Author: TMC Palau

Residents in and around Valele, Ba, are expected to find significant relief to their water issues following the re-commissioning of the Valele Reservoir roof project. The government has officially recommissioned the $703,518 project, which involved the detailed design and construction of a new roof structure restoring a key water asset serving 5,995 people. Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the reservoir suffered severe damage during Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, which destroyed its steel roof. He says the damage left the reservoir exposed to environmental contaminants, affecting water quality and supply reliability in the years that…

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] Ghana secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup Group L clash, thanks to a stoppage-time winner at Toronto Stadium in Canada. The match appeared headed for a draw until Caleb Yirenkyi found the net deep into added time, scoring in the 90th minute plus five to hand the Black Stars all three points. Both sides were evenly matched for much of the contest, with Panama defending resolutely, but Ghana’s persistence was finally rewarded at the death. The win gives Ghana a crucial start to their group campaign, while Panama will…

Samoa’s opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi claims the government has neglected two Apia men looking at execution in Vietnam for the murder of a Sydney gang boss.However, the government released a statement on Wednesday regarding the two men in Vietnam, saying it “has taken active steps through its international partners and diplomatic channels” concerning the pair.Samoan nationals in Vietnam are ‘neglected’ – opposition leaderPacific WavesJoseph Vaa, 27, and Steve Tofa, 23, admitted gunning down suspected Coconut Cartel leader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia in Ho Chi Minh City a month ago.The two Samoans read confessions from custody last month, handcuffed and bolted…

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel (middle) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka (third from right)at opening the Non-Sugar Sector Research Open Day at the Koronivia Research Station. Picture: Apenisa Waqairadovu The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to face reductions in the 2026-27 National Budget, despite being challenged to significantly increase its contribution to the economy. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel revealed the planned funding cuts while opening the Non-Sugar Sector Research Open Day at the Koronivia Research Station this morning. The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry received a record allocation of $115 million in the current financial…

[Photo: FILE] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the 2013 Constitution binds the coalition government to hold the General Election within four years of the first day of swearing-in. The coalition government was sworn in on December 22nd 2022. However, when further pressed by the media on the update on the review of the 2013 Constitution, Rabuka gave a different response on holding the next parliamentary election. He was questioned as a seven-member Constitution Review Commission is currently taking submissions from the public to review certain parts of the Constitution.Article continues after advertisement “All of that, all part of our planning,…

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] England have made a strong start to their FIFA World Cup Group L campaign with a 4–2 victory over Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Three Lions struck early through a Harry Kane penalty in the 12th minute before Croatia responded with goals from Baturina in the 36th minute and Musa deep into first half stoppage time to briefly swing momentum. Kane restored England’s lead just before the break with his second goal in the 42nd minute. England extended their advantage early in the second half when Jude Bellingham found the net in…

A Pacific politics expert and ni-Vanuatu woman has become the first woman to be appointed to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.Anna Naupa, described by the Vanuatu government as “one of the nation’s finest minds”, is the new director-general of the sub-regional bloc, which is headquartered in Port Vila.The MSG is made up of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia.In a statement on Wednesday, Vanuatu’s Office of the Prime Minister said Naupa’s appointment was “a histroic moment”.”Since the MSG was founded in 1986 by the giants…

[Photo: FILE] The Government is stepping up monitoring and public awareness efforts as Fiji prepares for the possible development of El Niño conditions. The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated an El Niño Watch, prompting authorities to begin early preparedness measures and ensure communities receive timely information as the situation develops. Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Sivendra Michael, says the focus at this stage is on closely monitoring conditions and keeping the public informed. “The Fiji Meteorological Service has activated El Niño Watch and alerted citizens through social media. As the situation develops, further preparatory measures will be…

Palau Robert hosts the exhibition Anna Turbau. In her own voice , an exhibition that offers a deep journey into the personal and professional universe of one of the key figures of contemporary Catalan photojournalism. The exhibition proposal recovers the legacy of Anna Turbau, a pioneering photographer marked by social commitment, sensitivity and a radical closeness to the people portrayed. Born in Barcelona in 1949 and deceased in 2025, Turbau is part of the group of photographers who, during the Spanish Transition, promoted a conscious and committed photojournalism of denunciation. Her work moves away from more conventional documentary to adopt…

[Photo: MELI LADDPETER] Last night’s farewell dinner in Nausori was a special occasion for members of the Rewa football team, who departed early this morning for the BiC Fiji FACT in Labasa. Co-captain Setareki Hughes says the fellowship shared with family members and loved ones will serve as a major source of motivation for the players throughout the tournament. With the team having spent weeks focused on preparations, Hughes says the gathering provided a fitting send-off as they set out to represent the district on one of Fiji football’s biggest stages. “It’s good to have all our family here tonight.…