Palau president proposes digital payment system, but lawmakers raise concerns

Surangel Whipps Jr. KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — A new bill introduced by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. seeks to create a government-backed digital payment system in Palau, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive credit card networks and...

Governments leave International Seabed Authority negotiations without promised ocean action

Sierra Leone Telegraph: 26 July 2025: Weeks after governments promised bold action to protect the ocean at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice (June 2025), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council and Assembly meetings have concluded with no...

A Terrorist Tidal Wave of Dirty Tricks Struck Oceania 40 Years Ago

Four decades ago, in the middle of political turmoil fanned by the U.S., Palau President Haruo Remeliik (far right), leader of the world’s first nuclear-free nation, was assassinated. [Source: earthisland.org] From Tahiti to New Zealand to New...

A first-time guide to Palau

A string of 340 coral and volcanic islands spread against the deep blue waters of the western Pacific, Palau is a picture postcard of paradise. Given that only 53,000 tourists visited the country in 2024, this is the kind of country to live out...

The Polynesian connection: Love, war and trade linked Samoa, Tonga and Fiji before the Europeans' arrival

Our Islands Our People By Raquel Bagnol The three islands of West Polynesia—Samoa, Tonga and Fiji—already had close interactions about 3,000 years ago, long before European explorers arrived in the Pacific. Polynesians formed alliances with their...

Palau, the remote Pacific idyll that habours big ambitions

In American Caesar, his epic biography of General MacArthur, who commanded the USA’s Pacific campaign in the Second World War, William Manchester points out that among many challenges that the US troops faced besides the enemy – earthquakes,...

Japan calls on Palau to amend Marine Sanctuary Law to support Okinawan Fishing Fleet

KOROR, Palau — Japan’s Ambassador to Palau, His Excellency Hiroyuki Orikasa, has called on the Palauan government to swiftly approve an amendment to the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) law, warning that failure to do so could end a...

Whipps seeks funds to open Palau Embassy in Australia, strengthen regional ties

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau— President Surangel Whipps Jr. is asking the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) to approve $237,000 to open a Palauan embassy in Canberra, Australia, citing the need to focus on partners committed to long-term...

Minatobashi Bridge renovation symbolizes deepening Japan-Palau partnership

By Leilani Reklai, Island Times | July 17, 2025 KOROR, Palau — Palau and Japan reaffirmed their long-standing friendship on Tuesday during a groundbreaking ceremony to launch the renovation of the historic Minatobashi Bridge in Malakal, a vital...

Greek Shipping Companies Controlled by Lentoudis and Perogiannakis Linked to Sanctioned Iranian Oil Smuggling Network led by Salim Ahmed Said of Al-Iraqia Shipping Services & Oil Trading FZE (AISSOT)

Said controls UAE-based company VS Tankers FZE (VS Tankers), despite avoiding formal association with the company. Formerly known as Al-Iraqia Shipping Services & Oil Trading FZE (AISSOT), VS Tankers has smuggled oil for the benefit of the Iranian...

Strengthening Taiwan-Palau Friendship: Trade and Culture Expo Ignites Island Carnival Spirit

Micronesia leaders renew call an urgent call for 'fast-acting cuts in short-lived super pollutants'

Micronesian leaders, back row, joined with youth representatives from the Micronesia subregion to discuss youth concerns and issues as part of the bigger Forum agenda. Photo courtesy of the Marshall Islands President's Office. Majuro — Leaders...

Better Results, Less Stress: How to Get the Insights You Need Without a Costly ERP

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Small island nations provide big environmental solutions but need finance partners (commentary)

Small island nations offer the world powerful environmental solutions — from “blue” climate finance innovations to marine conservation — but they need the international community to match their ambition with fairness and support. Antigua and...

‘Jewellery was always around me’: Charlie Pragnell on a gem of a family business

Charlie Pragnell, the managing director and a key figure at Pragnell, a distinguished sixth‑generation British family‑run jeweller with over 170 years of heritage. Since its inception in 1954 in Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Pragnell has evolved into one...

Governments at ISA must Establish a Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining, Reaffirm Authority over International Seabed Lies Collectively With All States

The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded today, with governments continuing to fall short in protecting the deep sea. While politicians from Palau, France and Panama attended to rally the international community,...

PPR associates awarded all-expenses-paid trip to Tokyo by Tokyu Land Corporation

Koror, Palau – [July 13, 2025] – Palau Pacific Resort, renowned for its world-class hospitality and proudly known as “Like No Other Island Dream,” is delighted to announce that three outstanding team members have been honored with a prestigious...

Whipps opens 4th Taiwan-Palau Trade and Cultural Show, touting 41% Trade growth

KOROR, Palau (July 12, 2025) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. officially opened the fourth Taiwan-Palau Trade and Cultural Show on July 11, alongside Taiwan Ambassador to Palau Jessica C. Lee, in a ceremony attended by government officials,...

Investing in Palau’s clean energy transition

The Albanese Government is supporting Palau’s renewable energy transition by investing a further $16.4 million to upgrade the country’s electricity network infrastructure. The upgrade will provide improved network reliability while increasing the...

Super American Circus to dazzle Palau with three days of thrills

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — After the excitement of the Pacific Mini Games, Palau is set to host nother major event — the Super American Circus, bringing three days of world-class performances to the Palau National Gym from July 18 to 20....