NEW YORK, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 (PIFS)— Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders will gather in New York for High Level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) from 21 – 28 September 2026 to advance shared Pacific priorities agreed by Forum Leaders at its 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Meeting (55PIFLM) […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr
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31 community groups receive Palau-Taiwan grants to fight illegal drugs
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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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 […]