Author: TMC Palau

Fiji Swimming head coach and team manager Sharon Smith says preparations are in full swing as the country readies itself to host the Oceania Swimming Championships for the first time in a decade. With 18 nations set to converge in Suva, Smith acknowledged the scale of the task behind the scenes, crediting the collective effort driving the event’s organisation. While much of the heavy lifting falls on Fiji Aquatics executives, Smith said her role has been focused on supporting logistical preparations alongside key stakeholders, including the Fiji Sports Commission and Fiji Sports Council. “It’s not easy, but they’ve done an…

The Capitol of Palau, the palace of the Palau National Congress, in Ngerulmud. File photoKOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — Palau Sen. Rukebai Kikuo Inabo is challenging how the Senate has handled two of President Surangel Whipps J.’s key nominees, saying her colleagues have sidestepped the Constitution’s “advice and consent” duty by blocking full Senate votes and mischaracterizing the record in committee reports.Inabo questioned the Senate leadership decisions on the reappointments of Kaleb Udui Jr. for the Ministry of Finance and Dr. Dale Jenkins to the Ministry of Education.Her objections focused on the repeated reappointments of Udui and Jenkins, both of whom…

Overview: The Asian Development Bank has unveiled an ambitious $70 billion plan to transform energy and digital connectivity across Asia and the Pacific, aiming to link power grids, expand renewable energy trade, and deliver faster, more affordable internet access to millions by 2035. SAMARKAND, 04 MAY 2026 (ADB)—The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will back US$70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives by 2035, aiming to connect power grids, expand cross-border electricity trade, and improve broadband access across Asia and the Pacific.  “Energy and digital access will define the region’s future,” said ADB President Masato Kanda.   “These two initiatives…

Barcelona Full Council has given the go ahead for the urban planning procedure that will make the Museu Carmen Thyssen possible, with votes from the municipal government and the municipal groups of Junts per Barcelona, PP and Vox. The amendment to the general metropolitan plan will now have to get final approval from the Government of Catalonia. The project includes heritage work that will enable the Palau Marcet to be renovated and the original architectural elements of its façade to be preserved, strengthening the heritage value of this historical building at Passeig de Gràcia, 13, listed as an asset of…

Representatives of the Palau Government, including Peleliu State officials, along with the U.S. Department of Defense hosted two public meetings in Peleliu and Koror states, Aug. 12 and 14 respectively, to share information about proposed Peleliu South Dock rehabilitation and improvements.The rehabilitation and modernization of Peleliu South Dock is one of several U.S. Pacific Fleet-led infrastructure improvement projects in Palau that support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command posture initiatives to ensure operational readiness in the region.The public meetings provided residents the proposed project scope, construction timeline, and environmental baseline survey results. The meetings also provided opportunities for residents to ask questions and…

Palau is sending a clear message of inclusion as it readies to host one of the Pacific’s most important diplomatic gatherings this August.This comes as President Surangel Whipps Jr confirms all dialogue partners are welcomed back to this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting.“We want to make sure that everybody is welcome, that’s what partnership is all about in the Pacific,” Whipps tells PMN News.The 2026 meeting marks a return to full engagement with dialogue partners after last year’s forum in the Solomon Islands excluded them.Whipps says international partners have already expressed strong interest.Scheduling is being coordinated around ministerial…

Two of the victims injured in the Zam Zam Restaurant explosion in Samabula are now on life support at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital. The Ministry of Health confirms that nine people are currently admitted at CWM Hospital after suffering burns in the incident earlier this afternoon. As of 2:00pm, the remaining victims are being treated for inhalation burns and facial injuries. Doctors at the hospital’s Emergency Department are continuing to provide urgent care, with efforts focused on stabilising all patients.Article continues after advertisement The Ministry says it will provide further updates as more information becomes available. Source link

Overview: Jeremiah Manele delivered a strong message on World Press Freedom Day, urging journalists to balance press freedom with responsibility, accuracy, and ethical reporting. Speaking in Honiara, he emphasized that in an age of misinformation and rapid digital communication, journalism must prioritize truth and trust over speed while safeguarding peace, unity, and democratic values. HONIARA, 04 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS)—Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says press freedom must be matched with responsibility, warning that journalism today is defined not by speed, but by accuracy, trust and its role in protecting peace and national unity.  Speaking at the World Press Freedom…

BarcelonaJoan Laporta’s final days before resigning as Barça president were frantic. Meetings, contract renewals, interviews, and photographs. Closing cases was very important for the current pre-candidate in his aspirations to be re-elected. Generally speaking, and apart from the 4-0 defeat in the Cup, the men’s first team is performing well. For this reason alone, Laporta has a good chance of remaining in the presidential box. What the fans value most is that the ball goes in the net. Therefore, the president’s main task has been to patch up the team. However, managing a club like Barça is much broader, and…

[Photo Credit: Supplied] Prouds hosted two exclusive Pandora shopping events ahead of Mother’s Day in Nadi and Suva. The events were held at Prouds Downtown Nadi on 27 April and Prouds Suva Central on 29 April, bringing together invited customers for private shopping experiences featuring Pandora’s latest jewellery collections. Guests were treated to light refreshments as they browsed products in an intimate setting themed around Mother’s Day gifting. [Photo Credit: Supplied] As part of the events, a Lucky Door Prize draw was held, with one winner from each location receiving a Pandora gift bag. Customers who made purchases were also…