Justice for all: Palau's Call To Action

13/10/2023

13/10/2023

13/10/2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to allow customers with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily.

13/10/2023

07/10/2023

Use this form to apply for asylum in the United States and for withholding of removal (formerly called “withholding of deportation”). You may file for asylum if you are physically in the United States and you are not a U.S. citizen.

24/09/2023

KELULAU IS NOT WHISPERING
By Santy Asanuma
Ngarker Olbechel, Tia Belau
11 April 2016
One senator or delegate cannot do anything to make Palau better. A senator or delegate is as good as a “temikl” (coconut stick). Senators and delegates can function better as a skobang (bundled coconut sticks broom). Therefore, Olbiil is no different than group sports. It can only produce results if senators or delegates together in each house of congress. At the end both house of OEK must join forces to finally produce results through legislation or oversight on the government to impact our life as Palauans for the better. It is very disheartening (mo moualech a rengud) when we see our senators or delegates spend time and energy to put down each other in each house or both houses in congress launch attacks against each other. Debate means logical discussion that can create meaningful exchanges leading to productive results. Calling names and being emotional is not only childish but dangerous characteristic in OEK.
Olbiil is a place of clear thinking that calls for analytical minds (meduis er a tekoi er a omelchiil er a uldasu). It calls for high skills in both academics and practical experiences in life to have broader (berroker) view in order to see beyond the obvious day to day needs of the people to the smallest details that are required to make the whole public system run smoothly. These people should have the technical skills and tenacity (telekangel) to read voluminous text of existing laws and proposed legislations. This is an everyday work not counting session days to make sure our policies have both substance and teeth in order to be enforceable and effective. Many of our existing laws urgently need to be modified in light of the current rapid mass socio-economical changes due to no limit set on development; or new laws need to be legislated for new things coming into our country. For example I am beginning to see people from Pakistan and Nepal hording (mermang el delbechel) in because our immigration laws are both outdated with very low or no restrictions and not attuned to terrorism around the world today.
Olbiil is a place for those with refined character (ungil elulchedasech el blekerradel) that project respectability, dignity, and confidence to show social maturity and status in the community. People who are God fearing have tendency to care for people’s needs if they remain truthful to their faith in God; those who are loyal to their spouses and families; those who are showing genuine care to the community at all times not just during election year; those involving themselves in community services to help others. These are some of the qualities and good indicators that a person can be good leader because he is already doing som**hing for the people. They will naturally do som**hing in OEK to help the various social developments to empower people and improve their lives. A good example of this is Dr. Otto and family, who routinely collected trash at Long Island daily, introduced a law to buy containers when he was a senator.
The OEK is definitely not like the bai of the past both in atmosphere and behavior. Perhaps this reflects what the people want to see in their elected leaders perform as if they are in TV show Hunger Games. Unfortunately, the political development has done away (mla chemoit) the revered traditional demeanors of social engagements in respectful and diplomatic language, especially among elites (a remeteet me a ngarbab el chad er klechad er tir) of society. Politics of today is loud and unrestrained very much like the reality shows on TV these days. The more violent in barking and vicious in attacks during the sessions in OEK seem to be the required characters to make the good ratings for a lawmaker these days. Because of this regretful image, Olbiil is not a place for the faint in heart (a rebedektall ma sebekiais a rengrir). To be in OEK today is like signing up into the Ultimate Fight Championship (UFC).
That as it may be Olbiil is the ultimate place for our collective powers and aspirations as a people and society of Palau. It can remove a president or a judge or cut off funding to undeserving agency or department of government. But the president or a judge cannot remove the entire congress. Therefore, Olbiil is the pinnacle (buadel) of government like the dome over it where our newly adopted democratic principles and our traditional principles (kelulau) from our ancestors must be upheld in order that justice will be secured while promoting interests of the indigenous (techelamiich) Palauan people.

23/09/2023

Certain aliens noncitizens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other aliens noncitizens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States wi...

