Author: TMC Palau

Vosarogo emphasized that any transition must be managed carefully to avoid undermining investor confidence. [Photo: FILE] The Ministry of Lands is currently reviewing 17 parcels of land referred by the iTaukei Land Trust Board for possible reversion to native ownership. Minister Filimoni Vosarogo says they are now assessing each parcel individually due to the varying land uses and tenure arrangements involved. Vosarogo says some of the properties are partially occupied, others vacant while several are already under lease agreements. He says the process requires careful consideration, including consultation, with existing leaseholders and discussions on the future of those leases should…

The registration for Australia’s “incredibly popular” Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballot will open for applications on 1 July, the Australian Department of Home Affairs announced on Wednesday.However, Vanuatu, which has been part of the ballot for the past two years, has been left off the list of eligible countries for the 2026-2027 ballot.The PEV offers permanent residence in Australia for up to 3000 Pacific Islanders from a set of 11 countries, which includes Timor-Leste.It comes as Australia struggles to get Vanuatu to sign the Nakamal Agreement, which would commit the two countries to a security arrangement for ten years, with…

[Source: BBC News] Daveigh Chase, the horror actress who crawled out of a telly in The Ring and who voiced Lilo in Disney’s animated Lilo & Stitch, has died aged 35. Chase, who also starred in the cable drama Big Love, died from sepsis following a bout with meningitis in a Los Angeles hospital, her longtime manager John Ryan Jr confirmed to BBC News on Wednesday. Ryan said that Chase had been admitted to hospital for malnourishment before her death. The former child star began acting at 4 years old, booking her first Hollywood job when she was 7, but…

Residents in and around Valele, Ba, are expected to find significant relief to their water issues following the re-commissioning of the Valele Reservoir roof project. The government has officially recommissioned the $703,518 project, which involved the detailed design and construction of a new roof structure restoring a key water asset serving 5,995 people. Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the reservoir suffered severe damage during Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, which destroyed its steel roof. He says the damage left the reservoir exposed to environmental contaminants, affecting water quality and supply reliability in the years that…

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] Ghana secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup Group L clash, thanks to a stoppage-time winner at Toronto Stadium in Canada. The match appeared headed for a draw until Caleb Yirenkyi found the net deep into added time, scoring in the 90th minute plus five to hand the Black Stars all three points. Both sides were evenly matched for much of the contest, with Panama defending resolutely, but Ghana’s persistence was finally rewarded at the death. The win gives Ghana a crucial start to their group campaign, while Panama will…

Samoa’s opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi claims the government has neglected two Apia men looking at execution in Vietnam for the murder of a Sydney gang boss.However, the government released a statement on Wednesday regarding the two men in Vietnam, saying it “has taken active steps through its international partners and diplomatic channels” concerning the pair.Samoan nationals in Vietnam are ‘neglected’ – opposition leaderPacific WavesJoseph Vaa, 27, and Steve Tofa, 23, admitted gunning down suspected Coconut Cartel leader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia in Ho Chi Minh City a month ago.The two Samoans read confessions from custody last month, handcuffed and bolted…

Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel (middle) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka (third from right)at opening the Non-Sugar Sector Research Open Day at the Koronivia Research Station. Picture: Apenisa Waqairadovu The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to face reductions in the 2026-27 National Budget, despite being challenged to significantly increase its contribution to the economy. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel revealed the planned funding cuts while opening the Non-Sugar Sector Research Open Day at the Koronivia Research Station this morning. The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry received a record allocation of $115 million in the current financial…

[Photo: FILE] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the 2013 Constitution binds the coalition government to hold the General Election within four years of the first day of swearing-in. The coalition government was sworn in on December 22nd 2022. However, when further pressed by the media on the update on the review of the 2013 Constitution, Rabuka gave a different response on holding the next parliamentary election. He was questioned as a seven-member Constitution Review Commission is currently taking submissions from the public to review certain parts of the Constitution.Article continues after advertisement “All of that, all part of our planning,…

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] England have made a strong start to their FIFA World Cup Group L campaign with a 4–2 victory over Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Three Lions struck early through a Harry Kane penalty in the 12th minute before Croatia responded with goals from Baturina in the 36th minute and Musa deep into first half stoppage time to briefly swing momentum. Kane restored England’s lead just before the break with his second goal in the 42nd minute. England extended their advantage early in the second half when Jude Bellingham found the net in…

A Pacific politics expert and ni-Vanuatu woman has become the first woman to be appointed to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.Anna Naupa, described by the Vanuatu government as “one of the nation’s finest minds”, is the new director-general of the sub-regional bloc, which is headquartered in Port Vila.The MSG is made up of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia.In a statement on Wednesday, Vanuatu’s Office of the Prime Minister said Naupa’s appointment was “a histroic moment”.”Since the MSG was founded in 1986 by the giants…