By L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A new permanent resident visa category for certain non-Palauans who have deep and longstanding ties to Palau, has been proposed to address the current immigration system that leaves some people who have made the country their home face the same uncertainty as short-term foreign workers. In a letter transmitting […]
Tag: President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Posted inTop Stories
Forum Chair Whipps pushes for fixed annual date for PIF Leaders Meeting
By Elilai Rengiil KOROR, Palau (August 30, 2026) — Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting Chair and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. wants Pacific leaders to consider setting a fixed annual date for the Forum, saying predictable scheduling could improve attendance and strengthen regional unity. “It’s pretty hard to speak with one voice if they’re not […]
Posted inPacific News
Whipps calls for ‘One Pacific’ airline alliance to tackle high airfares
By Elilai Rengiil KOROR, Palau — “Maybe we need to build our own alliance” to give Pacific airlines greater leverage, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Monday as he called on smaller island states to consider forming a regional airline alliance to address high airfares and limited connections across the Pacific. Speaking at the Smaller […]
Posted inTop Stories
PIF Chair Whipps Says Partners Must Show How They Will Support Pacific Priorities, Renewable Energy Goals
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 30, 2026)— As Pacific leaders confront climate change, rising energy costs and a changing regional partnership landscape, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is urging countries seeking closer ties with the Pacific to demonstrate how they will help meet the region’s priorities rather than use the Pacific Islands Forum as […]
Posted inTop Stories
President Defends Airai Site for New National Hospital
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (August 24, 2026) – President Surangel Whipps Jr. is defending the decision to relocate Belau National Hospital to Ngesibang, Airai, amid questions about the site-selection process and whether the decision requires congressional approval. Whipps said the current hospital site in Koror covers approximately 55,000 square meters—more than 13 acres. […]
Posted inTop Stories
President Whipps Authorizes Pacific Police Officers to Serve in Palau During 55th PIF Leaders Meeting
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 20, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has authorized law enforcement officers from other Pacific jurisdictions to serve as police officers in Palau during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, as the country prepares for heightened security demands during the regional summit. Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil previously […]