Author: TMC Palau

Fiji’s Environment Ministry says a decision on the waste-to-energy proposal can only be issued following the completion of the full technical and regulatory review. Photo: Faeboo / Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Fiji’s Environment Ministry has rejected an environmental impact assessment (EIA) by the would-be developers of a controversial multi-million-dollar waste-to energy plant in the country’s tourism hotspot. The incinerator and private port project at Vuda Point in Nadi was backed by Australian billionaire Ian Malouf and Fiji-born businessman Robert Cromb’s company TNG Fiji. It had the support of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s government. However, it received significant…

Overview: A new Savings Bond Program proposed by Japanese economist Yoshinao could help keep more of Palau’s money at home, fund local businesses and infrastructure projects, and give families a new way to save for education and retirement. Japanese economist says new program could fund businesses, infrastructure and future savings while reducing reliance on overseas borrowing.  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A proposed Savings Bond Program could help keep more money circulating within Palau, provide affordable financing for local businesses and infrastructure projects, and encourage residents to save for retirement and education, according to Japanese economist and Professor Emeritus…

[Source: File] Defending under-18 boys champions Ratu Kadavulevu School are confident heading into the Vodafone Deans Zone competition, which kicks off tomorrow, with captain Esira Batisoso backing his side’s preparation. RKS will be looking to retain their title this season, with the team sharpening its combinations during the preseason. Batisoso says the squad has taken valuable lessons from earlier outings and is ready to deliver. “In school, the boys are preparing well. We have learnt from our mistakes and worked on our weaknesses in these past preseason games and we’re looking forward to a great season this year.”Article continues after…

Overview: The Bureau of Public Safety says it is operating with a severe manpower shortage, leaving some patrol shifts staffed by only four officers. Police leaders warn the staffing crisis is affecting crime prevention efforts as theft and burglary cases continue to rise. Patrol Division often operates with just four officers per shift while vacancies, retirements and recruitment challenges strain police services.  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (June 4, 2026) — The Bureau of Public Safety is facing a significant manpower shortage across its divisions, with officials warning that limited staffing is affecting daily police operations and efforts to address…

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake says seeing a new generation of players rise through the ranks has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership role as the side prepares to launch its Super W season against defending champions the NSW Waratahs. While leading the team remains a proud responsibility, Tawake admits her greatest excitement comes from watching young players fulfill dreams of representing the Drua after years of looking up to the squad. “Just hearing them say they used to watch us on TV and looked up to us as role models, and…

The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society’s (SPUMS) 54th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) has concluded in Palau after a highly successful week of scientific exchange, diving activities and cultural experiences in one of the world’s premier marine environments. Managed by specialist dive travel agency Diveplanit, the event brought together 174 participants, including 136 conference delegates, from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe and North America. Delegates gathered in Koror, Palau, for a week of presentations, workshops and practical diving sessions focused on advancing underwater and hyperbaric medicine. Record attendance for SPUMS 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Palau 5 The conference was…

Overview: Police are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman found near her home in Ngaraard on May 19. The case was reported as self-harm and authorities say the investigation remains open to rule out other possibilities. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A 31-year-old Palauan woman from Ngaraard was found dead on May 19 in what authorities believe may have been a case of self-harm. According to a police report, officers responded to a call at approximately 10 a.m. reporting an unresponsive woman at a residence in Ngebuked, Ngaraard. The deceased was identified as Yvette Beketaut, who had recently…

Since she had been taken from South Papua on an unexpected trip to Jakarta in late May 2026, Mama Yacinta Moiwend has appeared before media in the Indonesian capital, purportedly denouncing the Pesta Babi film she recently appeared in. Photo: Supplied The family of a West Papuan woman alleged to have been forcibly taken to Indonesia’s capital after appearing in a new documentary film, wants her safely returned home. Yasinta Moiwend’s family says her sudden journey to Jakarta eleven days ago from her home in South Papua’s Merauke regency was suspicious, and that they have since lost contact with the…

The Fiji Airways Fijiana has started their HSBC SVNS World Championship campaign in Bordeaux, France, with a 24-12 win over Japan in their first pool match. Atelaite Buna got them on the board after a minute to lead 5-nil before Japan hit back to draw level. There were some basic mistakes from the national side, but captain Verenaisi Bari and veteran Sesenieli Donu guided the side before Buna sliced through the defense after some scrappy play to score her second and extended Fiji’s lead to 12-5 at halftime. Fijiana’s top tryscorer, Reapi Ulunisau, who got her 100th try in Spain…

Overview: Palau has formally protested the activities of a Chinese research vessel that entered its Exclusive Economic Zone without permission, raising concerns about sovereignty, national security and unauthorized research in its waters. The incident marks the latest in a series of similar encounters involving Chinese vessels in recent years. Latest incident marks another unauthorized entry into Palau’s EEZ as officials raise sovereignty and security concerns. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (June 4, 2026) — The government of Palau has lodged a diplomatic complaint with the People’s Republic of China following what it described as unauthorized and potentially concerning activities by…