY, 29 NOVEMBER 2021 (9 NEWS) —-NSW Police officers are being deployed to the Solomon Islands to support Australian peacekeepers after a…
U.S faces pressure to do more to address its nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands
WASHINGTON (CIVIL BEAT) — Two Congress members are asking the U.S Department of Energy to provide more information about the effects of…
Pacific Elders urge French President to defer independence referendum
NOUME (PACIFIC ELDERS VOICE) — Pacific Elders’ Voice have urged the French President to respect the wishes of indigenous leaders in New…
‘Reimaanlok’: The Future of Community-led Ocean Conservation in Marshall Islands
MAJURO (WORLD BANK) — Spanning more than two million square kilometres of the central Pacific Ocean, the Republic of the Marshall Islands…
British diplomat on climate: ‘This is existential’
The British High Commissioner to New Zealand says it’s not her place to single out specific countries which need to do better…
World News
Will the Vaccines Stop Omicron? Scientists Are Racing to Find Out.
By: Apoorva Mandavilli @ 2021 The New York Times As nations severed air links from southern Africa amid fears of another global…
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in January
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will require essential, nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers, government and emergency…
Global shares mixed amid inflation, oil price worries
TOKYO (AP) — Global shares were mixed Wednesday as worries about inflation set off expectations the U.S. Federal Reserve might move faster…
More Asian Countries Reopen Borders and Welcome Vaccinated Travelers
By: Jin Yu Young @ 2021 The New York Times As Asian countries are learning to live with the coronavirus — with…
US overdose deaths topped 100,000 in one year, officials say
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) — An estimated 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in one year, a…
The Crypto Capital of the World
By: David Segal and Ivan Nechepurenko @ 2021 The New York Times Company KYIV, Ukraine — A buccaneering 37-year-old educated in a…
‘Strong’ start to kids vaccine campaign, but challenges loom
WASHINGTON (AP) — The campaign to vaccinate elementary school age children in the U.S. is off to a strong start, health officials…
Sports
Curry has 33 points, Warriors beat Clippers for 8th straight
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stephen Curry is among the most dangerous players in the NBA. But an angry Curry proved to be…
AP source: Twins, Buxton agree on 7-year, $100M contract
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and center fielder Byron Buxton agreed to a seven-year, $100 million contract Sunday, according to a…
New country, new name for US citizen ‘Enes Kanter Freedom’
BOSTON (AP) — Boston Celtics center Enes Kanter is changing his name to “Enes Kanter Freedom” to celebrate becoming a United States…
Palau Archery will have its 2nd and final ranking round on Friday, 26
Palau Archery Association held the 1st ranking round of 36 arrows at the Airai Elementary School field this past Sunday, 21 Nov…
