Author: TMC Palau

The recent ANU–UPNG book on the economic history of Papua New Guinea, Struggle, Reform, Boom and Bust, divides PNG’s post-independence history into four periods, basically by decades: the seventies and eighties (early struggles); the nineties (reform and crisis); the noughties (boom years); and the tens (the quiet bust). The book’s quantitative analysis ended in 2022. With data now available up to 2025, what period is the PNG economy now in? It was already clear by the time the book was finished, and was therefore noted in it, that PNG had exited in 2022 the period of “quiet bust” it had…

By Pita Ligaiula NEW YORK, 19 OCTOBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— The United States has called for the abolition of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation, dismissing its annual work and visits to the Pacific as a waste of UN resources. Speaking at the UN Fourth Committee on 15 October, the United States said the committee […]The post U.S calls for end to UN decolonisation committee, criticises Pacific visits appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

The leader of the world’s fourth-smallest country has told China that recognizing Taiwan is “our choice, not yours,” after Beijing threatened it with “consequences” for promoting the island’s independence. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr visited Australia last week to visit the country’s newly opened embassy in Canberra, a side-effect of the Albanese government’s attempts to deepen ties in the Pacific, where China is attempting to expand its influence. In an interview with POLITICO, Whipps described how Beijing has attempted to bring Palau into its orbit and pushed the government to “sever ties with Taiwan.” “It’s the Chinese ambassador saying: ‘You’re…

HAGATNA, 19 OCTOBER 2206 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) maintained uninterrupted operations through Typhoon Champi’s closest approach, with 16 babies having been delivered before and during the storm, the hospital said. Tihu Lujan, spokesperson for GMH, said 13 babies were born during Condition of Readiness 2 and three during COR 1. The hospital […]The post Typhoon babies: 16 born at Guam hospital during Champi appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

CANBERRA, Australia (Oct. 12, 2026) — Palau officially opened its first embassy in Australia on Monday, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. Palau Opens its first Embassy in Australia. Photo credit: Palau Embassy – Australia President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and First Lady Whipps led a Palauan delegation at […]The post Palau Opens First Embassy in Australia, Strengthening Bilateral Ties appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang TAIPEI, Taiwan (Oct. 2026) – President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and First Lady Whipps attended the opening ceremony of the newly completed wing of Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital in Taipei on Sunday, October 18. Whipps arrived in Taiwan on Saturday following his visit to Australia, where he attended the […]The post Whipps attends opening of Shin Kong Hospital’s new wing in Taipei appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

Guam has begun recovering from Super Typhoon Champi, with government offices reopening and cargo operations partially resuming, although widespread power outages and dangerous marine conditions persist.Meanwhile, the neighboring Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has declared the all clear, with schools resuming classes Monday.US President Donald Trump has approved emergency declarations for both Guam and the CNMI.The Guam Power Authority reported that 90 percent of transmission lines had been restored, all 30 substations were energised, and 70 percent of electrical feeders and circuits were back online as of Monday morning.However, electricity demand remained at just 52 percent of the…

Franz-Kesolei takes Ways and Means chair By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Oct. 20, 2026) — The Palau House of Delegates has reorganized its committee leadership and membership following a sudden change in the chamber’s leadership earlier this month, with former Vice Speaker Mario S. Gulibert now serving as speaker and Noah Kemesong replacing Warren Umetaro […]The post House of Delegates reshuffles committees after leadership change appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

The European Commission’s executive vice-president Stéphane Séjourné has offered to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with New Caledonia on the French Pacific territory’s crucial nickel resources.Séjourné arrived in New Caledonia over the weekend for a four-day visit, which is expected to conclude with the signing of a pact on Tuesday.The deal, from the European Union’s (EU) point of view, would recognise nickel’s place as a strategic resource and raw material.New Caledonia, as a French Pacific territory, is classified as an EU “Overseas Country and Territory” (PTOM).Séjourné is the EU’s vice-president and commissioner for prosperity and industrial strategy.Speaking before New…

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck northwest of Vanuatu, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.The quake hit at 5.20pm NZT.The USGS said the earthquake hit 204 km WNW of Port-Olry and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres.No tsunami alerts have been issued. Source link