Author: TMC Palau

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…

In a bold declaration during Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s visit to Palau, President Surangel S Whipps Jr reaffirmed his nation’s support for Taiwan’s sovereign status, emphasizing the critical need for international recognition, according to Focus Taiwan. At a welcome dinner, Whipps highlighted the potential global implications of denying Taiwan’s sovereignty, reasoning that it might undermine other smaller nations’ status.Whipps further emphasized defending democratic principles and international rules. He asserted, “We have to stand up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law,” a sentiment reported by Focus Taiwan. As one of Taiwan’s 12 global allies, and three in the…

Overview: Palauan businesses are taking steps to access new economic opportunities through federal contracting. A recent procurement readiness workshop in Koror equipped local entrepreneurs and vendors with practical knowledge on federal procurement requirements, registration processes and strategies to compete for U.S. government contracts. KOROR, Palau (June 4, 2026) — Twenty-six local business owners, entrepreneurs and vendors participated in the opening day of the “Unlock Federal Contracting Opportunities & Get Procurement Ready” workshop hosted by the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development (MHRCTD), the Palau Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group (356 ETSG).…

Soaring fuel prices are placing increasing pressure on Fiji’s fisheries sector, with fishermen and fish vendors in the North warning that their livelihoods are under threat. Industry operators say rising fuel costs are driving up the price of catching and selling fish, while shrinking already thin profit margins. As preparations continue for the 2026–2027 National Budget, those reliant on the industry are calling on government to provide targeted assistance to help offset rising operating costs. Diver Taniela Baleisuva says fuel has become one of the biggest expenses for fishermen, making it more difficult to earn a living from the sea.Article…

India on Tuesday confirmed that all 24 Indian nationals aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT Marivex, which was targeted and disabled off the coast of Oman following communication with the US Navy, have been rescued safely.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the Indian Embassy in Oman coordinated closely with Omani authorities and maritime agencies to ensure the crew’s rescue. Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the vessel had become disabled near the Oman coast and that New Delhi was aware of an exchange between the ship and the US Navy before the incident.“The ship MT Marivex was disabled…

Children’s paracetamol remain in low supply. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Samoa’s national hospital is rationing critical medicine due to a low supply, with outside help offering temporary relief. Last week, the Health Ministry received an urgent air freight shipment from Fiji-based Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH), covering only about half of what is needed. Key drugs like metformin, a drug to manage and treat type 2 diabetes, amlodipine which is used to treat high blood pressure, and also children’s paracetamol remain scarce, with the rest of PSH’s supplies expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Local media report that a…

Overview: Four Aimeliik students have become the inaugural recipients of the Rengulbai Brikul Scholarship, turning a decades-old commitment into reality and opening new educational opportunities for the next generation. AIMELIIK, Palau — Four students from Aimeliik State have become the first recipients of the Rengulbai Brikul Scholarship, marking the realization of a vision first established nearly four decades ago to support the educational aspirations of Aimeliik youth. Board of Trustees of the Rengulbai Brikul Scholarship, established this year for Aimeliik aspiring students. The inaugural scholarship awards were presented June 5 to Palin N. Marcil, Welavin I. Ueki, Macy K. Iramk…