23/09/2023

The employment-based (EB) annual limit for fiscal year (FY) 2023 will be higher than was typical before the pandemic, though lower than in FY 2021 and FY 2022. We are dedicated to using as many ava

22/09/2023

House bill seeks to allow non-Palauans to obtain Palauan passports under certain circumstances
by Leilani Reklai September 19, 2023

House Bill 11-109-10 seeks to allow non-Palauan citizens to obtain a Palauan passport under certain circumstances.

A passport is a “travel document issued by a country’s government to its citizens that verifies the identity and nationality of the holder for the purpose of international travel,” according to passportindex.org.

The bill seeks to provide passports to non-Palauans who Palauans adopted and to provide passports to non-Palauan spouses of Palauans.

Palau Council of Chiefs provided their comments and recommendations to the House of Delegates on the particular bill, saying that the bill may be unconstitutional. The law says only Palauans can hold Palauan passports, and Palauans, during the 2005 Constitutional Convention, did not approve the proposal to confer Palauan citizenship on adopted non-Palauans.

The Council of Chiefs offered a different solution for non-Palauan children adopted by Palauans. In their letter of recommendation, they directed the delegates to look at the current electronic travel document option instead of bestowing Palauan passports on non-Palauans.

The second part of the bill, which seeks to confer Palauan passports on non-Palauan spouses of Palauans, was also met with resistance from the Council of Chiefs. The chiefs cautioned that such a proposal is bound to be abused, citing non-Palauan females marrying Palauan men just to get passports in order to travel to the United States.

“We do not support the second objective of the bill first because of its potential for abuse and second because we do not see that it is necessary,” states the chiefs in their letter.

Sources: https://islandtimes.org/house-bill-seeks-to-allow-non-palauans-to-obtain-palauan-passports-under-certain-circumstances/?fbclid=IwAR1kRDmUyiS9nJbdnuH5TvzBLXgFg0mYbLTPPkOGthGeogRklAELnE4l0MM

22/09/2023

How to Register a Business in Palau

Apr 26, 2023 | Generis Incorporation, Palau 🇵🇼

Palau is a small island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean, and it offers a great business environment for entrepreneurs who want to invest in the country. Before starting a business in Palau, entrepreneurs must register their business with the Palau Ministry of Finance. In this article, we will guide you on how to register a business in Palau.

Table of Contents

Determine the Business Type and Structure

Before registering a business in Palau, entrepreneurs must first determine the type of business they want to establish. The most common business structures in Palau include sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). Each business structure has different requirements, liabilities, and tax implications, so it’s important to carefully consider which structure is best for your business.

Choose a Business Name

After determining the business structure, the next step is to choose a unique name for the business. The business name must be registered with the Palau Ministry of Finance to ensure that no other business is using the same name. It’s important to note that the business name cannot contain any offensive language or suggest any illegal activities.

Obtain a Business License

All businesses operating in Palau must obtain a business license from the Palau Ministry of Finance. The license is required to operate a business legally in Palau. The license fee varies depending on the type of business and the location. The business license must be renewed annually.

Obtain a Tax Identification Number

All businesses operating in Palau must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Palau Bureau of Revenue and Taxation. The TIN is used to identify the business for tax purposes. The TIN must be included on all tax returns and other tax-related documents.

Register with the Palau Social Security Administration

All businesses operating in Palau must register with the Palau Social Security Administration (PSSA). The PSSA provides social security benefits to Palauan citizens and permanent residents. The employer is required to contribute to the social security fund on behalf of its employees.

Register with the Palau Bureau of Labor and Human Resources

All businesses operating in Palau must register with the Palau Bureau of Labor and Human Resources (BLHR). The BLHR ensures that businesses comply with labor laws and regulations. The BLHR also provides assistance and resources to businesses to help them comply with labor laws.

Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

Depending on the nature of the business, entrepreneurs may need to obtain additional permits and licenses from other government agencies. For example, businesses that handle food may need to obtain a food handler’s permit from the Palau Ministry of Health. It’s important to research the requirements for your specific business to ensure that you obtain all necessary permits and licenses.

Starting a business in Palau can be a complex process, and it’s important to ensure that all legal requirements are met. Generis Global can provide assistance and guidance throughout the process to ensure that your business is registered properly and complies with all legal requirements.

