Author: TMC Palau
Palau gained independence from the US in 1994. (AFP: The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand) Photo: AFP / The Pew Charitable Trusts / Matt Rand Correction: This story was amended on 3 February 2026 to clarify the status and intent of legislation considered by Palau’s Senate, and to remove the implication that the deal has been fully blocked. Palau’s Senate has voted for changes in an attempt to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States. This follows an announcement last month that President Surangel Whipps Jr agreed to a deal with the US to take up to…
[Photo: YVONNE RAVULA] The Hot Bread Kitchen has reopened its Suva Market shop today following renovation work, marking its second shop launch for 2026. Managing Director Vanessa Charters says the reopening comes as the company continues to expand its footprint across Fiji, with 26 outlets operating nationwide. She says during the renovation period, operations were temporarily shifted to a food bus stationed at the Suva Flea Market car park, which was supported by loyal customers and the market community. Charters acknowledged both customers and the Suva Flea Market for their continued support during the transition period.Article continues after advertisement “So…
Issued by: on U.S. Army Spc. Leeshoen Jarrett operates a bulldozer while opening the Koror Solid Waste Access Road, Palau, 2025. This project expands access, strengthens waste management operations, and supports long-term environmental health for the island. (Courtesy Photo) Date Taken: 12.01.2025 Date Posted: 12.09.2025 18:06 Photo ID: 9432051 VIRIN: 251201-A-A5006-1006 Resolution: 2400×1600 Size: 1.57 MB Location: PW Web Views: 22 Downloads: 1 PUBLIC DOMAIN…
Overview: The Republic of Palau and Australia have marked 30 years of maritime security cooperation with the signing of an enhanced Pacific Maritime Security Program Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening support for Palau’s maritime surveillance, fisheries protection and regional security efforts. The renewed partnership delivers expanded funding, training, aerial surveillance and operational support for the Guardian-class Patrol Boat PSS H.I. Remeliik II as both nations reaffirm their shared commitment to safeguarding the Blue Pacific region. 8 May 2026 Last week, the Republic of Palau and Australia celebrated 30 years of maritime security cooperation, marking three decades of partnership built on shared values, mutual…
[Photo: FILE] Calls for unity and a stronger national identity have taken centre stage as Government leaders use the Girmit legacy to reinforce messages of social cohesion and shared belonging in Fiji’s multicultural society. Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh says the Girmit story should not only be remembered as a history of hardship, but also as a foundation for unity among all communities in Fiji. Singh says the indentured labour system brought people from India to Fiji under false promises, where they endured years of suffering and hard labour. However, he stressed that their sacrifice ultimately contributed to…
“It’s wonderful for our mission to return to Palau, where we look forward to working alongside our multinational allies, partners, and friends as we prepare in calm for possible future time of crisis,” said Capt. Mark B. Stefanik, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. “It’s exciting to be here, as our nations share a rich history of collaboration and cultural ties. We look forward to strengthening that mutual cooperation and friendship in the days and years ahead.”Pacific Partnership mission includes stops in the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Palau, Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Philippines. “I’m excited…
Hantavirus is typically spread by the inhalation of contaminated rodent droppings. Photo: AFP A hantavirus “contact” case has been quarantined in Pitcairn after a short transit in Tahiti over the weekend, French Polynesia’s local government says. Arriving from San Francisco, the passenger, described as a US citizen, had briefly transited in Tahiti and Mangareva on 7 May 2026 (local time) “without neither local authorities nor the French State being informed”. When local authorities became aware of the situation, French Polynesia’s government said they held an emergency meeting. “The person concerned does not present any (hantavirus) symptom and is presently isolated…
Overview: Palau’s Senate unanimously rejected a bill aimed at modernizing the country’s elite residency visa program after lawmakers raised concerns over millions of dollars in budget rider amendments added by the House of Delegates. The move now sends the measure to a conference committee for further negotiations. Senators oppose multimillion-dollar amendments tied to the Elite Visa bill, triggering conference committee negotiations. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang Ngerulmud, Palau (May 11, 2026) – The Senate unanimously rejected the long-awaited Senate Bill No. 12-41 HD3, which sought to modernize Palau’s elite residency visa program, citing concerns over rider amendments imposed by the House…
[Source: Reuters] hina’s overall tourist activity increased slightly during the May Day holiday, according to official data released, but per trip spending dipped compared to last year’s holiday period. Spending over China’s multi-day public holidays is an important marker of the country’s consumer confidence, which has suffered from a challenging economic backdrop and a prolonged property crisis, even as exports have proved resilient. According to data from China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 325 million domestic trips were taken during the May 1-5 holiday, a rise of 3.6% over last year. The total expenditure of domestic travel was 185.49 billion…
Issued by: on U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, left, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and U.S. Ambassador to Palau Joel Ehrendreich pose for photo following a gift exchange during a key leader engagement in Koror, Palau, Sept. 8, 2025. Glynn traveled to Palau to observe operations, engage with local officials and Marines, and better understand the islands’ infrastructure, historic sites and facilities as part of a broader mission to reinforce multinational partnerships that support security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance…