Author: TMC Palau

Deputy PM on missile test in South PacificFirst UpChina’s missile test in the South Pacific is “extremely unwelcome behaviour”, and not what a country that wants to be accepted would do, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says.Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Monday said the government had been informed only hours before China launched a long-range ballistic missile into the South Pacific.Peters said he was deeply concerned by it, and that it was “not consistent with regional stability, and peace in the South Pacific.”Speaking to First Up on Tuesday, Seymour said it was likely there would be widespread condemnation of the…

Overview: Angaur Elementary School has become the official custodian of ancient pottery and shell tools unearthed on the island, following a July 1 agreement that establishes Palau’s first school-based archaeological exhibition — bringing history, culture and the classroom together for students and the wider community. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Angaur Elementary School will become the custodian of ancient artifacts unearthed on the island, under an agreement signed July 1 between two national government bureaus. The Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, signed a memorandum of understanding with the…

Goodman Fielder International has rallied behind the Fiji Pearls as they prepare for their Spirit Series campaign in Sydney, with the team aiming to make another statement on the international stage. GFI General Manager Tim Carter says excitement is growing within the squad as the Pearls count down to their first match, with the campaign providing another opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition. Carter says the partnership with Netball Fiji is about supporting the continued growth of the sport and helping the Fiji Pearls reach their full potential on the world stage. He believes every step forward by the…

Overview: Palau’s House of Delegates has formally honored Villaney “Lany” Remengesau, celebrating her historic election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — the first time a Palauan has ever served on a committee under the U.N. human rights treaty system. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 7, 2026) — The Twelfth Olbiil Era Kelulau’s House of Delegates has honored Villaney “Lany” Remengesau for her election to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a historic milestone that makes her the first Palauan ever elected to serve on a committee…

[Source: File] The Fijian Drua has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to increase its financial investment in the club, describing the move as a significant boost for the franchise’s long-term sustainability. In a statement, Fijian Drua Chief Executive Officer Jeff Miller expressed gratitude to the Prime Ministers of Fiji and Australia for facilitating and approving the increased funding through Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Miller said the support comes at a crucial time following the end of World Rugby’s funding at the end of June. He noted that the increased investment will help ensure the Drua remains financially…

Overview: NEMO has raised a Small Craft Warning for Kayangel and Angaur as rough marine conditions continue, while advising the rest of Palau to remain under a Small Craft Advisory. Here’s what boaters and residents need to know. KOROR, Palau (July 8, 2026) — The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) has issued a Small Craft Warning, indicated by a red flag, for the states of Kayangel and Angaur, citing the latest forecast from the National Weather Service and firsthand reports from Wave Watchers stationed in both states. A Small Craft Advisory, marked by a white flag, remains in effect for…

[Photo: FILE] Unity Fiji is calling for changes be made to the membership of key institutions such as the Constitutional Officers Commission and the Judicial Services Commission. While presenting their proposals to the Constitution Review Commission, Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube proposed the membership of the COC be reverted to the independent private sector representatives. “Under the 1997 constitution, COC members were all from the private sector. I know, because the COC appointed me, Governor. The 2013 constitution instead made the Prime Minister its chairman, and the Attorney General a member, politicizing the commission, with consequences that we have seen…

A foreigner has been appointed as Papua New Guinea’s electoral commissioner for the first time.Nicole Hayley is a professor of anthropology and Pacific politics at the Australian National University.She has spent more than 30 years researching PNG’s political landscape and governance systems with particular focus on women’s representation.Her appointment was announced by Prime Minister James Marape.He said Professor Hayley’s deep understanding of PNG’s electoral history will be essential in strengthening preparations for next year’s general election.Hayley replaced Margaret Vagi, who had been acting commissioner since November.Lucielle Paru, a women’s and social justice advocate, said there is no doubting Hayley’s knowledge…

Overview: President Surangel Whipps Jr. has signed Palau’s fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget into law, funding the upcoming Belau Games and government loan payments while cutting proposed increases to congressional funding and rejecting new money for PPUC subsidy programs — the second such reduction under his line-item authority. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. signed RPPL 12-7, the fiscal year 2026 supplemental budget, into law Friday, July 3, approving funding for the upcoming Belau Games, several government loan payments and additional money for essential government agencies, while trimming other requested funds. Whipps used his line-item…

The Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry during their submissions to the Constitution Review Commission [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Labour Party has questioned the legitimacy of the current Constitutional Review Commission process. It says any review of Fiji’s supreme law must be backed by Parliament. In its submission to the Commission, the party says the review was established without prior parliamentary debate, endorsement or a legislative framework, which it believes weakens the democratic foundation of the process. Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says while public consultation is important, constitutional reform must ultimately be guided through Parliament as the institution…