Author: TMC Palau

[Source: File] Fiji Rugby has strengthened its commitment to player welfare with the launch of the Fiji Rakavi Foundation, aimed at supporting athletes beyond their playing careers. The initiative was unveiled by board chair John Sanday, alongside key partnerships and systems designed to improve long-term development across the sport. Central to the rollout is a focus on education, welfare, and life after rugby for both men and women. Sanday said the foundation represents a significant step in recognising the contributions of players and ensuring they are supported well beyond their time on the field.Article continues after advertisement “Today, we proudly…

The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins In this edition: Pacific fuels prices continue to surge Solomon Islands tough stance on sale and export of gold Diesel prices up big in June June has offered no relief from rising energy costs in the Pacific. On Thursday, the Samoan government, despite reporting more than 50 days worth of fuel in reserve, moved up to “amber alert”, which would ordinarily mean they had less than 30 days worth. Accordingly, the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) will now start power shedding,…

Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. and National Security Coordinator Jennifer Anson in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 18, 2026. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ongoing efforts of the U.S. to maintain the defense and security of Palau under Title 3 of the Compact of Free Association, and opportunities for partnership in the future. Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of…

Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the focus is on maintaining existing roads while progressing plans to widen major routes to ease congestion in high-traffic areas. [FILE] Reducing traffic congestion and improving infrastructure will be key priorities in the upcoming national budget for the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the focus is on maintaining existing roads while progressing plans to widen major routes to ease congestion in high-traffic areas. He says technical studies are underway, with tenders expected soon for road-widening projects, including Vatuwaqa Road, the Nadera–Laqere corridor and Princess Road. Beyond roads, Tuisawau says…

KOROR, Palau — With emerald-green islands rising from crystal-clear waters and coral reefs teeming with marine life, Palau is often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Yet beneath the postcard-perfect scenery, this tiny Pacific island nation is playing an increasingly important role in one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical contests: the growing rivalry between the United States and China. CBN News traveled to the Western Pacific for a rare look inside one of the earth’s most beautiful places and why it’s becoming strategically critical to the United States.  There are places in the world that…

It says the EIA did not provide a complete and validated pathway for how hazardous waste would be treated, transported, stored or disposed of in Fiji. [Photo: FILE] The Department of Environment says concerns over public health and environmental safety were among the key reasons for rejecting TNG’s Environmental Impact Assessment. It found that the report did not adequately assess the full impact of emissions and hazardous waste associated with the proposed waste-to-energy facility. The ministry says the EIA failed to properly evaluate several pollutants linked to waste combustion, including dioxins, heavy metals and other toxic emissions. Permanent Secretary for…

In a new Development Policy Centre discussion paper, we examine how institutional design shapes patterns of cooperation, competition and conflict in developing countries, focusing on civil service administration in Afghanistan (2001-2021) and Papua New Guinea since independence in 1975. A central message of our research is that institutions are not neutral containers of governance. They create incentives. And in fragile or politically complex contexts, those incentives can just as easily produce conflict as cooperation. A common starting point in development policy is that strengthening institutions — for example, civil service commissions or administrative rules — may improve governance outcomes. Our…

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited the Republic of Palau to meet with senior government officials, tour a rehabilitated strategic airfield, and honor American service members who fought and died on this island more than 80 years ago. Paparo met with Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. to reaffirm the longstanding bilateral partnership between the United States and the Republic of Palau. The two leaders discussed the Compact of Free Association, the legal and diplomatic framework that underpins the relationship between the two nations. The 2023 Compact Review Agreement, which entered into force in 2024, commits $889…

Coordinator Shamima Ali says the centre’s support for the pro-Palestine movement reflects its long-standing advocacy for justice and human dignity. [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says its support for Palestine is consistent with its long history of speaking out on human rights issues globally. Coordinator Shamima Ali says the centre’s support for the pro-Palestine movement reflects its long-standing advocacy for justice and human dignity, both in Fiji and internationally. Ali also questioned the timing of Israel’s decision to open an embassy in Fiji, saying it comes as Israel faces growing international criticism. FWCC’s position is not about targeting…

The organization says international democratic standards discourage major changes to electoral systems less than a year before an election. [Photo: FILE] Dialogue Fiji has raised concerns over comments by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka indicating that Fiji’s ongoing constitutional review could include changes to the country’s electoral system. The organisation says changing electoral rules this close to the next general election could undermine electoral integrity and public confidence. Dialogue Fiji adds that the election campaign period has already been declared and political parties are actively recruiting candidates, raising funds and preparing campaign strategies under the current electoral system. It argues that…