Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Ngiwal voters have elected seven legislators to the state’s 22nd Legislature, while neighboring Ngarchelong has launched a public education campaign on constitutional amendments and a proposed constitutional convention ahead of its Aug. 25 election. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — Voters in Ngiwal and Ngarchelong are carrying out key civic responsibilities this month, with Ngiwal electing members of its 22nd Legislature while Ngarchelong prepares residents to vote on a series of constitutional amendments ahead of its August state election. Ngiwal elects seven legislators Residents of Ngiwal went to the polls Tuesday, July 14, to elect…

[Photo: File] The National Road Safety Council will be re-established as Fiji records its highest number of road deaths in 15 years. The issue was raised in Parliament by Opposition MP Vijay Nath, who questioned the Government on funding for the Council after 83 people died on Fiji’s roads last year. Assistant Minister for Transport Naisa Tuinaceva said the legislation to bring back the Council was currently before the Solicitor-General’s Office and is expected to be completed soon. He said the Council would be given a new structure and will operate separately from the Land Transport Authority.Article continues after advertisement…

Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby.”The Marape-Rosso Government has officially announced the immediate cessation of operations and the formal closure of the physical presence of the Chinese Taipei Economic Office (Taiwan) in the country,” the government said in a statement.It said this follows a National Executive Council (cabinet) decision.”In strict accordance with this executive directive, the physical presence of Chinese Taipei will no longer be recognised or required within the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.”Foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko said this administrative action underscores the government’s commitment to honouring and upholding PNG’s foundational One-China…

Overview: Three elderly women were hospitalized after allegedly consuming THC-infused gummies at a Koror luncheon, leading to drug trafficking and reckless endangerment charges against a local woman. The case has also drawn attention to reports that marijuana-laced snacks have become increasingly common at some social gatherings among retirees in Palau despite remaining illegal under local law. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — An Airai woman is facing drug trafficking and reckless endangerment charges after allegedly distributing THC-infused gummies during a luncheon that resulted in three elderly women seeking emergency medical treatment. According to court documents filed…

[Photo: File] Customs officers will be given broader powers to investigate importers under proposed amendments to the Customs Act aimed at strengthening compliance and protecting government revenue. Speaking in Parliament, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Customs Budget Amendment Bill 2026 will allow Fiji Revenue and Customs Service officers to question traders and others connected to goods under customs control. He says the Bill also makes it an offence to fail to provide information or documents required under customs law, strengthening compliance with customs regulations. Another key amendment extends the period for FRCS to recover unpaid customs duties from one…

Overview: Tmetbab Clan has filed a lawsuit against the Palau Public Utilities Corporation, seeking the removal of a water tank from clan-owned property in Koror after alleging that a long-term lease for the site expired in 2025. The case raises questions over land rights, public utility operations, and compensation for continued use of private property. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – Tmetbab Clan, represented by Rimuu Dominica Ngoriakl, has filed suit in the Palau Supreme Court seeking to force Palau Public Utilities Corporation to vacate a water-tank site in Ngerkesoaol Hamlet, Koror State, after a lease on the property allegedly…

[Photo: Supplied] Disability inclusion is no longer being viewed as simply a welfare issue but as a national development priority requiring action across every sector. The message was reinforced during the launch of the study on the rights of children with disabilities, where officials highlighted reforms and legislation aimed at building a more inclusive Fiji. Principal Welfare Officer North Rohit Sharma acknowledged the children and families who shared their experiences as part of the study, noting their contributions have helped shine a light on the realities faced by many across the country. “Most importantly, I acknowledge the children and families…

The exercise demonstrated expeditionary sustainment capabilities and revalidated a secondary landing zone by landing a C-130 on Angaur Island, enhancing regional readiness, interoperability and operational agility. During the exercise, Soldiers and Airmen set up an expeditionary communications suite and a medical aid station to further bolster these sustainment capabilities. Conducted under the umbrella of Exercise Valiant Shield – a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on interoperability in a multi-domain environment – Alupang ACE highlighted the strength and versatility of the joint and combined force. The operation also supported the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment, or ACE, concept, which disperses…

Overview: A petition with more than 600 supporters calling for women to compete in Belau Games spearfishing has sparked debate over gender inclusion in Palau sports. Organizers rejected the request, saying the change came after rules, registrations and safety plans were already finalized. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 17, 2026) — A petition calling for women to be allowed to compete in the Belau Games 2026 spearfishing competition has gained more than 600 signatures, but organizers have rejected the request, saying the decision came after competition plans, athlete registration and safety requirements had already been finalized. The Belau Games…

[Photo: Supplied] The Salvation Army has opened a new alcohol and drug recovery centre to host its Alcohol and Drug Programme, aimed at addressing alcohol and drug dependency in the country through daytime and afternoon sessions and workshops. With escalating challenges surrounding drug and alcohol abuse, the center fosters a support system that will guide victims to the path of recovery. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the center provides another pathway to recovery for participants while also keeping them connected to their families and communities. “This program reflects the powerful truth that recovery does not happen in isolation, by investing…