KOROR, Palau (May 27, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. hosted Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during a visit to Palau that included a trip to Peleliu, commemorative events and reviews of infrastructure projects supported under the Compact of Free Association. According to the Office of the President, Paparo’s visit to […]
Tag: Compact of Free Association
Posted inPacific News
Population loss strains Micronesia, Marshall Islands economies
PONPHEI/MAJURO, 25 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The populations of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Marshall Islands have dropped sharply over the past decade as thousands of residents leave for better jobs, education and health care abroad, creating labor shortages and raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of essential services across […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palauan Citizens in U.S. Gain Access to Commercial Driver’s Licenses Under New Federal Rule
Federal exemption allows Palauan citizens to obtain CDLs without temporary work visas through 2031 By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — The Embassy of the Republic of Palau in Washington, D.C. announced a major policy change this week that will allow Palauan citizens living lawfully in the United States under the Compact of […]
Posted inTop Stories
Billions Promised, But Bottlenecks Persists: GAO Flags Compact Delays Affecting Palau
Report warns bureaucratic hurdles in both Palau and Washington could weaken strategic and economic goals By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) A new U.S. government watchdog report is raising concerns that delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks tied to Compact of Free Association funding could undermine Palau’s fragile economic recovery, critical public services and […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau says partnership with the U.S makes it safer as tensions grow
WELLINGTON, 15 APRIL 2026 (PMN)—Palau’s President says his country is safer , not more at risk, because of its close ties with the United States. Speaking on PMN during his first official visit to New Zealand, Surangel Whipps Jr said the partnership with Washington is a key part of protecting his nation in an increasingly […]
Posted inTop Stories
Court Denies Request to Halt U.S. Military Construction in Ngaraard
Supreme Court says Ngaraard state unlikely to win lawsuit challenging permits, contractor licensing and environmental review By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (March 9, 2026) — The Palau Supreme Court on March 5th denied Ngaraard State Government’s request to temporarily halt U.S. military construction at a defense site in Ngaraard, ruling that the state is unlikely […]