Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] The role of the military under the Constitution is emerging as a key issue in any future constitutional review. Associate Professor Sandra Tarte says Section 131 of the 2013 Constitution needs closer examination. It gives the Republic of Fiji Military Forces overall responsibility for the security, defence and well-being of Fiji and its people. “It can make no difference what the Constitution declares if there are political and military actors prepared to take the law into their own hands.”Article continues after advertisement Tarte said the provision could be interpreted as giving the military authority over democratically elected governments…

KOROR, Palau — Palau is mourning the loss of a master of a dying art. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has issued a presidential proclamation honoring Grand Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, whose death leaves a void in the ranks of the few people alive who could still read the stars, swells and winds to cross […]The post Whipps Proclaims National Tribute to Late Navigator Sesario Sewralur  appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

[Photo: File] The State says there is enough evidence for the case against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma to proceed. Making submissions on the defence’s no-case-to-answer applications, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakoro argued that the prosecution has presented evidence covering the elements of each charge. Tabuakoro focused particularly on allegations that Dr Sharma interfered in two Ministry of Health tender processes involving laboratory equipment. She told the court witnesses had testified that Dr Sharma was involved in letters that sought to influence the tender process and…

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has sought further dialogue with the United States over its new visa bond policy.In a statement, Marape acknowledged that the US had copped them with a “substantial” US$20,000 visa bond for ordinary business and tourism travel to the US, saying Papua New Guineans were concerned.”I want our people to understand that this is not a breakdown in relations between Papua New Guinea and the United States,” Marape said.”The United States is an important and longstanding friend and partner of Papua New Guinea, and we respect its sovereign right to determine its Immigration and…

CANBERRA, Australia — Palau’s diplomatic presence in Australia has entered a new chapter with the formal presentation of credentials by Ambassador Roland Merar, the country’s first resident ambassador to Australia since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1994. Merar presented his Letter of Credence to Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, on Wednesday, Aug. 5, formally […]The post Merar Begins Mission as Palau’s First Resident Ambassador to Australia appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

[Supplied] Niraj Bhartu has been confirmed as the Chief Executive Officer of Vision Investment Limited. Bhartu brings more than 25 years of experience in finance, governance, risk and executive management to the role. Bhartu, who has served as Acting CEO since September 2025, will formally take up the position on September 1, 2026. He has spent more than a decade with the company and previously served as General Manager Finance from 2015.Article continues after advertisement The company says his extensive experience across its operations and businesses positions him to lead the Group through its next phase of growth, diversification and…

The Ministry of Education is expediting salary arrears for 318 staff, with payments scheduled for Pay 17 and Pay 18. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said delays were caused by internal and compliance issues during the processing of appointments and payments. He states that staff affected by the delays must provide complete appointment documents and confirmation of their commencement dates from their Heads of Schools or District Education Officers. Common issues identified include missing FTRA registration certificates, incomplete bank details and delays in confirming when officers started work.Article continues after advertisement Radrodro said the Ministry also had to verify that all…

BEIJING – China warned a top Pacific Islands diplomat to “avoid affecting the healthy and stable development of ties” on Aug 11, after he said Taiwan would attend an annual meeting of the regional bloc’s leaders.The island was barred from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in 2025 after protests from Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.Baron Waqa, the forum’s secretary-general, told reporters on Aug 7 that Taipei would attend in 2026.“China urges the Pacific Islands Forum secretary to strictly adhere to the one-China principle, properly handle Taiwan-related issues and avoid affecting the healthy and stable development…

[Photo: File] The Fijian Elections Office has admitted an internal process failure after a mock press release announcing the 2026 General Election was mistakenly circulated publicly. The FEO says the release was part of a Writ to Return of Writ Dress Rehearsal being conducted ahead of the next General Election. The exercise is designed to test and finalise procedures that will be used from the issuance of the Writ through to its return. As part of the simulation, FEO staff created a mock press release containing fictitious information, including a fake election date.Article continues after advertisement However, the FEO says…

For two weeks in November the remote Tokelauan atoll of Fakaofo will become a global communications hub.The remote Tokelau atoll of Fakaofo is 3,380 to 3,790 kilometres northeast of New Zealand – the number of people who live on Fakaofo is just over 470. However, this tiny dot in the Pacific is one of amateur radio’s most sought-after locations, and for two weeks in November will become a global communications hub.In amateur radio, “DX” comes from telegraph shorthand: “D” for distance and “X” for the unknown or distant.For about two weeks in November, DX enthusiasts from the Perseverance DX Group…