Author: TMC Palau

KOROR, Palau – In a historic ceremony at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center in downtown Koror, Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Col. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, signed a declaration formalizing the nation’s newest state partnership between the U.S. Territory of Guam and the Republic of Palau. Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief of National Guard Bureau; U.S. Ambassador Joel Ehrendreich; Palau Vice President J. Uduch S. Senior, and members of the Palau National Congress and Council of Chiefs witnessed the ceremony. Managed by…

[Source: BBC] A Canadian who sailed on the cruise ship MV Hondius which was hit by a hantavirus outbreak in April has tested positive for the disease, officials in the province of British Columbia say. The individual, one of four people isolating on Vancouver Island after leaving the ship, had developed mild symptoms. The province’s senior health officer said the four had not had any contact with the public since arriving in Canada. The case brings the total number of infections to 11, all among cruise passengers. Three people who travelled on the ship have died, with two confirmed to…

What inspired you to found the Ebiil Society? Seeing the need to provide meaningful Belauan ways for our children to reconnect with their land and oceans–their home. The Ebiil Society was founded to inspire their sense of gratitude and compassion towards their home and plant seeds of knowledge that returns responsibility towards what they care for.   The Ebiil Society manages Ngerkeklau, where we worked together to remove invasive species. What is special about this place? What changes have you noticed in the environment? Ngerkeklau is an ancient village full of magical stories and ancient artifacts–not to mention the biodiversity…

[Photo: FILE] The push to officially declare Navua a town has been decades in the making, with discussions dating back more than 50 years. Speaking on the proposed township status for Navua, Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa says the idea was first raised in 1973, but several planning and infrastructure challenges delayed the process over the years. The Minister says rapid population growth and increasing development in and around Navua have now strengthened the case for township status. The Minister notes that more people are moving into the area, while commercial activities within Navua’s central business district and nearby…

Issued by: on U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, left, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, tours the Peleliu WWII Museum in Peleliu, Palau, Sept. 7, 2025. Glynn traveled to Palau to observe operations, engage with local officials and Marines, and better understand the islands’ infrastructure, historic sites and facilities as part of a broader mission to reinforce multinational partnerships that support security and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chloe Zimmerer) Date Taken: 09.07.2025 Date Posted: 09.16.2025…

[Photo: FILE] Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says next week’s regional police conference on transnational crime will be a key opportunity for Pacific law enforcement leaders to strengthen cooperation in addressing shared security challenges across the region. The meeting, an initiative by the Fiji Police Commissioner and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, is expected to bring together police chiefs from across the Pacific to improve coordination in tackling transnational crime and other emerging threats. The conference will be co-hosted by Fiji and Australia from Monday in Nadi Tudravu says the objective of the conference is to unify regional efforts by pooling…

[Fiji Government/ Facebook] Fiji has launched three major national biodiversity policy instruments aimed at strengthening environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030, the Fiji National Access and Benefit Sharing Policy 2026, and the National Invasive Species Framework Strategy and Action Plan 2026 were launched by Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya. She described the policies as a significant step forward in Fiji’s commitment to conserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources for future generations. She says that these strategies are designed to address growing environmental threats while promoting sustainable development and community resilience.Article…

[photo:Enda Low] Hundreds gathered in Suva today to celebrate Rotuma Day, an annual event focused on preserving and promoting Rotuman culture among younger generations. The two-day event has brought together representatives from Rotuma’s seven districts, with communities encouraged to actively take part in keeping their traditions, language, and identity alive for future generations. Organising Admin, Faga Paulokai’tu, says that for the hosting district of Pepjei, the aim of this year’s Rotuma Day celebrations is to ensure that youths remain at the centre of the event. “For this event, it’s showing respect, and more so, is the love, and to sustain…

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka [File Photo] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has issued a personal apology to the Vanua o Noco after failing to acknowledge the traditional leadership and people of Noco during his Girmit Day address. In a statement released following the event, the Prime Minister expressed regret for not recognizing Na Turaga na Roko Tui Noco and the people of the Vanua o Noco, acknowledging their longstanding contributions and support to the nation and local communities. Rabuka described the omission as an oversight and offered his sincerest apology. The Prime Minister says he holds deep personal respect for the…

[Source: FCEF/Facebook] The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has warned that calls for an $8 National Living Wage could further strain the economy and trigger internal disruptions for businesses already facing global economic pressures. This follows calls by the Fiji Trades Union Congress for Fiji to adopt a National Living Wage system of $8 an hour, replacing the current minimum wage framework. Speaking to FBC News, FCEF Chief Executive Edward Bernard says businesses, workers, and government must work together to protect the economy amid growing global uncertainty. Bernard says Fiji is already facing economic volatility, with the Asian Development Bank…