Author: ngewakl

Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised concerns about shrinkflation, warning that it is quietly increasing the cost of living for Fijians. She says many everyday products are being reduced in size while prices remain the same, meaning consumers are paying more for less. Kumar says that while inflation figures may show improvement, families are not feeling the difference when shopping for basic items. She referred to findings by the Consumer Council of Fiji, which showed several household goods have decreased in quantity in recent years.Article continues after advertisement Kumar said this is especially affecting low-income families, many of whom already…

Damage in the shadow of a labour hire firm’s collapse, a Papua New Guinea parliament committee investigates logging exports, and Tuvalu ends its state of emergency over fuel supplies. Here are the weekly highlights in the Pacific economy. The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins In this edition: Collapse of an Australian labour hire firm PNG logging corruption allegations Tuvalu ends state of emergency amid global fuel shock Raghwan said the oversight is completely lacking in Australia, allowing for cases like the iComply saga to happen. Photo:…

GOLD COAST (Australia) – A new regional partnership is set to elevate youth and community basketball in Palau, with FIBA in Oceania in conjunction with Basketball Australia through funding from the Australian Embassy in Palau supporting Palau Basketball Federation to deliver a three‑year Basketball For Good initiative grounded in FIBA’s global Women in Basketball and 3×3 Strategic Goals.The collaboration strengthens long‑standing ties between Palau and Australia while expanding development pathways that place inclusion, leadership and opportunity for young people at the centre of the program.The announcement follows Palau’s successful staging of the first Oceania edition of the FIBA 3×3 Youth…

Overview: Palau’s communities came together in a powerful show of unity and environmental stewardship during National Earth Month 2026, turning collective action into measurable impact. From reef restoration to nationwide cleanups, the month-long effort highlighted how local leadership and grassroots participation are driving a more sustainable future across the Republic. “The Spirit of Kingrohoshi for Successful Communities” The Republic of Palau once again demonstrated the strength of community stewardship and collective responsibility through the successful observance of National Earth Month 2026 under the continuing theme: “Investing in Our Communities for Success.” Throughout the month of April, communities, traditional leaders, schools,…

From left: Loata Lewageena, Brieanna Rabakewa and Maryann Macedru. A new record has been set in the Senior Girls Discus at the Coca-Cola Games 2026, with Swami Vivekananda College’s Brieanna Rabakewa producing a stunning performance to clinch gold. Rabakewa threw a massive 46.88 metres, breaking the previous record of 39.24 metres in commanding fashion. The previous record of 39.24 metres was held by Ana Baleira of ACS, set in 2017. Ratu Sukuna Memorial School athlete Loata Lewageena secured silver with a strong effort of 44.17 metres, while Maryann Macedru of Saint Joseph Secondary School claimed bronze with 41.14 metres.Article continues…

BarcelonaWith the far right, the fake news And with hate speech spreading across Europe, the humanitarian rescue NGO Open Arms is hosting an exhibition at the Palau Robert in Barcelona. For ten years, they have saved 73,000 lives adrift at sea, putting their resources at the service of European institutions that have abdicated their legal and moral obligation to do everything possible to prevent anyone, regardless of their origin, from drowning. And not only do they let people die through negligence, but they have also dedicated themselves to persecuting and criminalizing the organizations that carry out this work. They persecute…

Overview: A high-stakes legal battle is unfolding in Palau’s Supreme Court as defense lawyers push to dismiss a forfeiture case against an Indonesian fishing vessel, arguing it was seized in disputed waters beyond Palau’s legal reach. At the heart of the case are questions about maritime boundaries, international law, and how far the nation can go to enforce its fisheries protections. Lawyers argue Sinar Arindo-6 was outside national waters as prosecutors cite shark finning evidence  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 30, 2026) Defense lawyers for an Indonesian fishing vessel are asking the Palau Supreme Court to toss out a…

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School and Queen Victoria School powered through the senior girls and boys 4×100 metres titles in a thrilling showcase of speed at the Coca-Cola Games 2026. MGM’s senior girls produced a slick baton exchange to surge clear of the field and secure gold, while Queen Victoria School’s senior boys delivered a commanding performance, combining explosive starts with smooth transitions to seal their victory. The intermediate grades also delivered high-quality racing, with Adi Cakobau School claiming the girls title after a strong final-leg run, and Ratu Kadavulevu School taking out the boys division with a well-drilled team effort.…

As James Rhodes performs on April 28, 2026, at Barcelona’s Palau de la Música Catalana, US travelers can plan visits to this UNESCO-listed Modernist masterpiece blending architecture and live music. On April 28, 2026, pianist James Rhodes takes the stage at Palau de la Música Catalana (Palau de la Música Catalana), drawing global audiences to this Barcelona icon just days ago as of May 1, 2026. This UNESCO World Heritage site, a pinnacle of Catalan Modernisme, continues to host flamenco galas and poetry festivals into 2026, making it a must for culture seekers. Whether you’re flying from JFK or LAX,…

Overview: A recall petition against Ngchesar Delegate Rebecca Ngirmechaet has cleared the required signatures — but not without controversy. As the process moves forward, many residents are pushing back, arguing the claims are vague, personal and unsupported. The debate is raising bigger questions about leadership, accountability and when a recall is justified. Voters defend Ngirmechaet’s record, say accusations lack evidence and reflect personal grievances By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (April 2026) — A second petition to recall Ngchesar State Delegate Rebecca Sebalt Ngirmechaet has met the signature threshold required to move forward, but residents are sharply divided over whether the…