Passing prompts postponement of president’s State of the Republic Address By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 24, 2026) — Surangel Whipps Sr., a prominent businessman, traditional leader and former Senate president, has died at age 86, his family announced Wednesday. Rekemesik Surangel Whipps Sr., prominent businessman and leader, passed away at the age 86. Photo […]
Author Archives: Island Times
Posted inTop Stories
Palau farmers react as dry spell raises early drought concerns, water rationing begins
By Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — Weeks of little rainfall are raising early concerns of drought across Palau, with farmers already feeling the strain and questioning how to prepare as conditions remain uncertain. Water rationing has begun in northern states as officials respond to dwindling supplies. Authorities are urging residents to conserve […]
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Uherbelau Approved as Palau Envoy to Taiwan in Unanimous Senate Vote
Lawmakers cite public health leadership and international experience By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Senate has unanimously confirmed President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s appointment of Gaafar J. Uherbelau as ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Gaafar Uherbelau, President’s appointee to post of Ambassador to Taiwan, received full confirmation from […]
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Lawmakers Move to Address Stateless Residents in Palau While Upholding Citizenship Limits
Measure seeks to help adopted, non-ancestry residents without altering constitutional citizenship rules By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (April 24, 2026) — A group of senators has introduced legislation to create a legal pathway for stateless individuals raised in Palau to obtain Palauan nationality, aiming to address a long-standing gap without conflicting with the Constitution’s […]
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New Chief of Immigration Sworn In After Vacancy Period
KOROR, Palau (April 22, 2026) — The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection has sworn in Mr. Bradley O. Kumangai as the new Chief of Immigration, filling a position that had been vacant for a period of time within the Division of Immigration. (left to right) Chief of Corporate Services Robert Tarkong, New Chief of Immigration […]
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Students Lead Reef Restoration Effort in Palau, Planting Clams and Monitoring Crown-of-Thorns
Earth Month event highlights youth role in protecting Marine Protected Areas By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (April 18, 2026) — Nineteen students from Meyuns Elementary School helped boost local reef resilience Friday, planting six reef stars and 19 clams while monitoring for Crown‑of‑Thorns Starfish during a scaled‑back Earth Month event. The activity, held after the […]