Whipps points to Construction Boom for Palau’s Economic Future
Island Times – Koror, Palau – President Surangel Whipps Jr. delivered an optimistic outlook on Palau’s short-term economic prospects in his fourth State of the Republic Address (SORA) on Thursday. Whipps emphasized patience and a post-pandemic recovery, stating, “Our future outlook is good, and we should be more patient and not
David Lambourne: Australia-born judge facing potential deportation from Kiribati
RNZ Pacific – An Australian-born judge in Kiribati could well face deportation later this week after a tribunal ruling that he should be removed from his post. The tribunal’s report has just been tabled in the Kiribati Parliament and is due to be debated by MPs this week – the
Koror State secures loan to Bolster Budget after years of delays
Island Times – KOROR, Palau — Koror State is finally set to receive a loan from the national government to help fund its annual budget, ending nearly three years of requests. Minister Kaleb Udui Jr. confirmed last week that paperwork is nearing completion, with signing and disbursement expected in May.
Bill 259 offers solution for 22 GovGuam agencies without legal representation
KUAM News- As 22 Government of Guam agencies enter week 7 of no legal representation, lawmakers attempt to resolve the situation. Senator Tom Fisher remarked, “The territory has been suffering for some weeks now on the uncertainty of the Attorney General’s position. Agencies are suffering of course.” Speaker Therese Terlaje’s
Palau receives Ancestral Remains in Repatriation Ceremony
Island Times – Germany- In a ceremony on March 25, 2024, the University of Göttingen and the State Ethnographic Collections of Saxony in Germany repatriated human remains of 8 individuals to Palau. The remains originated from the Hamburg South Seas Expedition (1908-1910) conducted by the then-Museum of Ethnology in Hamburg.
Marshall Islands launches COFA public review – Nuclear legacy question remains open
RNZ Pacific – While both Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have endorsed their new Compacts of Free Association (COFA) with Washington, the Marshall Islands just launched its review process Thursday with the first of a series of public hearings to engage islanders living in Majuro and Ebeye,
Palau President Seeks Approval for Legal Cooperation Treaty with Taiwan
Island Times – President Surangel Whipps Jr. is urging Palau’s national congress, the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK), to ratify a treaty on mutual legal assistance with Taiwan. The agreement, signed in 2022 by Vice President and Justice Minister J. Uduch Sengebau-Senior, aims to “combat transnational crime and strengthen global security,”
‘North Pacific islands are still grappling with historical trauma’
RNZ Pacific – Pacific mental health leaders from around the world are in Auckland for an international exchange. The exchange is part of a partnership between Pasifika provider ‘Le Va’, Te Pou and Global Leadership Exchange who are hosting the Pacific Behavioral Health Collaborating Council (PBHCC) made up of six
Taiwan Embassy donates 1,800 USD to the Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary to pursue sustainable development in Palau
Island Times – On March 13, Ambassador Jessica C. Lee delivered a check of $1,800 to the Friends of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (FRIENDS), in support of its Palau Pledge Dive Camp. Ambassador Jessica C. Lee said the Embassy is proud of FRIENDS’ long term partner to keep Palau
Realities of climate change’: FSM declares state of emergency amid severe drought
RNZ Pacific – Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina has declared a national emergency due to severe drought, and sent it to his country’s Congress for review. The president’s signed declaration said the nation has been experiencing “extremely and unusually low levels” of rainfall, and it is anticipated that this
Red Cross to aid Marshall Islands as drought sweeps across Micronesia
RNZ Pacific – Humanitarian organisation Red Cross has begun an operation to assist thousands of people affected by severe drought in the Marshall Islands, as lack of rainfall dries out the Micronesian region. The group said it is providing funding of around $US220,000 to enable its Marshall Islands branch to
Biden wins CNMI’s first Democratic presidential primary
KUAM News – President Joe Biden won the CNMI’s first Democratic Presidential Primary with 93 out of the total 99 votes cast in the week-long event. The official results were announced on Saipan as polls closed Tuesday night. Jason Palmer received 4 votes, Marianne Williamson received 2 votes, and Dean