Palau

The Senate, in a special session, approved the appointment of Gaafar Uherbelau as Minister of Health and Human Services unanimously by a vote of 12-0

A pro-biodiversity event was held at the Palasia Hotel in Koror, showcasing local producers, entrepreneurs and artists, which was a big hit with the public

Digital payment network Ripple will help the country develop its own digital currency; initially its development will be backed by the US dollar to help facilitate cross-border payments

China Airlines will offer six round-trip flights between Taiwan and Palau in December, after cancelling all of its November flights because very few Taiwanese showed interest in traveling to Palau

The Ministry of Education has started a school breakfast programme this month in public schools aimed at ensuring that no child starts the school day hungry

The country announced that visitors from Taiwan will be allowed entry with only one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the type, as long as it is validated by the WHO or the FDA; other countries will be soon allowed too

The country approaches 100% Covid-19 vaccination, emerging as one of the most vaccinated places in the world with more than 99% of the eligible population fully protected; among the total 18.000 inhabitants, nearly 15.000 have been fully vaccinated

The country has approved and adopted a new tax system after more than 30 years; the new tax law, called Palau Goods and Services Tax will come into effect in January 2023

As the Belau National Hospital is at risk because of the impacts of climate change, a committee has been set up to examine a suitable location for a new hospital building

A new fully equipped tractor was donated from Japan to the Koror State Recycling Center, one of the leading waste treatment plants producing compost for local agriculture and other uses