Author: TMC Palau

Photo: 123RF Samoa’s acting police commissioner says police have carried out 20 drug raids in the first five months of the year, amid regional worry on drug trafficking. The Samoa Observer reported Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga made the comments during a press conference last week, where local reporters were shown items seized during the raids, which happened between 29 January and 26 May. These included firearms, marijuana plants, methamphetamine, drug utensils and prescribed bottles containing drugs confiscated at the border. The raids resulted in the seizure of just over 100 grams of methamphetamine. A total of 55 people have been charged…

Members of the Ba FC side before their Round 11 clash against Nadroga at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Ba FC have moved to the top of the 2026 Extra Premier League standings following the completion of Round 11 matches last weekend. The Men in Black delivered another dominant performance, defeating Nadroga 3-0 to move to 23 points from 11 matches. Ba now lead the competition with seven wins, two draws, and two losses, while also boasting the league’s best attacking record with 37 goals scored and just 10 conceded. Labasa dropped to second place after being held to a 2-2…

The initiative was designed to strengthen filmmaking skills ahead of the Kula Film Awards. [Photo: SUPPLIED] For the first time, secondary school students participating in this year’s Kula Film Awards gained first-hand experience of the production processes behind the internationally renowned Survivor series. Students from 17 schools travelled to Mana Island last week, where they received practical training from the production team. The workshop exposed participants to various aspects of television and film production, including camera operations, drone technology, lighting, and other professional equipment used in the industry. Students were also taken on a guided tour of the Survivor production…

Solar energy providers reporting a surge in interest in the CNMI. Photo: Mark Rabago High power costs are forcing more residents in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to explore the possibility of disconnecting from the main public power grid altogether. This comes as solar energy providers in the US territory report a surge in interest following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and months of concern over electricity costs. The growing interest in off-grid living comes as homeowners seek protection from both rising utility bills and future power disruptions caused by severe weather, according to local solar energy businesses. Even as the Commonwealth…

Fiji’s upcoming 2026–2027 National Budget will place strong emphasis on national security, with key plans to establish new security institutions and strengthen existing agencies. Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua says the focus will centre on completing pending national security reforms, including the establishment of the National Security Council. Tikoduadua says another major priority is the proposed National Intelligence Agency, which will be developed in partnership with key stakeholders to strengthen Fiji’s response to transnational crime. He says the plan also includes enhancing the role of the military and improving coordination with other security partners.Article continues after advertisement “The establishment of…

Saturday Night Fever transformed John Travolta into a global superstar. [Photo Credit: AAP News] John Travolta’s star power was so overwhelming it led to the shutting down of filming on Saturday Night Fever. The Grease star, 72, had become a television sensation through his role as Vinnie Barbarino in the hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter when filming began on Saturday Night Fever in Brooklyn in 1977. The film’s director John Badham has now revealed thousands of fans mobbed its locations while he was battling to make the classic movie. “On our first day of shooting, (fans) almost completely shut us…

Labasa Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi says the decision was made following concerns about drug-related activities. [Photo: SUPPLIED] The Labasa Town Council has stepped up efforts to improve public safety by clearing overgrown trees and vegetation at Lions Park, a move aimed at discouraging illegal activities and making the area safer for residents. Labasa Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi says the decision was made following concerns about drug-related activities, alcohol consumption, and anti-social behaviour occurring within the park. Ligairi says the council, in consultation with police, removed excessive tree branches and vegetation that had reduced visibility and created areas where illegal activities…

A service at EFKS church in Waitangirua, Porirua, to mark the start of Samoan Language Week Photo: RNZ Pacific Church services, marking the start of Le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa – Samoan Language Week – were held across Aotearoa on Sunday, May 31st. An annual event, in 2026 Samoa Language Week will run from May 31 to Saturday June 6. This year’s theme comes from a Samoan proverb: E afua mai mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u – From the high mountains are the blessings of the village. Fa’alogo Vaai, from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, said, “There’s a…

Fijians can now access over 20,000 hardware and home improvement products from Australia through the new Bunnings Pacific online store. In a statement, Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider says Fijians can now order products directly through their new website (bunningspacific.com.fj) and get their goods delivered. “The offer has been built using capabilities we know well – including our supply chain, logistics, and expanding digital platform – to give customers more choice, with clear pricing and delivery they can trust.” Schneider says that their company has developed a strong understanding of the Pacific through years of servicing markets alongside trusted wholesale…

By Chen Yun and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writer Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) is to lead a delegation to Palau from Saturday to Wednesday next week at the invitation of Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr, the Presidential Office said today.The trip is to mark Hsiao’s first official state visit since taking office, and include Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Baushuan (葛葆萱), Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) told reporters at a news conference.President William Lai (賴清德) designated Hsiao to lead the delegation in response to…