Author: TMC Palau

PALAU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Palau – As the U.S. Air Force leans into Agile Combat Employment, three Combat Airfield Operations Squadron teams led the charge during exercise Resolute Force Pacific by deploying the Expeditionary Transponder Landing System at Palau International Airport, Palau, from July 14 – 24, 2025. The integration of radar and precision approach capabilities transformed Palau flight operations into a fully monitored airspace that had previously relied on visual flight rules and pilot self-reporting.“The eTLS is a combination precision approach guidance, precision approach radar (PAR) and secondary surveillance radar (SSR) system designed to provide all-weather airfield access and situational…

Overview: A new GAO report warns that delays in U.S. compact funding and oversight could threaten Palau’s economic recovery, hospital repairs and education projects. The report highlights growing concerns over bureaucratic bottlenecks in both Palau and Washington as billions in aid remain tied up. Report warns bureaucratic hurdles in both Palau and Washington could weaken strategic and economic goals  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) A new U.S. government watchdog report is raising concerns that delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks tied to Compact of Free Association funding could undermine Palau’s fragile economic recovery, critical public services and strategic…

Australia’s Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy. [Photo: FIJI GOVERNMENT/ FACEBOOK] Australia’s Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy says authorities will pursue every dollar owed to Pacific workers affected by the collapse of labour hire company iComply with the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme. The company reportedly collapsed owing around $12 million Australian dollars, including about $4 million in unpaid superannuation to workers, many of them from Pacific countries, including Fiji. There were also ongoing complaints of underpayment and welfare breaches, while liquidators found the company may have been trading while insolvent for several years. Speaking in Fiji this week,…

KOROR, Palau – Medical personnel from the Belau National Hospital partnered with the U.S. Army’s Oceania Engagement Team, and Pacific Partnership 2025 to participate in a simulated trauma training and air evacuation exercise in Koror, Palau, Sept. 23. The training focused on strengthening local capability to respond to emergencies and natural disasters.The exercise involved a simulated casualty being stabilized to enable transport by ambulance and aircraft to get to better equipped trauma hospitals to provide more specialized care.“I expect to learn a lot of trauma and specialty training,” said Charlene Cubacub, registered nurse with the Belau National Hospital Medical Ward.…

The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific The Northern Marianas get a new digital token, and James Marape tries to woo Chinese giants for infrastructure investment. Here are the weekly highlights in the Pacific economy. In this edition: Northern Marianas’ cryptocurrency plans for disaster recovery Papua New Guinea PM’s diplomatic mission to China The crypto storm A former secretary of finance in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has become the US territory’s chief proponent of cryptocurrency. In the wake of Severe Typhoon Sinlaku, David Atalig says he…

Overview: Indonesia is calling for the release of a seized fishing vessel and crew, arguing they were operating in disputed waters claimed by both nations. But while no diplomatic resolution has been announced, Palau’s courts have already ordered the sale of 40 tons of fish from the vessel — deepening tensions in a growing maritime dispute. Palau proceeds with fish sale as Indonesia argues vessel was seized in overlapping maritime zone By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau – (May 7, 2026) A diplomatic dispute between Palau and Indonesia over the seizure of an Indonesian fishing vessel has intensified, with no official…

[Source: BBC] Sir David Attenborough has said he has been “completely overwhelmed” by the messages he has received ahead of his 100th birthday. The veteran broadcaster and environmentalist celebrates the milestone on Friday, with a special concert planned in the evening at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In an audio message released on Thursday, Sir David said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. “I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and…

In an exciting development, Ripple’s stablecoin project with the Republic of Palau has entered a Phase One pilot. The partnership between the Republic of Palau and Ripple marks a significant milestone in the realm of stablecoins. The collaboration has resulted in the launch of the Palau Stablecoin (PSC), backed by the U.S. Dollar, issued on the secure and environmentally friendly XRP Ledger (XRPL).The Palau Stablecoin pilot program involves government employees who have volunteered to use PSC with select local merchants in Palau. Local merchants Surrangel and Sons, The Penthouse Hotel and King’s Minute Mart are accepting the Palau Stablecoin for…

Overview: Women’s growing role in maritime and transport industries across the Pacific took the spotlight in Port Moresby during a regional business panel this week. The discussion highlighted progress and ongoing challenges as countries, including Palau and other island nations, push for greater inclusion in sectors central to trade, connectivity, and economic development. Pacific Voices Highlight Women’s Role in Maritime and Transport The role of women in industries traditionally dominated by men took center stage during this morning’s women in business panel discussion in Port Moresby, where regional representatives gathered to discuss women in maritime and transport across the Pacific.…

[Source: Film Fiji – Diandra Ceqa] The highly anticipated 15th Annual Kula Awards is set to make a celebrated return after a seven-year break. The awards will be in three categories the Film, Art & Dance competition. The last Kula Awards was held seven years ago, making this year’s event a significant milestone for participating schools and students alike. The return of the awards marks a renewed commitment to recognizing excellence and encouraging youth participation in the creative arts aspect of education. Article continues after advertisement This year, over twenty-five schools will participate in the event, with students traveling from…