TAMUNING, 02 APRIL 2026 (RADIO FREE ASIA) — A U.S plan to potentially mine an area of Pacific seabed roughly the size of Nevada near two U.S territories is the latest example of increasing competition in the region between the United States and China, a local government official told Radio Free Asia. The zones of […]
Author Archives: Island Times
Posted inPacific News
Pacific financial system under threat as banking links shrink, Forum report warns
By Pita Ligaiula SUVA, 01 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific’s access to global finance is under growing strain, with a new Pacific Islands Forum report warning that the steady loss of correspondent banking relationships is pushing the region toward a critical tipping point. The ‘2025 Annual Report on the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships […]
Posted inTop Stories
Melairei Pushes Back on Whipps’ Plan to Amend Infrastructure Fund Law
Senator calls legislative approval a “vital check and balance” under Compact agreement By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (March 31, 2026) — “Eliminating the requirement for specific legislative appropriation risks institutionalizing a lack of transparency,” Sen. Brian Melairei warned, urging lawmakers to reject President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s proposal to remove congressional approval for infrastructure fund spending. […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau PO Box Policy Sparks Backlash Ahead of June Rollout
Residents cite costs, family strain, and lack of evidence as concerns mount over new mail rules By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (March 30, 2026) — “This policy should be more analyzed,” one resident wrote online, as mounting public criticism greets a new Palau Post Office rule that will sharply restrict who can share a […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau’s ‘Laundry to Landscape’ Taps Greywater Goldmine for Climate-Proof Farms
Turn everyday laundry into irrigation: Palau pilots low-cost greywater systems to boost food security, conserve water, and climate-proof island agriculture By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — “Divert 25-50 gallons of water per load of laundry directly into your landscape!” Jodean Remengesau, director of the Bureau of Agriculture, champions this simple hack as a game-changer for […]
Posted inTop Stories
Senate Urges Action on Fuel Costs, Calls for Oil Reserve Study
Resolution pushes Whipps to review procurement, explore regional fuel deals and boost price transparency By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau— “We currently have large fuel tanks — perhaps it’s time to explore the possibility of having oil reserves,” President Surangel Whipps Jr. said, as the Senate moved to press for a comprehensive response to rising […]