Island Times

30/08/2024

By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has nominated Tamara Hutzler for appointment as Special Prosecutor of Palau, subject to Senate confirmation, under 2 PNC § 502. If confirmed, Hutzler will serve a five-year term as a special prosecutor, no longer serving the temporary position of interim special prosecutor. Hutzler, a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Vermont Law School, has lived and practiced law in Palau since 2011....

By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has nominated Tamara Hutzler for appointment as Special Prosecutor of Palau, subject to

30/08/2024

President Surangel Whipps Jr. is backing the Australian-funded policing plan, which he said will help curb several security issues that are now plaguing Palau including drugs, human trafficking, and Illegal, Underreported, and Unregulated ( IUU) fishing. Whipps in Tonga for the annual Pacific Islands Forum ( PIF) summit endorsed the landmark regional policing plan. The plan is a way to limit China’s security role in the region....

President Surangel Whipps  Jr. is backing the Australian-funded policing plan, which he said will help curb several security issues that are now

30/08/2024

Koror, Palau – A Palauan-Filipina by the name of Eliane Gayle Ngirmeriil is running to represent Zamboanga city to the Miss Universe Philippines pageant in 2025. Zamboanga city is the 3rd largest city by land area and is the 2nd most populous city in Mindanao, Philippines after Davao. Ngirmeriil is one of the 21 contestants aiming to represent Zamboanga city in the up-coming miss universe Philippines competition....

Koror, Palau – A Palauan-Filipina by the name of Eliane Gayle Ngirmeriil is running to represent Zamboanga city to the Miss Universe Philippines pageant

30/08/2024

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau – House of Delegates Speaker Sabino Anastacio has reinstated Delegate Swenny Ongidobel of Ngeremlengui as chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Trade, just 74 days before the end of this OEK’s term. Ongidobel was removed from the position on February 27, 2023, under House Resolution 11-12-10S, which reassigned his committee duties to Delegate Lee Otobed of Ngatpang....

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau – House of Delegates Speaker Sabino Anastacio has reinstated Delegate Swenny Ongidobel of Ngeremlengui as

30/08/2024

By Eustoria Marie Borja Koror, Palau — Concerns are rising about the effectiveness of Palau’s K-9 units in tackling illegal drug trafficking. Although these units were acquired to help combat drug trafficking, their involvement in recent drug enforcement operations has been limited. K-9 Units and Their Roles The Division of Transnational Crime oversees seven K-9s trained for detecting drugs and explosives....

30/08/2024

Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., has officially declared September 2024 as National Emergency Preparedness Month in Palau, emphasizing the urgent need for the nation to be ready for natural and man-made disasters. The proclamation, Presidential Proclamation No. 24-374, was signed in August 2024 at the Office of the President's Satellite Office in Koror. The declaration aligns with global efforts to enhance disaster readiness, particularly in light of increasing threats from climate change and emerging diseases and pandemics....

Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., has officially declared September 2024 as National Emergency Preparedness Month in Palau, emphasizing

30/08/2024

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau — The House of Delegates has passed a bill on its first reading to authorize the Bureau of Fisheries to distribute tilapia seedlings to Palauan citizens and promote the establishment of tilapia farming in the country. The bill argues that Palau has overreacted to tilapia being labeled an invasive species and calls on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment to encourage tilapia farming, distribute its seedlings, and develop a market for its consumption....

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau — The House of Delegates has passed a bill on its first reading to authorize the Bureau of Fisheries to

30/08/2024

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau – Palau Community College (PCC) began its new academic year on August 19, 2024, with an increase in enrollment. A total of 394 students registered for the fall semester, a slight increase from 387 students in fall 2023, reflecting a 0.7% rise. Liberal Arts remains the most popular field of study, with 58 students enrolled. In contrast, General Electronics has the lowest enrollment, with only three students choosing that program....

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau – Palau Community College (PCC) began its new academic year on August 19, 2024, with an increase in enrollment. A total of

30/08/2024

From July 28 to August 5, PICRC Research Assistant, Geory Mereb attended a training in Okinawa on small-scale longline tuna fisheries. Through the course he gained insight into the tuna industry and grading system, its importance as a commercial industry, and its future outlook. The stocks of four tuna species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean collectively form one of the world’s largest and most valuable fisheries....

From July 28 to August 5, PICRC Research Assistant, Geory Mereb attended a training in Okinawa on small-scale longline tuna fisheries. Through the course

30/08/2024

The Government of Ngeremlengui State created Ngeremlengui State Scholarship (NSS) to support its young people in reaching their educational goals. This is the 8th year that the Palau National Scholarship Board has helped in administering the scholarship program following established qualifying criteria. The eligibility criteria require the recipient to be a recent high school senior/graduate from Ngeremlengui State, with at least one parent who is a registered voter of Ngeremlengui. ...

