KOROR, Palau — Authorities have confirmed the death of Tellames Johannes, a security guard at the Koror State Animal Center, as a homicide. The Bureau of Public Safety issued a flyer on Tuesday offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Johannes was found dead early on Oct. […]
Author Archives: Leilani Reklai
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PPUC retains new rates but won’t cut service under TRO
KOROR, Palau — The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) will implement new water and wastewater rates as outlined in its latest tariff but will not disconnect service for non-payment under a court-issued Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). The TRO, granted on Feb. 14, prevents PPUC from cutting off water and wastewater services if customers fail to […]
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Criminal networks exploit Palau’s economy through risky investment
KOROR, Palau — Criminal networks, many linked to Chinese transnational criminal networks and financial misconduct schemes, are targeting Palau with high-risk foreign investment proposals, identified a recent Pacific Economics report. According to the report, these fraudulent investment proposals—including cryptocurrency ventures, real estate developments, and online gambling enterprises—threaten Palau’s economic stability, national security, and diplomatic relations. […]
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Ancient DNA Study Unveils Unique Genetic Heritage of Palauans, Distinct from other Pacific Islanders
KOROR, Palau — A groundbreaking genetic study of the ancient Palauan remains has revealed new insights into the ancestry and migration patterns of Palau’s early inhabitants, distinguishing them from other Pacific Island populations. The findings suggest that the earliest Palauans who were here 3,200 years before the present already had mixed East Asian and Papuan […]
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Palau Health Care Fund’s Stability Relies on Investment Returns
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The Palau Health Care Fund (HCF), the nation’s medical insurance program, is sustaining itself largely through investment income, according to the latest report from the HCF Governing Committee. The report indicates that annual benefit payouts from both the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Medical Savings Account (MSA) nearly […]
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Palau lawmakers reintroduce Travel Document Bill for adopted non-citizen children
KOROR, Palau — A proposal to grant Machine Readable Convention Travel Documents (MRCTDs) to non-Palauan children adopted by Palauan citizens has been reintroduced in the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) after failing to pass during the 11th OEK. The measure seeks to amend Chapter 12 of Title 13 of the Palau National Code, allowing stateless adopted […]