Author: TMC Palau
[Photo: FILE] A newly released National Skills Gap Assessment Survey has revealed significant labour shortages across Fiji, with employers reporting difficulty filling 95 different job categories despite growth in overall employment. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says the findings highlight urgent gaps in labour market coordination and the need for stronger policy responses to address supply-side challenges. Chief Executive Edward Bernard says the survey shows structural issues in Fiji’s labour system, including mismatches between skills produced by training institutions and employer needs. He says in addition, the qualifications required for those positions range from high school graduates, TVET graduates…
Photo: Supplied: Bateman Books A Samoan-Chinese-Pākēhā author says his new fantasy book provides a type of character he didn’t have as a 10-year-old in love with reading. Kenneth Chapman said growing up, he loved series like Harry Potter, Lemony Snickets, and His Dark Materials but those fantasy worlds were different to the mixed-race Polynesian family he came from. Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove is about an 11-year old and her older sister who move into their mother’s childhood home – a mansion full of mysterious paintings created by their estranged aunt. He said it places a Polynesian character…
Date: Monday, July 24, 2023Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov NGERULMUD, PALAU — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has completed a visit to the Republic of Palau as part of her weeklong visit to the Pacific Islands, where she highlighted the United States’ historic and long-standing relationship with Palau, one of three freely associated states in the Pacific whose relationship is underpinned by a Compact of Free Association (Compact). Secretary Haaland, Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor, and Deputy Assistant to the President and Asian American and Pacific Islander Senior Liaison Erika L. Moritsugu met with President Surangel Whipps, Jr., and…
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa. [Photo: FILE] Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says the Government’s decision to defer the long-awaited local government elections is about prioritising the needs of the people as Fiji faces growing economic pressures and global uncertainty. While responding to questions on the deferment, Nalumisa says the decision made by the government must be respected, stressing that there are more pressing issues that need immediate attention. He says discussions around the deferment were driven by the crisis the country is facing and the need to prioritise essential services for the people. Nalumisa says he personally…
GironaThe Girona Auditorium Palau de Congressos celebrates twenty years of history, fully consolidated as one of the major cultural engines of Catalonia. In these two decades, almost 1.9 million people have passed through its halls to enjoy nearly 2,400 concerts and more than 1,200 conferences and events. Coinciding with the anniversary, the Girona venue is organizing, from May 22 to 24, a celebration weekend with high-profile musicians such as Miguel Poveda, the soprano Lise Davidsen and a participatory concert with invited artists, as well as conferences linked to the sector. To review it and discuss present and future challenges, we…
[Photo: FILE] Rising fiscal pressure is pushing Fiji toward a possible mini-budget in July. The move comes as the government weighs election costs, social spending and global price shocks. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the country remains financially stable for now. But he warns that conditions are tightening. He states that the current budget cycle will be completed. However, funds will need to be reallocated to keep services running.Article continues after advertisement “So what we will do is to consider the expenses or expenditure involved in these ones as we come to consider the budget after the 31 July end…
source: reuters Iran said on Thursday it was reviewing Washington’s latest position on ending the war after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he was prepared to wait a few days to “get the right answers” from Tehran but warned of renewed attacks if it did not agree to a deal. “We have received U.S. views and are reviewing them,” Iranian state-run agency Nour News quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying. Pakistan, which hosted peace talks last month and is acting as the conduit for messages between the two sides, continues to mediate between Tehran and Washington, he added,…
Chinese embassy staff in Nauru with government officials hosted a New Year Candy Parade on 2 January 2026. Photo: Facebook / China in Nauru Nauru’s government has issued a directive to all public servants and employees of state-owned enterprises in-country and abroad to adhere to the One-China Principle. The Cabinet directive comes as the Micronesian island nation marks its 58th constitution Day this week. In January 2024, Nauru became the first nation to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China just two days after Lai Ching-te was elected president. Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry at the time accused China of “offering…
source: reuters After a year of smaller bars, extra wafers and chocolate alternatives, at least one major chocolate maker is putting the cocoa back in — and others may follow suit — as a slump in bean prices since 2024 makes the traditional treat more profitable. The shift — driven by a near 70% slide in cocoa futures from late-2024 records — promises lower shelf prices for consumers, a demand recovery for cocoa farmers, and a partial reversal away from chocolate alternatives made with too little cocoa to qualify as chocolate. U.S.-based confectionery maker Hershey (HSY.N), opens new tab has…
[Source: File] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women manager Eleina McDonald says the squad is determined to reclaim the Super W title and create history by securing its first-ever Super Rugby Aupiki victory. After winning the Super W competition in its first two seasons before missing out in the last two campaigns, the Drua Women are entering the new season with renewed hunger and belief. McDonald described the current group as a highly motivated squad eager to return to the top. “This is a very high-energy squad… this is a team that is gunning for winning this title.”Article continues after advertisement The…