Author: TMC Palau

The Albanese Government is extending support for the Palau Paradise Express to continue the non-stop Qantas flight that connects Australia and Palau. This investment will ensure flights continue for another 12 months till December 2026. What started out as a request from the Government of Palau, became a reality with Australian Government support in December 2024 when the first flight took off. In the last nine months, over 5000 passengers have travelled on the Paradise Express, and over the next year there will be thousands more. The Paradise Express is more than just a flight – it strengthens Palau’s economic…

The Fiji Council of Social Services is calling for a rethink of how climate finance is delivered in Fiji, urging the creation of alternative funding channels that can reach communities more directly. In an interview with FBCNews, FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga said climate funds often struggle to reach frontline communities efficiently when routed solely through traditional government systems. She argued that greater flexibility is needed to ensure resources translate into real, on-the-ground resilience. Catanasiga suggested that, alongside government mechanisms, funding should also flow through grassroots organisations and community governance structures that are already working closely with vulnerable populations.Article continues…

KOROR, Palau – U.S. Marines and sailors from Koa Moana 25 worked alongside Palau’s National Olympic Committee and local community for the Pacific Mini Games, providing manpower, logistics support, medical assistance, and a spirit of partnership throughout the 10-day sporting event. For the days leading up to the Games, Marines and sailors partnered with Palauan organizers to help prepare competition venues, set up equipment, and assist with logistics and transportation. With more than 2,000 athletes and officials from the 23 Pacific nations in Palau, this year’s Koa Moana acted as a vital source of additional assistance for Palau as they…

The Fiji Council of Social Services is calling for a stronger, community-led approach to climate adaptation, stressing that local communities must be actively involved in decision-making rather than treated as passive beneficiaries. FCOSS Executive Director Vani Catanasiga made the remarks following the launch of a new Adaptation Fund supported initiative targeting 14 coastal communities across the country While welcoming the project, Catanasiga said meaningful engagement must go beyond consultation, with communities contributing directly to how solutions are designed and delivered. She emphasized that incorporating local knowledge and lived experiences is critical to ensuring sustainable outcomes.Article continues after advertisement She also…

Save the dates and get ready to enjoy outdoor music, shows and activities for the whole family! From 26 June to 25 July, the Gardens of the Palau de la Música come to life as they are transformed into one of the great entertainment stages for all audiences at the Gran Feria de Valencia. Don’t believe us? Take a look at all the activities on offer: concerts, fireworks, Fallas traditions, shows and even a giant screen to watch the World Cup final. Complete schedule for “Jardines al Palau” 29 June – Truc, dominoes and Parcheesi tournaments, alongside performances of Valencian…

Sawani Village in Bua is hosting a critical spat-harvesting mission this week, led by the Ministry of Fisheries Pearl Team, as part of efforts to strengthen Fiji’s pearl industry through community collaboration and technical support. The team began operations with a traditional consultation and de-briefing session on Monday, where village protocols were observed and community members were briefed on the week’s objectives and safety procedures. The engagement set the foundation for a coordinated and respectful partnership between officials and villagers. Working closely with the local community, the team recorded strong results on Tuesday. A total of five spat collector lines…

President Hilda Heine climbs the stairway of Air Marshall Islands new US-made Cessna SkyCourier for the first time following its arrival last week, as airline CEO Albon Jelke looks on. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Giff Johnson The first of two new American-made aircraft – the Cessna SkyCourier – arrived last Thursday and was officially blessed earlier this week at the Air Marshall Islands hangar. The plane was hailed as a model of cooperation among the Marshall Islands, Taiwan and the United States. “For many, this may look like just an aircraft,” Air Marshall Islands CEO Albon Jelke said. “But for…

Issued by: on The Peleliu Peace Memorial Park commemorates the brutal Battle of Peleliu during WWII, a pivotal, bloody conflict in the Pacific at Peleliu, Palau, Dec. 16, 2025. U.S. Soldiers from Civic Action Team Palau work to preserve and maintain World War II monuments, ensuring that the island’s history and the sacrifices made during the war are respectfully remembered for future generations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Samarion Hicks) Date Taken: 12.16.2025 Date Posted: 12.18.2025 14:29 Photo ID: 9450598 VIRIN: 251215-A-JU985-1212 …

The National Fire Authority is warning against the use of unlicensed electricians, citing them as a major cause of fires in Fiji. Chief Executive Puamau Sowane says the NFA is now intensifying inspections and regulatory enforcement to address the risk. The move aims to curb electrical fire incidents caused by unqualified individuals and faulty installations. Puamau says investigations into fire incidents repeatedly point to poor workmanship and non-compliance with safety standards.Article continues after advertisement “Our data continues to show that electrical fires remain the leading cause of fire incidents here in Fiji, accounting for approximately 44% of all cases, predominantly…

When Pacific leaders consider invoking the Biketawa Declaration, the region’s highest collective crisis framework, last used for the COVID-19 pandemic response, it is a clear sign that the fuel crisis is no ordinary disruption. For the Pacific’s children and families, it is already turning up in day-to-day decisions like how to stretch meals, whether a child can attend school and which essentials get left for next week. As fuel prices rise globally, Pacific Island countries are particularly exposed. With most food, fuel, medicines and basic supplies imported, higher fuel costs are driving up living costs and tightening household budgets. In…