Author: TMC Palau

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned a Chinese businesswoman in Palau for alleged links to a multi-billion dollar fraud empire, three years after an OCCRP investigation revealed how she helped a notorious triad boss build ties with a former president of the Pacific island country. Wang Guodan, also known as Rose Wang, was sanctioned by the United States as part of a sweeping action by U.S. and U.K. authorities targeting operators and facilitators of so-called “pig butchering” schemes, largely run by Chinese organized crime groups, that operate from scam compounds in Southeast Asia and elsewhere and rely on forced labor.‘Pig butchering’ is a…

Dominiko Tabu outside court today. The Nasinu Magistrates Court has moved the case of a man accused of allegedly murdering a police officer in Nasinu to the Suva High Court. Dominiko Tabau appeared before Resident Magistrate Vindi Prasad this afternoon in the  Nasinu Magistrates Court. Tabau has been further remanded in custody. He faces one count of attempted murder, one count of serious assault and one count of going equipped. The court was told that all disclosures have been served on the accused.Article continues after advertisement Police Prosecution applied for the matter to be moved to the Suva High Court,…

Many of us want an overview of where our country stands on CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions. Are they increasing or decreasing? How do levels compare to other countries? This page provides the data for your chosen country across key metrics on this topic.The data will be updated — often on an annual basis — with the latest global and country emissions estimates.See all CO₂ & Greenhouse Gas Emissions data for PalauAnnual emissions figures are often used to compare countries’ contribution to climate change. But this metric often reflects differences in population size across the world.To understand the ‘footprint’…

The Government has confirmed that there is no need for a State of Emergency in Fiji at this stage, following a review of national security and economic conditions by the National Security Council. The assurance comes after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, attended by senior ministers and officials from key government agencies. The Council assessed a range of issues including international developments, Fiji’s fuel supply, financial stability, contingency planning and the current law and order situation. Based on advice from the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, officials confirmed there is no recommendation…

Surangel Whipps Jr, left, and Enrique Ramirez (The Catholic Leader) President Surangel Whipps Jr says Palau’s government puts God at the centre of climate policy because Palauans believe they own none of it – “everything on this planet belongs to God”.  Source: The Catholic Leader. Palau is a tiny Pacific island nation of about 18,000 people across 340 coral and volcanic islands in Micronesia.  It boasts barrier reefs, lagoons, world-class diving, rich marine biodiversity, ancient culture and strong environmental protections to maintain it all.   “(God) has entrusted us with the responsibility to be good stewards,” Mr Whipps said in…

Fiji has welcomed 196, 177 visitors in the first quarter of this year. The Reserve Bank of Fiji says the local tourism sector continues to perform strongly, providing vital support to overall economic activity. The first-quarter arrivals represent an annual growth of 7%. The RBF says this expansion is primarily due to arrivals from Australia and New Zealand, while visitors from the Pacific Island countries recorded a decline.Article continues after advertisement It says the outlook for the sector remains favourable, underpinned by steady forward bookings and positive sentiment among industry stakeholders. However, it says a sustained rise in global prices…

The Niuean government says costs have increased by 50 percent this month. Photo: Facebook / Office of the Secretary of Government NIUE Niue Niue is forecasting its fuel shipment costs to rise by 150 percent in June. The Niuean government says costs have increased by 50 percent this month, though fuel supplies remain sufficient in the meantime, and that there is no need for rationing or stockpiling. It said fuel prices will gradually increase throughout the island to address costs, as they set aside a dedicated diesel supply for government buildings and machinery. The government said power, health, emergency response…

Palau said Wednesday that it has agreed to take in up to 75 people deported from the United States during President Donald Trump’s purge of unauthorized immigrants in exchange for millions of dollars in financial assistance—a move that has sparked considerable opposition among the Pacific archipelago nation’s roughly 18,000 inhabitants.The office of Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced a memorandum of understanding with the United States under which the country will receive $7.5 million in assistance in exchange for taking in 75 third-country deportees who cannot be repatriated to their countries of origin.Earlier this week, US State Department Principal Deputy…

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Land Force Commander, Brigadier General Onisivoro Covunisaqa, has issued a stern warning to those involved in illicit drug activities, declaring that authorities will come down hard on offenders. Speaking during the Land Forces 2nd Quarter Parade on May 1, Brigadier General Covunisaqa warned those selling drugs and spreading fear in communities that the RFMF will reach them. He further warned that individuals involved in such activities will face serious consequences when caught. The Commander said the military stands at a critical turning point in the fight against narcotics and organized crime, stressing that the…

CAMP KATUU, Palau — The Civic Action Team Palau 84-10 is once again at work in the Republic of Palau. These U.S. Army servicemembers are not just completing construction projects, they are investing in the future of an entire community.CAT Palau operates under the U.S. military’s civic action program, deploying construction teams throughout the Pacific to complete infrastructure projects while training local workers. The current rotation runs from late July to February 2026, continuing a tradition of service that dates back to 1969.A Mission Built on PartnershipThe 13-member CAT Palau team has been tackling critical infrastructure projects across the island…