Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy, says strategic competition in the Pacific is a permanent reality, but insists Pacific nations will continue to determine their own futures. In an interview with PACNEWS, Conroy outlined Australia’s approach to strengthening regional ties through development assistance, infrastructure investment, labour mobility, policing cooperation and defence partnerships, while emphasizing respect for Pacific sovereignty and independent decision-making. By Pita Ligaiula CANBERRA, 26 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)–Australian Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy says strategic competition with China in the Pacific is a permanent feature of the region’s future,…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says it is easy to criticize and mock officers and policing measures, but negativity will not hold them back. He made the comments as the Force’s cane cutting operations got underway. Tudravu is encouraging Divisional Police Commanders to adopt strategies that best suit their operational demands. He says strategies differ depending on the area, and the main intent is to address concerns of burnt cane and police visibility within red spot areas known for burning.Article continues after advertisement Tudravu is urging the community to support farmers as harvesting begins. “Whether the Divisional Police Commanders…

The FHRADC team presenting their submissions to the Constitution Review Commission [Photo: Human Rights Commission Fiji/FACEBOOK PAGE] The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission acknowledges public concerns that preserving the 2013 Constitution’s immunity provisions indefinitely is not in the best interests of future generations. The HRADC says the Constitution is the Supreme Law and a moral compass for the nation. The permanent protection of these immunities, in the Commission’s view, entrenches historical political conflicts within the Supreme Law long after their practical purpose has ceased and those covered have passed away. It says continued inclusion risks memorializing treasonous actions, constitutional disruptions,…

Tailevu Naitasiri team before one of their EPL games this year.[Source:Tailevu Naitasiri FA/Facebook] The Extra Premier League double-header that was supposed to be played in Nausori today has been moved to Vatuwaqa. The Fiji Football Association has confirmed this. Fiji FA says they’ve relocated the games to the Fiji FA Academy ground in Vatuwaqa due to the unplayable condition of the pitch at Ratu Cakobau Park. The revised match schedule sees Tailevu Naitasiri play Nasinu at 1pm before Extra Supermarket Labasa meets Coastal Rental Cars/MMM Brothers Nadroga at 3pm.Article continues after advertisement In other games today,Ba play Nadi at 4R…

It was physical, a bloody battle befitting the start of the new Nations Championship competition.In the end the All Blacks hung on to win 34-32 at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, in front of 29,152 fans.That marked the start of the David Rennie coaching era, one that has a lot of Pasifika connections.Of Cook Islands heritage through his mother, Rennie had assistant Fa’alogo Tana Umaga, the first All Blacks captain of Pasifika heritage in his corner.And the duo had Ardie Savea leading the team on the field.Savea, who ended the game with a boot mark cut on his…

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16 – Paraguay v France – Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. – July 4, 2026 France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Omar Aziz Purchase Licensing Rights Kylian Mbappe converted a second-half penalty as France ‌sweated through a suffocating Philadelphia furnace and wrestled their way out of a brutal scrap with Paraguay to snatch a 1-0 win on Saturday, setting up a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco. Mbappe’s 19th World Cup goal in as many appearances ensured there would ​be no repeat of Paraguay’s shock elimination of four-time champions Germany — or…

[Photo: Ba Football Association/FACEBOOK PAGE] The Ba Football Association Board of Control has imposed an indefinite ban on six individuals from all league venues and football-related activities. This decision follows what the board describes as persistent anti-Ba behaviour, malicious instigation, and the deliberate provocation of supporters. Those named in the ban are Dr. Abdal Muizz Shaheed, Shai Singh, Ranji Lal, Varun Lal, Zoheb Ali and Reshu Lata. In a statement, the association says the ban takes immediate effect and prevents the six individuals from entering any venue hosting Ba FA district or local league matches, as well as attending or…

Overview: Naoero has officially connected to the East Micronesia Cable, marking a historic shift from satellite-dependent internet services to a modern submarine cable network. The new connection to Guam is expected to deliver faster, more reliable, and weather-resilient internet access, strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and connectivity with the world. YAREN, 26 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Naoero has entered a new phase in its telecommunications development.  The East Micronesia Cable (EMC) connection between Naoero and Guam officially went live on  24 June, the Naoero Fibre Cable Division of Cenpac Corporation said.  The launch marks a major milestone for the country’s communications…

Kiran adds the ministry has already supported dozens of persons with disabilities through economic empowerment programmes. [Photo: JOSEFA SIGAVOLAVOLA] Persons with disabilities could help address growing skills shortage if more employers adopt inclusive hiring practices. Speaking at the launch of the Employment to Hiring and Supporting Employee with Disabilities in Fiji guidebook, Minister for Women, Children Sashi Kiran stated employing persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do but also presents a significant opportunity for Fiji’s economy. Kiran says these people continue to face barriers to education, employment and financial independence despite the country’s progress. “While Fiji…

Kiran adds that these aquaculture strategies are designed to ensure local communities retain meaningful control over their resources. [Photo: SUPPLIED] To boost rural employment and strengthen food security, 39 participants from the Central Division have completed a four-day mud crab fattening training program. The participants included residents from the Namara, Dawasamu, and Nabukavesi districts, alongside villagers from Tavuya and Vunuku. Minister for Women Sashi Kiran says the training is a core pillar of the national fisheries strategy, which aims to retain a larger share of income within local communities. “A shift toward high-value processing, packaging innovations, and sanitary compliance is…