Author: ngewakl

March 18, 2026 | Saisha Adhikari The Republic of Palau is navigating a rapidly shifting public health landscape with an approach rooted in creativity, clarity, and community. Rather than slowing down in the face of limited staffing and competing priorities, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHSS) has chosen to use this moment to build systems that will last. Through Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding, Palau hired HealthEfficient, a health care consulting organization, to support data modernization (DM) initiatives, including a new national electronic health record (EHR). Palau previously collaborated with HealthEfficient through the Pacific Islands Primary Care…

Overview: A new push to strengthen Palau’s media sector is underway, with the Palau Media Council launching a fundraising campaign to expand training, secure equipment and build a dedicated media training center for the next generation of storytellers. KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Media Council has launched a fundraising drive to support ongoing efforts to strengthen local media capacity, including training programs, equipment access and the establishment of a dedicated media training center. The campaign, running through May 25, seeks financial contributions to cover about $3,000 in import taxes for donated media equipment valued at $30,000, as…

March 19, 2026 On March 16, 2026, Mr. YOKOSHIMA Naohiko, President of NEDO and Mr. MATSUMOTO Shintaro, Executive Director of NEDO held discussions with H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and H.E. Mr. Peter Adelbai, Ambassador of the Republic of Palau. They exchanged views on NEDO’s activities in the areas of hydrogen and renewable energy, among other topics. H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau (left), and Mr. YOKOSHIMA Naohiko, President of NEDO (right) Group photo of the attendees (1st from left: NEDO…

Overview: Palau lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would shift more power to the Senate by requiring confirmation of the attorney general and public safety director—two roles at the center of law enforcement and legal decision-making. Proposed bill adds Attorney General, Public Safety director to confirmation list By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — A Senate bill introduced this week would require legislative confirmation for two of the government’s most powerful law enforcement and legal posts, a change supporters say would strengthen oversight but critics warn could inject politics into sensitive roles. Senate Bill No. 12-66, introduced…

It’s taken for granted that most of the Pacific are the direct descendants of the Neolithic population known as the Lapita culture.South-east Asian in origin, the Lapitas spread through the Pacific 3,200 years ago before the Papuan gene began to mix in about 1,000 years later.The Laptias have left their trace across the Pacific in the form of distinctive pottery fragments and a shared language group, forms of which are spoken by all Pacific Islanders.But in Palau, there are no such pottery fragments to be found, and their language, whilst a form of the shared language group, is distinctly different…

Overview: Palau has officially filled a long-vacant leadership post in its immigration system with the swearing-in of Bradley O. Kumangai as Chief of Immigration. The ceremony signals a renewed focus on border management, enforcement, and modernization under the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. KOROR, Palau (April 22, 2026) — The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection has sworn in Mr. Bradley O. Kumangai as the new Chief of Immigration, filling a position that had been vacant for a period of time within the Division of Immigration.  (left to right)  Chief of Corporate Services Robert Tarkong, New Chief of Immigration Bradley…

Overview: A new Senate bill in Palau is putting a spotlight on a small but often overlooked group—stateless individuals raised by Palauan families who still lack legal identity. Lawmakers say the proposal could finally offer a path forward—without changing the Constitution. But is it enough? Measure seeks to help adopted, non-ancestry residents without altering constitutional citizenship rules By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (April 24, 2026) — A group of senators has introduced legislation to create a legal pathway for stateless individuals raised in Palau to obtain Palauan nationality, aiming to address a long-standing gap without conflicting with the Constitution’s…

Overview: Palau’s Senate has unanimously confirmed Gaafar J. Uherbelau as ambassador to Taiwan, backing the former health minister’s diplomatic appointment with a 14-0 vote. Lawmakers cite public health leadership and international experience By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Senate has unanimously confirmed President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s appointment of Gaafar J. Uherbelau as ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan). Gaafar Uherbelau, President’s appointee to post of Ambassador to Taiwan, received full confirmation from the 12th Senate, OEK. All 14 senators voted in favor of the nomination, with none opposed, following a positive recommendation from…

Overview: Palau is showing early signs of drought after weeks of little rain, prompting water rationing in northern states and growing concern among farmers. As forecasts warn of drier months ahead, those working the land are split between adapting quickly and waiting for clearer guidance. By Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — Weeks of little rainfall are raising early concerns of drought across Palau, with farmers already feeling the strain and questioning how to prepare as conditions remain uncertain. Water rationing has begun in northern states as officials respond to dwindling supplies. Authorities are urging residents to conserve…

Overview: Palau is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures, as businessman and former Senate president Surangel Whipps Sr. dies at 86. His passing has also led to the postponement of the president’s annual State of the Republic Address. Passing prompts postponement of president’s State of the Republic Address By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 24, 2026) — Surangel Whipps Sr., a prominent businessman, traditional leader and former Senate president, has died at age 86, his family announced Wednesday. Rekemesik Surangel Whipps Sr., prominent businessman and leader, passed away at the age 86. Photo credit: Surangel &…