Overview:
Despite millions in U.S. negotiations and a booming tourism sector, everyday Palauans are facing rising costs, limited housing, and understaffed public services. Are we seeing real growth—or just numbers on a page? Hadleen Medalarak asks the hard question: who truly benefits from Palau’s economy?
Dear editor,
We must ask the hard question:
Does this so-called “economic growth” actually trickle down to our people?
Millions are being negotiated with the U.S., yet Palauans are still struggling. Food is expensive. PPUC is costly. Housing is unaffordable. Small businesses are closing. Drug abuse continues. Prisoners are dying. People with disabilities are still unmet. Our people are migrating out.
Our hospital is short-staffed. Nurses, frontline workers, police, and customs officers are burned out, underpaid, and understaffed.
Young people can’t afford even a simple home. Land for lease is limited. Key ministries have no permanent leaders—Finance, Education, and Customs are all “acting” or under the President.
Tourism benefits big corporations, not small businesses. Where is the fair market?
Who gets the biggest tax breaks and PGST exemptions?
If this is growth, why are our people sinking?
Palauans deserve transparency, accountability, and leadership that puts people first..
Hadleen Medalarak