Author: TMC Palau
A song created by young Fijians is set to become the voice of Pacific youth, carrying a message of unity, hope and empowerment across the region. The Pacific Youth Anthem has been officially handed over to the Pacific Community by Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru. Composed by Fiji’s National Youth Band, the anthem will serve as the official song of the Pacific Youth Development Framework, representing the aspirations and shared experiences of young people across 14 Pacific Island countries. “As the outgoing Chair of the Pacific Ministers for Youth Meeting, it is my great pleasure to hand over…
Business leaders will gather later this year to tackle some of Fiji’s biggest economic challenges, including rising operating costs, skills shortages and low productivity. Organisers of the Top Executive Conference 2026, better known as TOPEX, say the annual event has become a key platform for businesses, government and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the economy. TOPEX Chair Rowena Taito says the conference has evolved into much more than a networking event. “TOPEX has become more than just a conference, it’s become a real fixture where businesses come together and people come to learn and grow and support each other, but…
The Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine rescued crew members of a cargo vessel that was attacked by a Russian drone. This is reported by UNN with reference to SBGS.DetailsA Russian “Shahed” drone struck a cargo vessel flying the flag of Palau, which was en route from a Ukrainian port to Greece. This occurred as the vessel was exiting the Danube estuary.On board were nine crew members and a pilot. After the first strike, the Russians attacked the vessel again – a powerful explosion caused a large-scale fire – the SBGS statement reads.The Maritime Guard of the…
A civilian cargo vessel carrying nearly 2,800 tonnes of corn was struck while leaving an Odesa region port. Rescuers launched an urgent search as two sailors remain unaccounted for. After leaving the port in the Odessa region, Russia twice attacked a civilian vessel under the Palau flag, which was carrying corn; two sailors are missing, seven crew members and a Ukrainian harbor pilot were rescued. The incident was reported on Telegram by Ukraine’s Minister for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport, Mykola Kalashnik. Russia continues targeted attacks on Ukraine’s civil shipping and port infrastructure. Today, during departure from the port in the…
[Source: Reuters] “Avatar: The Last Airbender” creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko unveiled their latest project, animated fantasy film “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender,” at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, saying they wanted their first Avatar Studios project to resonate with longtime fans. “We had a lot of ideas for different projects in TV and film,” DiMartino told Reuters. “The idea to start with a feature came more from the studio because if we’re going to come back, we’re going to come back big.” Directed by Lauren Montgomery, the film explores a chapter fans have long wanted to see:…
Overview: Senior ICT officials from across the Pacific gathered in Port Moresby this week to finalize recommendations for regional ICT ministers, with artificial intelligence, social media governance and the implementation of the Pacific ICT and Digital Transformation Action Plan 2024–2030 topping the agenda. The meeting aims to shape practical regional policies ahead of the Forum ICT Ministers Meeting. PORT MORESBY, 23 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS)— Senior ICT officials from across the Pacific met in Port Moresby Wednesday to finalise recommendations for ICT ministers, with discussions focusing on artificial intelligence, social media and implementation of the Pacific’s digital transformation agenda. Opening the…
Lelean Memorial School U19 after their win this afternoon. Breaking the Ratu Kadavulevu School brotherhood bond was the key to Lelean Memorial School’s Eastern Zone Under-19 title triumph, according to assistant coach Viliame Kotoilakeba. Lelean defeated Ratu Kadavulevu School 23-17 in the final, ending RKS’s bid for another zone title and securing bragging rights in one of Fiji’s fiercest school rugby rivalries. Kotoilakeba, who previously coached the RKS Under-19 side, said his players understood that overcoming the defending champions required matching the unity and camaraderie that boarding school students naturally develop. “I told the boys that to beat RKS is…
The Suva High Court has dismissed an application by former Vodafone Fiji Limited employee Rajneal Rakesh Kumar to permanently halt criminal proceedings against him. Justice Dane Tuiqereqere dismissed Kumar’s application last Thursday and ordered him to pay Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, FICAC, costs of $750 within one month. Kumar is facing three charges, two counts of bribery and one count of obtaining a financial advantage. FICAC alleges that between July and December 2018, Kumar solicited an advantage of $7,000 and accepted an advantage of $4,000 in Suva and Nadi.Article continues after advertisement The application for a permanent stay was…
As Fiji’s drug crisis spreads into more communities, Taunovo Village on Vatulele Island says it is taking steps to protect its young people from substance abuse. The 31.6-kilometre island community has introduced village rules aimed at preventing drug use, with strict measures against the cultivation and sale of illicit substances. Village Headman Lenaitasi Kuruvoli says while the community remains committed to tackling the issue, addressing drug abuse has become an increasing challenge. “According to the village laws currently in place, the traditional leaders have agreed that anyone found using or in possession of illicit drugs will be expelled from the…
Overview: The Pacific Islands Forum has yet to issue a joint statement on China’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, with consensus among member states reportedly proving difficult to reach. Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said Canberra would not “dictate” the Forum’s response, as several Pacific nations, including Palau, have already publicly condemned the launch. ADELAIDE, 23 JULY 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has brushed off questions about whether the Pacific’s premier regional body will issue a statement condemning China’s intercontinental ballistic missile test earlier this month. A couple of days after the launch the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said…