Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] Indonesian police named 14 more people as suspects in an alleged child abuse and neglect case at a daycare centre in Yogyakarta city. An official said bringing the number of suspects to 27 people in a case which has sparked outrage in the country. Police raided the daycare centre in late April, and said they found dozens of children aged between two and six years old with their hands and feet tied. Some children were tied to doors. Police arrested 13 people at the time, including the owner of the Little Aresha daycare, its principal and caregivers, on…
A Papua New Guinea MP is questioning a new agreement between the government executive and the country’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).The government says the new Memorandum of Understanding between ICAC and the National Executive Council will strengthen prevention, detection and investigation of corruption within the govbernment administration.ICAC head Thomas Eluh decsribed the new agreement as a significant step topwards strengthening institutional collaboration in the fight against corruption.According to him, there was an an emphasis on information and intelligence sharing in the new agreement, promoting greater transparency in public office”Corruption is complex. It does not exist in isolation, and neither…
Albenese says in recognition of the love of sports between the two countries they are investing to support the continuous operations of the Fijian Drua franchise. [Photo: FILE] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua can expect an increased funding following the announcement of support from Australia by the Prime Minister Anthony Albenese at the Vuvale Reunion in Suva. In his remarks, Albenese says in recognition of the love of sports between the two countries they are investing to support the continuous operations of the Fijian Drua franchise. “We chose to fortify our bonds in the interests upholding democracy, stability and sovereignty…
[Source: Reuters] Kate, Britain’s Princess of Wales, mingled with the crowds at Wimbledon and lent her support to the British hopefuls playing in the warm London sunshine. Dressed in a blue trouser suit, the 44-year-old wife of heir to the throne Prince William watched Arthur Fery, one of the last Britons remaining in the draw, in his early games against Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen on Court 18. The 23-year-old wildcard went on to win 5-7 7-6(3) 6-3 6-3. In a courtside interview, a delighted Fery said he might have felt more nervous had he realised royalty was in the house.Article…
[Photo: FILE] The Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service has confirmed that its scholarship allocation for the 2025–2026 financial year has been fully utilised, meaning no new scholarships will be awarded for Semester Two or Quarter Three. Chief Executive Apisalome Movono says the funding allocation had been exhausted after a high number of successful applicants were awarded scholarships during the Semester One intake. He attributed the increased demand to last year’s exceptional Year 13 examination results, which recorded a pass rate of about 95 to 96 per cent, leading to a significant rise in scholarship applications. “To parents and students, this…
New Zealand says China’s testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific is at odds with peace and stability in the Islands region.China briefed regional governments today of its intention to fire a long range, nuclear-capable missile with a dummy warhead into the South Pacific ocean.According to New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, China carried out the test within hours of informing his government.”The Pacific is an Ocean of Peace and we are deeply concerned by China’s testing of nuclear-capable weapons into the South Pacific,” Peters said.New Zealand and Pacific Islands countries have long opposed any form of…
Philippine Airlines flies to Palau, Saipan. Photos courtesy of Malacañang MANILA, Philippines – Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched a brand-new flight service between Manila and Palau (Koror), a Pacific island-nation in Micronesia known for its world class marine attractions and vibrant dive sites. “This launch reinforces Manila’s position as a key regional transit hub while strengthening its role as a gateway for medical tourism,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall in a statement. “It also underscores PAL’s role as a reliable bridge connecting Pacific communities with the broader Asia‑Pacific region.” READ: PAL restarts Riyadh flights as Middle East tensions…
[Photo: FILE] The Fijian Elections Office has warned that individuals and political parties who publish false or misleading information about Fiji’s electoral processes could face prosecution under the Electoral Act. In a statement, the FEO said it had noted the circulation of misinformation relating to the National Register of Voters and other electoral processes and stressed that any claims should be based on credible evidence and verified information. The office said Section 144A(1) of the Electoral Act 2014 prohibits the publication of information that is known, or reasonably believed, to be false and likely to influence the outcome of an…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $12.5 million in concessional financing for Palau, supporting a new round of reforms designed to strengthen the country’s public finances, improve climate resilience and create a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth. The financing will support the second phase of the Strengthening Fiscal Resilience for Sustainable Development Program, which focuses on improving government institutions while helping Palau prepare for future economic and environmental challenges. The initiative is expected to strengthen fiscal sustainability by improving public financial management, debt management, tax administration and domestic resource mobilization. It will also enhance planning systems and trade…
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese along with Government Ministers at the opening of Pacific Australia Skills Hub in Suva. Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, officially opened the Pacific Australia Skills Hub in Suva this afternoon. Speaking at the event, Albanese says investment in education and skills is a key part of the Vuvale Partnership. He adds that under the Pacific Australia Skills Program, Australia and Fiji will establish TAFE Centres of Excellence in Suva to help develop the skills needed to drive economic growth and support Fiji’s ambition of becoming a regional leader in the digital economy. Albanese says they…