The Government of Ngeremlengui State created Ngeremlengui State Scholarship (NSS) to support its young people in reaching their educational goals. This is

30/08/2024

Lin Chia-lung Minister of Foreign Affairs ROC (Taiwan) Taiwan is an indispensable partner in global supply chains, producing more than 90 percent of the world’s high-end semiconductors and a significant portion of the advanced chips that are driving the AI revolution. Moreover, half of the world’s seaborne trade passes through the Taiwan Strait, making it a key international waterway. Yet even though large parts of the world—and billions of people—have enjoyed great prosperity thanks to the peace and stability that prevails across the strait, China continues to intensify its aggressive actions against Taiwan....

Lin Chia-lung Minister of Foreign Affairs ROC (Taiwan) Taiwan is an indispensable partner in global supply chains, producing more than 90 percent of the

30/08/2024

Embrace the power to break free from the constraints that hold you back. Have the courage to disrupt the routines in your life that no longer serve you. We often find ourselves trapped in patterns, behaviors, mindsets, or attitudes. Self-reflection is not just critical; it's a vital tool for self-awareness. It's about understanding why we fear leaving the familiar or are hesitant to make the necessary changes for personal growth....

Embrace the power to break free from the constraints that hold you back. Have the courage to disrupt the routines in your life that no longer serve you.

30/08/2024

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan NUKU'ALOFA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) --- While advising Pacific leaders to remain vigilant in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, Baron Waqa called on island nations and territories to leverage the region’s collective strength to achieve its goals and meet its needs. “We may be small island countries, but as the Blue Pacific Continent, we are a force to be reckoned with,” the Pacific Islands Forum's secretary general said Monday at the opening of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Nuku’alofa, Tonga....

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan NUKU'ALOFA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) --- While advising Pacific leaders to remain vigilant in the face of growing geopolitical

30/08/2024

NUKU'ALOFA (OPOC/PACNEWS) --- As leaders and ocean champions converged in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, the spotlight was firmly placed on the Pacific Ocean. On 24 August, the Pacific Ocean Alliance (POA) held its inaugural Alliance event, organised by the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) on the sidelines of the Forum. This marked a significant moment as ocean issues, often relegated to the sideline, were brought to the forefront alongside critical topics like climate change and financing....

NUKU'ALOFA (OPOC/PACNEWS) --- As leaders and ocean champions converged in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, the spotlight was

30/08/2024

By Pita Ligaiula in Nuku'alofa NUKUALOFA (PACNEWS) --- As the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting crossed the halfway mark, Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa delivered a call to action, urging Leaders to stay focused and united in tackling the region's most pressing challenges. “I congratulate you all for the important progress we are making, setting a solid platform for our Leaders’ Retreat tomorrow in Vava’u,” Waqa said in his address to the Forum Leaders Plenary in Nuku'alofa Wednesday....

By Pita Ligaiula in Nuku'alofa NUKUALOFA (PACNEWS) --- As the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting crossed the halfway mark, Forum Secretary-General

30/08/2024

In short: (ABC-Australia) Allegations in the criminal case against Donald Trump over his attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss have been narrowed. An indictment filed in the federal court this week removed allegations that Trump sought to involve the US Justice Department in the election subversion conspiracy. What's next? The updated indictment represents the prosecution's effort to keep its case against Trump alive, in the wake of a landmark court ruling that granted him presidential immunity....

In short: (ABC-Australia) Allegations in the criminal case against Donald Trump over his attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss have been narrowed. An

30/08/2024

In short: (ABC-Australia) Japan's strongest typhoon of the year slammed into the country's southern island, with authorities advising tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Officials issued the highest warning level for wind and storm surges on the main southern island of Kyushu. What's next? Public services and businesses are suspended in Kyushu as more than 250,000 houses lost power....

In short: (ABC-Australia) Japan's strongest typhoon of the year slammed into the country's southern island, with authorities advising tens of thousands of

30/08/2024

In short: (ABC-Australia) Australian player Maya Joint is set to earn her biggest career payday of just over $200,000 after winning her maiden grand slam singles match. Joint is set to complete a psychology degree at the University of Texas which means she falls under NCAA rules which limit the amount of prize money a player can earn. What's next?...

In short: (ABC-Australia) Australian player Maya Joint is set to earn her biggest career payday of just over $200,000 after winning her maiden grand slam

27/08/2024

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau – More than 500 participants gathered in Palau for the 35th annual conference of the Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors (APIPA), held from August 26 to 30. The attendees, hailing from various Pacific regions including Palau, the Marshall Islands, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, Yap, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji, and the United States, convened to discuss critical issues in public auditing and finance....

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau – More than 500 participants gathered in Palau for the 35th annual conference of the Association of Pacific

27/08/2024

President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau expressed empathy for the people of New Caledonia, drawing parallels between Palau's history of colonization and New Caledonia's current struggles for self-determination. "We want to see them have peace, to live in peace. We empathize with the people of New Caledonia," Whipps said, recalling how Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States had taken control of Palau before it eventually gained independence....

