KOROR, 13 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —The guardrails built into agreements between the United States and Palau to protect the Pacific nation’s environment and preserve its sovereignty are rendered ineffective by the accelerated military buildup, leaving Palauans out of the loop, according to a new report by the Guam-based think tank Pacific Centre for […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Fuel Supply Stable as Middle East Conflict Drives Airfare Concerns
KOROR, Palau (April 8, 2026) — “Our fuel prices have been consistent … likely due to competition,” President Surangel Whipps Jr. said, as officials reassured the public that Palau’s fuel supply remains stable despite global concerns tied to rising fuel costs from conflict in the Middle East. Philippine Airlines launched its first direct flight service […]
Posted inTop Stories
Complaints Persist Over Palau’s Taiwan Medical Referral Program as HCF Clarifies Services and Limits
Government weighs improvements, including potential liaison and new ambassador role By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang TAIPEI, Taiwan (April 8, 2026) — Allegations that a Palauan medical referral patient was abandoned in Taiwan prompted clarification this week from the Health Care Fund (HCF) personnel in Taiwan, who said many concerns raised publicly “do not fully reflect facts.” […]
Posted inTop Stories
Whipps Establishes Office of Applied Technology and Strategy to Bolster Cybersecurity, E-Government
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — President Surangel J. Whipps Jr. on Friday signed an executive order creating the Office of Applied Technology and Strategy within the Office of the President, aiming to centralize government technology planning amid rising cybersecurity threats and fragmented systems. The move addresses vulnerabilities exposed by recent cyber attacks on the […]
Posted inTop Stories
Ucherbelau Named Nominee for Palau Ambassador to Taiwan Role
Whipps administration signals leadership change as Orrukem prepares to conclude tenure By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (April 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has announced plans to nominate former Minister of Health and Human Services Gaafar Ucherbelau as Palau’s next ambassador to Taiwan, pending Senate confirmation. Speaking during a recent presidential press conference, Whipps […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Faces Power Price Dilemma as Fuel Costs Rise, Subsidy Debate Intensifies
Whipps, OEK and PPUC weigh rate reforms against risk of blackouts and financial strain By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 9, 2026) — Power bills are expected to rise in May as higher global fuel costs ripple through the system, exposing a growing policy challenge for the Palau Public Utilities Corporation, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, […]