In conclusion, registering a business in Palau requires several steps, including determining the business type and structure, choosing a business name, obtaining a business license, obtaining a TIN, registering with the PSSA and BLHR, obtaining necessary permits and licenses, and seeking legal assistance. By following these steps, entrepreneurs can establish a successful business in Palau. Contact Generis Global for assistance with the legal part of your business journey in Palau.


GET STARTED WITH PALAU
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22/09/2023

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Applicant’s Name: Name of a Person, Partnership, Corporation or Association who will conduct business activities in
the Republic.
2. Type of Ownership: The person submitting the application must show valid Proof of Identification (Passport/Driver’s
License/ID Card)
 Sole Proprietor - Name of the Person applying for a business license.
1. A non-citizen applicant must submit a copy of FIAC permit.
 Corporations, Partnerships or Associations must be locally owned and a copy of corporation charter or
partnership agreement must be submitted along with the application.
 Non-citizen corporations, Associations or Partnerships must submit, along with the application, a copy of a
foreign investment approval certificate issued by the Foreign Investment Board granting the right to do business
in the Republic.
3. Type of License: Check mark the appropriate license type applying for.
 Non-Profit Organizations (NGO’s), a $50 registration fee shall be due upon renewal. No fee is imposed on new
applications.
4. Doing Business As (DBA): Name of the new business.
5. Business Location: Exact location of the new business. If the business is renting land/space or any property where the
business will be conducted, a copy of the rental/lease agreement must be provided with the new business application.
6. Mailing address: Enter Post Office Box #, City & State, Zip Code.
7. Telephone : Enter Home & Business Telephone Numbers.
8. Fax; Other Contact #: Enter Fax #; Mobile # or Other alternate contact #.
9. Email address: Enter email address.
10. Person to Contact: Enter name of the Contact Person (Provide copy of ID)
11. Title of Contact Person: Enter the Job Title of the contact person.
12. Business Activity: Enter the commercial activity to be conducted.
13. Check the appropriate Tax: Check mark appropriate tax and the expected due date on the space provided.

http://palaugov.pw/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tax_001-New-Business-Application.pdf

22/09/2023

Bill to criminalize distribution of sensitive and intimate images passes Senate
by Island TimesSeptember 22, 2023

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

A bill to criminalize unauthorized distribution of p**nographic pictures and videos passed its 3rd and final reading on Tuesday, September 19, in the Senate.

In light of last year’s and this year’s circulation of many viral p**nographic videos and pictures, Delegate Timothy Sinsak and other delegates initiated the bill amending Chapter 16, Title 17 of the Palau National Code (PNC) to “Criminalize unauthorized distribution of sensitive images.”

The bill makes distributing intimate, sensitive, and p**nographic images a Class C Felony and a tort (a civil wrong) with civil liability. It allows for awarding damages for emotional distress, mental anguish, punitive damages, and criminal penalties.

A person guilty of unauthorized distribution of such images will be fined a thousand dollars ($1,000) and five hundred ($500) dollars per day for each subsequent distribution. Furthermore, the bill allows a person whose image is in the already distributed “sensitive” video or picture to sue the distributor for damages, including attorney’s fees.

However, the bill removes liability from a computer service, information service, or telecommunication provider for the content provided by another person. It also removes liability from a person who distributes for legitimate public purposes.

“I want to thank Floor Leader Secilil Eldebechel for this committee report and the bill. I asked him to ensure this bill will address revenge p**n,” stated Senator Inabo at the 2nd reading. She said that in a small country like ours, such images will cause distress and humiliation and ruin people’s reputations, especially young people.

Senator Eldebechel said Guam passed similar legislation to criminalize the unauthorized distribution of p**nographic images and videos, including revenge p**n, a deed in which one will share or make public intimate pictures and videos of another person as revenge.

When the president signs, distributing viral p**nographic images and videos popularized in Palau these past years will be illegal, carrying stiff fines.

