Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] The Trump administration is abandoning the president’s nearly $1.8 billion “weaponization” fund, U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers on Tuesday, after a rare backlash from Republican senators. “We are not moving forward with the fund,” Blanche said. “Period.” The fund emerged from a legal settlement between President Donald Trump and the Justice Department to resolve an unprecedented $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over the alleged mishandling of his tax records. The agreement with Trump to bar future audits into his or his family’s past tax records will remain in place, Blanche told lawmakers.Article continues after…
[Photo: FILE] The Health Ministry is seeking increased budget and donor support to strengthen its fight against the growing HIV crisis. Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says they also need support to address critical infrastructure needs across the health sector. He says support from the HIV Taskforce, development partners, and international organisations is helping Fiji strengthen efforts to control the spread of HIV. Dr Lalabalavu says support from development partners is helping fund key health projects, including upgrades to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, infrastructure planning, digital health systems, and workforce development.Article continues after advertisement While external funding is providing…
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, left, and Israel’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar at the opening of Israel’s Embassy in Fiji’s capital, Suva, on Tuesday 2 June 2026 Photo: Facebook / Fiji Government Israel has “blessed” Fiji by opening its permanent diplomatic base in Suva and its alleged human rights violations in Gaza are “none of our business”, Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said on Tuesday. The prime minister made the comment during a joint press conference with Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who travelled to the country to inaugurate the opening of the Israeli Embassy in the…
[Photo: FIJI GOVERNMENT/ FACEBOOK] Fiji could soon benefit from expanded training, technical expertise and development assistance through Israel’s international development agency, MASHAV. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed plans to establish a MASHAV presence in the country as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between Fiji and Israel. Sa’ar says the initiative will help deliver practical support in areas critical to Fiji’s development, including agriculture, water security, energy, technology and innovation. The announcement is among the first major development initiatives to emerge from the strengthening relationship between Fiji and Israel, following the opening of Israel’s embassy in Suva yesterday.Article continues…
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” declared South African President Nelson Mandela in 2003. Fifty years after independence, Papua New Guinea would not be where it is today were it not for education. In spite of the many challenges and issues the country faces, it is a milestone achievement to have come this far as a sovereign state. Education is the lifeline of PNG’s Vision 2050 that drives the nation forward and tertiary education in particular plays a transformational role in national development, shaping leadership, workforce readiness, innovation and identity. The findings…
GOLD COAST (Australia) – FIBA’s regional office in Oceania acknowledges the passing of Bill Keldermans, a respected member of the Oceania Board and a long-standing contributor to basketball in Palau. Bill served on the FIBA Oceania Board from 2002-2014 and the FIBA Central Board from 2006-2010, where his voice and vision consistently championed the growth of basketball in small island nations. His contributions were marked by a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Pacific communities and a tireless drive to ensure that basketball remained accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all. As a founding figure and long-serving member of the Belau…
Isoa Nasilasila (second from left) is one of the players departing the club.[Photo: TAINA BASIYALO] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua bid farewell to eight players and three staff members during the 2026 McDonald’s Fiji Drua Presentation Night last night. Players Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Joseva Tamani, Ilaisa Droasese, Simione Kuruvoli and Isoa Nasilasila were recognised during a special farewell segment at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau. They were joined by departing staff members Tim Sampson, Qio Vucago and Head Coach Glen Jackson. The annual awards night brought together players, staff, sponsors, families and…
Issued by: on U.S. Army Soldiers, Staff Sgt. Thomas Belanger from the 1ST Theater Information Advantage Detachment, Staff Sgt. Matt LaBarge from the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) on the Oceania Engagement Team, and U.S. Marine, Lance Cpl Ramon Jose Ceja from the Combat Logistics Battalion 1 install an omni-directional antenna for a IC-M330 ICOM radio at the Ngarchelong State Office, Ngarchelong, Palau, May. 7, 2026. Reinforcing its enduring commitment to the U.S.-Palau partnership and a resilient Indo-Pacific, the United States has spearheaded a vital initiative to upgrade the Republic of…
Overview: A gangland killing in Vietnam involving suspects from Samoa has raised fresh concerns about the growing reach of transnational organized crime networks across the Pacific. Security experts and regional police leaders warn that criminal syndicates are becoming increasingly sophisticated, well-funded and interconnected, posing a major challenge for Pacific Island nations. AUCKLAND, 01 JUNE 2026 (TVNZ)—New Zealand is among the countries facing growing concern a gang-related killing spanning multiple nations signals an escalation of organised crime networks across the Pacific. Last week, two men living in Samoa were arrested in Vietnam following the killing of Australian gang “Coconut Cartel” leader…
Issued by: on Palau’s National Emergency Management office (NEMO) representatives speak to U.S. Marines from the 7th Engineer Battalion, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, and U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1ST Theater Information Advantage Detachment about the installation of emergency response radios at NEMO, Airai, Palau, May. 4, 2026.To strengthen regional disaster response resilience and ensure first responders can effectively coordinate during a crisis, the United States partnered with the Republic of Palau to upgrade critical national disaster communication systems. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mason Tran) Date…