By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026)— Hokkons Baules on Tuesday publicly rejected allegations referenced in a recent statement by the United States Department of State, saying he has never engaged in corruption, taken bribes or supported criminal activity involving Chinese nationals. In remarks addressed to fellow senators of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Cheldebechel Forum opens with focus on breaking cycle of drug crisis
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026) – The Belau Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (BANGO) and Palau Conservation Society (PCS) opened the Cheldebechel Forum with a panel discussion highlighting the causes of Palau’s ongoing drug crisis and the role communities must play in addressing it. The opening panel, moderated by Joleen Ngoriak and titled […]
Posted inTop Stories
Quad supports first open RAN deployment in Palau
KOROR, 25 FEBRUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The U.S Trade and Development Agency announced that Palau’s national telecommunications provider, the Palau National Communications Corp., has selected trusted vendors, including three U.S suppliers, to provide technology for a secure nationwide 4G/5G mobile network, based on the results of USTDA-funded technical assistance. Deploying these technologies will […]
Posted inTop Stories
Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization Strengthens Governance and Sets Strategic Direction with Support from The Nature Conservancy
Kosrae Conservation & Safety Organization (KCSO) held a Board Orientation and Development Training followed by a two-day Strategic Action Planning (SAP) workshop from February 3-5 in Kosrae. The sessions brought together KCSO board members and management to strengthen governance and update the organization’s Strategic Action Plan for 2026-2028. The workshops were supported by The Nature […]
Posted inTop Stories
Tonga Customs intercept firearms, ammunition and restricted goods in latest border seizures
NUKU’ALOFA, 12 FEBRUARY 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA) — Tonga Customs officers have intercepted multiple consignments containing undeclared firearms, ammunition, alcohol and fireworks during inspections between December 2025 and January 2026, authorities say. The items, arriving from countries including New Zealand and the United States, were detected through x-ray scanning and physical examination as part of strengthened border […]
Posted inTop Stories
Koror Passes Fishing Rules With New Licensing and Conservation Measures
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Feb. 3, 2026) Koror State has passed an updated fishing license bill aimed at modernizing fishing regulations, improving permit management and strengthening protections for marine resources. The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and introduces monthly licensing requirements along with revised fees, particularly for non-Palauan fishers. Governor Eyos Rudimch […]