Author: TMC Palau
Overview: A rare and potentially historic challenge to Palau’s traditional leadership system has emerged after an announcement declared the removal of Bilung Gloria Salii from one of the country’s most prominent customary titles. The unprecedented move is already raising questions about authority, tradition and possible legal challenges. Rare and unprecedented move could trigger legal and traditional challenges within Palau’s chiefly system. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (June 1, 2026) — In a move that could have far-reaching implications for Palau’s traditional leadership system, a public announcement published this week declared that Bilung Gloria Salii has been removed as Bilung of…
Source: Reuters Russian air attacks on major Ukrainian cities such as Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv killed at least nine and wounded more than 60 early on Tuesday, authorities said, following days of warnings that Moscow was planning a major assault. Russia has targeted Ukraine’s power supply and infrastructure while Ukraine has stepped up attacks this year on Russian oil facilities in a war now more than four years old, sometimes causing casualties, but both deny targeting civilians. Five people were killed and 25 injured in a Russian missile and drone attack on the southeastern city of Dnipro, regional governor Oleksandr…
TOKYO – The president of Palau on Tuesday defended his small Pacific island nation’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan amid pressure from China and called for closer cooperation with Japan on economic development, maritime security and ocean conservation. In an interview with Kyodo News in Tokyo, Surangel Whipps, co-chairing an international conference of island nations from Wednesday, said small island nations must be free to choose their own international partners. Palau is one of just 12 countries with formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the self-governed island that China claims as a province to be reunified with the mainland. Whipps said Palau…
Overview: A Palauan man was fatally shot by police in Susanville, California, after a domestic violence incident escalated into an armed standoff involving three children. Authorities have ruled the officers’ actions lawful following a review of body camera footage. Body camera footage shows armed confrontation with officers; three children rescued unharmed as authorities rule shooting lawful By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A Palauan man was fatally shot by police in Susanville, California, following a domestic violence incident that escalated into an armed confrontation involving three young children, according to reports and police body camera footage reviewed by authorities. Ngirasiau…
The system will use cameras and specialised equipment installed at Labasa Airport to transmit live operational information to the Nadi Operations Centre. Passengers travelling through Labasa Airport could soon benefit from a new remote tower system that will allow real-time monitoring of aircraft operations from Nadi. The planned Remote Tower Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) will make Labasa Airport the first in the Pacific to operate the technology, aimed at improving safety, reliability and coordination of flights serving Vanua Levu. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, says the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to…
Overview: A government employee has been charged with felony meth possession after police allegedly discovered drugs and paraphernalia inside a government-issued vehicle during a disturbance investigation in Meyuns, Koror. Police allege suspect admitted pipe and methamphetamine were his after officers discovered drug residue during arrest in Meyuns. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Attorney General has charged Wiseman Kumaichi with possession of a controlled substance after police allegedly discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia inside a government-issued vehicle during an incident in Meyuns, Koror. Attorney General has charged Wiseman Kumaichi with possession of a controlled substance after police allegedly discovered methamphetamine…
The Ministry of Commerce and Development in partnership with Standards Australia has started works to advance Fiji’s trade infrastructure and national development goals. The meeting is an extension of a current memorandum of understanding designed to boost regional technical collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable economic growth. This initiative stands as a milestone for the country, establishing a national framework to guide standards development, implementation, and stakeholder engagement across priority sectors of the economy. Permanent Secretary Dr. Radika Kumar emphasised the structural role of quality controls in securing Fiji’s socioeconomic future.Article continues after advertisement “Standards, metrology and conformity assessment have become…
Fiji’s Jiuta Wainiqolo (L) runs the ball towards the try line during the rugby Test match between Fiji and Scotland at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on July 12, 2025. Photo: AFP / Josua Buredua Fiji and Tonga have named their national squads for international matches scheduled for July. While there are a number of big names in both squads, including those who have impressed for the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, there are others who have missed out because of injuries, family commitments or taking up new contracts. At least two Moana Pasifika players -…
The Ministry says extending the Act’s application nationwide would strengthen public health protection and improve consistency in health standards across both urban and rural areas. [Photo: FILE] The Health Ministry is pushing for greater authority to enforce public health laws in villages, arguing that current legislation prevents officials from addressing health and sanitation concerns despite receiving regular complaints from communities. The issue was raised during submissions to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs reviewing the Public Health Amendment Bill. Officials told the committee that Section 140 of the current Public Health Act prevents the legislation from being applied in iTaukei…
Issued by: on KOROR, PALAU (June 6, 2025) –Steelworker Constructionman Fernandon Cruz drills holes for the bike racks to support Pacific Mini Games. Detail Palau played a key role in providing high-quality construction support, contributing to the successful preparation and execution of the Pacific Mini Games. NMCB-3 serves as the stand-in engineering force for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, executing high-quality construction operations, activities, and investments, and is capable at the unit-of-action level to support major combat operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility with efficient airfield, waterfront, and advanced…