Reading the editorial I wrote 18 years ago—the second editorial following the launch of Island Times on November 5, 2006—I am compelled to pause and reflect on our journey. The words from that time serve as a mirror, prompting me to assess the growth of Island Times, its impact—both positive and painful—and its standing today.
Over the years, Island Times has undeniably brought about change through the stories we’ve told. Many of these stories have sparked positive transformations, yet I am acutely aware of the pain and hurt some have caused to individuals and families in our close-knit community. In a society like ours, bound by deep familial and clan connections, such impacts can feel profoundly personal.
This awareness has been a constant companion. Time and again, I’ve wrestled with difficult questions: Will this story protect the vulnerable? Will it encourage greater responsibility within our community? Will it drive policies to improve life in Palau? Each time, I sought to pursue the greater good. Yet, I often had to face the painful reality that some stories might hurt my own relatives or risk alienating those I hold dear. Still, I chose what I believed served the greater good—choices I anticipated, albeit reluctantly, when Island Times was founded 18 years ago.
Today marks 18 years and 13 days since our journey began. While I empathize deeply with those who may have been hurt by stories with personal ramifications, I firmly believe Palau is better because these stories were told. Reporting on crime, drugs, corruption, domestic violence, government policies, social welfare, human rights, and yes, even taxes, Island Times has brought critical issues to light, driving conversations that have shaped our quality of life for the better.
Now, we find ourselves at a challenging crossroads. As a news organization, we face not only the pressure of a lawsuit but also the rapidly changing media landscape, where social media increasingly dominates. Despite these challenges, I hold fast to the belief that words are powerful tools. They can be wielded for good or ill, depending on how they are used—whether through social media, radio, TV, or print.
The dream that gave birth to Island Times—to serve as a catalyst for positive change—remains as strong as ever. With the lessons of the past 18 years as our guide, we commit to continuing our service to this island with integrity and accountability, fully aware of the responsibility we bear for every word we publish. (By: L.N. Reklai)
Power of Words
(2nd Editorial written 11/9/2005)
“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” (Siddharta Gotoma Buddha) I don’t normally listen to radio talk shows or even watch TV talk shows. But one morning last week on my way to work, I turned on the radio and a talk show was going on. I was quite shocked by the words spoken and how they were spoken. Perhaps I just have not been listening to the radio and that this was common but it started me thinking about the power and effect of those words.
It also reminded me of a knot in my stomach that’s been there for months now, since the plan to publish a newspaper was announced. I admit I have been dragging my feet on this project for months, worrying about the responsibility of editing a paper and being responsible for words printed. And why am I making such a big fuss about this, I am asked? Well, let me tell you, because Words are Powerful!
Proverbs 18:21, King Solomon writes, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”. Words have created nations, deposed kings, set people free, inspire geniuses, and make fools of man. It creates trust, brings in harmony or causes despair and anger. Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are a honey comb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Eric Idle corrected the common but false assumption when he wrote, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will make me go in a corner and cry by myself for hours.”
Words spoken nowadays seems to be thrown about carelessly, uncaring of their impact on our people and our country. Even our own cultural mores that dictate our speech and conduct seems to have been discarded. It hurts to see so much of who we are as people disappear through careless words. “Words are potent weapons for all causes, good or bad.” (Manly Hall) It is a good reminder to me that words are indeed powerful and that it can be used for great good. In the words of George Byron, “ But words are things, and a small drop of ink, falling like dew, upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.”