Author: TMC Palau

The United States would send “third country nationals” to the tiny Pacific Island nation of Palau under a proposed new deal, as the Trump administration looks for more countries to accept people it sends offshore.Palau’s government is considering a draft agreement, seen by the ABC, that would make it a destination for people seeking protection in the US against return to their home countries.But observers say it remains unclear whether the deal is aimed at undocumented migrants or other groups including asylum seekers.Surangel Whipps Jr is consulting the island nation’s Council of Chiefs on the proposal. (Reuters: David Dee Delgado)Palau…

Jeremiah Manele was elected prime minister in May 2024. Photo: Screengrab / National Parliament of Solomon Islands Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has been ousted following a no-confidence vote in Honiara on Thursday. Manele was voted out by 26 votes to 22 in parliament. There were two absentees. Manele will remain in office and perform his normal duties until he is officially removed by the Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu. Parliament has been adjourned sine die to allow time for Sir David and parliament to organise the election of the new prime minister. Manele, who previously served as the…

The government is aware of the ongoing water challenges faced by communities on the island of Cikobia and is now working on a proposed $180,000 funding allocation in the upcoming national budget to address the issue. Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Mosese Bulitavu, confirmed this while responding to concerns over worsening water shortages as villagers brace for the dry season. Bulitavu says long-term interventions are being developed to address Cikobia’s persistent water problems, including infrastructure-based solutions such as solar-powered pumping systems that would draw water from identified boreholes. “We have applied for funding of around $180,000 in the next…

Cruise Passenger > Reviews > Onboard the Four Seasons Yacht in Palau to see a different side of Asia 4.6 Editor Rating ★★★★☆ When I told friends I was visiting Palau, the most common response I received was: “Sounds lovely – but where is that exactly?” A lack of brand recognition isn’t usually something to strive for, but Palau doesn’t see it that way. As other countries around the world grapple with the impact of mass tourism, remaining under the radar is a key objective of this island nation.  Around 650km northeast of Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Palau is home…

[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says an online article attributing statements to FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali regarding the death penalty is a fabricated fake news story. The FWCC issued a statement this afternoon advising members of the public to exercise caution regarding fabricated news stories and fake newspaper pages currently circulating online using the mastheads and branding of legitimate media organisations, including The Fiji Times and Fiji Sun. The organisation says any attempt to falsely associate FWCC or its Coordinator with support for the death penalty is entirely misleading and contrary to the organisation’s long-standing human rights principles…

Taiwan and Palau should conduct monthly joint coast guard patrols to enhance deterrence in the western Pacific Ocean, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said yesterday, crediting Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr with the idea, after the agency completed its first-ever “fleet of friendship” visit to the Pacific island nation.The flotilla, comprising the CG-5005 Taipei, a 4,000-tonne patrol vessel, and the CG-1006 Hualien, a 1,000-tonne patrol and rescue vessel, departed the Port of Taipei on Sept. 11 and returned yesterday, the CGA said in a statement.The delegation, led by CGA Fleet Branch Director Huang Hsuan-kai (黃宣凱), was warmly received by Whipps…

NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane. [Photo: FILE] The National Fire Authority is working to strengthen rules on fire safety equipment and construction materials to reduce fire risks and improve compliance standards across Fiji. Chief Executive Puamau Sowane says the authority is strengthening its regulatory framework to ensure all fire safety systems, equipment, and building materials meet minimum safety requirements before entering the market or being installed in buildings. He says the initiative is aimed at closing compliance gaps and preventing risks caused by substandard or improperly certified materials, which can significantly increase fire hazards in homes, workplaces, and public infrastructure.…

Moana Pasifika team in a huddle after the Super Rugby Pacific – Round 12 match between Moana Pasifika v Blues held at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – New Zealand – on Saturday 02 May 2026. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Photo: Photosport A consortium that has the backing of a number of former All Blacks is disappointed that the current Moana Pasifika owners are not willing to discuss their bailout offer. Kanaloa Consortium, which is trying to buy the licence for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise, said Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is not responsive to their requests for discussions…

THE Palau Senate has blocked a controversial agreement that would have allowed up to 75 third-country nationals deported from the United States to be resettled in the country, and called for a national referendum on the issue. The Senate passed major amendments to immigration laws in a rare three-day session, blocking the deal announced last month by President Surangel Whipps Jr. The legislation bars entry, residence, employment, or long-term stay of those expelled by foreign governments, and blocks resettlement for those unable to return elsewhere. Supporters of the bill said the changes were necessary to ensure adequate legal and humanitarian…

[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Police Force has completed a major corruption investigation involving eleven senior police officers, following explosive allegations linked to leaked Viber messages suggesting ties to the illicit drug trade. In a move aimed at reinforcing transparency and public trust, the full investigation file has now been handed to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent legal review before any further action is taken. The high-level probe, supported by the Australian Federal Police and New Zealand Police, involved extensive digital forensic analysis and financial investigations into claims that officers received money from individuals connected to…