Author: TMC Palau

Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yuan speaking today at a press briefing China says it remains committed to respecting the sovereignty and independent decisions of Pacific Island nations. The assurance was given by Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yuan when questioned on whether political changes in the Solomon Islands and elsewhere could affect China’s engagement in the Pacific. Wang said China does not view its relationship with Pacific nations through the lens of geopolitical competition and respects the choices made by governments across the region. “We continue to say that China has our full respect for the Pacific Island countries.…

[File Photo] Concerns have been raised over a lack of public awareness about the Na Vualiku Project, despite it being one of the largest development investments earmarked for the Northern Division. During discussions on Tourism Fiji’s 2015–18 Annual Report before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, committee member Semi Koroilavesau said many residents in Vanua Levu appear unaware of the scope and purpose of the project. Koroilavesau stressed the need for greater public engagement and awareness to ensure communities understand the project’s objectives and the opportunities it could bring to the North. “We understand that it is a huge loan…

PALAU is gearing up to welcome leaders from across the Pacific for this year’s 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Koror from August 30 to September. Officials say the meeting will be shaped by some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, transnational crime and economic stability. Speaking ahead of the summit, Palau Minister of Justice Jennifer S. Olegeriil said the host government wanted more than a smooth event. Olegeriil said the forum should produce serious political momentum. “Palau is excited to host the upcoming PIFS leaders’ meeting in Palau,” Olegeriil said, adding that the government…

Sourced from https://alliancebioversityciat.org/ Fiji is already prepared for any potential El Niño event in the coming months. Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the necessary preparations are already embedded within ongoing national planning, including long-term investments in water infrastructure and coordination among key government agencies. El Niño is a climate pattern that can bring prolonged dry conditions, reduced rainfall and drought to parts of the Pacific, affecting water supplies, agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. Tuisawau says existing water security and disaster mitigation measures will help Fiji respond to the impacts of a potential El Niño event.Article continues after…

Stringent procedures and mechanisms are in place to protect evidence, exhibits, and investigative files. Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Meli Sateki gave the assurance in response to complaints about missing case files and unsuccessful prosecutions. Sateki says ¤the Police Force follows set protocols and oversight systems to ensure compliance. “We have unit in charge that are directly responsible at the station level, at the police post level, at the division level. All these hierarchy, it’s within their job description, the work that they are paid and they are expected to do. We now, we not now, we have an independent internal…

King Boxing promoter Naroon Buksh during the annoucement of their upcoming bout. For the first time, a children’s category will be included in a major local boxing event. Kings Boxing promoter Naroon Buksh confirmed the development while announcing an event scheduled for the 25th of next month. Buksh said the initiative is part of the organisation’s efforts to develop the sport from a young age and nurture the next generation of boxing stars. “We believe that developing these kids and giving them fights this early will be good for the future.”Article continues after advertisement The event will feature a total…

Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama Photo: NBC Bougainville – Maus Blong Sankamap Bougainville’s government has accused Papua New Guinea’s leaders of breaching a landmark agreement between the two parties, following the national parliament’s latest move on Bougainville’s vote for independence. The PNG parliament last week adopted a sessional order to facilitate how MPs will deliberate on whether to ratify the result of Bougainville’s 2019 non-binding referendum in which 97.7 eprcent of people voted for independence from PNG. Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) President Ishmael Toroama said the national parliament’s decision to adopt a draft sessional order on the referendum result, without the…

Pic: Taken by FBC News at the Suva Bus Stand All schools across Fiji will resume normal operations from tomorrow following an improvement in weather conditions around the country. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools are safe, accessible and ready for the resumption of teaching and learning activities, with students and teachers expected to return to classes as scheduled. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the decision was made following consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office, the Fiji Meteorological Service and other relevant authorities. While classes will resume nationwide, parents and guardians are being urged to exercise…

[Source: Reuters] In the span of just a few months, Irene Roggero Ugues watched her daughter Rossella’s behaviour change as social media fed her an increasing stream of self-harm content, before the 12-year-old died by suicide. Only after Rossella’s death did Irene ​and her husband unlock her devices. They found that she had been using social media far more than they had known, including maintaining a secret Instagram profile called ‘Just a dead pers0n’ with a zero instead of an ‌o. In September, 2023, they said, Rossella began searching for depressive material which mirrored how she felt. Social media algorithms…

[Source: Reuters] An Australian court on Wednesday banned former Star Entertainment (SGR.AX), opens new tab CEO Matthias Bekier ​from managing companies for six years and fined him A$700,000 ($494,620) over failure to handle ‌money laundering risks at the casino operator. The judgment comes months after the Federal Court found Bekier and former chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin breached their duties ​by failing to sufficiently address risks at the troubled ​group. In March, the court said that Bekier did not properly deal with ⁠a KPMG report that identified deficiencies in Star’s anti-money laundering ​and criminal activity processes and failed…