Author: TMC Palau

The people of Tabia Village in Macuata have funded and built their own evacuation centre worth nearly $195,500 through community-driven efforts. The project was financed using the villagers’ 2024 Fiji Pine Limited bonus payout and lease premiums received through the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Speaking at the opening, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Mosese Bulitavu praised the villagers for showing unity and leadership through self-funded development. He says the project demonstrates how communities can take ownership of their future and work together to improve the wellbeing of their people.Article continues after advertisement Bulitavu says development should not depend entirely…

[file/photo] A solemn moment was witnessed today at Centenary Church in Suva as congregants marked Mother’s Day by remembering women who have passed on, as well as those currently facing hardship around the world. Women led today’s service as the church joined in the nationwide Mother’s Day observance. In a moving tribute, two women from the congregation carried bouquets of flowers to the altar as the church sang a special song in remembrance of mothers and women. The service also included prayers for women of all faiths around the world, especially those facing hardship, that they may find strength, hope,…

The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network is calling on Pacific leaders to take stronger action to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQIA+ people as Fiji and the region mark International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, also known as IDAHOBIT Day, today. This year’s global theme, “At the heart of democracy”, focuses on equality, inclusion, and the protection of human rights for all people. Interim Chief Executive Loata Tucika says democracy cannot be selective and governments must ensure that all citizens are protected equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Tucika says while leaders…

Vanuatu United FC’s Nicolas King and his team celebrate scoring the winning goal to put Vanuatu into the semi finals. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz A 10-men Vanuatu United team came back from the dead to beat Bula FC 2-1 in the semifinal playoff at the OFC Pro League, at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Sunday afternoon. That saw them secure a semifinal spot against top team South Melbourne FC on Wednesday at the same venue. Replacement Azaria Soromon claimed a goal to draw level just before fulltime, after Bula FC had led 1-0 for almost 90 minutes…

Fiji Airways has launched a new wellness initiative aimed at improving the travel experience for passengers and crew through science-backed recovery and relaxation products. The national carrier announced the introduction of the “FlyWell” programme, which will officially begin on June 1 and will initially be available to Business Class passengers travelling on select long-haul flights between Nadi and the North American destinations of Los Angeles and San Francisco. The programme will also be available at the airline’s Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Paul Scurrah said the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to innovation…

Twelve people have been left homeless after a massive fire destroyed two homes at Vunayawa Settlement in Natalau, Sabeto, yesterday morning. The blaze broke out at around 3:43 am, prompting an emergency response from the National Fire Authority’s Nadi Fire Station. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 4am to find two neighboring homes fully engulfed in flames. The houses, which had six bedrooms in total and were made of concrete and corrugated iron, were completely destroyed.Article continues after advertisement The first home belonged to 58-year-old farmer Kinijoji Vuda, while the second belonged to Rosie Tours employee Vereimi Tidrasi. Nine…

[Source: Fiji Football Association/ Facebook] Labasa women’s football head coach Roneel Ram says five of his players will remain in camp with the Fiji national side following another dominant performance in the women’s competition. Labasa continued its impressive form with a commanding 10-1 victory over Suva yesterday, backing up last week’s emphatic 7-1 win over Lautoka. The side’s strong performances have further highlighted the growing depth of talent within the squad. Ram confirmed several players have now been retained by the national setup ahead of the upcoming Hong Kong tour. “Yes, of course… five of our girls will be staying…

[Source: BBC] The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The agency said the outbreak in DR Congo’s eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency. But it warned it could potentially be “a much larger outbreak” than what is currently being detected and reported, with significant risk of local and regional spread. The current strain of Ebola is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the health agency said, for which…

[Source: BBC] Bulgarian pop star Dara has won the Eurovision Song Contest with her pneumatic dance anthem Bangaranga. The 27-year-old topped both the public and the jury vote in a nail-biting conclusion, soaring ahead of Israel in second and Romania in third to score a massive 516 points. Dara was far from a front-runner going into the contest, but her intricate choreography and naggingly catchy chorus helped her eclipse the competition – giving Bulgaria its first ever Eurovison title. The UK, however, continued its run of disastrous results. Look Mum No Computer’s song Eins, Zwei, Drei took last place, with…

Issued by: on KOROR, Palau (Sept. 23, 2025) Cmdr. Bababowale Fabunmi, Medical Logistics Manager for Pacific Partnership 2025, advises a representative from the Palau Red Cross Society on how to improve the management of supplies in their warehouse in Koror, Palau, Sept. 23, 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in…