Author: TMC Palau

Ash from the volcano on Vanuatu’s Ambae Island is causing flight disruptions across the country.An advisory from Vanuatu Tourism issued Monday warns all travellers that ash clouds from the ongoing low-level eruption of the Manaro Voui volcano is affecting flights.RNZ Pacific understands Team Vanuatu were also unable to begin their journey to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games due to international flight cancellations.Visitors are urged to contact airlines, tour operators and accommodation providers directly to confirm all transit plans before heading to local airports.Real-time volcano updates can be found on the Geohazards Department’s official website at vmgd.gov.vuSocial media alerts are available…

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women prop Zipporah Sorokacika says playing in this weekend’s Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final on home soil will be one of the biggest moments of her rugby career. The front-rower says preparations have been positive, with players and coaching staff putting in the work ahead of Saturday’s historic clash. “The past two days, preparation has been going well. Thanks to the coaches, the management, and especially the girls, they’ve been giving 100 percent on the field and in the gym, and we’re preparing well for the grand final this Saturday.” For Sorokacika, who is in…

Overview: A bill advancing through the Palau Senate would give police and prosecutors a stronger legal tool to pursue fraud cases by creating a broad criminal offense covering scams and deceptive schemes that have previously fallen through gaps in the law. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 20, 2026)— The Palau Senate has approved legislation that would create, for the first time, a broad criminal offense for fraud, giving law enforcement and prosecutors a stronger legal tool to investigate and prosecute scams and deceptive schemes that may not be covered under current law. Senate Bill No. 12-57, SD1, amends Title…

[Photo: Supplied] The trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica began in the Suva Magistrates Court today, with Commission of Inquiry counsel Janet Mason taking the stand as the first prosecution witness. Before the trial began, the prosecution again made another application to amend the particulars of the charge. Kamikamica pleaded not guilty to the amended charge and elected to have the indictable matter heard in the Magistrates Court. Mason told the court that Kamikamica gave evidence before the 2024 Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner and that there was contradictory evidence regarding his knowledge…

Overview: Palau health officials are urging residents to take precautions after reporting increases in tuberculosis, COVID-19 and pertussis cases. With the Belau Games drawing larger crowds, MHHS is emphasizing masks, handwashing and early medical care to help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 20, 2026)— Rising cases of tuberculosis (TB), COVID-19 and pertussis have prompted the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) to issue regular public health advisories, urging residents to take preventive measures and seek medical care if they develop symptoms. In a press release issued Friday, MHHS reported that the…

[Supplied] The Papua New Guinea Government has announced the closure of the Taipei Economic Office in Port Moresby, reaffirming its commitment to the One China policy. Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko says the decision reflects the country’s support for the One China principle and is intended to strengthen bilateral relations with China. The closure marks the latest development in Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic engagement with Beijing, following previous moves including the closure of Papua New Guinea’s trade office in Taiwan in 2023. China has welcomed the decision, describing it as further evidence of international support for the One…

Fiji’s Police Minister Ioane Naivalurua walked back his assertion in parliament last week that more than NZ$3billion (FJ$4 billion) worth of illicit drugs reached the nation’s shores in the past three years.”[The drugs] were circulated within local communities by external and internal actors, with over 2400 drug-related cases recorded last year alone,” Naivalurua said during a Budget debate last Tuesday.”Few issues concern our people more today than the growing threat of illicit drugs and transnational organised crime. Drugs destroy lives, destabilise families, undermine communities and threaten the security of our nation,” he told parliament.”The government continues to make the fight…

Overview: A majority of the Ngarkeai Council of Chiefs has endorsed Antonio Ngirturong as Aimeliik’s new high chief, Rengulbai, but the Palau Council of Chiefs has yet to formally seat him amid an ongoing challenge from a rival claimant. The dispute highlights growing questions surrounding traditional leadership succession and recognition in Palau. By Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang AIMELIIK, Palau (July 20, 2026) — A majority of the Ngarkeai Council of Chiefs endorsed Antonio Ngirturong as Aimeliik’s new high chief, Rengulbai, despite objections from a rival, while the Rubekul Belau, or Palau Council of Chiefs (COC), has yet to meet to officially…

[Photo: File] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the appointment process for the new Commissioner of Corrections and Director of Public Prosecutions will depend on both the selection process and ongoing legal matters. Responding to questions on when the appointments are expected to be announced, Rabuka said the positions have already been advertised, but there are legal issues that must also be addressed. He said the redress application filed by the former Corrections Commissioner, Dr Jalesi Nakarawa, will need to follow its own legal process, alongside the selection of new appointments. FBC News understands that former DPP, Christopher Pryde’s term came…

Overview: Fresh, locally grown produce could soon become a bigger part of preschool meals in Palau as school cooks complete specialized training focused on nutrition, menu planning and local agriculture. The initiative will culminate in a School Chef Competition on July 28, highlighting new skills while promoting healthier meals for children and stronger support for local farmers. By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau — An effort to bring more fresh, locally grown food into school meals took a step forward after the completion of Stage 1 training for preschool cooks, organizers said, part of a partnership with the Palau Community Action…