National Police Week proclamation shines spotlight on law enforcement efforts and recent drug convictions. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 13, 2026) — Law enforcement authorities seized 333.33 grams of methamphetamine in two separate incidents involving packages sent through the post office and DHL, Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed Wednesday during a press conference […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr.
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Economic Symposium Set for May 25-29, As Leaders Tackle Pension and Social Security Challenges
Consultant studies to guide discussions on sustainability, sacrifices and long-term financial stability in Palau. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced that Palau’s Economic Symposium will be held from May 25 to 29 after being delayed while consultants completed studies on the Palau Civil Service Pension Plan and the Palau Social […]
Posted inTop Stories
Driving Under the Influence of Illegal Drugs Now a Felony in Palau
New law targets drug abuse, strengthens accountability and funds rehabilitation efforts By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) President Surangel Whipps Jr. has signed into law a sweeping anti-drug measure that strengthens penalties for illegal drug offenses and creates tougher accountability standards for law enforcement officers involved with drugs. The legislation, RPPL 12-5, […]
Posted inTop Stories
Melairei Pushes Back on Whipps’ Plan to Amend Infrastructure Fund Law
Senator calls legislative approval a “vital check and balance” under Compact agreement By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (March 31, 2026) — “Eliminating the requirement for specific legislative appropriation risks institutionalizing a lack of transparency,” Sen. Brian Melairei warned, urging lawmakers to reject President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s proposal to remove congressional approval for infrastructure fund spending. […]
Posted inTop Stories
Whipps said he supports restoring utility subsidies to mitigate high costs
By: L.N. Reklai “These subsidies were meant for times such as this, when there is a real need,” said President Surangel Whipps Jr. in response to a question about whether he would support the Senate bill that proposed to restore the power utility subsidies that he cut from the FY 2026 Unified Budget. The ongoing […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Pushes Tech-Based Ocean Protection at Global Summit
Whipps to call for stronger Pacific partnerships ahead of Forum and COP31 KOROR, Palau (March 5, 2026) — Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. spoke at the 13th World Ocean Summit in Montreal, highlighting how science and technology can help small island nations strengthen ocean stewardship and secure their vast exclusive economic zones. The summit, […]