Koror, Palau – Concerns are growing over the increasing vandalism, loitering, and littering at two prominent locations, former Image Restaurant and the seemingly abandoned Cliffside Hotel. Jacob Yangilamau, a resident of Echang, shared in an interview with Island Times that these areas have become hotspots for late-night gatherings and reckless behavior.
“People go there to drink, hang out, break things, spray paint, and leave their trash,” Yangilamau told Island Times. “We’ve tried putting up barriers at Image, but they were repeatedly broken down. We didn’t know who to ask for help, so we called Ike. From there, we got gravel to block the road leading up to Image.”
The Cliffside Hotel, reportedly acquired by Chinese investment, looks like it has been abandoned and has also become a concern, as trespassers break into the property and use it as a hangout spot. This has raised safety and security issues for both the property and the individuals involved.
The property known as Image, along with the adjacent land called Besos, belongs to the late Huan V. Borja, who passed away in 2019 in Guam. Borja had maintained the property beautifully during his lifetime. His cousin, Margie Borja Dalton, also kept the area well-maintained during her 10-year tenure managing the property.
However, residents report that the area has a tenant and has fallen into neglect, attracting vandalism, loitering, and littering. According to Borja’s will, the property’s assets will be distributed equally among his children, a process overseen by lawyer William Bischoff. The current tenant is said to remain until the process is complete.
Public Call to Action
Respect community spaces by refraining from vandalism or littering.
Report any suspicious activity in the areas of Image and Cliffside.
Support local cleanup initiatives or offer resources to help maintain these spaces.
As the holidays approach, the Echang community urges everyone to come together to preserve the beauty and safety of Koror’s neighborhoods. (By: Eustoria Marie Borja)