Author: TMC Palau
Issued by: on U.S. Marine, Lance Cpl Ramon Jose Ceja from the Combat Logistics Battalion 1 and U.S. Army Soldier, Sgt. Ben Gu from the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) on the Oceania Engagement Team install an omni-directional antenna for a IC-M330 ICOM radio as Palau’s National Emergency Management office representative, Wayne Wong overlooks the install at the Ngeremlengui State Building, Ngeremlengui, Palau May. 8, 2026. Reinforcing its enduring commitment to the U.S.-Palau partnership and a resilient Indo-Pacific, the United States has spearheaded a vital initiative to upgrade the Republic of…
Fiji Bati (file image) Photo: Facebook / NRL Rajesh Singh said the FNRL’s financial accounts for the last three years is being audited, following revelation the organisation was on the verge of bankruptcy. Singh, voted in two months ago to head Fiji’s national rugby league body, confirmed to RNZ Pacific on Wednesday the organisation is currently under a Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) probe. He said an independent report by Pherrus Financial Services was tabled at the FNRL Annual General Meeting in Suva last Saturday. The report provided a summary of FNRL’s current financial and governance situation, which Singh…
A single mistake made years ago could soon stop defining the future of many Fijians. Parliament has unanimously passed the Criminal Records Bill 2025, legislation aimed at giving rehabilitated offenders a second chance at life, employment and overseas opportunities. Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga told Parliament the bill was inspired by the struggles of ordinary people who continued to suffer long after serving their sentences. Turaga says many people convicted during the COVID period later discovered they were unable to travel overseas for work opportunities in countries such as Australia and New Zealand because of their criminal records.Article continues after advertisement…
Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 and U.S. Marines from the U.S Marine Corps Engineer Detachment in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 16. During his meetings with the teams, Lasky received updates about current military activities, operations, and responsibilities in the country.Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands,…
Fiji is positioning major port developments as part of its long-term plan to become a high-income nation by 2050. The move is linked to the Quad countries’ broader initiative involving Australia, India, Japan and the United States, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving critical supply chains, and enhancing energy and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. Speaking to FBC News, Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says infrastructure readiness is key to supporting future economic growth. “We cannot have that happen if the actual infrastructure itself is not up to par.”Article continues after advertisement He says initial work will focus on Fiji’s…
Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. and National Security Coordinator Jennifer Anson in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 18, 2026. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ongoing efforts of the U.S. to maintain the defense and security of Palau under Title 3 of the Compact of Free Association, and opportunities for partnership in the future. Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of…
External fuel assistance is expected to begin arriving in Fiji from next month. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the support, committed by development partners, is part of broader budget assistance linked to the ongoing fuel situation. Speaking to FBC News, Immanuel says assistance is expected from Australia, New Zealand, the Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions. He says while the support has been committed, several administrative processes, including contract arrangements, must be completed before the funds are released.Article continues after advertisement “There’s a process to follow. Contracts will be done, and then the funds will be cut. So, we’re…
Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 and U.S. Marines from the U.S Marine Corps Engineer Detachment in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 16. During his meetings with the teams, Lasky received updates about current military activities, operations, and responsibilities in the country.Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands,…
Screengrab of the AI-generated fake footage on Instagram shared by an Indonesian nationalist account “bersamaastacita” showing Koteka Wenda speaking out against a new film about land grabs and human rights abuses in Papua. Photo: Screengrab / bersamaastacita A West Papuan independence activist says AI-generated fake footage of her and her words has been used to spread disinformation on social media. Koteka Wenda, daughter of the leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, said the Instagram video reel by an Indonesian nationalist account cast her speaking out against a new film about land grabs and human rights…
The Government is strengthening Fiji’s biosecurity systems to protect local crops, support agricultural growth and improve national food security. Speaking in Parliament, Tomasi Tunabuna said the biosecurity strategy is focused on prevention, preparedness and partnership. He said the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is upgrading inspection facilities at ports and entry points, while introducing risk-based screening systems to better detect threats. Import permits and phytosanitary certificates are also being digitalised to align with international standards.Article continues after advertisement Tunabuna told Parliament that surveillance is being expanded in high-risk areas such as ports, nurseries and seed systems. He added that diagnostic laboratories…