Author: TMC Palau
28 May 2026 Koror, Palau — 22 May 2026 — The Republic of Palau hosted the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific Phase 3 (COSPPac3) Annual Session from 18–22 May 2026, bringing together Pacific Island countries, regional organisations and technical partners to strengthen climate and ocean services across the region. The session gathered representatives from National Meteorological Services and Land Survey Departments from 15 Pacific Island countries, funding partners including Australia and New Zealand, and technical partners such as the Pacific Community (SPC), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia…
Niudamu says the evaluation will assess the technical compliance of Fiji’s laws and the effectiveness of regulatory and enforcement systems in addressing financial crime risks. [Photo: FILE] Amendments to companies’ legislation will soon help identify individuals who may seek to conceal ownership or control of corporates or entities for unlawful purposes. This was revealed by Assistant Justice Minister Ratu Josaia Niudamu in his end-of-week statement in Parliament today. He said this while providing an update on the Cabinet-endorsed Companies Amendment Regulations 2006 made pursuant to section 713 of the Companies Act 2015. Niudamu says the amendments represent an important and…
Inflation in the country has risen after more than a year of deflation. Recent data released by the Reserve Bank of Fiji shows headline inflation increased to 1.8 percent in April, driven by higher fuel, food and kava prices. Core inflation also rose to 1.7 percent, mainly due to increased kava prices. Reserve Bank Governor Ariff Ali says inflation is expected to continue rising in the near term because of external pressures, particularly higher global fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Article continues after advertisement He says these pressures are already affecting local transport and electricity…
Mase Mahonri Schwalger Photo: Lakapi Samoa Public prosecutors say they will fight an appeal by Manu Samoa’s former head coach, following his recent conviction for multiple sex offences. Mahroni Schwalger was charged in September 2024 with unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault. Local media reported on 19 May that Samoa’s Supreme Court found Schwalger guilty of eight out of the 11 charges against him, involving two teenage victims. He was released on bail. Schwalger, who also played for New Zealand Super Rugby franchises the Highlanders, Hurricanes and the…
Nicholas Galitzine [Photo Credit: AAP News] Masters Of The Universe star Nicholas Galitzine wants his modern take on superhero He-Man to feel “accessible” and have a “sensitivity” to him that the macho character did not have in the original series. The British actor, 31, stars in the upcoming reboot as Prince Adam who, after being sent to live on earth as a baby, uncovers his destiny as superhero and alter ego He-Man, the protector of his home planet Eternia. Centring around the origin story of He-Man, it follows the superhero as he prepares for battle to defend his planet from…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] The trial of a 21-year-old man over a foiled Islamist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna in 2024 enters its final day on Thursday, with the defendant, Beran A, having already pleaded guilty to the main charges including terrorism-related offences. Beran A, whose last name has not been made public in accordance with Austrian privacy rules, was arrested on August 7, 2024, the day before the first of three planned concerts by the U.S. pop star in the Austrian capital. All three dates were then cancelled, to the dismay of fans and of Swift, who…
Heavy qualification requirements set by development partners in procurement bidding are making it difficult for local practitioners in the Pacific to secure major infrastructure contracts. While Pacific companies say they often submit stronger technical proposals and more competitive pricing, many are losing out due to strict “tick-box” qualification criteria. In some cases, turnover requirements of close to $100 million are being applied, which smaller regional firms say is unrealistic and restricts their ability to compete for large-scale projects. Hatanga Ltd, a civil engineering and construction company in the Solomon Islands, says it is frequently unable to bid for donor-funded projects…
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said a highly active and effective foreign policy is called for in what he called the most adverse and contested geostrategic environment of the past 80 years. Photo: RNZ Pacific Budget 2026 will see more foreign aid to the Pacific region, while defence and customs spending rises with an eye towards crime and security. But Pacific-focussed policy work will be cut as the government seeks to reduce the size of the public sector, as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) will see a $2.8 million cut over four years. The Ministry previously saw a significant cut…
[File Photo] The McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women are making key adjustments ahead of Sunday’s second pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. Head Coach Mike Legge is reshuffling his squad as the side looks to build combinations and test depth before the new season. The clash at Ballymore Stadium will be the Drua Women’s first return to the venue since the Reds ended their 2025 campaign in the semifinals, adding extra motivation for the visitors. Legge has named a 27-member trial squad, bringing back lock Mereoni Nakesa and utility forward Salaseini Railumu from injury as the side continues fine-tuning…
[File Photo] Government support for Extra Bula FC’s participation in the inaugural OFC Pro League was strongly advocated in Parliament this morning. Member of Parliament Joseph Nand calls for direct funding and tax incentives to help Fiji’s first professional football franchise. During his end-of-week statement, Nand described the Oceania Football Pro League as a “turning point” for football in the Pacific, saying Bula FC could create jobs, develop young players and strengthen national pride. Nand compared the opportunity to the success of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.Article continues after advertisement He says football fans across the country could unite behind…