Friday, November 30, 2007

Live Reef Fishing??

On Nov. 19th, Sam's Tour Blog posted some pictures and comment about a Live Reef Fishing going on in Kayangel's waters (http://www.samstours.com/blog/). Apparently, Kayangel has some kind of agreement with a fishing company based in Taiwan or Hong Kong. "While it all sounds very innocent the highly destructive practice can wipe out targeted species in a matter of months" (Sam's Tour Blog).

The blog has sparked some anger with Kayangel's Governor who is not very happy about the blogger taking pictures of Kayangel port without the state's permission. However he was upset with the "unpermitted" fishing which has been going on for about a year according to Sam's Tour.

What do you all think? What can be done to prevent things like this; or better yet, what does it say about our government? Not too long ago former President KN worked out a clever deal with the government to reduce the penalties owed by PMIC for unpaid taxes; not only that, PMIC was also caught red handed with shark fins. It seems like businesses and private interests come before our precious environment, our treasures.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Should Palauan college grads return home?

Ok, what do you all think Palauan college graduates (from abroad) should do? Should they return home and contribute their new found knowledge? What I'm trying to say is: is there an obligation that needs to be fulfilled which is to go home and help our country? Perhaps a sense of duty? Or it doesn't matter at all. Voice it out!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Why is there a significant number or high school drop outs in Palau?

I don't know the exact statistics but I do know that in my neighborhood back home a majority of the youth are high school dropouts. This may not apply to all hamlets but it's obviously evident in most. Why do you think this is? Is it our communities (where we grow up at) or our schools? I've noticed that kids that go to private schools tend to follow through vs. going to a public school. What ought to be done about this (if there is in fact a possible solution?)

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

It's recruiting time for the U.S. Army.

The U.S. Army is in Palau right now recruiting and conducting the ASVAB test. What do you all think about our Palauan brothers and sisters being sent to fight in a war that's arguably pointless? Of course we owe and give them great respect, but is this war even worth risking lives for, not American lives but Palauan lives? It's a controversial issue but I just want to put it out there.

Monday, November 5, 2007

JUST A TIP

hey everyone! as you all know this is still new and it looks like it's getting some interesting and stellar feedback. spread the word so that we could all have an online dialogue, our voices and opinions as young Palauans need to be heard.

IF ANYONE HAS AN INTERESTING ISSUE OR QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE DISCUSSED pls email to ngelekelbelau@gmail.com or if you rather skip the hassle of emailing just post it up and I'll make it a topic.

another thing, ngelekel belau is all of us, it doesn't necessary represent me, I'll speak my mind under a different alias...hehe. if you want to have a screen name, just click the other circle on the comment page and it'll let you write your screen name.

thank you all for participating.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Do you think we should put our culture in a time capsule and move on?

I have heard a lot of comments about modernizing and forgetting about our culture as it has become obsolete. For example, should our traditional chiefs continue to hold a parallel position of power with our modern leaders? Why or why not? Also discuss our customary practices like ngasech, kemeldiil, etc. Are these practices just too much and unnecessary for today's society, or are they still very vital in our lives as Palauans?

Is there racism in Palau?

It's a very uncomfortable question but I think it ought to be answered. Racism is a very touchy subject but should never be avoided because when it all comes down to it, we are all the same. Do you think there's racism in Palau? Why or why not?