The Silent Majority (original) (raw)

by Alonzo Kahalic/ alkahalic6801@gmail.com

Dear Leadership of Palau,

Addressing Palau’s Critical Challenges: A Reflection on the Past Four Years

As we look back over the past four years, it is evident that certain critical issues in Palauan society have not been addressed adequately. These challenges, which impact every aspect of our lives, should have been at the forefront of our national agenda. Unfortunately, they have been largely ignored or mishandled, leaving our society to grapple with the consequences. Here are the four issues and we are still waiting on any answers from our leaders.

1. Public Safety and the Issue of Drugs

Public safety is the cornerstone of any functioning society, yet in Palau, the issue of drugs—both legal and illegal—has been left to fester. The rising tide of drug use, particularly methamphetamine (ice), has permeated our communities, and yet we have not finalized a Director of Public Safety who has experience to deal with these issues. Our people are getting involved in drugs and we don’t have a policy that supports our police officers with training and resources to deal with this drug issue. Palau is a small island nation, why is it so hard to stop drugs from coming into Palau? Law enforcement efforts have been inconsistent, and rehabilitation services remain woefully inadequate because we don’t have a trained and experienced Director of Public Safety. This failure in our leadership to find the proper people is just a sign that they themselves are not prepared or understand what is needed in Palau.

2. Cost of Living in Palau

The cost of living in Palau has become increasingly unbearable for many. Over the past four years, the prices of basic necessities; food, water and electricity—have skyrocketed. While global factors such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions have played a role, the lack of a clear local strategy to mitigate these impacts has exacerbated the situation. Government policies have always been REACTIVE rather than PROACTIVE, failing to provide meaningful relief or long-term solutions. The introduction the PGST (Palau Government Stress Tax) has further strained household budgets because business pass on this tax to consumers. This situation reflects a disconnect between policymaking and the everyday realities faced by Palauan families, highlighting the need for leadership that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and economic stability. We can grow economically and not burden the citizens.

3. Preparing Our Youth for the Future

One of the most significant failures of the past four years has been the insufficient preparation of our youth to be active and informed citizens. Our education system remains focused on preparing students for placement tests rather than equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the modern world. In an increasingly globalized society, our youth need to be adaptable, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens. However, the current curriculum does little to foster these qualities, leaving our young people ill-prepared for the challenges they will face. This shortcoming reflects a broader issue in Palauan society—the tendency to prioritize short-term goals over long-term development. Without significant reform in education, we risk losing a generation of potential leaders and innovators.

4. The Health Crisis: Palau’s Battle with NCDs

Palau’s health crisis is perhaps the most pressing issue we face today. We are literally the third fattest country in the world per capita, a statistic that should alarm every Palauan. The prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease has reached epidemic proportions, yet little has been done to address the root causes of this crisis. Our traditional diets have been replaced by processed foods, and physical inactivity has become the norm. The lack of comprehensive public health initiatives and the absence of preventive measures are glaring oversights. This health crisis not only threatens the well-being of our citizens but also places an unsustainable burden on our healthcare system. It reflects a failure of leadership to prioritize health and well-being, leading to dire consequences for our society.

Conclusion

These four issues—public safety and drugs, the cost of living, youth preparation, and the health crisis—are not just isolated problems; they are interconnected challenges that reflect broader systemic failures in Palauan society. The past four years have been marked by missed opportunities to address these critical issues, and the consequences are now evident. As we move forward, it is imperative that we demand more from our leaders and ourselves. We must prioritize the safety, health, and future of our nation, and work together to build a society that is resilient, just, and prosperous for all

Your Humble Servant

Al Kahalic