Despite strong support for the bill from both houses of OEK, the added baggage tacked to it while in the Senate may jeopardize its passage in the House. The version passed in the Senate this week, HB 11-76.8S, HD1, SD2, contains a Continuing Budget Resolution rider, a proposal the House of Delegates adamantly opposes.

https://islandtimes.org/bill-to-criminalize-distribution-of-sensitive-and-intimate-images-passes-senate/?fbclid=IwAR0doPo0NRw08gj_N3OQhTQhN8gBGhsz4OCZk1eGG2MbFz8WMOmHUJUDZcA

17/09/2023

16/09/2023

Police morale at its lowest

The Bureau of Public Safety, the primary law enforcement body of this country, is spiraling downward, in danger of imploding from within, said veteran police officers who spoke on anonymity with Island Times, fearing retaliation if their identities are revealed.

“Honest, eng meral meral mekngit a renguk er tial blil a bulis! (I feel so bad for the Bureau of Public Safety, the police force). I have been on the police force for little over 20 years, and I have never seen it this bad or the police morale this low,” said a demoralized and upset police officer during an interview yesterday.

Five officers who were interviewed separately in the past week all reiterated the same sentiments, expressing feelings of frustration, helplessness, and anger over what they perceive to be a lack of leadership, poor leadership, and lots of terrible decisions that have resulted in complete chaos in the entire Bureau of Public Safety.

One issue that has crystallized the problems of poor leadership, lack of leadership, and the terrible decisions made is that the police officers who tested positive for m**hamphetamine (ice) are still either working or on paid leave. No action is being taken by the Bureau of Public Safety leadership to address it.

Of the six people who tested positive, three resigned on their own, but three are undergoing “rehabilitation” while on administrative leave or continuing to work.

This situation has upset most police officers, especially veteran officers who have invested a great deal of their lives in the police force.

“When a person is caught with m**hamphetamine or “ice,” that person gets a minimum of 10 years jail time. If a law enforcement officer is caught, that’s plus 3 years or a minimum of 13 years of jail time. But here, these officers tested positive for m**h and are still wearing uniforms, walking around, and getting paid! That is unfair and pi**es the rest of us who have been at this job for a long time!” expressed a frustrated and angry veteran police officer.

Another said, “How can we go out to schools and public and conduct an awareness campaign, but the kids have heard that some of us use these drugs, especially high school kids who read or hear their parents talking. If they ask us what happened to those officers, I can’t answer. I don’t even know! Our leadership has not explained what policy they are following or what disciplinary actions are being taken. Nothing!”

Officers who spoke to Island Times say that most of the police officers in the Bureau of Public Safety are upset about this lack of action from the Bureau of Public Safety leadership. “If the law says they can’t be fired, don’t we have regulations in place that provide cause for termination or suspension?” questioned an officer, saying this is greatly affecting the morale of officers within the Bureau.

The problem also creates credibility issues for the police officers. If a case is taken to court, explained an officer, the defense can easily tear down the case by tearing down the credibility of police officers.

Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau-Senior reported at this week’s press conference that she had terminated one of the officers who tested positive for drugs. Still, that officer appealed, and the Grievance Panel re-instated the officer. She said she believed she did the right thing, and it went through the process, and that was the final outcome.

But all of these problems stem from poor leadership, lack of decisive leadership, remote controlled and remote-operated BPS, said a veteran police officer.

“Most of the divisions have acting chiefs, and one division has 3 chiefs. Our Acting Director is a young guy who is also an acting chief of his division. We are led by acting-acting chiefs and acting-acting director,” revealed an officer. “Division of Transnational Crime and Narcotics Enforcement and Division of Corrections all have acting chiefs. The chiefs of these two divisions were “demoted” to the Division of Marine Law Enforcement and Fish & Wild Life, which already have a chief. So we have 3 chiefs in one division, and two divisions are run by acting chiefs.

The officer also revealed that the chiefs of the two divisions were just given a memo that said they were “demoted” and moved to another division without just cause or evidence for their demotion. BPS Director Cary Levitre just wrote them a memo saying they were ineffective and were being “demoted” and moved to another division. “Their personnel actions still say they are chiefs and still getting paid their chief salaries, but they are all sitting in one division while two very important divisions are headed by acting chiefs.”

