Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] Approximately 194 residents of Qauia Settlement have accessed free health services during a four-day outreach programme by Medical Services Pacific. The initiative brought essential medical care closer to the community, offering free eye and ear checks, HIV testing, and consultations on breast and prostate cancer awareness. Community members say the programme has improved access to healthcare while encouraging more people to prioritise regular health checks. Lami District Officer Taufa Qoro says turnout has exceeded expectations since the first day.Article continues after advertisement “But through this awareness, through this program, you know, people come out in numbers asking questions,…

China has pledged to deepen military-to-military cooperation with Fiji, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral defence ties as both countries seek to contribute to peace and stability in the Pacific. Speaking at the 99th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Suva night, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Fiji Wang Yuan says military relations remain a key pillar of the China-Fiji partnership. “Military-to-military relations are a vital cornerstone of our bilateral relations” He states China is prepared to expand practical defence cooperation with Fiji through closer engagement and mutual learning.Article continues after advertisement…

Overview: Immunisation coverage across the Western Pacific has stabilised after the COVID-19 pandemic, but new estimates from WHO and UNICEF warn that progress remains uneven, leaving nearly 1.7 million babies without even a first routine vaccine dose in 2025. Health officials are urging governments to accelerate efforts to meet global vaccination targets by 2030 and prevent future outbreaks of measles, polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. MANILA, 16 JULY 2026 (WHO PACIFIC) — New WHO and UNICEF estimates reveal that while overall immunisation coverage in the Western Pacific region has stabilised following the COVID-19 pandemic, progress remains uneven and far too…

[Source: File] The 2026 Super Rugby W final will be held in at the 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba. This has been confirmed by the Fijian Drua following the Super W semifinal in Lautoka. The Drua defeated Queensland Reds 31-5 in their semifinal clash. It will be the first time in the competition history for Fiji to host the final.Article continues after advertisement Our Drua finished at the top of competition points standings which gave them the opportunity to host a semifinal. Now that they’ve won their semifinal, they are going to host the final. The Super W final…

[Photo: FILE] The $25 million Racecourse Hotels and Apartments Project is expected to boost economic activity in Ba. This development will provide jobs, sports accommodation, and a tourism hub. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the project will generate new economic opportunities and contribute to long-term growth in Ba and the wider Western Division. “As Fiji’s towns continue to grow, so too does the need for quality housing, reliable infrastructure, modern public services, and greater investment. These are foundations of vibrant communities and a strong economy.”Article continues after advertisement Rabuka says this project will boost economic activity in the Western Division…

[Source: OFC Media ] Fiji secured first place in Group A and advanced to the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship after a commanding 3-0 victory over Papua New Guinea in a decisive group-stage clash. With both teams entering the match unbeaten, the stakes were high: the winner would claim top spot and boost their chances of making history. Fiji wasted no time asserting dominance, as winger **Zaman Shah** stunned the home crowd by curling a corner directly into the net in the sixth minute. Papua New Guinea’s hopes suffered a major blow when Jau Eron was sent off…

Overview: Pacific peace advocates are urging leaders to resist growing military competition in the region following China’s recent missile test and ongoing U.S.-led war exercises across the Indo-Pacific. The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations Alliance says the Blue Pacific should remain a zone of peace—not a proving ground for global powers. SUVA/HAGATNA, 14 JULY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — An alliance of peace organisations has called on Pacific Island leaders to oppose missile tests and military exercises in the region, which is increasingly becoming a theater for geopolitical competition among the world’s superpowers.  “The Pacific Ocean is far more than a…

[Photo: iTaukei Land Trust Board / FACEBOOK] The dispute over the future of the Vatulele Island Resort has taken a new turn, with the resort leaseholder rejecting claims by landowners that the lease should be terminated and the land returned. Earlier this week, representatives of the Vatulele landowning unit met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, calling for the return of land leased to Jay Singh Hotels Pte Ltd, claiming there had been no development since the lease was granted. Village representative Joeli Tukana says the resort site remains undeveloped for years and alleges that the lease was extended for another five…

Round Three of the Vodafone Vanua Championship delivered several closely contested encounters across the country today, with Macuata, Ra, Northland, Serua and Ovalau emerging victorious in the senior competition. At Ratu Ganilau Park, Macuata edged Cakaudrove 22-20 in one of the day’s most competitive matches, while Vatukoula and Tavua could not be separated after playing out a 20-all draw at Theodore Park. Ra secured a narrow 15-12 win over Northern Bulls at Narauyaba Sports Ground, continuing their strong start to the competition. Northland recorded a comfortable 18-3 victory over Coastland at Ratu Cakobau Park, while Serua held off Nasinu 15-10…

[Photo: FILE] France and Fiji are strengthening their cultural partnership through the “Fiji 1838: Face to Face” exhibition, which showcases rare historical drawings that offer a unique glimpse into Fiji’s past. Speaking at the opening, French Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Delannoy highlighted that the exhibition symbolizes the strong friendship and growing cultural partnership between the two countries. He adds that while France and Fiji collaborate on climate change, biodiversity and regional issues, cultural cooperation is equally important in strengthening ties between their people. Delannoy says the exhibition features nearly 200-year-old drawings created during an 1838 French expedition to Fiji, many…