Author: TMC Palau

  The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) announced that West Port Said Port received the Palau-flagged cruise ship Astoria Grande arriving from Turkey’s Kusadasi Port with 414 passengers and 409 crew members aboard as part of its regular cruises.  An SCZONE statement said on Monday, August 17, 2026, that tourist programs are scheduled for passengers, covering visits across Port Said alongside trips to Cairo and Giza landmarks, before the vessel departs this evening for Antalya, Turkey.  This comes as part of the SCZONE efforts to boost maritime tourism across its Mediterranean and Red Sea ports and enhance its readiness to service cruise vessels and passengers.  The…

In Papua New Guinea, young people are often framed as a “problem” linked to unemployment, crime and urban violence. High youth populations (60% of the population is estimated to be under 25 years), limited education and employment opportunities and weak support systems have fuelled concerns about social instability. Prime Minister James Marape has repeatedly argued that PNG’s future depends on empowering young people to become a “positive force” in the economy and society. Partly in response to these concerns, PNG introduced the National Youth Policy in 2020, aiming to strengthen youth participation in decision-making and governance through the establishment of…

Members of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have stated their support for the withdrawal of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal initiated by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.Infantino’s proposal, which created a firestorm regarding good governance and transparency within football’s world governing body, sought to sell 21 percent of FIFA’s commercial rights for its flagship competitions like the World Cup to private investors, to raise about US$4.2 billion (NZ$7.b).It was strongly opposed by the European (UEFA), South American (CONMEBOL), and North and Central American (CONCACAF) confederations.The OFC stated its position on the proposal following the conclusion of an OFC Executive Committee…

August 17, 2026 — 3:45pmSaveYou have reached your maximum number of saved items.Remove items from your saved list to add more.AAAThe incoming chair of the Pacific Islands Forum has urged leaders to unite against their region being used as a testing ground for nuclear-capable weapons, warning China’s recent ballistic missile launch sent a menacing message.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in July the forum was drafting a “very strong” joint statement condemning China’s test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile fitted with a dummy warhead, but division within the grouping has prevented a forceful statement from being issued.Palau’s President Surangel WhippsAPPalau’s President…

Hagåtña (Guam) – The FIBA Micronesian Cup has unveiled its All‑Star Five, recognising the standout performers who shaped the tournament with leadership, consistency and big‑game impact. The selection brings together the most influential athletes from Guam, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia, reflecting the competitive balance and regional pride that defined this year’s event. Noah Adams (FSM)Noah Adams (FSM)Adams’ all‑around production and ability to elevate FSM in key stretches made him the clear choice for All-Star Five honours. His blend of size, touch and leadership set the tone for FSM’s campaign.Jerry Ngiraremiang (PLW)Jerry Ngiraremiang (PLW) Palau’s most reliable scorer…

Three new ministers took their oath today as members of Tonga’s Cabinet.Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua announced last week that changes would be made after two Cabinet Ministers were found guilty of bribery.Tongatapu One MP Tevita Puloka is the new Minister of Infrastructure. He replaces former Tongatapu Two MP Semisi Sika, who lost his seat after the courts found him guilty of misreporting campaign funds in relation to the 2025 general election.Senior Ministry of Finance official Vika Sivoki Lavemaau is the new Minister of Finance, replacing Niua 17 MP Lata Tangimana, who was found guilty of bribery during the 2025 election…

A nuclear-capable Chinese ballistic missile, launched from a nuclear-powered submarine in July 2026, arced over several Pacific nations and landed without warning in waters close to Tuvalu’s exclusive economic zone. Tuvalu’s government called the incident a “grave and serious concern”, and Pacific civil society groups urged leaders to reject militarisation. Yet at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) foreign ministers’ meeting in Suva, the region could not agree on a joint statement. Is the Pacific Way still serving the Pacific, or has it become cover for silence? The phrase was coined in the early 1970s by Fiji’s first prime minister, Ratu…

Dozens of large demonstrations by West Papuans to mark a key anniversary of their homeland’s incorporation into Indonesia were met with mixed and sometimes violent responses by police.Saturday was the anniversary of 1962’s infamous US-brokered New York Agreement under which Papua’s former colonial power, the Netherlands, agreed to transfer power over the territory to Indonesia. The agreement lacked any genuine consultation with West Papuans.Peaceful demonstrations on Saturday in Sentani and Jayapura in particular were met with forced dispersal by police as well as alleged beatings, the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons, leaving a number of demonstrators…

Hagåtña (Guam) – Guam’s men’s development team took the floor in two friendly matchups on Friday, delivering confident wins over Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as both nations prepare to contest the 2026 FIBA Micronesian Cup. While the results showcased Guam’s depth and emerging talent, they do not factor into the tournament standings, as Guam’s senior men are not eligible for this qualification cycle. As Guam’s senior men are already competing in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, and like their neighbours Australia, and New Zealand, are not eligible for Pacific Games qualification due to the Games being part…

You might be interested in Holaluz: what happened to the ‘rooftop revolution’? BarcelonaBritish singer Robbie Williams, 52, has announced that he was recently diagnosed with autism. The former Take That member shared the news during a Q&A session held in London to mark the launch of the autumn-winter collection from Hopeium, his clothing brand, at the Flannels department store. According to various British media outlets, Williams told attendees that the diagnosis has helped him understand many of his peculiarities. Far from seeing it as a problem, the singer states that he has taken it “with humor,” and says it now…