“Also, our Director is supposedly on leave but still manages the bureau remotely. If this guy was Palauan, I am sure he has been fired, or they have sent him a memo saying he is on leave and should not be doing work. The acting director has to take his orders or decisions from him and decisions have to be delayed due to time difference. It is just a mess!” added the officer.

Regarding the drug problem, one of the officers interviewed shared that Director Levitre, before he left, told the officers that the biggest problem Palau faced was human trafficking and not drugs. As such, he took out three senior officers from the Narcotics Enforcement, leaving only three young officers who were still learning at the NEA.

“The information he reported at the OEK budget hearing on the number of drug cases prosecuted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 are all lies. You can check at the court how many cases were charged and prosecuted!” stated the officer, who also said to check how many human trafficking cases were filed during that period.

The same officer interviewed said that having officers in the force who have tested positive for m**hamphetamine certainly compromises ongoing investigations.

Interviews of the different officers all share the same consensus. The leadership at the BPS is a problem. The morale of the police is at its lowest, and public perception is also at its lowest. The officers continue to resign and leave the force. But more concerning is the perception by the officers that should any danger or disaster occur, the Bureau of Public Safety is not in the position to handle th crisis.

“Right now, the only way this situation can be resolved is if someone from outside the BPS, from the national congress or the President, steps in to resolve these problems. Otherwise, all I see is the Bureau of Public Safety continuing to spiral downward,” concluded the 20-year veteran police officer.

- Island Times Newspaper

16/09/2023

There are measures dedicated to investigating and prosecuting human rights violations of women and girls. The Family Protection Act passed in November 2012 is enforced by the Bureau of Public Safety.The Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs is mandated to raise awareness and build capacity for women and girls to use this Act effectively. The Act has a "no drop" policy; therefore, once a victim calls, it will follow due process. The human rights violations of women and girls that have been successfully prosecuted since 2010 are child abuse, domestic violence, and trafficking cases. There is a Family Protection Group that is developing a process and protocol for the Family Protection Act (FPA). Currently the Court of Common Pleas is mandated to handle cases related to the FPA. The Judiciary Branch worked with the Ministry of Health to implement the FPA.

14/12/2022

And what shall we do? This isn't good news at all.

13/12/2022

VOTE FOR ANN KLOULECHAD SINGEO FOR SENATE.🌄🌄🌄🌄🌄🌞🌞🌞

10/12/2022

Nepotism

You might have come across the term nepotism in the workplace, which has sparked interest in the business sector. The word carries a strong negative connotation. And if there is nepotism in the workplace, you're unknowingly cultivating a toxic environment.

The issue with nepotism is that it can destroy a positive work environment and demoralize employees. A leader must confront it as soon as possible, and its elimination from the workplace is crucial. There are several ways to get rid of it.

This article highlights the problems that nepotism can cause and how to address them to create a more sustainable work culture.

What is Nepotism?

Nepotism in the workplace is a form of favoritism in which persons in positions of authority appoint relatives or friends to different jobs. Although it is not wholly illegal in the private sector, the act itself is unethical in the workplace.

It is one of the most destructive forms of an act that can ruin a workplace culture and create unwanted chaos. It not only promotes partiality but also lowers the morale of talented people.

24/11/2022

as a gateway to stronger and hard drugs.

The social worker at a public office who has worked in the field of child sexual abuse previously and now deals with drug addicts said, “They[minors] tell us that it is very common in high schools. The statistics only cover the surface.”

She further said that since M**h is expensive, the girls are either asked to exchange sexual favors for drugs or are made “runners”. According to her, the runners are girls who are required to pull in more girls in the system.

“They [drug dealers] find more girls from other runners. It is a chain.” She added.

She reveals that the drug dealers entice young females with cellphones, airtimes and car rides who then introduce them to drugs and the young girls end up getting more of their friends along eventually.

