Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FIJI GOVERNMENT/ FACEBOOK] Canada has reaffirmed its support for Fiji’s hosting of Pre-COP31 following talks between Environment and Climate Change Minister Lynda Tabuya and Canada’s first resident High Commissioner to Fiji, Jennifer Lalonde. Discussions focused on climate finance, oceans, adaptation, loss and damage, and keeping the 1.5-degree target alive ahead of global climate negotiations later this year. Tabuya welcomed Canada’s support for Pre-COP31, including stakeholder participation and policy engagement, while highlighting the Pacific’s ongoing challenges in accessing climate finance for relocation and resilience projects. High Commissioner Lalonde confirmed Canada’s commitment to climate action in the Pacific through support for…

[Photo: MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS/ FACEBOOK] Public Works, Transport and Met Services Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening development ties with New Zealand following a courtesy visit by its High Commissioner to Fiji, Greg Andrews. The meeting focused on infrastructure, energy, and public sector cooperation. The Minister outlined the broad responsibilities of his ministry, including oversight of the Water Authority of Fiji, Fiji Roads Authority, Land Transport Authority and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, as well as developments in the energy and meteorological sectors. Tuisawau highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the Public Works…

The U.S. Army Civic Action Team 84-07 in the Republic of Palau is helping the local population by teaching valuable skills sets and with them, bringing greater opportunity. Palau consists of a remote group of small islands in Micronesia. While the islands are unmistakably beautiful, isolation and distance from the rest of the world often leaves its population with few options for economic mobility. The CAT consists of Army, Navy and Air Force engineers who perform six-month rotational deployments to Palau to support the local community with engineering projects. Originally a strictly Navy effort, CATs have been present in Palau since 1970. The…

[Photo: FILE] The Consumer Council of Fiji says consumers are increasingly feeling the impact of the global fuel crisis through rising grocery costs and reduced supermarket discounts. The Council yesterday released findings from a multi-week market surveillance exercise, revealing that many households are facing what it describes as a form of hidden inflation. According to the Council, while shelf prices may appear stable, retailers are gradually reducing promotional discounts that previously helped consumers save money on everyday items. The investigation, carried out between late March and early May this year, tracked prices across several supermarket chains nationwide.Article continues after advertisement…

Barça beat ASVEL 88–78 in Xavi Pascual’s return to the Palau Blaugrana. It was a hard-fought win that wasn’t secured until the final quarter, where a big defensive push finally broke the resistance of a French side that had kept the game tight from the start. Punter finished as Barça’s top scorer as the team heads into the international break. Balanced start Pascual, warmly welcomed back at the Palau, was without Laprovittola due to a right adductor injury that will sideline him for around four weeks. Led by Satoransky, Barça overturned an early 2–7 deficit to go 8–7 ahead, but…

Accommodation Most of the resort’s 160 rooms are garden view, ocean view and ocean front, spread across clusters tucked into lush tropical greenery and connected by sheltered walkways. My Garden View room feels spacious thanks to an A-frame ceiling inspired by the traditional Palauan bai (village house). Décor leans on wood, cane and natural tones and, combined with wooden Venetian blinds, the room feels a tad dark. A balcony overlooks a huge fishpond. Beds are firm and come in twin or king-size configuration. Bathrooms have an over-bath shower, but oddly, the door to the toilet (bonus washlet inside) is narrow…

[Photo: MOLLYN NAKABEA] The Fiji Museum, in collaboration with UNESCO, celebrated International Museum Day under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” Chief Executive Armando Lowe says the day serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect cultural heritage and traditions. He says museums are key to strengthening cultural understanding in diverse societies like Fiji. “As a multicultural nation rich in tradition, language and shared history, museums serve as important spaces where communities can connect together, gather and learn from one another, celebrate diversity and strengthen understanding.”Article continues after advertisement UNESCO Regional Director Sara Garcia de Ugarte…

A Pacific Detector Dog programme dog in Tonga. Photo: Giles Dexter / RNZ The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has given figures for drugs seized in the Pacific so far this year – more than three times the total amount seized in 2025. A statement from Commissioner Krissy Barrett said 17 tonnes of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized by local and international law enforcement in the Pacific since January. It said the total seizure in the Pacific region last year was about 4.6 tonnes. Barrett said most of the illicit drugs being trafficked to and through the Pacific are…

Palau’s National Police Week proclamation shines a spotlight on law enforcement efforts and recent drug convictions. Palau Ministry of Justice photo via Island TimesKOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Law enforcement authorities seized 333.33 grams of methamphetamine in two separate incidents involving packages sent through the post office and DHL, in Palau Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed during a press conference last Wednesday marking the launch of National Police Week.The confiscations were credited to coordinated police intelligence efforts, profiling operations and collaboration with Border and Customs K-9 units working to intercept illegal drugs entering Palau.“The confiscation of the illegal drug from…

[Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO] Cane farmers in Macuata have been recognised for their major contribution to Fiji’s economy, with the North producing more than 30 percent of the country’s total sugar output. Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna, while officiating at the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Mill Awards in Labasa, says the resilience and hard work shown by Northern farmers continue to keep one of Fiji’s key industries alive. At a time when the sugar industry continues to face labour shortages, rising operational costs, and climate-related challenges, farmers in Vanua Levu are still being hailed as the backbone of Fiji’s sugar sector.…