Author: TMC Palau
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. [Photo: BOSE VAVATAGA] The Pacific is no longer just a transit point for illicit drugs and organised crime. It is now becoming the destination itself, according to Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu. Opening the inaugural Pacific Transnational Crime Summit, Tudravu warned that organised criminal networks are tightening their grip across the region. He said Pacific nations are suffering the consequences of crimes largely driven by demand outside the region.Article continues after advertisement “We are not the highest consumers of illicit drugs, yet we are the most vulnerable to their impact, as we are caught in the transhipment…
Overview: Palau is moving toward stronger and more climate-resilient public infrastructure after President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. signed Executive Order No. 502 directing the development of national building standards for all government-funded construction projects. The order aims to improve construction quality, safety, and disaster resilience by creating a unified building code adapted to Palau’s unique environmental conditions. By: Laurel Marewibuel Koror, Palau — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. signed Executive Order No. 502 directing the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries to develop consolidated building standards and a code for all government‑funded construction projects. Minister Charles Obichang, Ministry of Public…
source: BBC A tale about forbidden love and Taiwanese food has won the International Booker Prize, becoming the first novel translated from Mandarin Chinese to win the prestigious award. Taiwan Travelogue, written by Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi and Taiwanese-American translator Lin King, follows two women on their culinary tour across Taiwan in the 1930s, when the island was under Japanese rule. Elaborately framed as the translation of a rediscovered travel memoir, complete with fictional footnotes, many readers thought it was about a genuine historic text when the book was first published in 2020. “It’s a captivating, slyly sophisticated novel,” said…
The Pacific region is widely regarded as a strategic transit corridor, located between two key producers – Southeast Asia and the Americas – and two major consumers – Australia and New Zealand. Photo: 123RF Australian and New Zealand police will fund a strike force in Colombia to fight the Pacific drug trade. Aotearoa’s acting deputy commissioner Mike Johnson said an International Joint Investigations Team is being set up with the aim of gathering evidence on illicit shipments before they enter Pacific waters. New Zealand will base one liaison officer in Bogota, “allowing us to more effectively identify and respond to…
[Photo: FILE] The Consumer Council of Fiji has raised concerns that certain supply patterns in the retail market may be influencing the availability of essential goods, leaving consumers with fewer affordable options. Consumer Council Chief Executive Seema Shandil says some trends suggest availability may be affected not only by supply chain issues but also by pricing processes and broader market behaviour. Shandil highlighted this while making submissions before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs on the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission’s 2023–2024 Annual Report. She says suppliers have indicated that in some cases, products remain off shelves while price adjustment…
source: AAP After decades in front of the camera, John Travolta made his directorial debut at Cannes, but he’s unsure he’ll take the helm on another project. John Travolta, fresh from his directorial debut at the Cannes Film Festival last week, told Reuters that he cannot imagine stepping behind the camera again unless he felt a deep passion for its subject matter. “When people say, ‘Would you direct again?’ – I have to be passionate because it’s all-consuming, so you have to love it that much,” said the screen legend, admitting that making Propeller One-Way Night Coach was at times…
Fiji’s fuel supply remains stable, with current stock levels and scheduled shipments expected to sustain normal operations through May and June, according to authorities. As of 18 May 2026, the country has 49.7 million litres of fuel on land, with a further 58.12 million litres expected to arrive before the end of May. This will bring total available stock to 108 million litres, with projected consumption of 33 million litres for the remainder of May, leaving an estimated end-of-month balance of 75 million litres — about 55 per cent of total storage capacity. Forecasts for June also remain within normal…
DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled Issued by: on AIRAI, Republic of Palau (July 23, 2025) – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, center, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and staff receive a tour of the Palau International Airport in Airai, July 23. Palau airport is currently serving as a support location for exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025. The REFORPAC exercise strengthens the U.S. Air Force’s adaptability to unforeseen challenges and reinforces mission readiness by proactively planning for contingencies ensuring the safety of service members and equipment while upholding a responsive…
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to win the Premier League title on Tuesday when they were confirmed as champions following second-placed Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Leaders for almost the entire season, Mikel Arteta’s side are now four points clear with one game remaining and Sunday’s clash at Crystal Palace will now be a coronation. Arsenal had beaten Burnley 1-0 on Monday, meaning City had to win on the south coast to extend the race to the final day. But a subdued City trailed to Eli Junior Kroupi’s first-half goal and Erling Haaland’s stoppage time reply was too late.Article…
Jayapura, Jubi – The Palau Senate and two private citizens have asked the Supreme Court to immediately halt a government plan to accept up to 75 deportees from the United States, arguing the arrangement violates the Constitution, immigration laws and the authority of the national legislature. The plaintiffs filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) seeking to stop President Surangel Whipps Jr and executive agencies from issuing visas or entry permits to the deportees while the case is being decided. The case challenges a 24 December 2025, announcement by the president that Palau would accept third-country nationals —…