Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Palau is dedicating May to children’s mental health, emergency medical services and public well-being through a series of new presidential proclamations and executive orders signed this week. Events planned across the country aim to strengthen community connections, support youth wellness and honor first responders. Executive orders and proclamations spotlight children’s mental health, emergency medical services and community well-being across Palau. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Surangel S. Whipps Jr. signed a series of executive orders and presidential proclamations this week, setting the stage for a busy month focused on public health, children’s well-being and emergency medical services. President…

Overview: Palau’s attorney general says the recent spike in fuel prices is tied to escalating conflict in the Middle East and disruptions in global oil markets — not necessarily illegal price gouging. As gasoline costs climb and shipping surcharges rise, officials warn the economic impact could soon spread far beyond the pump. By L.N. Reklai KOROR — Attorney General Ernestine K. Rengiil says Palau’s sharp rise in gasoline prices is being driven mainly by the war in Iran and turmoil in global oil markets, and warns that any attempt to prosecute fuel suppliers for price gouging would face significant legal…

A photo of Indigenous West Papuan civilians in Distrik Tembagapura, Mimika, Central Papua, allegedly injured by use of excessive force by non-organic Indonesian military forces (TNI Satgas Habema). This image, alongside several more graphic ones, was shared on Facebook by the United Liberation Movement for West Papua leader Benny Wenda on 9 May 2026. RNZ Pacific has been unable to independently verify the picture. Photo: Facebook / Benny Wenda A West Papuan church leader has warned that ongoing killings of young Papuans allegedly by Indonesian security forces have the hallmark of genocide. Since the start of the year there’s been…

Overview: Palau’s long-awaited Economic Symposium is now set for May 25-29, with national discussions expected on the future of pensions and Social Security. President Surangel Whipps Jr. says the conversations could lead to difficult choices — and everyone, especially young people, should be part of them. Consultant studies to guide discussions on sustainability, sacrifices and long-term financial stability in Palau. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced that Palau’s Economic Symposium will be held from May 25 to 29 after being delayed while consultants completed studies on the Palau Civil Service Pension Plan and the Palau…

Backyard farmers are being encouraged to take up yam farming as a way to strengthen food security, support local markets, and create income opportunities. At this year’s Rotuma Day celebration, 21 farmers are taking part in the competition, including two women participants, marking a major step forward for women in farming. Chairman of the Rotuma Backyard Farmers, Francis sioni says the annual competition continues to grow, with farmers travelling from areas including Pacific Harbour, Suva, Tavua and Vatukoula to take part. Backyard farming proves that even families with small pieces of land can contribute to food production, with a strong…

Overview: A Palau jury has convicted Burton Wenty on meth possession charges but cleared him of firearm and ammunition offenses in a major criminal case that now raises questions about whether the country’s tougher new anti-drug law could apply at sentencing. Verdict comes days after Palau enacted tougher anti-meth penalties that could dramatically affect sentencing. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 11, 2026) — A jury has convicted Burton Wenty on two felony methamphetamine possession charges while acquitting him on multiple firearm and ammunition counts in a closely watched criminal case that could test the reach of Palau’s newly strengthened…

[Photo Credit: AAP] Delta Goodrem has lifted Australia into the Eurovision final with a sparkling powerhouse vocal performance, breaking a two-year non-qualification streak. The singer and former Neighbours star, who is arguably the best-known act in the song contest for 2026, was accompanied by a harpist for her song Eclipse. As her performance climaxed, Goodrem was elevated into the air from the top of her piano. The Australian joins Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Romania, Malta Cyprus, Albania, Denmark and Czechia as other second semi-final qualifiers.Article continues after advertisement Entries from the UK and host Austria, who have both already qualified for…

Overview: Palau law enforcement agencies intercepted more than 333 grams of methamphetamine in two separate mail-related seizures this week, highlighting intensified border security efforts as the country marks National Police Week. National Police Week proclamation shines spotlight on law enforcement efforts and recent drug convictions. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 13, 2026) — Law enforcement authorities seized 333.33 grams of methamphetamine in two separate incidents involving packages sent through the post office and DHL, Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed Wednesday during a press conference marking the launch of National Police Week. National Police Week proclamation shines spotlight on…

Fiji is positioning itself as a serious player in the global outsourcing market, with a strong push to attract international business through quality service, skilled talent and trusted partnerships. Outsource Fiji recently represented the country at the Customer Contact Symposium held at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, as part of efforts to promote Fiji as a competitive outsourcing destination for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Led by Executive Director Josefa Wivou, the delegation also included senior representatives who engaged with industry leaders, contact centre operators, technology providers and business executives from across the region. The symposium provided a key platform…

Photo: Office of the Secretary of Government Niue Facebook Niue’s assembly has re-elected Dalton Tagelagi as its prime minister, continuing his leadership for the next three years. Tagelagi, 57, has led Niue since 2020 and was nominated alongside Emani Fakaotimanava-Lui during the leadership vote. The 19th Niue Assembly was officially sworn in on Wednesday local time. Billy Talagi was sworn in as the new Speaker of Parliament. PMN reported Tagelagi won a narrow 11-9 leadership vote, and the result confirms continuity in leadership but exposes a deeply divided Parliament with MPs split almost evenly between the two leadership nominees. Niue’s…