Author: TMC Palau

Papua New Guinea has one of the highest fertility rates in the Asia-Pacific region (Figure 1), and the highest of any Pacific Island country in its most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), conducted in 2016-18. Every year, the country adds about 230,000 people to its population, the net result of births minus deaths. The population has now exceeded 10 million. But schools, hospitals, policing and the formal labour market have expanded far more slowly. The results are visible in crowded classrooms, stretched health facilities, law and order problems and a growing number of young people competing for too few…

Fiji lawyer raises questions after cocaine goes missingA Fijian lawyer says the disappearance of cocaine from the Suva High Court could complicate the criminal case for which the drugs were seized.The cocaine, weighing nearly 40kg with an estimated street value about US$14 million, was being held in the court’s exhibit room as evidence in the high-profile case involving Fiji-Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman.The drugs were discovered missing after forensic testing found that what was believed to be cocaine had been replaced with flour.Rahman was convicted in Fiji of unlawful possession of illicit drugs – 39.5kg of cocaine – and originally…

The Solomon Islands has pledged to the United Nations to deliver free universal education by 2027.Earlier this week, the Solomon Islands delegation supported 140 out of 181 recommendations from the country’s most recent Universal Periodic Review at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).Delegation lead Martin Kwaifono told the UNHRC that the Solomon Islands government was actively pursuing a policy that would provide universal free education for all by next year.”So that no child is turned away from school because the family cannot afford the fees. This is to relieve the huge burdens that families continuously…

Prime Minister Sends Congratulations to Chinese Premier of State Council and Presidents of Cyprus, Nigeria, Palau Doha, October 01 (QNA) – HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to HE Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang on the occasion of his country’s National Day. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, meanwhile, sent a cable of congratulations to HE President of the Republic of Cyprus Dr. Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of…

There are still places where arriving is part of the adventure. Kayangel, a tiny island at the northern edge of Palau, is one of them. Satellite picture of Kayangel Atoll, Palau / Sentinel-2 cloudless 2016 / Wikimedia Commons Surrounded by clear Pacific waters and home to just a few dozen people, the island has long required time, planning and favourable sea conditions to reach. Now, travellers have another way in: aboard the 39-metre Four Seasons Explorer, a floating hotel that has introduced a new route to Kayangel. The journey takes guests north from Palau’s better-known islands, into a quieter corner…

Temukisa Auina Penehuro Hauma, 71, has become the first woman to be appointed the Governor-General of one of the world’s smallest nations.Tuvalu has had 10 substantive governors-general – all of them men – since gaining independence on 1 October 1978.Hauma, who will be King Charles III’s representative for Tuvalu, took the oath of office and oath of allegiance in the capital Funafuti on the eve of the country’s 48th Independence Day on Wednesday.”I look forward to leading the nation and empowering our people, especially the women of Tuvalu,” Hauma was quoted as saying Tuvalu Government Media statement.Hauma is from Vaitupu…

Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Cyprus HE Dr. Nikos Christodoulides on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day. Similarly, the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of congratulations to the President of the Republic of Palau HE Surangel S. Whipps Jr. on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.  Source link

Cook Islands women are dancing their way into healthier, happier lives through traditional dance.CC Tamure Fitness was founded in 2019 by champion dancer Moana Taio, who found herself feeling disconnected as Cook Islands borders closed during the covid pandemic.She launched free fitness classes through Facebook Live, combining tamure – traditional dance – with high cardio exercise.Her first session attracted more than 400 participants worldwide. When restrictions eased, the classes moved into the real world, where there are now three classes a week, and virtual programmes offered online.The music is pumping, hips are swaying and the room is full of women…

Pacific Island contingents to the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, are finalising their preparations ahead of the event.The Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tonga have confirmed teams for the meet, which will be held from 31 October to 13 November.Athletics and swimming are the two major sports most island teams will compete in. Other sports they will representation in include beach handball, 3×3 basketball and boxing.Fiji has named 29 athletes, while the Cook Islands confirmed 13 will make up three different sports teams for the event.Two teams in particular will be creating history…

Political parties, candidates and Members of Parliament (MPs) gearing up towards Fiji’s upcoming general elections have been encouraged to adhere to strict campaign rules to avoid getting into trouble.Eleven political parties are now confirmed to contest the election so far – the highest number of parties since Fiji’s return to democratic rule in 2014.The country’s Electoral Commission adopted the Campaign Limitation Rules 2026 late last month to provide clear guidance on campaign activity by political parties and candidates.The rules include a complete ban on using taxpayer-funded and state resources to advance political campaigns and limitations on where campaign materials can…