by Alonzo Kahalic
alkahalic6801@gmail.com
Dear Editor,
“New Leaders, New Laws: Prioritizing People Over Poli-tricking in Palau”
With the recent election behind us, Palau stands on the brink of a fresh start. Congratulations are in order for the new leaders chosen by the people. The hope is that they’ll rise to the occasion by prioritizing the needs and welfare of everyday citizens rather than getting bogged down in the old ways of “poli-tricking” – using political power to benefit a select few instead of working to improve the lives of all Palauans. Now is the time to craft laws and regulations that uplift people rather than add financial and bureaucratic burdens to their lives.
One pressing example is the recent policy or law or regulation from the Customs office that now requires individuals to hire a broker to clear their items through customs. While such a measure may have been intended to streamline customs processes, its real-world impact has created an undue hardship on individuals and small businesses alike. Forcing citizens to bear the cost of hiring a broker means that what was once a manageable process for many is now complicated by added expenses and unnecessary barriers.
Customs policies must strike a balance between regulation and accessibility. In many countries, regulations like broker requirements are typically reserved for large-scale importers or high-volume businesses. Small businesses and individuals, on the other hand, are often given leeway to clear their own goods to encourage trade, commerce, and ease of doing business. By extending this requirement to small businesses and even individual importers, the policy in Palau places a financial strain on those who can least afford it. Added to this are existing costs, like the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST), which was already introduced to capture tax revenue on goods. The question is, why should small business owners and individuals bear an extra cost just to clear their items when they’re already paying taxes and fees to clear these items?
This added cost not only hinders Palauan citizens who are trying to bring in necessary goods but also discourages budding entrepreneurs from taking the plunge into small business. Small businesses are the backbone of any healthy economy, creating jobs and providing essential services to communities. If policies continue to pile on fees and administrative requirements, small businesses may soon find themselves unable to survive. This is precisely the type of regulatory approach that needs rethinking in order to create a more supportive environment for Palau’s hardworking citizens.
As the new government steps into its role, there’s an opportunity to revise these regulations and develop a streamlined customs process that does not penalize small businesses and individuals. Leaders should ask themselves: are these policies helping Palau thrive, or are they merely squeezing more revenue from those who can least afford it?
The government exists to serve its people, not the other way around. If Palau’s leaders want to fulfill their duties, they should focus on policies that remove obstacles and provide resources that will enable the people to thrive. Our hope is that the new government understands this, and that they’ll prioritize changes that ease financial burdens, enhance transparency, and focus on building a prosperous Palau.
Congratulations to the new leaders of Palau; may they recognize that true leadership is about service, integrity, and the will to lift the people. Let’s leave behind the “poli-tricking” and usher in an era where the government works to support and empower its citizens.
Your Humble Servant
Al Kahalic