WELLINGTON, 15 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Palau’s President says his country is safer , not more at risk, because of its close ties with the United States. Speaking on PMN during his first official visit to New Zealand, Surangel Whipps Jr said the partnership with Washington is a key part of protecting his nation in an increasingly […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Palau, Hokkaido Bond Over Baseball as Japan Delegation Donates Equipment to Youth League
Shared passion for “yakyu” strengthens people-to-people ties despite distance and climate differences By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 13, 2026) — What do Palau and Japan’s northern prefecture of Hokkaido have in common? It is not the weather. On April 11, temperatures in Hokkaido hovered in the mid 30’s to low-40s Fahrenheit, while Koror saw […]
Posted inTop Stories
Whipps: Allowing Starlink Now Risks $50M Debt Burden on Palau
Leaders warn opening market too soon could bankrupt state-owned providers and shift costs to taxpayers By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 8, 2026) — Questions over why Starlink is not allowed to operate in parts of Palau without internet access were raised, but national leaders say a temporary ban is necessary to protect the country’s […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Tax Office Fines Hotel Owner Over $60K for Underreporting Income
KOROR, Palau (April 14, 2026) — The Bureau of Revenue and Taxation has fined a hotel owner more than $60,000 in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest after an audit found the business underreported its income, officials said. The investigation was triggered by routine risk assessments that flagged inconsistencies between the hotel’s financial reporting and third-party […]
Posted inTop Stories
New Tax Bill Seeks to Cut Costs for Small Businesses in Palau”
By: L.N. Reklai A new bill in the Olbiil Era Kelulau would change how some small and medium-sized businesses in Palau are taxed, with the goal of lowering costs and helping them compete with large importers and wholesalers. The measure, Senate Bill 12-62, would let qualifying businesses subtract certain local business expenses before their gross […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Screens Third-Country Nationals Under U.S. MOU as Senate Lawsuit Moves Forward
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Palau has received a list of third-country nationals for screening under its memorandum of understanding with the United States regarding the acceptance of deportees, confirmed Minister Jennifer Olegeriil. The list was submitted about two weeks ago. Under the agreement, Palau has 14 days to screen individuals once their names […]