The company called Forbe Ranks with website forberanks.com published on its website the so-called Forbes ranking of Palau’s richest and most influential people. The publication has been shared on Palauan media online forums.
Responding to inquiry from the Office of President of Palau, Mr. Eduardo Magana, Official representative of Global Media Group, a representative of Forbes Media, denied any relationship stating, “website has no relation whatsoever with the Forbes Media family”.
Forbe Ranks published on its online site “10 Richest people in Palau”, ranking them from 10th to the 1st place. It named Kerai Mariur at 10th place, Antonio Bells at 9th, Raynold Oilouch at 8th, Hersey Kyota at 7th, Thomas Remengesau Sr. at 6th, Elias Camsek Chin at 5th, Sandra Pierantozzi at 4th, Johnson Toribiong at 3rd, Kuniwo Nakamura at 2nd and President Remengesau Jr. at 1st place.
The ranking does not provide reference for the information it uses to rank the individuals other than stating their previous and current positions. It does not mention what their financial worth is, only referring to them as richest people in Palau and citing their public service resumes.
Information about the company on its website states that it is a Global business magazine published bi-weekly and is headquartered in New York City, New York. It also states that it features articles in finance, industry and investing topics.
The company website states in bold letters on its header “Forbes” instead of Forbe as cited in its company information.
In its disclaimer notice, the company states that it “does not make any warranties about the information completeness, reliability, and accuracy.” Furthermore, the disclaimer says that to use the information from the site, you do so “at your own risk.”
Global Media Group, the representative of Forbes Media said they have never heard of this company and that their office will look into it. (L.N. Reklai)