Passing prompts postponement of president’s State of the Republic Address By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 24, 2026) — Surangel Whipps Sr., a prominent businessman, traditional leader and former Senate president, has died at age 86, his family announced Wednesday. Rekemesik Surangel Whipps Sr., prominent businessman and leader, passed away at the age 86. Photo […]
Tag: Palau Politics
Posted inTop Stories
PEC Rejects Recall Petition Against Ngchesar Delegate Ngirmechaet Over Insufficient Valid Signatures
Verification finds only 83 valid signatures, below 97 required under Constitution By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 16, 2026)— The Palau Election Commission has rejected a petition seeking the recall of Ngchesar State Delegate Rebecca Sebalt Ngirmechaet after determining it did not meet the constitutional requirement for valid signatures. In a letter to Percy Rechelluul, […]
Posted inOpinion
When Leaders Run the Country Like a Business: Power, Profit, and the Cost to Palau
Dear Editor, It is painful to watch leadership blur the line between public service and private interest. When a president appears to have a hand in everything, from cleaning a government buildings to steering major construction contracts toward their own companies, people begin to ask a simple question: who does government really serve? In Palau […]
Posted inTop Stories
Petition Circulates to Recall Ngchesar Delegate
Signature drive cites leadership style, not misconduct, as basis for removal By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 2, 2026) — A petition is circulating among voters in Ngchesar State seeking to recall Delegate Rebecca Ngirmechaet, according to a reliable source from the state. The petition reportedly calls for Ngirmechaet’s removal not for misconduct, but for […]
Posted inOpinion
When Palau and Marshall Islands are judged by standards Washington won’t apply to itself
Inside the Reef By Joyce McClure https://www.pacificislandtimes.com/blog-bcxs8/categories/insights (Pacific Islands Times) When the U.S. State Department sanctioned Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules and former Marshall Islands mayor Anderson Jibas, the language was unequivocal. • They “abused” their public positions. • They engaged in “theft, misuse and abuse” of funds. • They “wasted U.S. taxpayer money.” • […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Senate Pushes Back Against U.S. Accusations of Corruption Against Baules
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — “We should not allow any nation to carelessly make unsubstantiated accusations against a Palauan leader,” Sen. Eldebechel said during a recent Senate session, as lawmakers rallied to defend Senate President Hokkons Baules against corruption allegations raised by the U.S. State Department. Palauan senators last week sharply criticized the […]