Author: TMC Palau

This article recounts, as a lesson-learning exercise, a chain of events that played out in the 1990s — financial misconduct occurred, allegations were made about it, the response was weak, audits were launched, followed by a TV exposé, and finally a sector code of conduct was adopted. It is written from my perspective as an NGO employee and then reluctant whistleblower. A longer report published today by the Development Policy Centre provides a more detailed account. The key player in this story — CARE Australia — is now a respected and trusted NGO. It would be wrong for these reflections…

An environmental group in American Samoa is taking legal action against the United States government over its [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/749226/pacific-voices-condemn-us-plan-for-offshore-mineral-extraction-off-american-samoa plans for deep-sea mining near the territory.Fa’asao Amerika Samoa and the Conservation Council for Hawaii filed a lawsuit in August, challenging the US government’s assessment of the potential risks to marine life from the proposed mining.The US is proposing to lease more than 31 million acres of seabed around American Samoa, with the lease sale scheduled for 19 November.According to the court complaint, the US has never before opened its waters to deep-sea mining.The proposed leases would initially run for 20 years,…

Papua New Guinea’s prime minister has urged the international community to prioritise humanity ahead of war for the sake of world peace and in the interests of future generations.Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, James Marape said wars disrupted food, fuel, energy, trade, and supply chains far from the battlefield.”My appeal to leaders everywhere is really simple. Put human welfare ahead of war. Put humanity ahead of narrow geopolitical interests.”Choose dialogue and peaceful settlement wherever possible,” Marape said.He said countries must bear in mind the consequences for future generations from the decisions they make about war,…

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend warm congratulations to the people of Palau as you celebrate your national day.Palau remains one of the United States’ most trusted partners in the Pacific. Our partnership, rooted in mutual respect and trust, has grown significantly stronger the past year. We continue to work together to advance regional security and economic growth that benefit all Pacific nations.On this special day, the United States reaffirms its commitment, underpinned by the Compact of Free Association, to strengthening our partnership with Palau and supporting its continued leadership in advancing peace and prosperity across…

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment…

The Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is losing about 1000 people a year because of a lack of economic opportunities, a senior Commonwealth official has told US federal officials.BJ Nicholas, policy adviser for military affairs in the Office of the Governor, made the assessment during an Interagency Regional Convening in San Francisco this month.”Right now, we’re averaging about 1000 people a year that we’re losing. And it’s all because we don’t have an opportunity,” Nicholas said.The CNMI, a self-governing US territory, has a population of less than 45,000 people.Nicholas warned that continued population loss was compounding the Commonwealth’s economic problems by…

In a press release on Wednesday, Fiji’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed that the missing and tampered exhibits – worth about US$14 million in street value – were linked to the high-profile Joshua Rahman case.The ODPP said drug exhibits could not be legally destroyed while retrials or appeals remain ongoing, adding that the office was in the process of applying for destruction when the missing drugs were uncovered.”The ODPP cannot comment on the priorities or processes of the ODPP prior to 2023, however, since the establishment of the Anti-Narcotics Division in 2024, the ODPP is prioritising…

Fiji’s police chief has confirmed that six persons of interest have been identified following investigations into 40kg of missing cocaine bars that were stored at the Suva High Court evidence room.In a news briefing on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said that investigators are in now process of gathering evidence and documentary records.Tudravu said the investigation team has recorded statements from 27 individuals as they try to piece together information on those who had direct access to the exhibits.The police commissioner also confirmed that police have taken over the security at Government Buildings.Earlier, in a statement on Tuesday, police said…

U.S. soldiers carry out construction work on a former Japanese military airfield on Peleliu Island, in February 2025. (Photo by Yuki Kohara)SOPHIE MAKSeptember 30, 2026 14:30 JSTKOROR, Palau — Palauans are caught “between a rock and a hard place,” as citizens of the tiny Pacific island nation say they are being pulled into a geopolitical power game between the United States and China that also threatens their environment. Source link

Lakapi Samoa is disappointed that the Oceania 7s rugby tournament has been cancelled.Chief executive Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun told the Samoa Observer in Apia on Tuesday the cancellation will affect the Samoan national sevens teams’ preparation for World Rugby qualification series next year.Ngau Chun said both the Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s teams were training in Apia for the Rotorua event, initially scheduled for October 31 and November 1.Oceania Rugby cancelled the event last Friday, pointing to lack of funding as the main reason for the decision.”Both teams had already started training and were preparing for the tournament when…