KOROR, Palau — The Palau Red Cross Society (PRCS) is appealing to the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Palau Congress) for supplemental funding after losing nearly $600,000 in U.S. government aid due to executive orders signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Gibson Kanai, PRCS National Governing Board Chairperson Jefferson Thomas said the organization is seeking $75,000 from the supplemental budget to continue its humanitarian services in the country.
“The organization is currently facing challenges due to the effects of the U.S. Presidential Executive Orders issued earlier this year,” Thomas wrote. “These orders have led to a significant loss of approximately $600,000 in grant funding for the Society.”
The loss includes two major projects funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): the $295,400 “Strengthening Locally Led Early Warning and Response Capacity in the North Pacific” project and the $300,000 “Building Local Capacity for Effective Disaster Preparedness and Response at the Community (State) Level through Outfitting the PRCS Warehouse and Training Center.”
PRCS said the funding shortfall jeopardizes the organization’s ability to continue vital programs, including disaster preparedness, response training, and community support initiatives.
The Red Cross expressed gratitude for the Palau Congress’ past support and urged lawmakers to approve the supplemental budget request.
The supplemental budget request is currently under review by the Ways and Means Committee. (By: L.N. Reklai)