Island Times News

Franz-Kesolei takes Ways and Means chair By: L.N.

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang TAIPEI, Taiwan (Oct. 2026) – President Surangel S.

By: L.N.

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — Palau lawmakers are considering expanding the nation’s recycling program beyond beverage containers to include food cans, fuel and oil containers, and packaging for cleaning products, with a proposed 10-…

Palau was represented at the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup Astana 2026 in Kazakhstan from October 15-17, 2026, by swimmer Shawn Dingilius Wallace.

CANBERRA, Australia (Oct. 12, 2026) — Palau officially opened its first embassy in Australia on Monday, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM), the Bureau of Fisheries (BOF, under the MAFE) and the Ngaraard State Government collaborated in 2024 to promote sea cucumber cage aquaculture and regeneration.

Written by Shalveen Chand RAROTONGA, 19 OCTOBER 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—Exposing autocracy from military-ruled Fiji to democratic Samoa, seasoned journalist Shalveen Chand has faced cell blocks, state censorship and physical assaults for holding Pacific…

By China Correspondent Allyson Horn and Kat Tse in Dandong https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-18/china-dandong-north-korea-ties/107275378 Share article (ABC-Australia) Before I even walk into the restaurant in the Chinese city of Dandong, there are obvio…

HAGATNA, 19 OCTOBER 2206 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) maintained uninterrupted operations through Typhoon Champi’s closest approach, with 16 babies having been delivered before and during the storm, the hospital said.

By Pita Ligaiula NEW YORK, 19 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— The United States has called for the abolition of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation, dismissing its annual work and visits to the Pacific as a waste of UN resources.

By L.N.

By Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau — “Although this bill is not perfect, let’s not deviate from its intent and the need to find additional funding for Palau housing,” Sen.

By: L.N.

By L.N.

By: Laurel Marewibuel CANBERRA, Australia — President Surangel S.

Scammers impersonate people you know to trick victims into clicking links KOROR, Palau (Oct. 15, 2026) — Residents are being warned about an ongoing phishing scam targeting email users in Palau, where fake document-signing requests designed to look like A…

Palau has deployed its first two Spotter buoys, expanding access to real-time ocean observations and strengthening the country’s capacity for marine research, ocean monitoring, and public awareness of ocean conditions.

By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau – Thirteen members of the Palau National Swim Team competed with students from Taiwan’s Central Police University Department of Maritime Police in a friendly swimming exchange Oct. 8, winning five of six matches, accordi…

By: Gustavo Pessoa A business that keeps records to pay tax is also building evidence that may help a lender understand it.

By: L.N.

KOROR, Palau — A new high-end waterfront dining destination has opened in Koror, adding a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, bar and lounge to the city’s growing hospitality scene.

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Oct. 5, 2026) — Senators moved to address public concerns Monday over a letter from Senate Clerk Reagan Sidoi asking the court to consider a deferred sentence or rehabilitation opportunity for longtime Se…

By: L.N.

By L.N.

By: L.N.

AIMELIIK, Palau — Family fishing teams and a new generation of anglers highlighted the Olsebek a Kmai Fishing Derby in Aimeliik State, with the Eberdong siblings helping dominate the adult standings and 19 junior anglers taking part in a full day on the w…

Dear Editor, President Whipps has repeatedly claimed that only tourists pay the Palau Government Stress Tax (PGST).

Last month at the UN General Assembly, we reached a landmark moment.

NADI, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (SPREP)—What happens when you wake up one day and your receding coastal land has now disappeared?

By North Asia correspondent Natalie Whiting and Akane Saiki in Tokyo In short: Japan’s plans for a new espionage agency, prompted by increasing concerns about countries such as China, are gathering momentum.

SAIPAN, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —A new radar facility proposed for Mount Petosukara would restore long‑range surveillance in Saipan’s northern airspace, replacing the rusting remains of the former Pacific Barrier III site.

PORT VILA, 05 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Vanuatu Government has condemned a letter attributed to French National Assembly member Nicolas Metzdorf, describing it as insulting, neo-colonial and disrespectful of Vanuatu’s sovereignty.

By: L.N.

By: L.N.

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Oct. 1, 2026)— “I believe we have to look carefully again at the budget process so that we don’t always hustle in the last hour to push for a continuing budget just so that the government will not shut do…

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (October 1, 2026) — “Without the international market and trade, the value of our clam industry will plummet,” a Palau giant clam farmer said, underscoring the economic stakes as the government works to finalize legislation…

By: L.N.

By: L.N.

The Judiciary received about 75 essays from students at several elementary schools across Palau after inviting students in September to write about the meaning and celebration of Independence Day.

KOROR, Palau — Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital (Shin Kong Hospital) reaffirmed its commitment to healthcare cooperation with Palau by providing medical support to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) while also delivering medical care to the local Palauan…

The 52nd U.S.

1 October, Manila — A landmark pandemic preparedness project spanning 12 Western Pacific countries was introduced by the World Health Organization, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization…

The recent “opinion” piece by Richard N.

In short: (ABC-Australia) Hong Kong police have arrested a journalist and an activist over alleged “seditious” activity.

By Som Patidar By Lachlan Bennett In short: (ABC-Australia) Nepal is facing another wave of natural disasters just one month after flash floods killed more than 1,400 people.

THE HAGUE, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (AFP)— The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) governing body voiced regret Wednesday over the announced withdrawal of Naoero, which came as the United States steps up pressure on countries to leave the institution.

SAIPAN, 01 OCTOBER 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Northern Mariana Islands government suspended operations today, with an undetermined number of employees furloughed, after Governor David Apatang declared a shutdown due to the lack of an approved budget…

By Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Sept. 28, 2026) — With the end of the fiscal year just two days away, the House of Delegates and Senate are trading competing budget provisions through amendments and bill riders as they remain divided over

By: L.N.