Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

How shipping's flags of convenience endanger seafarers
How does a flag of convenience affect the legal responsibilities and oversight of a ship? A ship’s flag state formally assumes jurisdiction, issues certifications and oversees compliance under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea...
Palau anticipates Compact to be signed next month
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr unveiled some of the details of the new economic package under the renegotiated provisions of the nation’s Compact of Free Association with Washington. Palau stands to receive US$890 million in economic...

Qantas extends Brisbane–Palau flights to 2026 amid surge in Australian visitors
Qantas has prolonged its direct flights from Brisbane to Koror, the capital of Palau, a Pacific island nation in Micronesia, for an additional year after the service, named the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, proved to be popular among Australian...

Construction Accelerated
PALAU — The new Palau Correctional Facility, located between Airai and Ngchesar states, is now expected to be completed by December 2025. Construction on the $4 million facility began in 2018 with local funding and later received supplemental...

Palau weighs $500 Foreign Worker Fee Amid Employer concerns and Labor shortages
KOROR, Palau — Palau’s plan to more than triple the annual fee for foreign worker permits from $150 to $500 is sparking concern among employers and retirees who depend on overseas labor. The increase, embedded in the FY 2026 budget bill, would...

Qantas extends direct flights between Brisbane and Palau for another year
Qantas has extended its direct flights between Brisbane and Palau for another year following the success of the route which Qantas commenced in December 2024. The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, will continue to operate as part of...

QANTAS EXTENDS DIRECT PALAU FLIGHTS AMID GROWING TOURISM DEMAND
Qantas has extended its direct flights between Brisbane and Koror, Palau’s capital, for another year following the success of the route which Qantas commenced in December 2024. The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, will continue to...
Lessons from legend of Palau fisherman drawn upon in critical juncture of COP29
As global attention turn to what and how COP29 would decide on a new finance goal, the legend of a Palauan fisherman from the village of Ngarchemai has been used to illustrate the risks of indecision, and the need for world leaders to choose...
Gender awareness event celebrates women’s leadership in agriculture
By: NgeldeiTulopOn August 12, the “Empowering Women in the Agrifood Systems of Palau” project brought together farmers, educators, government officials,… You must be logged in and subscribed to view this content.

Palau’s Blue Economy Project showcases Progress in fisheries Development
The BOF-JICA Blue Economy Project held a seminar on August 7 to present the achievements of the Project, which aims to promote the sustainable development of Palau’s fisheries sector. The event brought together stakeholders, including fishing...

US to rehabilitate postwar dock in Palau to boost military readiness in the region
By Pacific Island Times News Staff Peleliu—The U.S. Department of Defense proposes to rehabilitate an 80-year-old dock in Palau to enhance the U.S. military forces’ capabilities in the region. According to Joint Task Force Micronesia, the $12...

4 new JICA volunteers arrived in Palau
On the 24th of July, 4 new JICA Volunteers arrived in Palau. The four volunteers are, Mr. SUZUKI Satoshi assigned to Belau Modekngei School for Science Education Kume Kokoro assigned to Palau Community Action Agency (PCAA) for Nutrition. KITAYAMA...

Palau’s 10% tax reveals cracks between business and consumer realities
KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — More than two years after the Palau Goods and Services Tax or PGST took effect, citizens across different sectors are offering mixed reactions, revealing a growing divide between small business owners and retirees...

US Sides with Nauru on Deep-Sea Mining, Splitting Pacific Leaders
By: Bernadette Carreon NAURU – The United States has thrown its weight behind Nauru’s push to fast-track deep-sea mining, backing a Canadian partner’s bid despite warnings from other Pacific nations about risks to fragile ocean ecosystems. The...

CPaT wins contract with Cambodia Airways
CPaT Global announced it has been awarded a new contract with Cambodia Airways. CPaT will be providing Cambodia Airways with their Airbus A320 Aircraft Systems courses along with their robust library of General Subjects. “Partnering with Cambodia...
Q&A: Palau pledges cleanup of abuse-riddled ship-flagging system
President Surangel Whipps speaks with Context about the challenges Palau faces in regulating ships that sail under its flag. NICE, France - The leader of the island nation of Palau, whose ship registration system has come under fire for allowing...

Palauan’s weigh impact of goods and Services Tax two years in
By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau — More than two years after the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST) took effect, citizens across different sectors are offering mixed reactions, revealing a growing divide between small business owners and...

How shipping's flags of convenience endanger seafarers
What’s the context? Abuses are more likely on vessels that fly the flags of countries other than where the owners are based, rights groups find. A loophole in global maritime law enables shipowners to sidestep labor protections and safety rules by...

56 Years of Service: Palau, U.S. Mark Civic Action Team Handover
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — Palau and the United States marked 56 years of partnership Friday during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, as the outgoing Navy Civic Action Team (CAT) 133-32 formally handed over...

New Wine, Old Wineskins: Palau’s xall for a new Industry and a New Mindset
Dear Editor, In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says, “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined.” This powerful teaching is not just spiritual, it’s deeply...