Surangel Whipps Jr.
KOROR (Post Courier/Pacnews) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is calling for the urgent confirmation of his appointed ambassadors and ministers, particularly Ambassador Hersey Kyota, as the new U.S. administration’s policies begin affecting critical programs in Palau.
Since taking office this month, President Donald Trump has issued directives that have halted U.S. aid for 90 days, impacting several key projects in Palau. Whipps emphasized the need for Ambassador Kyota, who has represented Palau in Washington since 1997, to return to the U.S. capital immediately to address these challenges.
Kyota, longest serving ambassador to the United States, was reappointed by President Whipps, and his appointment is pending confirmation of the Palau Senate.
“It’s going to affect a lot of areas, and that is why we need to start talking to our partners,” Whipps said of the impact of Trump’s directive. “That’s why Ambassador Hersey does not need to spend more time in Palau. He needs to be back in D.C. to start that work.”
Among the affected projects is a grant from the U.S Trade and Development Agency to the Palau National Communications Corporation for fiber optic development. Additionally, USAID-funded initiatives for the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation and a feasibility study for a new hospital have been suspended. The directive has also put a hold on $20 million planned for Palau’s pension system.
Non-governmental organizations that rely on U.S. funding, such as the Norwegian People’s Aid, which conducts World War II unexploded ordnance removal, have also been affected. NPA has been forced to lay off staff due to the funding freeze. USAID grant to support the anti-human trafficking efforts is among just some of the programs affected.
“That’s why we need to get our message to Washington — that we are partners and these are important projects,” Whipps said. “We need to do two things: start communication and get access to the U.S. secretary of State.”
The Palau government is pushing to engage with U.S. officials to ensure continued support for these critical initiatives.
