

Pacific leaders to target climate realities at world summit
New Zealand (Pacific Media Network) - A leading Pacific diplomat based in New York says focus and solidarity will be key to outcomes for regional leaders heading to the United Nations annual leaders meeting this month. See you in New York in September- the UN boss spent face-time with Pacific leaders in Suva, in May. Photo by Lisa Williams Palau's Olai Uludong says the Climate Week focus and Summit this year at the 2019 United Nations General Assembly is adding to an already


Palau's leader backs same-sex marriage
Koror- President Tommy Remengesau Jr. on Wednesday expressed support to striking down the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage saying he believes in full equality. Remengesau, speaking to local reporters, branded as discriminatory the constitutional provision that bans same-sex marriage. “Those who are different doesn’t mean that they should be outcast, second class citizens, or that they can’t contribute to the community. So I want to make it clear that I don’t believe in


U.S. needs to step up to China’s growing influence in Pacific- Remengesau
Koror- The United States should step up to China’s expanding economic and political influence in the Pacific, President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said ahead of his historic meeting with President Donald Trump next week. President Remengesau, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands Hilda C. Heine, and President of the Federated States of Micronesia David W. Panuelo are scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House on May 21, 2019. Asked on issues he wanted to disc


Palau leader says Micronesia will demand a stronger voice in the Pacific
Koror- The Micronesian region should continue sounding its small but powerful voice to address the many of the concerns it faces- climate change, environmental degradation, combating illegal fishing and air transport service, Palau President Remengesau said yesterday. Remengesau highlighted that with a united front; the nations can work more effectively to address many of the concerns of the small island states. Participants in the 19th Micronesian President’s Summit take a b


Palau leader will back medical marijuana bill, but not recreational use
Koror- President Tommy Remengesau is most likely to support a proposed legislation legalizing medical marijuana but only if there will proper safeguards in place to ensure that it serves its intended purpose. Marijuana plant. Photo by commons.wikimedia.org .He however said will not back a bill legalizing recreational use of marijuana. President Remengesau made this disclosure at the leadership meeting between the national and Koror state governments on Tuesday. A medical mar


Palau urges Taiwan to boost business ties, tourism
Koror- Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. urged the Taiwan government to boost business ties and tourism with his country to further strengthen the two nations’ “friendship.” This was among Remengesau’s key messages during the state banquet last night hosted by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.welcomes Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. . Photo by Presidential Office of R.O.C Taiwan “In the area of economic development, there are hotels in P


Political convenience and other traits of Palau leadership
Koror- – On Oct. 28, 2015, Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. signed into law the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, an ambitious ocean conservation initiative aimed at protecting Palau’s own marine resources as well as the world’s tuna stocks. This landmark legislation creates a no-take marine sanctuary covering 80 percent of Palau’s exclusive economic zone, where no fishing will occur. The law also creates a domestic fishing zone covering approximately 20 percent o


Remengesau steamed as Hillbroom avoids jail thru plea deal
Koror- Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. has blasted the plea bargain accepted by the Palau Attorney General’s Office allowing DHL heir Larry ‘Imeong” Hillbroom to beat a jail term for drug charges. “It’s totally unacceptable,” Remengesau told reporters. The once trumpeted zero tolerance drug policy of the Remengesau government appeared to suffer several setbacks due to Hillbroom’s no jail time sentence. “We are at war with illegal drugs. I don’t want to see a person s


Palau to do away with mass tourism, identifies new target markets
Koror- Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said the tourism industry is facing challenges ahead but it will stay on course its policy to moderate mass tourism in favor of high-value tourism that focuses on niche markets. “We must stay the course and implement our vision of a high-value tourism model,” said in his State of the Republic Address delivered on Tuesday, April 17. President Tommy Remengesau Jr. delivers his State of the Republic Address (SORA), April 17. Photo cour


New Palau pushes for "high-end" tourism with tax breaks
Koror-- Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. has signed a measure into law offering tax credits to wealthy foreign investors with the intention of promoting tourism that brings in more revenue to the government with less negative impacts on the environment. “With the signing of these amendments, we once again show that Palau is committed to the development of high-end, high-value, low-impact tourism,” Remengesau stated in his signing statement. Water bungalows in Palau Pacifi