Author: TMC Palau

Fewer than 1000 people in Aotearoa identify as Rotuman. Photo: Dom Thomas The Rotuman language is the first Pacific language to be celebrated in Aotearoa this week as part of the Ministry of Pacific Peoples (MPP) Language Weeks series. Fewer than 1000 people in Aotearoa identify as Rotuman. This year’s theme is “Treasure, nurture and teach our Rotuman language and culture so it may live on through generations.” Rotuma Language Week runs from 10 to 16 May. 2026 Pacific Language Weeks dates Samoa Language Week – 31 May – 6 June Kiribati Language Week – 5 July – 11 July…

Health officials and advocates mark International Lupus Day in Suva. A new study conducted by Colonial War Memorial Hospital has revealed alarming lupus figures in Fiji, with the annual incidence rate estimated at 2.4 per 100,000 people. Speaking during International Lupus Day celebrations at Albert Park, Deputy Dean of the Umanand Prasad Medical School at University of Fiji, Dr Samuela Korovou, says the findings highlight the urgent need for stronger awareness, early intervention, and long-term support for patients living with the disease. Korovou says the statistics are concerning for a country with a population of less than a million people.…

KOROR, Republic of Palau — At the request of the Republic of Palau and in response to their concerns of potential illicit maritime activity occurring in Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam (FMSG) and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point dispatched personnel and equipment to enact the agreement between the U.S. and Palau Concerning Operational Cooperation to Suppress Illicit Transnational Maritime Activity (U.S. – Palau Bilateral Agreement), and in doing so enhanced Palau’s maritime domain awareness. In the recent joint operation, which occurred Sept. 6-8, 2024, a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules and aircrew…

Rice Farming. The growing number of non-communicable disease cases in Fiji, including hypertension and diabetes, can be reduced through healthier food choices and lifestyle changes. This is according to Fiji Rice Limited’s Dreketi Mill Manager Dr Rajesh Maharaj, who says improving daily diets is critical as the country continues to battle alarming rates of NCD-related deaths. Dr Maharaj says Fiji Rice Limited is focused not only on providing quality locally-produced rice for consumers, but also on strengthening the local economy by supporting rice farmers across the country. “80 percent or even more than 80 percent of deaths in Fiji is…

The Alingano Maisu casts off from the dock of Taitung, Taiwan, en route to Okinawa, Japan, on Good Friday. The Maisu is on a 6,200-mile sailing journey, guided only by the stars, waves, and winds. The Maisu will travel to Saipan, Guam, and Yap before finishing its endeavor in Palau. Photo courtesy of Joser Hsieh via The Guam Daily PostBy Jojo Santo TomasFor Variety  HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The traditional voyaging canoe Alingano Maisu has once again altered course — this time steering away from Yap and toward Palau — as Tropical Storm Hagupit, Invest 93W, and a developing…

The Health Ministry is closely watching a Hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship currently anchored off Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. They are monitoring it to assess any possible risk of spread, even though no cases have been reported in Fiji. The Ministry states that no cases have been detected and the risk remains very low. It also confirms that there are no local infections. The cruise ship outbreak has recorded eight cases and three deaths.Article continues after advertisement The Ministry and Fiji’s Centre for Disease Control say there is no immediate threat to Fiji. They add that border…

This article was first published on RNZ. There’s unease and confusion in Palau over a deal the Government has made with the US to accept deportees.On Christmas Eve, President Surangel Whipps Jr announced a deal had been made to accept up to 75 deportees from the US in exchange for US$7.5 million in aid. The agreement will allow “third-country nationals” who have not been charged with a crime, and whose home countries won’t accept them back, to live and work in Palau.In his statement on social media, President Whipps described the deal as “a decision about people seeking safety and…

Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby scores the opening try against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific round 13 match at North Harbour Stadium, 9 May 2026. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Opinion – Moana Pasifika lost their 11th game for the season on Saturday when they went down 50-17 to the Hurricanes in North Harbour. It is in stark contrast to their performance 12 months ago, where they almost made the top six play-off. Today, they sit firmly at the bottom of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific table, with just 4 points out of 12 games and a points difference…

[Photo: FILE] The High Court of Fiji is being asked to determine whether cyberbullying and other offences under Fiji’s Online Safety laws should be heard in the High Court or the Magistrates Court. Lawyers appearing before the court today argued over the interpretation of legislation relating to criminal cases under the Online Safety Act, particularly whether jurisdiction lies exclusively with the High Court or can also be exercised by magistrates. Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court there has been uncertainty surrounding the issue after previous legal interpretations raised questions about which court should…

Thirty years after the release of Omega, the truth of a record and an essential work is reborn. A musical statement that changed music forever. Misunderstood, ignored, and undervalued in its time, Omega is not just an album—it is the struggle of a group of artists defending that work against all odds. Kiki Morente now represents youth and perspective within Omega. From his childhood view in 1996—because Omega was a family affair for the Morente family—to his responsibility in 2026 of preserving his father’s legacy. Lagartija Nick now symbolizes experience, the old searching for the young soul of the project.…