Author: ngewakl

A heated exchange unfolded in Parliament this evening as Members of Parliament debated a motion to reduce their salaries. The government tabled a motion proposing a 20 percent pay cut, which was later passed by the majority. However, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu stirred debate when he proposed a steeper 50 percent salary reduction for all MPs. Seruiratu, who earns about $200,000 annually, argued that leaders must set the standard, stressing that during the previous administration the Opposition Leader’s salary stood at $120,000.Article continues after advertisement His proposal was quickly rejected, drawing sharp criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, who accused Seruiratu of political grandstanding. Gavoka claimed…

An NH90 Helicopter successfully completed 2 drops to assist Papa New Guinea after Tropical Cyclone Maila on 21 April 2026. The first drop was to Lamarain, where Governor Michael Marum and Deputy District Administrator joined the crew for the flight. Members of the community assisted with unloading. The load consisted of: 5 cartons of tin fish, 25 cartons of biscuits, 25 cartons of noodles, 16 bales of sugar, 16 bales of rice and 20 household kits. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force New Zealand has delivered a NZ$3million support package for two Pacific countries affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila. The Category…

KOROR, Palau – Representatives from the U.S. Department of War, Republic of Palau, and the Palau Chamber of Commerce partnered to host a Construction Industry Forum at the Palau Community College in Koror, Jan. 19. The forum centered on the multi-million dollar military construction (MILCON) project to modernize and enhance the Malakal port and harbor. Attendees were provided with a project briefing, which outlined the scope of the improvements and the critical role the port will play in the region’s future, and were introduced to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative Multiple Award Construction Contract prime contractors to provide local businesses a…

Overview: Palau authorities are stepping up efforts to combat financial crimes, warning that increased internet access is fueling a rise in online scams and fraud. Officials say stronger coordination and public awareness will be key to protecting the public. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Law enforcement and regulatory agencies in Palau are strengthening coordination to investigate and prevent financial crimes, officials said during a recent public program. Jolanda Warren, an investigator with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Bureau of Public Safety, said her work involves close collaboration with agencies including the Financial Institutions Commission and the Financial Intelligence…

Fuel and LPG prices across the country will increase from tomorrow, following the latest review by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission. The increases affect all major fuel types, with diesel recording the sharpest rise. Under the new prices, diesel will increase by 93 cents per litre, while kerosene will go up by 59 to 61 cents per litre depending on location. Motor spirit will increase by 20 cents per litre, and premix by 22 to 23 cents per litre. In Viti Levu, motor spirit will now retail between $3.13 and $3.49 per litre, while diesel will range from $3.82…

Labour list MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom A member’s bill seeking to ban virginity testing in New Zealand has been drawn from Parliament’s ballot, clearing the way for it to be introduced to the House. Labour list MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s bill would make both virginity testing and hymenoplasty criminal offences, addressing what she says is a gap in current law. Members’ bills are introduced by MPs who are not ministers and are selected through a ballot process. “Every second Wednesday the House gives precedence to local, private and members’ bills. On these days members’ bills are debated,”…

A senior Palau politician has rejected accusations, levelled in a public statement by the United States Department of State, that he had accepted bribes from “government, business, and criminal interests from China”.The US State Department on Tuesday barred Hokkons Baule, the president of the Pacific nation’s senate, and his family from entering the US, after accusing him of “involvement in significant corruption on behalf of China-based actors”.State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott in a statement said Mr Baules had accepted bribes in exchange for “providing advocacy and support for government, business, and criminal interests from China”.”His actions constituted significant corruption and…

Overview: Palau’s tourism industry recorded a strong start to 2026, with visitor arrivals jumping 39% in the first quarter. New data reveals shifting travel trends, a surge in first-time visitors, and continued dominance of leisure tourism. New travelers, mature demographics and diving tourism shape visitor behavior  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 2026) — Palau’s tourism sector posted strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, with visitor arrivals rising sharply year over year and travel patterns pointing to a maturing, experience-driven market, according to newly released data. Total arrivals from January to March reached 24,379, a 39% increase from…

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says Fiji is at a critical turning point, with a rare opportunity to develop a Constitution that could stand the test of time without the political instability that shaped past versions. Speaking in Parliament, Seruiratu reflected on Fiji’s constitutional history, highlighting that previous constitutions were introduced during periods of upheaval, including coups and national crises. He says this makes the current review process unique, as it is being carried out in a more stable environment with an emphasis on consultation and public participation. “We are going to draft a new supreme law for the country without…

Fiji, Palau and Tuvalu look set to host world leaders and climate change ministers in the lead-up to COP31.Both Fiji and Palau had offered to host the “pre-COP” meetings secured for the Pacific under a complicated deal struck last year that saw hosting rights for the main climate summit go to Türkiye while giving Australia presidency of the meeting.Australia and Pacific Islands nations have declared they want to use the opportunity to publicise the Pacific’s existential battle with climate change.Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr told the ABC that Pacific leaders were close to landing a deal that would hand Palau,…