By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau (July 17, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Ambassador Andy Kang-I Chen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and First Lady Valerie R. Whipps on Friday presented the 2026 Palau-Taiwan Small Grants to 31 local organizations at a ceremony at the Civic Center. Omekesang, an NGO dedicated toward supporting […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr
Palau Gears Up to Host 55th Pacific Islands Forum as Whipps Joins Troika Talks
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. joined Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika Leaders Meeting on July 1 at the PIF Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, as Palau intensifies preparations to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting beginning Aug. 30 in Koror. The meeting brought together […]
THC-Laced Gummies Send Three to Palau ER, Including Child
Justice Ministry says knowingly distributing marijuana-laced food could lead to trafficking charges under new drug law. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Three people, including a child, were admitted to the emergency room after consuming marijuana-laced gummies, commonly known as THC “edibles” or “eddies” among younger users, according to Palau health and law enforcement officials. […]
Palau Declares Children’s Mental Health Day, EMS Week in Series of Presidential Actions
Executive orders and proclamations spotlight children’s mental health, emergency medical services and community well-being across Palau. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Surangel S. Whipps Jr. signed a series of executive orders and presidential proclamations this week, setting the stage for a busy month focused on public health, children’s well-being and emergency medical services. President […]
Meth Convictions Triple in Palau as Courts Impose Record Drug Fines
More than 1 kilogram of meth seized in FY2025 amid expanding crackdown on illegal drugs By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 11, 2026) The Ministry of Justice in Palau says convictions, seizures and court-imposed fines tied to methamphetamine cases have risen sharply in recent years, highlighting the growing scale of the country’s illegal drug crisis […]
No Diplomatic Resolution Yet in Indonesia-Palau Fishing Vessel Dispute
Palau proceeds with fish sale as Indonesia argues vessel was seized in overlapping maritime zone By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) A diplomatic dispute between Palau and Indonesia over the seizure of an Indonesian fishing vessel has intensified, with no official diplomatic resolution announced even as Palau’s court system moves forward with […]
