Author: TMC Palau
Overview: Senior ICT officials from across the Pacific gathered in Port Moresby this week to finalize recommendations for regional ICT ministers, with artificial intelligence, social media governance and the implementation of the Pacific ICT and Digital Transformation Action Plan 2024–2030 topping the agenda. The meeting aims to shape practical regional policies ahead of the Forum ICT Ministers Meeting. PORT MORESBY, 23 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Senior ICT officials from across the Pacific met in Port Moresby Wednesday to finalise recommendations for ICT ministers, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence, social media and implementation of the Pacific’s digital transformation agenda. Opening the…
Lelean Memorial School U19 after their win this afternoon. Breaking the Ratu Kadavulevu School brotherhood bond was the key to Lelean Memorial School’s Eastern Zone Under-19 title triumph, according to assistant coach Viliame Kotoilakeba. Lelean defeated Ratu Kadavulevu School 23-17 in the final, ending RKS’s bid for another zone title and securing bragging rights in one of Fiji’s fiercest school rugby rivalries. Kotoilakeba, who previously coached the RKS Under-19 side, said his players understood that overcoming the defending champions required matching the unity and camaraderie that boarding school students naturally develop. “I told the boys that to beat RKS is…
The Suva High Court has dismissed an application by former Vodafone Fiji Limited employee Rajneal Rakesh Kumar to permanently halt criminal proceedings against him. Justice Dane Tuiqereqere dismissed Kumar’s application last Thursday and ordered him to pay Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, FICAC, costs of $750 within one month. Kumar is facing three charges, two counts of bribery and one count of obtaining a financial advantage. FICAC alleges that between July and December 2018, Kumar solicited an advantage of $7,000 and accepted an advantage of $4,000 in Suva and Nadi.Article continues after advertisement The application for a permanent stay was…
As Fiji’s drug crisis spreads into more communities, Taunovo Village on Vatulele Island says it is taking steps to protect its young people from substance abuse. The 31.6-kilometre island community has introduced village rules aimed at preventing drug use, with strict measures against the cultivation and sale of illicit substances. Village Headman Lenaitasi Kuruvoli says while the community remains committed to tackling the issue, addressing drug abuse has become an increasing challenge. “According to the village laws currently in place, the traditional leaders have agreed that anyone found using or in possession of illicit drugs will be expelled from the…
Overview: The Pacific Islands Forum has yet to issue a joint statement on China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, with consensus among member states reportedly proving difficult to reach. Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said Canberra would not “dictate” the Forum’s response, as several Pacific nations, including Palau, have already publicly condemned the launch. ADELAIDE, 23 JULY 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has brushed off questions about whether the Pacific’s premier regional body will issue a statement condemning China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test earlier this month. A couple of days after the launch the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said…
[Source: Reuters] The United States imposed new tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, including the EU and China, alleging those countries failed to curb imports made by forced labor, just as a temporary 10% global tariff expired. The move is the White House’s first step in efforts to rebuild President Donald Trump’s near-global tariff wall after the U.S. Supreme Court in February struck down his “reciprocal” duties of 10% to 50% imposed last year under a national emergencies law to try to shrink the U.S. trade deficit. New tariffs had been expected, but trade partners…
[Source: Reuters] Eight people were killed, including two children, in an overnight attack on holiday camps in a Russian-held part of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, the Russian-installed local authorities said, accusing Ukraine of deliberately attacking civilians. Kyiv did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in the war launched by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Another 14 people were wounded in the attack on the resort area of Kyrylivka, which lies on the coast of the Azov Sea near the town of Melitopol, said Russian-appointed governor regional Yevgeny Balitsky.Article continues after advertisement…
[Source: Reuters] Indian actors Ranbir Kapoor and Yash arrived at San Diego Comic-Con to promote “Ramayana,” a two-part film adaptation of one of Hinduism’s most revered epics. Kapoor, who plays Prince Rama, said appearing at the convention was a significant moment for the production as it seeks to introduce the ancient story to a global audience. “I’ve always been a fan of comic conventions,” Kapoor told Reuters. “To finally be here on the other side with a story, which is so ingrained in our culture, to bring that to a larger audience, it’s really a proud moment for our entire…
Overview: China has called for openness and respect for Pacific nations’ independence after the Solomon Islands announced it will sign a ship rider agreement with the United States, allowing U.S. Coast Guard patrols alongside Solomon Islands police. Beijing said international cooperation in the Pacific should prioritize development and not be directed against any third party. BEIJING, 23 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — China says it is ready to deepen cooperation with the Solomon Islands while calling on all countries engaging with Pacific Island nations to respect their independence and ensure cooperation is not directed at any third party. China’s Foreign Ministry…
A new $1.6 million evacuation centre is set to be built in Viria Village, with Government saying the project recognises the contribution of landowners who have supported nationally significant infrastructure projects. Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility in Naitasiri. He says Viria Village has played a key role in Fiji’s development by allowing the construction of the new raw water intake project, which will strengthen water security for the Greater Suva Area and surrounding communities. “Viria Village has played a vital role in Fiji’s development by…