Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison by the Labasa High Court after being convicted of breaching a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. He was also found guilty of raping his former partner. In sentencing, High Court judge Justice Lee Burney said the offending began on 22 April 2025, when the man approached the woman outside a school in Labasa, despite a restraining order being in place. The court heard that he forced her into a taxi before she was taken to Savusavu, where she was sexually assaulted over a two-day period. Justice Burney said the…

The Solomon Islands’ new coalition government has launched its official policy document, describing it as the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation’s (GREAT) “strategic blueprint” which “outlines our absolute commitment to empowering local communities”.It comes 52 days after Prime minister Matthew Wale’s election following the ousting of his predecessor Jeremiah Manele in a vote of no confidence in parliament.While unveiling the 60-page document in Honiara on Monday, Wale said his government’s priorities, principles and future direction for the country sit on four pillars, which has a strong focus on “indigenous Solomon Islanders”.”The GREAT Coalition Government chooses to build. We…

Overview: Palau is ramping up preparations to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror as President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. joined regional leaders in Fiji for high-level Troika discussions focused on climate resilience, sustainable development and advancing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. joined Pacific leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Troika Leaders Meeting on July 1 at the PIF Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, as Palau intensifies preparations to host the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting beginning Aug. 30 in Koror. The…

Overview: A former physician has been sentenced after admitting to forging a colleague’s signature to obtain controlled painkillers, with the Palau Supreme Court ordering her out of the country as part of a plea deal. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 6, 2026) — A Filipino physician who admitted to forging a colleague’s signature on prescriptions for controlled painkillers has been sentenced to five years in prison, suspended, and ordered to leave Palau. Dr. Maria Lyza Gepty, formerly a practitioner at Belau Medical Clinic, pleaded guilty to two counts of forgery in the second degree in a plea agreement…

Deputy PM on missile test in South PacificFirst UpChina’s missile test in the South Pacific is “extremely unwelcome behaviour”, and not what a country that wants to be accepted would do, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says.Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Monday said the government had been informed only hours before China launched a long-range ballistic missile into the South Pacific.Peters said he was deeply concerned by it, and that it was “not consistent with regional stability, and peace in the South Pacific.”Speaking to First Up on Tuesday, Seymour said it was likely there would be widespread condemnation of the…

Overview: Angaur Elementary School has become the official custodian of ancient pottery and shell tools unearthed on the island, following a July 1 agreement that establishes Palau’s first school-based archaeological exhibition — bringing history, culture and the classroom together for students and the wider community. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Angaur Elementary School will become the custodian of ancient artifacts unearthed on the island, under an agreement signed July 1 between two national government bureaus. The Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, signed a memorandum of understanding with the…

Goodman Fielder International has rallied behind the Fiji Pearls as they prepare for their Spirit Series campaign in Sydney, with the team aiming to make another statement on the international stage. GFI General Manager Tim Carter says excitement is growing within the squad as the Pearls count down to their first match, with the campaign providing another opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition. Carter says the partnership with Netball Fiji is about supporting the continued growth of the sport and helping the Fiji Pearls reach their full potential on the world stage. He believes every step forward by the…

Overview: Palau’s House of Delegates has formally honored Villaney “Lany” Remengesau, celebrating her historic election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — the first time a Palauan has ever served on a committee under the U.N. human rights treaty system. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 7, 2026) — The Twelfth Olbiil Era Kelulau’s House of Delegates has honored Villaney “Lany” Remengesau for her election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a historic milestone that makes her the first Palauan ever elected to serve on a committee…

[Source: File] The Fijian Drua has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to increase its financial investment in the club, describing the move as a significant boost for the franchise’s long-term sustainability. In a statement, Fijian Drua Chief Executive Officer Jeff Miller expressed gratitude to the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Australia for facilitating and approving the increased funding through Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Miller said the support comes at a crucial time following the end of World Rugby’s funding at the end of June. He noted that the increased investment will help ensure the Drua remains financially…

Overview: NEMO has raised a Small Craft Warning for Kayangel and Angaur as rough marine conditions continue, while advising the rest of Palau to remain under a Small Craft Advisory. Here’s what boaters and residents need to know. KOROR, Palau (July 8, 2026) — The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) has issued a Small Craft Warning, indicated by a red flag, for the states of Kayangel and Angaur, citing the latest forecast from the National Weather Service and firsthand reports from Wave Watchers stationed in both states. A Small Craft Advisory, marked by a white flag, remains in effect for…