Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] The Girmitiyas’ legacy continues to stand as the foundation of one of Fiji’s most enduring international relationships. Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta says the Girmitiya legacy carries “profound meaning” for India, describing the indentured labourers as the true bedrock of Fiji–India ties. Mehta says that Fiji is one of 19 countries where Girmitiyas were taken, but it holds a special place due to the scale of contribution and the deep cultural roots that followed. Mehta acknowledged the Fiji Government’s decision to mark Girmit Day on May 14 as a national public holiday, saying it is an…

The Pacific island nation of Palau is made up of more than 300 islands and coral reefs located in the Micronesia region. While often associated with tourism and natural beauty, Palau has faced growing socioeconomic challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in international visitors, exposing the country’s heavy reliance on tourism, which contributes approximately 40% of its economy. Although Palau is classified as an upper-middle-income country, economic hardship persists for many households, particularly those caring for family members with disabilities. These pressures show how disability and poverty in Palau intersect within the country’s broader development…

Overview: Palau is in for another hot and humid week, with scattered showers, rising surf and stronger rip current risks expected through the weekend. Forecasters say the biggest concern will be rougher seas along east-facing reefs and beaches. Forecasters warn of stronger surf, isolated thunderstorms and heat index near 100 degrees By: L.N. Reklai AIRAI, Palau (May 7, 2026)— Residents can expect another week of warm, humid weather across Palau, with scattered showers, rougher surf and dangerous rip currents developing along some coastlines as weather systems move through the western North Pacific. Weather officials say no direct tropical cyclone threat…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Pacific leaders are turning to digital healthcare and artificial intelligence as Non-Communicable Diseases continue to overwhelm health systems across the region. Nearly 80 per cent of the Pacific population lives with some form of NCD. Leaders say the growing crisis is placing pressure on healthcare services, national budgets, and economic productivity. Countries are now looking at telehealth and AI to improve healthcare access, especially for remote island communities that often struggle to access specialist care. Tongan Health Minister Siaosi Ófakivahefolau Sovaleni says AI-powered telehealth systems could help doctors analyse patient data, support clinical decisions, and develop personalised care…

Issued by: on U.S. Army Civic Action Team 84-10 pose in front of the welcome sign in Camp Katuu, Palau, 2025. The team maintains the site and ensures it remains open to the public throughout their six-month rotation. (Courtesy Photo) Date Taken: 12.01.2025 Date Posted: 12.09.2025 18:06 Photo ID: 9432056 VIRIN: 251201-A-A5006-1012 Resolution: 2048×1363 Size: 999.52 KB Location: PW Web Views: 32 Downloads: 2 PUBLIC…

Leaders of Pacific Islands Forum countries at their annual summit, September 2025. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb Fotheringham Leaders of Pacific Islands Forum countries, which includes Australia and New Zealand, have officially invoked the Biketawa Declaration to support a coordinated regional response to the global fuel crisis affecting regional countries. The Forum last month announced it planned to invoke the declaration, which sets out a framework for regional responses to crises in the Pacific. A statement from the Forum said leaders seek to act decisively in anticipation of worsening global conditions as the crisis in the Middle-East continues to disrupt…

Overview: Palau’s senior citizens were celebrated across the country on May 5 as communities gathered with music, dances and shared meals to honor elders for their lifelong contributions to families, villages and the nation. States join together to celebrate elders and strengthen long-standing community ties By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 5, 2026) Senior citizens across Palau marked Senior Citizens Day on May 5 with celebrations held in communities throughout the country, honoring elders for their lifelong contributions to families, villages, states and the nation. Senior citizens from Ngeremlengui dancing and entertaining their visitors from other western states (Dmakekuikl) as…

[Photo: MOSESE RAQIO] Fiji has taken a major step in forest conservation and ecotourism with the opening of the Naduruvatu Gymnosperm Park in Colo-i-Suva — a site now preserving some of the oldest living tree species on earth. Speaking during the official opening today, Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu described the park as a historic achievement for both the Mataqali Naduruvatu and the Ministry of Forestry. Bainivalu says the park houses all 10 native gymnosperm species found in Fiji, protecting years of forestry research that was at risk after the lease for the area expired in 2023. “So, we had…

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Platoon, A Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment train at a new 25-meter flat range at a training area in the outskirts of Koror, Palau, April 18, 2019. SHARE: Download: Full Size (2.37 MB) Tags: army, military units Credit: Army Sgt. 1st Class John Etheridge VIRIN: 190418-Z-BQ261-408Y.JPG Source link

Overview: “Nurses are special people, because of all professions, they serve from the heart.” Palau has officially declared May 6-12 as National Nurses Week, honoring the dedication and compassion of nurses serving communities across the country. Proclamation recognizes nurses’ dedication, compassion and growing role in healthcare delivery By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) “Nurses are special people, because of all professions, they serve from the heart,” said Vice President and Minister of Health & Human Services Raynold Oilouch as Palau officially marked National Nurses Week in recognition of the dedication and service of nurses across the country.…