President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Palau expressed empathy for the people of New Caledonia, drawing parallels between Palau's history of colonization and

27/08/2024

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau — Jersey Iyar, the current governor of Ngatpang, is expected to withdraw from the race for Ngatpang state delegate in the upcoming general election scheduled for November 12, according to reliable sources. Iyar filed his petition to run for the House of Delegates along with two other candidates, Ngatpang State Legislature Floor Leader John Techitong and former governor Francesca R....

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Koror, Palau — Jersey Iyar, the current governor of Ngatpang, is expected to withdraw from the race for Ngatpang state

27/08/2024

Koror, Palau – On August 23, the Reng Collective officially launched a youth empowerment workshop, attracting over 50 young participants from Palau, aged 18 to 30. Under the theme "Rising Tides and Rising Voices," the workshop featured presentations from national leaders and experts in areas such as climate conservation, culture, and community development. Notable attendees included President Surangel Whipps Jr., Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchel, and Chief of Staff Landisang Kotaro....

Koror, Palau – On August 23, the Reng Collective officially launched a youth empowerment workshop, attracting over 50 young participants from Palau, aged

27/08/2024

Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and protection for countless species. Unfortunately, these underwater environments are increasingly threatened. One of these threats is coral bleaching, which is triggered by rising sea temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when the microalgae that live inside coral tissues, which give corals their color and energy, are expelled due to stress from elevated water temperatures....

Coral reefs are vital to marine ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and protection for countless species. Unfortunately, these underwater environments

27/08/2024

By: Eustoria Marie Borja (Koror, Palau) — Palau has 90 job openings across various sectors. The government sector leads with 60 vacancies, while the private sector has 12 openings, and the semi-private and government sectors account for 18. This shortage of workers comes at a time when work is plentiful, but the labor force has been shrinking due to multiple factors....

By:  Eustoria Marie Borja (Koror, Palau) — Palau has 90 job openings across various sectors. The government sector leads with 60 vacancies, while the

27/08/2024

By: Eustoria Maria Borja Dr. Kristen Decina Singeo, a licensed veterinarian who played a key role in the program's inception, has been a strong advocate for the proper care of the dogs. Although she was contracted for one year and three months out of the four years since the dogs arrived in Palau, her services were not renewed. This decision came despite her willingness to cover half of the costs to ensure that the dogs received essential medical care…...

By: Eustoria Maria Borja Dr. Kristen Decina Singeo, a licensed veterinarian who played a key role in the program's inception, has been a strong advocate

27/08/2024

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, that world leaders can save the world from climate change crisis if it saves the Pacific, a region he described as a beacon of solidarity and strength, environmental stewardship, and peace.” “The decisions world leaders take in the coming years will determine the fate, first of Pacific Islanders – but also everyone else....

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at  the opening of the Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga,  that world leaders can

27/08/2024

Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented the checks of 2024 Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Grant and the final tranche of 2020 annual Stimulus Grant of one million and 460 thousand US dollars respectively to the President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. and Minister of Finance Kaleb Udui, Jr. The 2024 Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Grant aims to assist Palau to build drought resiliency by prioritizing support to ongoing programs to strengthen water security through increased water storage capacity for communities and public infrastructure; expand existing reservoirs, streams, and aquifers water supply capacity including improvements to water distribution systems; and to augment community engagement to bolster awareness of the socio-economic impacts of dry weather conditions and promote adoption of mitigation measures....

Ambassador Jessica Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) presented the checks of 2024 Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Grant and the final

27/08/2024

On August 19, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Ariake held an onboard ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Palau, bringing together key officials from Palau and representatives of Japan to reinforce the longstanding friendship and collaborative efforts. The event served not only as a symbol of goodwill but also as a platform to discuss regional security and cooperation....

On August 19, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Ariake held an onboard ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties

27/08/2024

Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) Administration Director and Interim CEO, Caryn Lkong Koshiba, recently returned from a Fund Accounting Training Workshop in Guam, which was hosted by Holland Consulting. The three-day course, titled MIP Essentials & Update Workshop, focused on primary financial activities and provided a good overview for new MIP users and cross-training for more experienced ones. Study topics included transaction entry shortcuts, processing accounts payable and general ledger transactions, and reconciling bank accounts....

Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) Administration Director and Interim CEO, Caryn Lkong Koshiba, recently returned from a Fund Accounting

27/08/2024

Guiding a teen or young adult toward emotional maturity is an essential aspect of parenting that requires a thoughtful and supportive approach. One of the most effective ways to foster this growth is by modeling emotional regulation yourself. Teens learn a great deal by observing how their parents manage stress, disappointment, or anger. By handling your emotions calmly and constructively, you set a powerful example for them to follow....

Guiding a teen or young adult toward emotional maturity is an essential aspect of parenting that requires a thoughtful and supportive approach. One of the