Author: TMC Palau
Analysis: As geopolitical tensions increase in the Pacific region and numerous security alliances are rapidly forged, questions are being raised over whether the Ocean of Peace concept is being hijacked.Has the Pacific’s Ocean of Peace concept been hijacked?Pacific WavesThe Ocean of Peace Declaration was made last year by members of the Pacific Islands Forum, recognising the role of civil society in peacebuilding. However, the emphasis of the initiative seems to have quickly shifted.Australia and Fiji take the leadAustralia last week signed the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties with Fiji, the latest in a series of regional pacts…
Guitarist Vicente Amigo celebrates 40 years of career with a tour titled Entre cuerdas y tiempo. A guitarist who goes far beyond flamenco and is admired with absolute devotion —for example— by jazz guitarists, Amigo, now considered one of the leading figures in contemporary music, celebrates these four decades of supreme artistry with a tour that will make a very special stop at the Palau de la Música Catalana. A magnificent occasion for Barcelona and our festival to celebrate, as it deserves, the career of an artist admired for his virtuosity, sensitivity and ability to expand the horizons of flamenco…
Overview: One of Koror’s long-standing neighborhood stores is preparing to close its doors. WCTC announced that Desekel Mart in Ngerbeched will cease operations on July 31 as the company searches for a new location following reported lease negotiations that failed to produce a new agreement. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — Western Caroline Trading Company (WCTC) announced this week that its Desekel Mart branch in Ngerbeched will permanently close on July 31, ending years of service to customers in the community. WCTC’s Desekel Mart and Hotel in Ngerbeched, Koror will be closing its doors permanently on…
[Source: File] The return of overseas-based players has added a new dimension to the Crest Fiji Pearls’ preparations as the national side continues its mini trials ahead of upcoming qualifiers. Head coach Michelle Parsons says the inclusion of international players has brought fresh energy and intensity to the squad, with encouraging signs already emerging on day one of the trials. Parsons believes one of the biggest improvements has been the players’ ability to maintain skill execution and make sound decisions under pressure. “The development from last week was that consistency of skill and that ability to keep going even when…
Overview: A developing tropical system northwest of Yap is bringing gusty winds and choppy seas to Palau, with wind gusts up to 30 mph expected through Tuesday. The National Weather Service says conditions should gradually improve as the system lifts away from the region — but residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items and watch for road debris in the meantime. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 14, 2026)— Weather forecasters are tracking a developing tropical system northwest of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, that is expected to bring gusty winds and rough seas to Palau through Tuesday, according…
[Source: File] Round Three of the Vodafone Vanua Championship and Royal Tea Ranadi Cup will be staged around the country tomorrow, with several teams looking to strengthen their positions on their respective points tables. In the Vodafone Vanua Championship, Pool A leaders Cakaudrove will travel to face Macuata at Ratu Ganilau Park. Cakaudrove tops the standings with four points after its opening-round victory, while Macuata will be chasing its first win. Pool B pace-setters Tavua and Vatukoula, both on five points, will square off at Theodore Park in a clash that could prove decisive in the race for top spot.…
[Source: Reuters] The U.S. will hit Brazil with new 25% duties on its furniture, ethanol, machinery, footwear, sugar and other goods, launching a new wave of tariffs that could affect dozens of countries as President Donald Trump’s administration seeks to rebuild its leverage on major trading partners after legal setbacks. The late-night announcement by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer made Brazil the first country targeted under Trump’s new tariff strategy, which relies on Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, an unfair trade practices statute. Trump’s previous global tariffs under an emergency law, including duties of up to 50%…
The Tongan government has launched its first national policy dedicated to helping deportees, or “returnees”, back to the kingdom reintegrate into society.Many Tongan nationals deported to the island after spending decades overseas return to a country they barely know, faced with the daunting prospects of social isolation, and limited support.But advocates are hoping the policy – Tonga National Returnees Reintegration Policy & Strategic Plan of Action 2026-2030 – will reduce reoffending and help people rebuild their lives.The document was as unveiled on Wednesday in Nuku’alofa following a year of collaboration between government agencies, churches, non-government organisations and deportees themselves.The process…
[Source: Reuters] The shirt worn by Brazil great Pele when he scored twice in the 1958 World Cup final has sold for $4.9 million at auction, becoming the most valuable piece of memorabilia linked to the football legend, Sotheby’s said on Thursday. The number 10 shirt, worn by the then 17-year-old as Brazil beat hosts Sweden 5-2 in Stockholm to win their first world title, attracted 10 bids from more than five bidders, the auction house said. The sale made it the second-most expensive football shirt sold at auction, behind the $9.3 million paid in 2022 for the shirt worn…
[Source: Reuters] New Zealand detected on Friday the first infection of a native bird by the deadly H5N1 bird flu, days after confirming a migratory seabird had tested positive in the country’s first recorded case of the disease. A swamp harrier hawk, known locally as a kahu and found in the North Island’s Wairarapa region, had been infected with the virus, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said in a statement. New Zealand reported its first confirmed detection on Wednesday, in a brown skua found near Wellington. “While it’s disappointing to find a native bird with H5 bird flu, it’s not unexpected…