The recent “opinion” piece by Richard N. Salvador “A Critical Response to Mr. Surangel Whipps Address at the 81st UN General Assembly on September 23, 2026” needs a response. It is absolutely fine to hold an opinion and to disagree with Presidents – Palauan or American. But as a former U.S. Ambassador to Palau, let […]
Category: Opinion
Posted inOpinion
“A QUESTION FOR PALAU: WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM FSM ABOUT FUEL PRICES?”
My dear Palauan friends, I have been thinking seriously about the high cost of fuel in Palau and how much it affects every family. Fuel is not just about the price we pay at the gas station. It affects the cost of food, transportation, electricity, fishing, farming, businesses, and almost everything we buy. When I […]
Posted inOpinion
Rebates, Taxes, and the Real Cost of Living
Dear Editor: Palau lawmakers have proposed a citizen rebate to offset the rising cost of living. On paper, it sounds like relief. With fuel now at $8.12 a gallon and basic goods climbing higher, families are desperate for help. Supporters argue that rebates would provide immediate assistance, while critics question whether such a program is […]
Posted inOpinion
A Critical Response to Mr. Surangel Whipps Address at the 81st UN General Assembly on September 23, 2026
By: Richard N. Salvador Mr. Richard Salvador This address presents itself as a defense of climate justice, Pacific sovereignty, multilateralism, and peace. Its central weakness, however, is its selective application of those principles: strong words about the vulnerability of small island states, but far less scrutiny of the conduct of powerful allies and partners. Palau […]
Posted inOpinion
PCC and the Problem of Education
Dear Editor, Palau Community College announced that Patrick U. Tellei will remain president for another two years, extending his tenure through April 2029. The Board of Trustees praised his “steadfast leadership” and said the extension would provide stability and continuity for Palau’s only institution of higher education. But stability is not the same as progress. […]
Posted inOpinion
To the Editor:
The Poverty Among the Palauans By: K.B. Toichi Palauans have been struggling to keep up with the high cost of living, including electricity bills, fuel prices, and goods and services taxes. The high cost of everything has affected the everyday lives of citizens. With the minimum wage starting at $5.00 per hour, it doesn’t cover […]