Author: TMC Palau

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Reinforcing its enduring commitment to the U.S.-Palau partnership and a resilient Indo-Pacific, the United States has spearheaded a vital initiative to upgrade the Republic of Palau’s National Disaster Communication Systems. This significant investment ensures Palauan first responders can communicate and coordinate effectively to save lives during a crisis and other contingencies. Strengthening Disaster Resistance and Response From May 1 to May 11, 2026, a joint team of U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines worked hand-in-hand with local authorities to bolster Palau’s emergency infrastructure. Operating in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Center for Excellence in Disaster…

IGA Suva Netball Association president Koila Kabu is impressed by the team’s performance in the association’s weekly club competition over the past few rounds. Kabu says the standard of play has continued to improve over the past few rounds, particularly in the junior grades, where young players are showcasing plenty of potential. Round Seven of the competition got underway yesterday, and despite recent unfavorable weather conditions, Kabu says the season has progressed smoothly. She also highlighted the addition of a new club this year, describing it as a positive sign of the sport’s continued growth within the association.Article continues after…

Barça suffered a resounding defeat against Valencia Basket that evens the ACB finals. The blue and garnet team couldn’t find answers in Valencia and was clearly surpassed from the second quarter onwards, when Valencia definitively took control of the game.The Barça team started the match disastrously. Xavi Pascual analyzed in a press conference the problems they faced from the outset: lack of scoring, missed open shots, and mistakes near the basket. The team couldn’t find its offensive rhythm, and Valencia took advantage of every error to extend its lead. In the second quarter, Barça managed to get back into the…

[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Council of Social Services is calling for a reduction in the amount the iTaukei Land Trust Board can deduct from revenue generated through vested marine areas. Appearing before the parliamentary committee reviewing the Commercial Use of Marine Areas Bill, FCOSS Program Manager Josaia Tokoni raised concerns over Clause 27 of the proposed legislation. The clause allows the TLTB to deduct up to 25 percent in administrative fees before distributing revenue to customary owners. Tokoni told the committee the proposed deduction is too high and would significantly reduce the benefits flowing back to resource owners.Article continues after…

[Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji/FACEBOOK PAGE] Concerns have been raised over the level of authority given to the Minister under the proposed Indigenous Rights Bill. During submissions before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Faith Grace from Stand With Niko Advocacy questioned provisions that give the Minister power to make key decisions on behalf of Indigenous people. She says the Minister is a political appointee and may not always reflect the views of Indigenous leaders and communities. Grace also raised concerns that the Bill limits accountability mechanisms for ministerial decisions.Article continues after advertisement “If he’s…

Labasa FC have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT after an impressive 4-2 victory over Rewa FC in front of a passionate home crowd at Subrail Park. The Babasiga Lions came out firing, with captain Lekima Gonerau opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Jovesa Uge doubled the advantage. Ashneel Raju then added a third to hand Labasa a 3-2 lead heading into the halftime break. Rewa stayed in the contest after benefiting from a Labasa own goal, while Semi Nabenu also found the back of the net to keep the Delta Tigers…

[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says the Fiji Police Bill 2026 should be strengthened to better protect human rights and improve police accountability. FWCC Legal Services Manager Miliana Tarai has raised concerns about several provisions in the bill, including police access to digital devices, surveillance powers and the use of force. Tarai says broad and undefined provisions in the bill could lead to misuse of police powers. “The bill continues to contain provisions that raise fundamental human rights and accountability gaps. In particular, the use of broad, vague and undefined terminology in several sections creates a risk of…

“My brother was murdered for not paying an extortion payment…in front of his children,” Edilma Martinez Flores said at a support centre for displaced people in Bogotá. She fled her home on the outskirts of Cali, in the south-west, after armed criminal groups handed out leaflets ordering residents to leave or face violence. “We had no choice but to leave our things behind. They started placing bombs along the routes people travel.” Edilma is far from alone, and experiences like hers are why insecurity is dominating voters’ minds in Sunday’s key presidential election.Article continues after advertisement Colombia’s six decades of…

Curaçao made history today after securing its first-ever point at the FIFA World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the standout performer, producing 15 saves to help keep his side in the contest until the final whistle. The result does not eliminate either team from knockout contention, but it leaves Ecuador in a difficult position heading into its final group match. Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Curaçao set to face Ivory Coast in Philadelphia and Ecuador taking on Germany in New York.Article continues after advertisement Source link

[Photo: FILE] A man who allegedly raped his 14-year-old granddaughter between May and June this year has been remanded in custody by the Taveuni Magistrates Court. The accused, in his 60’s, is charged with one count of indecently annoying any person, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of rape. It is alleged that he sexually assaulted and raped the victim in their home, and threatened to harm her if she reported the matter. The victim sought help from another relative in a nearby settlement, following which the matter was reported to Taveuni Police for investigation.Article continues after advertisement…