Ngchesar prison project misses 2025 deadline amid procurement law challenges and ongoing construction work By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (March 26, 2026) — Government officials say delays in completing the long-awaited new correctional facility in Ngchesar are tied to construction challenges and legal hurdles, particularly involving the installation of a power supply, despite earlier […]
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Lowy Institute Report Highlights Palau’s Continued Reliance on Aid
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (March 24, 2026) New data from the Lowy Institute highlights Palau’s continued reliance on international assistance, even as its economy ranks among the strongest per capita in the Pacific. The findings, published in October 2025, draw on development finance data collected between 2008 and 2023. With a population of just […]
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Water Security in Focus as Palau Hosts National Resilience Dialogue in Koror
Leaders and communities to address water security challenges as rainfall patterns shift and infrastructure strains KOROR, Palau (March 23, 2026) — Palau will convene national leaders, technical agencies and community representatives this Friday to address growing concerns over water resilience, as climate pressures increasingly affect the country’s water systems. The Palau Water Resilience Dialogue is […]
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Children ‘Falling Through the Cracks’ Spur Push for Juvenile Justice Reform in Palau
HOD hearing highlights need for rehabilitation-focused facilities and alternative education pathways By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (March 24, 2026) — Lawmakers in Palau are raising concerns about children and young adults falling through gaps in the country’s education and justice systems, as efforts continue to reform how juvenile offenders are treated. Speaker Gibson Kanai, […]
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Palau AG confirms tax exemptions for U.S. contractors under SOFA, as state-level dispute continues
By L.N Reklai KOROR, Palau (March 13, 2026) — The Office of the Attorney General has confirmed that four U.S. military contractors working in Palau are legally exempt from certain taxes and customs duties under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), according to a legal opinion released this week. The opinion was prepared by Assistant […]
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Convicted Murderer and Sex Offender Captured Days After Koror Jail Escape
Authorities face scrutiny after high-risk inmate with escape history flees custody in broad daylight By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (AP) — Authorities in Koror have captured dangerous inmate Amador Osima, ending a three-day manhunt that followed his escape from jail earlier this week. Osima was apprehended at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in the Ngesekes […]