“Most cases come from broken families or single parents. There are missing factors in their family life that lead these kids easily towards this kind of lifestyle” the social worker said. (By Eshan Kalyanikar)

24/11/2022

Five counts, Trafficking (ice), Possession (ice), Unlawful Imprisonment in Second Degree, Prostitution and Criminal Solicitation to commit Prostitution were filed against Karn Mabel.

Five counts were also filed against Arnold Buck for Trafficking (ice or m**hamphetamine), Possession (m**hamphetamine), Prostitution and Criminal Conspiracy to commit Prostitution.

All defendants have been arraigned except for Wilhelm Rekis Aichi who has not been arrested and still at large. Law enforcement agencies are seeking public assistance in locating Mr. Aichi.

The criminal charges were brought by the Office of Special Prosecutor and not the Office of the Attorney General. Vice President and Minister of Justice Raynold Oilouch is currently out of the country representing Palau at the 48th PIF and could not be reached for comment. [/restrict]

24/11/2022

By: L.N. Reklai

September 8, 2016 (Koror) Office of Special Prosecutor filed total of 6 counts of Criminal Conspiracy charges against police officer Clark Willyander of the Division of Corrections of the Ministry of Justice early this month.

[restrict]

The counts include Criminal Conspiracy to Trafficking, Criminal Conspiracy to Tamper with Evidence, Criminal Attempt to Possession, Criminal Attempt to Tamper with Evidence and Bribery.

According to affidavit filed by OSP criminal investigator Detective Lieutenant Dolyn Tell, Clark Willyander, a police officer Clark Willyander assigned to the Division of Corrections have approached Officer Sebalt assigned to Belau Drug Enforcement Taskforce and ask him to provide him with information from BEDFT in exchange for $500.

In the report, Mr. Willyander requested a key to a vehicle seized previously from a drug related case from the Officer Sebalt whom he had offered money in exchange for information earlier.

A sting operation was set up, according to the affidavit, by the BEDFT to catch Officer Willyander in the act.

In subsequent set meetings with Officer Willyander and an unnamed inmate, Belau Drug Enforcement Taskforce were able to find out that the vehicle that Officer Willyander wanted access to had several plates of M**hamphetamine “ice” drugs hidden inside of it.

Officer Willyander was charged and arraigned on September 27, 2016. [/restrict]

24/11/2022

participate in the work release program with Ngara Ubeng during his 3 months of incarceration. He will also pay $1,000 dollar fine and be subject to random drug testing four times a year.

Sechedui Ito who was also charged on one Trafficking and one Possession of Controlled substance, also pled guilty to lesser charge of possession and was given similar term as other in sentencing.

Thirteen drug cases were adjudicated in 2016 and four this January of 2017. Of the 13 cases 2016, 2 were dismissed and 11 were sentenced. All the 11 pled guilty to lesser charges. [/restrict]

24/11/2022

Two friends from Palau move to Guam and one kills the other in a drunken fight.

Brandy Ngiraibai Stephanus has been sentenced to ten years for the death of his coworker Randy Tomei. He was originally sentenced to 12 but the client’s defense Attorney William Jones asked for 8 years. Brandy claimed he and Randy had been drinking earlier that night and got mad at each other over food. The anger escalated when Brandy followed Tomei to his room and he closed the door on him pushing him away. He claimed to have poked him with a knife and moved away from the door.

Mr. Stephanus moved to Guam in 2018 to work with Randy Tomei. There were a lot of problems at the employee compound and the employer was reportedly going to send them back to Palau for several reasons, alcohol being one such factor.

The court found Stephanus to be a remorseful and hardworking religious man. It said in the police report he had called 911, cooperated very well and honestly told that he committed the crime. Stephanus admitted to the murder of Randy Tomei and was very sorry towards the man’s family after spending a year in jail thinking about it.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a less severe crime than murder. Judge Michael Bordallo sentenced Stephanus to 10 years in prison with credit for time served. Stephanus has spent 377 days in jail. Stephanus will be placed on five years of probation after being released from prison.

Both Brandy Ngiraibai Stephanus and Randy Tomei were recruited and relocated to Guam for better-paying jobs and were living together in a housing compound while working in Guam. (Kerdeu Uong)