Author: TMC Palau
SANTA RITA, Guam — Partners from the Freely Associated States of Micronesia, the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, and Australian Maritime Security Advisers under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, concluded Operation Irensia 2026 June 7, completing a 13-day multilateral maritime security exercise and law enforcement training program that brought together patrol boat crews from the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands at Apra Harbor. “Operation Irensia reflects what genuine partnership looks like in the Pacific. The crews who trained alongside us this week returned home with sharper skills and stronger…
[File Photo] The proposed Public Health Amendment Bill 2026 could become a cause of concern for families in villages and informal settlements who struggle to afford proper wastewater systems. Standing Committee on Social Affairs member Viam Pillay warns that enforcing penalties without providing support could create tension between households with adequate sanitation and those living in settlements. He says improving public health standards should not come at the cost of dividing vulnerable communities already facing hardship. “The bill in its current form, if it is passed with the penalties in place, can be a huge social issue in the communities…
[File Photo] The Ministry of Policing has confirmed that the independent investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi is nearing completion, while investigations into the death of Sakiasi Radravu remain ongoing. The Ministry says that these investigations must be allowed to proceed thoroughly, independently, and without prejudice. It stresses that the Police Force remains firmly committed to human rights, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the law. It adds that the Force does not condone corruption, abuse of power, or misconduct.Article continues after advertisement Allegations against police officers are treated seriously and acted upon…
[File Photo] People living in low-lying coastal communities are being urged to take precautions as the threat of sea flooding increases, with a coastal inundation and a heavy rain alert remaining in force. The National Disaster Risk Management Office warns that a high tide of 1.8 metres is expected this afternoon. This is particularly for the Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, southern Viti Levu from Natadola through the Coral Coast to Navua, Kadavu, and nearby smaller islands. Authorities are advising residents to stay away from shorelines and avoid swimming, fishing, and other marine activities.Article continues after advertisement At the same time,…
[File Photo] The Fiji Sugar Corporation’s debt continues to increase as operating costs remain high while cane and sugar production decline. Responding to questions from the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs regarding the company’s 2024 and 2025 financial reports, FSC Chief Financial Officer Anjesh Sharma stated that the debt level will continue to rise because the company cannot generate enough revenue to meet its operating costs. Although the government wrote off FSC’s $200 million debt, causing it to drop in the 2025 financial year, Sharma noted that the debt will climb back to around $310 million for the financial year…
The family were rushed to Tavua Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. [Photo: FILE] Four family members died this morning after their car veered off the road and landed in a river in Vatukoula. The victims – a 43-year-old man, his wife, their nine-year-old daughter, and his sister-in-law were returning from a family function in Ba when the driver lost control. They were rushed to Tavua Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. A fifth passenger escaped serious injury.Article continues after advertisement Police investigations continue. Source link
[Source: Fijian Drua/Facebook] Fresh off their first win of the Super W season, the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women are already turning their attention to what coach Mike Legge expects will be another stern test against the Brumbies next week. The Drua produced a spirited second-half performance to overcome the Western Force 29-24 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, delighting their home supporters and reigniting their Super W campaign. However, Legge knows his side cannot afford to dwell on the result for too long. With the competition becoming increasingly competitive, the Drua coach believes every team now possesses the depth and quality…
[Source: AP] Let’s just say that the wedding band has never occupied the most exalted rung of the ladder in music. Playing “September” and “Celebration” is often what’s most required. As one member of the Bride and the Groove, the band at the center of John Carney’s new film, puts it: They’re not rock stars. They’re human jukeboxes. But in “Power Ballad,” a wedding band singer and pop star cross paths. For one night, all of the stratification of the music world falls away. “Power Ballad” starts like a fairy tale. Since 2007’s “Once,” the Irish writer-director has focused his…
[Source: Reuters] Sushila Devi sat sobbing on the floor of her house in Deoria, northern India after authorities told her that her husband was one of three sailors killed in a U.S. attack on a ship off Oman. “If he had told us about the dangers, I would have called him back,” she cried out as women from the family gathered round to console her. “The government should not allow people to go there.” India on Friday took the rare step of lodging a second protest with the U.S. over the strike that took place more than three months into…
“It was quite a heart attack game for us.” That was the verdict from McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women coach Mike Legge after his side produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat the Western Force 29-24 in Round Two of the Super W competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday. Legge admits his side did not consistently stick to their structures throughout the 80 minutes, but he was full of praise for the resilience and determination shown by the players when they found themselves trailing on the scoreboard. “The girls showed some real resilience, even being behind on the scoreboard. They…