Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FIJI GOVERNMENT/ FACEBOOK] The National Archives of Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the nation’s documentary heritage, highlighting the important role archives play in safeguarding historical records, accountability and the rights of future generations. Speaking during International Archives Day celebrations, Government Archivist and Director Timoci Balenaivalu said archives are more than collections of old documents and remain essential to preserving Fiji’s history and identity. “It’s the International Archives Day where we celebrate not only the records that we have but the work that archivist conservators in these institutions do, recognising the work that they do.” Balenaivalu also acknowledged…

DAVAO, Philippines (AP) — An offshore earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 35 people, injuring more than 200 others mostly in ruined buildings and sending a 1-meter (3-foot) tsunami into nearby coasts. Several mostly low-rise buildings collapsed or sustained heavy damages in the hard-hit city of General Santos. Tsunami damage was reported in at least one southern coastal village. Smaller waves were measured in Indonesia and Palau and as far away as southern Japan. READ MORE: A list of deadly earthquakes in the Philippines, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’…

Photo: GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP A recent ruling by a French court to drop all charges against pro-independence Kanak leader Christian Téin and 13 others in their alleged role in the May 2024 civil unrest in New Caledonia has triggered a barrage of emotional reactions from across the French Pacific territory’s political chessboard. Last week, a court in Paris said they had based their decision on “insufficient” evidence – amounting to a “no case to answer” – for all of the 14 accused. The Public Prosecution has since appealed the decision, saying “further investigation” was still required. But on the local scene,…

[Photo: MINISTRY OF LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES/ FACEBOOK] The long-awaited review of Fiji’s key land legislation has moved a step closer to reform following the handover of the final review reports on the State Lands Act 1945 and the Land Use Act 2010. The reports were presented by the Fiji Law Reform Commission to Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo yesterday. Turaga highlighted the importance of reviewing legislation that has been in force for decades, saying the exercise was critical to ensuring Fiji’s legal framework remains relevant, fair and effective. He said reforming…

Published on Jun 09, 2026 11:25 pm IST India has confirmed the safe rescue of all 24 Indian crew members aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Marivex after it was targeted and disabled off the coast of Oman. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Indian Embassy in Muscat worked closely with Omani authorities, maritime rescue agencies, and India’s Shipping Ministry to coordinate the operation. Officials praised Oman for its swift response, which ensured the safety of all seafarers. What exactly happened to the vessel, and what does the incident reveal about growing maritime security challenges in the region? Watch the…

Tomasi Cama, seen here in 2017, who has resigned as All Black Sevens coach. Photo: PHOTOSPORT The All Blacks Sevens are on the lookout for a new head coach, with Tomasi Cama stepping away after the end of the current World Series Sevens campaign. Cama, part of the coaching group for the last six years after enjoying a 10-year playing career with the team between 2005 and 2015, believes the timing is right to move on. “I’ve had some incredible opportunities through Sevens and feel privileged to have represented the black jersey both as a player and a coach for…

Overview: Meteorologists are warning that the 2026 typhoon season could bring above-average storm activity across Micronesia, with Palau forecast to experience two to four named tropical storms and up to two typhoons. Officials are urging residents to stay prepared year-round as El Niño conditions increase the likelihood of stronger storms developing across the region. KOROR, Palau — Tropical cyclone activity across the western North Pacific is expected to increase during the remainder of 2026, but Palau is likely to experience near-normal to below-normal storm activity compared with other parts of Micronesia, according to a new outlook issued by the National…

Taipei, June 9 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) on Tuesday visited the Palau National Aquaculture Center and a center tasked with restoring the local giant clam population to learn about the results of Taiwan-assisted fisheries projects in the Pacific state.At the aquaculture center, Hsiao inspected a black rabbitfish fry farm and two broodstock facilities for sea cucumbers and milkfish, Taiwan’s Presidential Office said in a press release.She later visited the nearby giant clam restoration center, where she was briefed on the country’s efforts to boost the clam population and achieve sustainable fisheries.Speaking with the media before the visits, Hsiao…

Overview: Palau Media Council representative Ngewakl Isaac Soaladaob joined fellow media leaders from across the Indo-Pacific in Australia to explore solutions to misinformation, digital disruption and changing audience trends through the Australia Awards Fellowship. KOROR, Palau — Palau Media Council representative Ngewakl Isaac Soaladaob joined media leaders from across the Indo-Pacific in Canberra earlier this year as part of the Australia Awards Fellowship program aimed at strengthening media organizations and regional collaboration. The fellowship brought together media professionals to discuss challenges facing the industry, including the spread of misinformation, changing audience behaviors and the rapid pace of digital transformation. Participants…

The health tender trial in the Suva High Court, involving former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma, former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, is expected to conclude tomorrow. The 13th prosecution witness, Arvind Chandra, founder of Vanmed Labs, told the court he was engaged in 2011 by the Ministry of Health to conduct a consultancy on laboratory services across 17 rural and subdivisional health facilities. The work involved assessing equipment, machine lifespan, wastage rates, and staffing needs before producing a report for the ministry. Chandra said he had a professional relationship with Dr Sharma before 2011 and…