Whipps administration signals leadership change as Orrukem prepares to conclude tenure By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (April 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has announced plans to nominate former Minister of Health and Human Services Gaafar Ucherbelau as Palau’s next ambassador to Taiwan, pending Senate confirmation. Speaking during a recent presidential press conference, Whipps […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr
Posted inBillboard
Airai Marks Constitutional Day With New Government, Focus on Housing and Infrastructure
Leaders emphasize housing, infrastructure and public services during 36th Constitutional Day ceremony By: Laurel Marewibuel AIRAI, Palau (April 6, 2026) — Airai State marked its 36th Constitutional Day on Sunday with the inauguration of its 10th Constitutional Government, with leaders outlining priorities centered on infrastructure, housing and public services. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., in […]
Posted inTop Stories
Whipps rejects $60M Malakal Port appraisal as ‘bogus,’ stalling negotiations
Dispute over $15M valuation raises tensions between national government and Koror State By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 2, 2026) — “The $60 million appraisal is bogus,” President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. said, as negotiations between the national government and the Koror State Government over the proposed purchase of Malakal Port stalled over sharply differing […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Secures First Saudi Loan, Launches $15M Housing Push Through NDBP
Historic deal shifts development bank into direct builder role, targeting affordable homes for Palauans By: L.N. Reklai “This is a historic day in Palau and Saudi relations,” President Surangel Whipps Jr. said, as Palau signed its first-ever loan agreement with Saudi Arabia, marking a new partnership and a major shift in how the National Development […]
Posted inBillboard
Whipps, U.S.-backed team advance plans for safer, modern Belau National Hospital
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — “Relocating Belau National Hospital is a top priority for this Administration because we need a safer, more modern facility that is protected from flooding and climate risks,” the Office of the President said in a statement, as a national delegation toured potential sites for a new hospital. President Surangel […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Drug Task Force Holds First Meeting Under Executive Order 498
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Palau’s National Working Group on the Fight Against Illegal Drugs held its first meeting March 30, launching a coordinated national response under Executive Order 498. The group, chaired by Justice Minister Jennifer S. Olegeriil, outlined its structure and priorities, focusing on a unified strategy that combines stronger laws, public […]