By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Sept. 14, 2026) — Eight days after two tourist divers disappeared during a dive at Peleliu Wall, the chances of survival have significantly diminished, while questions remain about what caused the experienced divers to descend after beginning their ascent. The two divers, identified as 62-year-old Tan Soon Liang, also known […]
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Former Ngeremlengui Governor and Senator Ngiraklang John Skebong dies at 79
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau – Ngeremlengui State and the nation are mourning the passing of former Ngeremlengui State Governor and Senator Ngiraklang John Skebong, who passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the age of 79. Skebong died following a period of hospitalization at Belau National Hospital, marking the end of a […]
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Public Support Alone Cannot Determine Who Is a Security Risk
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. says one of the challenges in determining who should be placed on Palau’s “Undesirable Aliens List” is distinguishing a genuinely good person from someone who may be using relationships and public support to mask activities that could threaten Palau’s interests. Responding to a Senate inquiry, […]
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Four Seasons Ngerchelngael Project on Hold Pending UNESCO, ICOMOS and IUCN Talks
Koror State says the resort plans are being reviewed to determine what development is allowed within the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon World Heritage Site By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Plans for a proposed Four Seasons resort on Ngerchelngael Island in Koror State will not proceed in full until consultations with UNESCO and its advisory […]
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Pacific Civil Society Demands a Permanent Seat at Forum Table
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Pacific civil society organizations are demanding a permanent place in the Pacific Islands Forum’s decision-making processes, saying they should no longer be treated as invited guests or outsiders who are consulted only after regional priorities have been set. Ridep Okada Techitong, president of Belau Offshore Fisheries Inc. and a […]
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August arrivals lift Palau tourism outlook
By: L.N. Reklai Palau recorded 7,565 visitor arrivals in August, a 25% increase from the same month last year, as stronger performance in Japan, Taiwan, Australia and several other markets offset declines from China and North America. Based on the January-August pace, Palau is on track to finish 2026 with roughly 88,000 visitor arrivals, about […]