Author: ngewakl

WE have been writing about the growing number of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers since 2022, with the most recent update in 2024. Now we have some good news: while asylum seeking among PALM workers is still a serious problem, the number has fallen substantially over the last couple of years. Over the decade prior to the pandemic, there was an escalation in the number of visitors to Australia (from all around the world, not just the Pacific) lodging bogus claims for protection in order to gain unrestricted work rights and access to Medicare for several years while…

THE Fijian Drua threatened the Waikato Chiefs with an explosive start when tight head prop Mesake Doge scored a try just three minutes into the match. Rattled, the Chiefs but soon regained their composure and started to dictate the pace. They dominated at scrum time and were rewarded with penalties. Kicking for touch, they were clinical in the lineouts before driving hard in the rolling maul. Hard running number eight, Wallace Sititi, was the enforcer for the Chiefs forwards. The Drua had to really neutralize him. Quinn Tupaea was at his usual best midfield making solid runs to really test…

SAMOA’S Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt remains hospitalised in Auckland after being admitted to Middlemore Hospital shortly after arriving in the country last week. He was taken to the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with concerns relating to his heart and lungs, according to earlier comments by Acting Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo. Local media have withheld specific medical details, citing privacy and ethical considerations. The prime minister was medically evacuated from Apia and arrived via Auckland International Airport, disembarking at a private facility. Prior to his departure, he told the public in a Facebook livestream that he was travelling…

THE Fiji Government says fuel supply remains stable despite global price spikes, as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged calm and outlined a $FJD 56 million package to ease cost pressures on households and key services. “Fuel is available. Government is acting. And Fiji is prepared,” Rabuka said, as he sought to reassure the public that supplies are adequate and that mitigation measures are being rolled out in response to rising international fuel costs. In a national address, Rabuka said Fiji had around 45 million litres of fuel in onshore storage as of 19 April 2026, with a further 22 million…

CYBER threats during natural disasters are a growing concern that can worsen humanitarian crises and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure during natural disasters pose the biggest emerging risk. “GPS interference can misdirect relief efforts, delaying aid delivery,” said Dr Carlo Masala, Professor from the University of Munich, Federal Republic of Germany. “Power outages caused by cyberattacks can endanger lives in hospitals and emergency services, and these attacks require specialised cyber defences aligned with disaster response plans. “The interconnectedness of digital systems increases vulnerability to such attacks.” He said small Pacific nations must prioritise cyber resilience as part of disaster preparedness. “Cyber vulnerabilities can amplify…

HYBRID threats are deliberate campaigns aimed at weakening governments through misinformation, cyberattacks, and disruptions to critical infrastructure. It is a standalone national security risks that use disinformation and cyberattacks to undermine government trust and operations. “These campaigns spread false information rapidly through social media and digital platforms. Unlikne Cold War disinformation, current campaigns unfold globally within seconds,” said Professor Dr Carlo Masala, Conference Chair, Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS), Bundeswehr at the University of Munich, Federal Republic of Germany. “Hybrid threats operate independently and are not just preludes to military actions, and Governments must treat them as seriously as…

March 18, 2026 | Saisha Adhikari The Republic of Palau is navigating a rapidly shifting public health landscape with an approach rooted in creativity, clarity, and community. Rather than slowing down in the face of limited staffing and competing priorities, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHSS) has chosen to use this moment to build systems that will last. Through Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding, Palau hired HealthEfficient, a health care consulting organization, to support data modernization (DM) initiatives, including a new national electronic health record (EHR). Palau previously collaborated with HealthEfficient through the Pacific Islands Primary Care…

Overview: A new push to strengthen Palau’s media sector is underway, with the Palau Media Council launching a fundraising campaign to expand training, secure equipment and build a dedicated media training center for the next generation of storytellers. KOROR, Palau (April 23, 2026) — The Palau Media Council has launched a fundraising drive to support ongoing efforts to strengthen local media capacity, including training programs, equipment access and the establishment of a dedicated media training center. The campaign, running through May 25, seeks financial contributions to cover about $3,000 in import taxes for donated media equipment valued at $30,000, as…

March 19, 2026 On March 16, 2026, Mr. YOKOSHIMA Naohiko, President of NEDO and Mr. MATSUMOTO Shintaro, Executive Director of NEDO held discussions with H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, and H.E. Mr. Peter Adelbai, Ambassador of the Republic of Palau. They exchanged views on NEDO’s activities in the areas of hydrogen and renewable energy, among other topics. H.E. Mr. Surangel S. Whipps Jr., President of the Republic of Palau (left), and Mr. YOKOSHIMA Naohiko, President of NEDO (right) Group photo of the attendees (1st from left: NEDO…

Overview: Palau lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would shift more power to the Senate by requiring confirmation of the attorney general and public safety director—two roles at the center of law enforcement and legal decision-making. Proposed bill adds Attorney General, Public Safety director to confirmation list By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (April 23, 2026) — A Senate bill introduced this week would require legislative confirmation for two of the government’s most powerful law enforcement and legal posts, a change supporters say would strengthen oversight but critics warn could inject politics into sensitive roles. Senate Bill No. 12-66, introduced…