Palau’s Xavier Matsutaro urges Pacific unity and resilience ahead of COP30, saying “there’s no room for pessimism—only hope and persistence.”
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Senate Reaffirms Opposition to U.S. Refugee Proposal as Whipps Calls for Renewed Dialogue
By: L.N. Reklai and Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The Senate has once again rejected U.S. efforts to establish a refugee or deportee resettlement program in Palau, maintaining its firm opposition even as President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. presses for continued dialogue with Washington to explore what he described as a “new agreement” that better […]
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Palau Election Commission Rejects Petition to Recall Angaur Governor Misech
By: L.N Reklai KOROR, Palau — The Palau Election Commission has rejected a petition by Angaur State citizens seeking a recall election against Governor Natus Misech, citing insufficient signatures to meet state law requirements. The petition, submitted on Sept. 26, 2025, included 84 signatures, of which 74 were deemed valid. However, the commission said Angaur […]
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Palau Court Convicts Coin Mint Operator in Tax Fraud Case as NDBP Pursues New Coin Agreement
By L.N. Reklai | Island Times | October 6, 2025 KOROR, Palau — The Supreme Court of Palau has found Ephram Polycarp, operator of the Palau Commemorative Coin Company (PCCC), guilty of multiple counts of tax fraud and failure to pay taxes tied to a decade-long series of international coin-minting contracts. The case was brought […]
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Palau Welcomes New Ambassadors from Pakistan, Ireland, and Bangladesh Ahead of Independence Day
By L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — As the Republic of Palau prepares to celebrate its 31st Independence Day, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. formally received and accepted the credentials of three new ambassadors, marking renewed diplomatic ties with Pakistan, Ireland, and Bangladesh. In separate ceremonies held on September 30, 2025, at the President’s Office in […]
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Palau Showcases Tax Reform Progress, to Host 2026 Pacific Tax Conference
KOROR, Palau — Palau highlighted its ongoing tax reform efforts at the 22nd Annual Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) Conference held Sept. 22–26 in Tonga. Acting Director of the Bureau of Revenue and Taxation Turang Rengiil and Senior Auditor Janyssa Ford represented Palau at the regional meeting, which brought together delegates from 16 Pacific […]