Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] Customs officers will be given broader powers to investigate importers under proposed amendments to the Customs Act aimed at strengthening compliance and protecting government revenue. Speaking in Parliament, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Customs Budget Amendment Bill 2026 will allow Fiji Revenue and Customs Service officers to question traders and others connected to goods under customs control. He says the Bill also makes it an offence to fail to provide information or documents required under customs law, strengthening compliance with customs regulations. Another key amendment extends the period for FRCS to recover unpaid customs duties from one…

Overview: Tmetbab Clan has filed a lawsuit against the Palau Public Utilities Corporation, seeking the removal of a water tank from clan-owned property in Koror after alleging that a long-term lease for the site expired in 2025. The case raises questions over land rights, public utility operations, and compensation for continued use of private property. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – Tmetbab Clan, represented by Rimuu Dominica Ngoriakl, has filed suit in the Palau Supreme Court seeking to force Palau Public Utilities Corporation to vacate a water-tank site in Ngerkesoaol Hamlet, Koror State, after a lease on the property allegedly…

[Photo: Supplied] Disability inclusion is no longer being viewed as simply a welfare issue but as a national development priority requiring action across every sector. The message was reinforced during the launch of the study on the rights of children with disabilities, where officials highlighted reforms and legislation aimed at building a more inclusive Fiji. Principal Welfare Officer North Rohit Sharma acknowledged the children and families who shared their experiences as part of the study, noting their contributions have helped shine a light on the realities faced by many across the country. “Most importantly, I acknowledge the children and families…

The exercise demonstrated expeditionary sustainment capabilities and revalidated a secondary landing zone by landing a C-130 on Angaur Island, enhancing regional readiness, interoperability and operational agility. During the exercise, Soldiers and Airmen set up an expeditionary communications suite and a medical aid station to further bolster these sustainment capabilities. Conducted under the umbrella of Exercise Valiant Shield – a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on interoperability in a multi-domain environment – Alupang ACE highlighted the strength and versatility of the joint and combined force. The operation also supported the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, concept, which disperses…

Overview: A petition with more than 600 supporters calling for women to compete in Belau Games spearfishing has sparked debate over gender inclusion in Palau sports. Organizers rejected the request, saying the change came after rules, registrations and safety plans were already finalized. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 17, 2026) — A petition calling for women to be allowed to compete in the Belau Games 2026 spearfishing competition has gained more than 600 signatures, but organizers have rejected the request, saying the decision came after competition plans, athlete registration and safety requirements had already been finalized. The Belau Games…

[Photo: Supplied] The Salvation Army has opened a new alcohol and drug recovery centre to host its Alcohol and Drug Programme, aimed at addressing alcohol and drug dependency in the country through daytime and afternoon sessions and workshops. With escalating challenges surrounding drug and alcohol abuse, the center fosters a support system that will guide victims to the path of recovery. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the center provides another pathway to recovery for participants while also keeping them connected to their families and communities. “This program reflects the powerful truth that recovery does not happen in isolation, by investing…

Analysis: As geopolitical tensions increase in the Pacific region and numerous security alliances are rapidly forged, questions are being raised over whether the Ocean of Peace concept is being hijacked.Has the Pacific’s Ocean of Peace concept been hijacked?Pacific WavesThe Ocean of Peace Declaration was made last year by members of the Pacific Islands Forum, recognising the role of civil society in peacebuilding. However, the emphasis of the initiative seems to have quickly shifted.Australia and Fiji take the leadAustralia last week signed the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties with Fiji, the latest in a series of regional pacts…

Guitarist Vicente Amigo celebrates 40 years of career with a tour titled Entre cuerdas y tiempo. A guitarist who goes far beyond flamenco and is admired with absolute devotion —for example— by jazz guitarists, Amigo, now considered one of the leading figures in contemporary music, celebrates these four decades of supreme artistry with a tour that will make a very special stop at the Palau de la Música Catalana. A magnificent occasion for Barcelona and our festival to celebrate, as it deserves, the career of an artist admired for his virtuosity, sensitivity and ability to expand the horizons of flamenco…

Overview: One of Koror’s long-standing neighborhood stores is preparing to close its doors. WCTC announced that Desekel Mart in Ngerbeched will cease operations on July 31 as the company searches for a new location following reported lease negotiations that failed to produce a new agreement. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — Western Caroline Trading Company (WCTC) announced this week that its Desekel Mart branch in Ngerbeched will permanently close on July 31, ending years of service to customers in the community. WCTC’s Desekel Mart and Hotel in Ngerbeched, Koror will be closing its doors permanently on…

[Source: File] The return of overseas-based players has added a new dimension to the Crest Fiji Pearls’ preparations as the national side continues its mini trials ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Head coach Michelle Parsons says the inclusion of international players has brought fresh energy and intensity to the squad, with encouraging signs already emerging on day one of the trials. Parsons believes one of the biggest improvements has been the players’ ability to maintain skill execution and make sound decisions under pressure. “The development from last week was that consistency of skill and that ability to keep going even when…