By Leilani Reklai | Island Times KOROR, Palau — A visiting delegation of Okinawan and Japanese fishing representatives has urged Palau to reduce its protected ocean area from 80 percent to 50 percent to reopen more of its waters to commercial fishing — a proposal that has reignited national debate over the future of the […]
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Proposes $6 Million Deal for Palau to Accept 75 “Refugees”
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Lawmakers in Palau are weighing a U.S. proposal to resettle 75 people described as “refugees” in the country under a multimillion-dollar aid package, but the Senate has already issued a firm rejection of the plan, citing limited resources and potential social and cultural repercussions. According to an oral report […]
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Palau Customs to Begin Charging Storage Fees for Unclaimed Goods November 3
By Summer Kennard | October 9, 2025 | Koror, Palau The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) announced that beginning November 3, 2025, it will start charging storage fees for unclaimed or uncleared goods held at all Customs-controlled areas, including the post office, seaport, airport cargo terminals, and its main office. The policy aims […]
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Taiwan’s 114th National Day in Palau Reflected Close Ties and Democratic Partnership
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Taiwan and Palau celebrated the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 7 with a festive evening hosted by the Taiwanese Embassy in Palau, reflecting the lasting friendship and shared democratic values between the two nations. The celebration brought together Taiwanese and Palauan guests for […]
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Japan Association of Marine Safety and Embassy Collaborate to Boost Palau’s Maritime Security
By: Laurel Marewibuel On Oct. 8, Ambassador Hiroyuki Orikasa met with Masahide Nakao, director of the International Cooperation Team for the Micronesia Region at the Japan Association of Marine Safety (JAMS), and his team to discuss strengthening maritime security in Palau through coordinated donor efforts. Ms. Yamamoto member of the Japan Embassy says, since fiscal […]
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Palau President Whipps to Advocate Pacific Leadership and Global Conservation at 2025 IUCN World Congress
By Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. will travel to the United Arab Emirates this week to attend the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, the world’s largest gathering focused on nature conservation. The congress brings together more than 1,400 organizations—including governments, NGOs, scientists, and Indigenous […]