Author: ngewakl

Overview: Palau prepares to bid farewell to one of its most respected leaders, Surangel Whipps Sr., as funeral services and a multi-state procession are set for May 4, culminating in Ngatpang with traditional and national honors. Procession, traditional rites and public transport arrangements announced by family By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Funeral services for former Senate President, House Speaker and businessman Surangel Whipps Sr. are scheduled for Monday, May 4, in Ngatpang, according to relatives. Services will begin that morning at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Koror. A funeral procession will follow, making passes around the premises of…

Fixed fines for littering will rise from $40 to $200 under the Litter Amendment Bill 2026. Parliament passed the Bill under Standing Order 51, allowing it to be debated and approved in a single sitting. The move is aimed at strengthening deterrence against illegal dumping. It also responds to what government describes as a growing waste management crisis. Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya said the current law was outdated. She said illegal dumping has increased across the country. She also said new waste types are not fully covered. These include electronics, batteries, solar panels, diapers and industrial waste.Article continues after…

South Island United’s Christian Gray is red carded for taking out PNG Hekari FC’s John Orobulu. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will benefit the game across both confederations. OFC president Lambert Maltock said the agreement, which runs until 30 June 2031 “marks an important step forward for football in Oceania”, with UEFA ready to assist in different development programs. He said the agreement means opportunities for players, coaches, referees and administrators to learn, grow and gain international exposure, while…

Australian aid Ahead of the May budget, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the government is assessing options to help its Pacific neighbours respond to the energy and economic shocks emanating from the US-Israel-Iran war. Wong has also joined other nations in condemning the deaths of peacekeepers and aid workers in Lebanon and has reiterated the government’s call for “full accountability” from the ongoing Israeli military investigation into its killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom in Gaza in 2024. Speaking at the Spring meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, Treasurer Jim Chalmers…

Overview: Palau has entered the first stage of a nationwide drought response, with officials warning that current rainfall will not be enough to restore water levels. As reservoirs begin to drop and water restrictions take effect in some areas, authorities are urging the public to act now to conserve water and prevent a deeper crisis. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (April 27, 2026) — Palau’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) announced Tuesday that the National Emergency Committee (NEC) has declared a “Water Shortage WATCH,” activating Stage 1 of the nation’s Drought Action Plan. NEMO Executive Director Waymine Towai explained…

[File Photo] Patient safety concerns and deteriorating conditions at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital have intensified scrutiny of its failing infrastructure. The debate has now widened into how these failures are being reported and interpreted in Parliament. International Women’s Association president Judy Compain has strongly rejected claims that media reporting on a recent lift breakdown amounts to “mal-information”. She said the issue reflects repeated system failures at the hospital, not a single isolated incident. Her response follows comments by Information Minister Lynda Tabuya in Parliament. Tabuya said the lift broke down around 2.30am and was repaired by the end of…

Hooker Bitila Tawake will captain the side, supported by vice-captains – lock Alfreda Fisher and halfback Kolora Lomani. Photo: Fiji rugby Union The Fijian Drua women’s team has been named for this year’s Super Rugby W. Hooker Bitila Tawake will captain the side, supported by vice-captains – lock Alfreda Fisher and halfback Kolora Lomani. The props contingent is anchored by the team’s most-capped player and 2024 captain, Karalaini Naisewa, who has 25 appearances for the side. Among the centres are Fijiana Sevens skipper Verenaisi Ditavutu and 2025’s Rookie of the Year Josivini Naihamu. The Drua Women will kick off their…

Kiribati’s inclusion in the second round of Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), marking its first year participating in the scheme, has generated a mix of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty among prospective migrants and their families. Early implementation outcomes indicate substantial progress: at least 65% of selected primary applicants have already secured formal job offers and visa approvals. Yet, alongside these promising developments, digital hurdles, migration costs and limited tailored support emerge as structural constraints. This study is drawn from The Australian National University’s PEV survey focused this year on Kiribati and Papua New Guinea, and complemented by information from the…

Surangel Whipps Jr.KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has issued executive order No. 498 establishing a National Working Group on the Fight Against Illegal Drugs, launching a coordinated national response for 2026, declared the Year to “Just Say No” to Illegal Drugs.The order identifies illegal drugs as a serious and growing threat to public health, safety and families and calls for a strategy that goes beyond arrests and enforcement to include prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation and community reintegration.The working group will serve as the national coordinating body, bringing together representatives from the executive branch, the Palau National…

Overview: Palau lawmakers have passed a sweeping anti-drug bill that could affect jobs, immigration status, and criminal penalties. While leaders say it targets a growing drug problem, key questions remain: Is the country ready to balance strict enforcement with treatment and fairness? By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Palau lawmakers finally passed a long-awaited, wide-ranging anti-drug bill that would expand drug testing, increase penalties for drug offenses, and direct new funding toward both law enforcement and rehabilitation programs. Expanded drug testing and stricter rules Under the bill, “designated employees” — such as police officers, customs and immigration staff, health workers,…