By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

AIMELIIK, Palau — An investor representing Palau Golf Inc. (PGI) is disputing Aimeliik State Public Land Authority’s (AIMSPLA) recent decision to terminate its land lease, saying the company has not received any formal termination notice.

Jessie, a translator speaking on behalf of PGI, told Island Times that the company fulfilled its payment obligations on Aug. 14, weeks after AIMSPLA board members voted to end the lease.

“We have not received any termination letter yet,” Jessie said. He confirmed that PGI paid a total of $117,846, including $87,846 in lease payments and $30,000 for a scholarship program required under its contract. Jessie added that he personally met with AIMSPLA Chairwoman Geggie Asanuma the following day to notify her of the payment.

But Asanuma said the board’s July 24 decision to terminate PGI’s contract still stands, and that an official notice is forthcoming.

“An official termination letter is on the way,” she said. “The lawyer for the Aimeliik governor’s office will be drafting the letter once Governor Browny Simer returns from off-island.”

The AIMSPLA board voted to terminate PGI’s lease after citing repeated delays in payment, a violation of the contract terms. While PGI maintains it has complied with its obligations, the state authority insists that the termination process is proceeding and will be formally communicated.

The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between the golf course developer and Aimeliik State over the implementation of the land lease agreement terms and payment delays.