Author: TMC Palau
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru. The Ministry for Youth and Sports says it will make the most of its $23.1 million allocation for the 2026/27 financial year after its initial request for $30 million was not granted. The ministry’s allocation is slightly down from the $23.4 million it received this financial year, as the government maintains a cautious fiscal approach amid ongoing global economic pressures. Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru says while the ministry had hoped for more funding, it understands the current economic climate. “We’re content with what we have. We can’t complain. It’s almost…
Survey data suggest that in Port Moresby (POM), feeding an entire household a nutritious diet for a single day requires 45% of a low-skill worker’s daily wage. The healthy diet burden eases somewhat outside of the capital: 41% in Kokopo, 38% in Lae and 37% in the Highlands. The reasons behind these regional differences are layered. In Lae, wages are relatively higher while food costs are lower compared to POM. In the Highlands, both wages and food prices are lower, resulting in roughly the same share of earnings needed for a healthy diet as in Lae even though the absolute…
Varea Romanu. [Photo Credit: Supplied] A childhood spent exploring the creeks and coastline of Ovalau inspired Varea Romanu to pursue a career in environmental conservation and climate resilience. Romanu, who is of Rotuman heritage with Indo-Fijian maternal ties, was raised in the chiefly village of Levuka-Vaka-Viti, where she developed a strong connection to the environment. “I was always in the water,” she said. “Swimming with my friends and spending entire days in the creek, even if it meant catching colds and earaches during the school holidays.” Her passion for the environment led her to study Environmental Science at the University…
[Photo: FILE] The increased allocation for the health sector will help address key priorities, including HIV response, staff welfare, medicine supply, and healthcare infrastructure. The health sector has been allocated $647 million in the 2026/2027 National Budget, with $477 million directed to the Ministry of Health for salaries, medicines, medical supplies, and biomedical equipment. Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu welcomed the increased funding, saying most of the ministry’s key priorities have been accommodated. He says funding for nurses’ overtime and day and overnight allowances will help address challenges faced in the previous financial year.Article continues after advertisement “In the last…
Overview: Twelve years after Guam voters approved medical marijuana, the island has reached a major milestone in building its cannabis industry. The Cannabis Control Board has approved the first permit to operate a cannabis cultivation facility, paving the way for commercial marijuana production and sales while highlighting the long road toward a fully regulated market. HAGATNA, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Cannabis Control Board Thursday approved the first permit to operate a cannabis facility on Guam, wrapping up another requirement in a drawn-out process to build the commercial market 12 years after voters approved the legalisation of…
[Photo: FILE] Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the $883 million allocated to the education sector in the 2026/2027 National Budget will help ensure schools are adequately staffed and students continue to receive quality education. The education sector accounts for 18 percent of total government expenditure. Of the $883 million allocation, the Ministry of Education will receive $708.3 million, including $434 million for the salaries and wages of more than 13,000 teachers. Radrodro says one of the ministry’s key priorities is ensuring teachers are recruited and deployed on time.Article continues after advertisement “It is an increase from last year. We have…
Marshall Islands will chair the first Pacific led, owned and managed financial institution – the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) – dedicated to providing funding to build community resilience against climate-related adversities.This was confirmed by the Office of the President of the Marshall Islands.The PRF will provide grants for climate adaptation, disaster preparedness and projects that respond to loss and damage from the impacts of the climate crisis.The inaugural PRF Council meeting took place this week, as the Marshall Islands hosted the Forum Economic Minister Meeting in Majuro. Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul is the current PRF Council chair and…
[Photo: FILE] The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the 2026–27 National Budget, describing it as well-rounded and carefully thought out. Board member Dr Ahmed Shakeel Shariff congratulated Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel and his team for what he called a strong first budget. He said the budget appears to cater to both ordinary Fijians and the business community while reflecting an understanding of the financial pressures facing the economy. Dr Shariff added that the targeted relief measures and higher taxes on luxury items, including vehicles, were well considered.Article continues after advertisement The Governent has increased import duty on…
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is set to meet his Papua New Guinean counterpart James Marape on Friday for a one-day bilateral talks in Port Moresby.In a statement on Thursday, the Solomon Islands government said Wale and Marape will exchange views on key areas of mutual interest, including economic development, security and the further strengthening of people-to-people relations.The Solomon Islands’ prime minister will also raise his government’s reform agenda in the mining sector. Further talks will focus on fuel quota collaboration.”On regional matters, Prime Minister Wale, in his capacity as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, will also engage…
[Source: Reuters] Pop singer-songwriter and Louis Vuitton designer Pharrell Williams made a giant artificial waterfall the backdrop of his 2027 spring-summer collection on Tuesday, kicking off Paris fashion week just as a record-breaking heatwave paralysed large parts of France. Models wore an eclectic mix of denim, hoodies and flashy jackets as they walked over sand. Some carried surfboards while others sported tiny monogram bags. The show leaned heavily into American surf and skate culture. Many looks featured low-cut sneakers whose silhouette, white rubber soles and laces resembled those of Californian lifestyle brand Vans.Article continues after advertisement Watchers and staff were…