Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Developing nations are pushing for a stronger collective voice in global debt negotiations as economic fallout from the Middle East conflict deepens. A new Borrowers’ Platform, backed by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, aims to help countries confront rising debt burdens, surging oil prices, and widening inequality in the global financial system. WASHINGTON, 16 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —Developing countries are banking on having a stronger voice in debt negotiations, following the launch of a new country-led borrowing initiative on Wednesday on the margins of the annual IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.  The economic shockwaves of the…

[Photo: MOSESE RAQIO] European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert says growing global conflict, economic coercion and geopolitical instability have made partnerships between the European Union, Fiji and the Pacific more important than ever. Speaking during Europe Day celebrations, Plinkert says the world must stand united for peace, stability and international law. She says Pacific nations, including Fiji, have consistently supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in international forums, reinforcing global efforts to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter. Plinkert also highlighted major cooperation achievements between the European Union and the Pacific, including the High Seas Treaty…

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries (MPII) reaffirmed that the Palau Open Ship Registry continues to operate normally under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Palau, with all registry services being delivered without interruption through the Bureau of Marine Transportation.Since December 15, 2025, the Bureau of Marine Transportation has ensured the uninterrupted provision of vessel registration, statutory certification, regulatory oversight, and flag-state administration services. The Government emphasized that all functions of the Registry remain fully in place and compliant with Palau’s legal and international obligations.The recent amendments to the Maritime and Admiralty Act will allow the…

[Photo: FILE] Fiji’s outsourcing industry is expected to nearly double in value by 2030, highlighting strong growth in the sector. Outsource Fiji President Josefa Wivou says the industry is projected to rise from about $269 million in 2025 to nearly $450 million annually by 2030. Wivou adds that the sector continues to grow steadily year-on-year, despite ongoing challenges. One of the main concerns remains the shortage of skilled workers, which is affecting both the public and private sectors.Article continues after advertisement “It is an ongoing challenge, but strategies are being developed to strengthen the pipeline of talent entering the outsourcing…

The Sant Andreu Jazz Band will culminate the celebration of its 20th anniversary in December with its annual concert at the Palau de la Música Catalana, featuring another highly ambitious commissioned program: a journey through the history of jazz big bands via 20 major ensembles, from pre-swing and swing (Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller…) to names such as Maria Schneider, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, passing through bebop and other stylistic movements, with essential figures like Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Charles Mingus, among many others. A…

Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro.[Photo: FILE] The Ministry of Education is moving to reinforce Fiji’s National Qualifications Framework as part of a wider push to build a more coherent and responsive national skills system. This was discussed at the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s Forum that began yesterday in Lami. The Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, officiated at the event and explained that the policy shift focuses on improving articulation pathways across the education sector, allowing smoother progression between vocational training, technical education, and university studies. He emphasised that it aims to strengthen skills recognition, ensuring qualifications are more transparently understood and…

Performance Date: April 10, 2027 The Orfeó Català and Cors de l’Escola Coral de l’Orfeó Catalàper from music by E. Whitacre. Performance Date: April 11, 2027 The Cor Madrigal, Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès and Isabel Rubio perform selections from “Bohemios” and “Luisa Fernanda.” Performance Date: April 11, 2027 Ian Koziara and Bradley Moore perform in recital.  Performance Date: April 12, 2027 Händel’s “Alessandro” will be performed with Emőke Baráth, Núria Rial, Albert Guiñón Fort, Gabriel Díaz, Xavier Sabata, Ferran Mitjans, and Josep-Ramon Olivé. The Vespres d’Arnadí will be conducted by Dani Espasa. Performance Date: April 21, 2027 Sílvia Bel and Roger Padullés join the Franz Schubert…

Moana Pasifika host Hurricanes at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz A quartet of tries to winger Josh Moorby has helped the Hurricanes to a strong 50-17 win over Moana Pasifika at a sodden North Harbour Stadium. While fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo has been grabbing the headlines this Super Rugby Pacific season, Moorby has also been potent on the right wing, none more so than this match. He scored tries in the 11th, 22nd, 52nd and 69th minutes, while Fineanganofo missed out this time. He still needs two tries to set a new Super Rugby record of…

[Photo: MOLLYN NAKABEA] It was an emotional day as families and friends of the nine fishermen turned out in numbers to remember the men in a memorial service at the Saint Pius Catholic Church in Raiwaqa. The men, Osea Vakaruru, Lemeki Tikoitoga, Esekaia Boladuaua, Sitiveni Tekivakatini, Mateo Tikoitoga, Savenaca Sokini, Julian Tavola, Maciu Niubalavu and Pita Kinikini were reportedly missing in the Kadavu waters after failing to return from a fishing trip on April 22nd. After a week of active search operations, search efforts by the Fiji Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force were suspended. Family relatives and friends…

DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled Issued by: on KOROR, Palau (Sept. 29, 2025) Palau Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles I. Obichang speaks with government leaders with the Republic of Palau and U.S. military and Department of Defense leaders during the Defense Site Working Group meeting at the One Stop Government Building in Koror, Palau, Sept. 30. The DSWG provided a forum for collaborating on issues related to the establishment, management, and security of defense-related sites or infrastructure across Palau. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Tucker)…