Author: TMC Palau
Solar energy providers reporting a surge in interest in the CNMI. Photo: Mark Rabago High power costs are forcing more residents in the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to explore the possibility of disconnecting from the main public power grid altogether. This comes as solar energy providers in the US territory report a surge in interest following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and months of concern over electricity costs. The growing interest in off-grid living comes as homeowners seek protection from both rising utility bills and future power disruptions caused by severe weather, according to local solar energy businesses. Even as the Commonwealth…
Fiji’s upcoming 2026–2027 National Budget will place strong emphasis on national security, with key plans to establish new security institutions and strengthen existing agencies. Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua says the focus will centre on completing pending national security reforms, including the establishment of the National Security Council. Tikoduadua says another major priority is the proposed National Intelligence Agency, which will be developed in partnership with key stakeholders to strengthen Fiji’s response to transnational crime. He says the plan also includes enhancing the role of the military and improving coordination with other security partners.Article continues after advertisement “The establishment of…
Saturday Night Fever transformed John Travolta into a global superstar. [Photo Credit: AAP News] John Travolta’s star power was so overwhelming it led to the shutting down of filming on Saturday Night Fever. The Grease star, 72, had become a television sensation through his role as Vinnie Barbarino in the hit sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter when filming began on Saturday Night Fever in Brooklyn in 1977. The film’s director John Badham has now revealed thousands of fans mobbed its locations while he was battling to make the classic movie. “On our first day of shooting, (fans) almost completely shut us…
Labasa Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi says the decision was made following concerns about drug-related activities. [Photo: SUPPLIED] The Labasa Town Council has stepped up efforts to improve public safety by clearing overgrown trees and vegetation at Lions Park, a move aimed at discouraging illegal activities and making the area safer for residents. Labasa Special Administrator Samuela Ligairi says the decision was made following concerns about drug-related activities, alcohol consumption, and anti-social behaviour occurring within the park. Ligairi says the council, in consultation with police, removed excessive tree branches and vegetation that had reduced visibility and created areas where illegal activities…
A service at EFKS church in Waitangirua, Porirua, to mark the start of Samoan Language Week Photo: RNZ Pacific Church services, marking the start of Le Vaiaso O le Gagana Samoa – Samoan Language Week – were held across Aotearoa on Sunday, May 31st. An annual event, in 2026 Samoa Language Week will run from May 31 to Saturday June 6. This year’s theme comes from a Samoan proverb: E afua mai mauga tetele manuia o le nu’u – From the high mountains are the blessings of the village. Fa’alogo Vaai, from the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, said, “There’s a…
Fijians can now access over 20,000 hardware and home improvement products from Australia through the new Bunnings Pacific online store. In a statement, Bunnings Managing Director Mike Schneider says Fijians can now order products directly through their new website (bunningspacific.com.fj) and get their goods delivered. “The offer has been built using capabilities we know well – including our supply chain, logistics, and expanding digital platform – to give customers more choice, with clear pricing and delivery they can trust.” Schneider says that their company has developed a strong understanding of the Pacific through years of servicing markets alongside trusted wholesale…
By Chen Yun and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writer Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) is to lead a delegation to Palau from Saturday to Wednesday next week at the invitation of Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr, the Presidential Office said today.The trip is to mark Hsiao’s first official state visit since taking office, and include Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ger Baushuan (葛葆萱), Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) told reporters at a news conference.President William Lai (賴清德) designated Hsiao to lead the delegation in response to…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] Global companies are using AI at their Indian hubs to bring more creative work in-house, cutting turnaround time and their reliance on external agencies for advertising as the new technology reshapes the ad industry. Executives at Kimberly-Clark, J.C. Penney-parent Catalyst Brands and Target India told Reuters that their global capability centers in the country are using AI tools across marketing functions – from generating product images and videos to selecting influencers and optimizing campaigns. For major advertisers across industries, from consumer goods to truck manufacturing, AI’s ability to speed up and scale campaign creation is proving appealing…
Taipei, June 1 (CNA) Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) will embark on a five-day visit to Palau later this week to strengthen diplomatic relations with the Pacific ally, the Presidential Office said Monday.During the June 6-10 visit, Hsiao will meet with Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. and other government officials, Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said at a press conference.Hsiao will also visit sustainable tourism sites and join President Whipps in promoting the Pacific island country’s tourism, a key component of its national development strategy, Kuo said.As part of the objective to strengthen the diplomatic ties between Taiwan…
Improving support for Fijians living, working and travelling overseas is a key priority in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 2026-2027 budget submission. Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka says the Ministry is seeking additional funding to strengthen services at overseas missions and ensure citizens can access assistance when facing difficulties abroad. Ditoka says the goal is to improve country’s representation overseas so that Fijians have reliable support, whether they encounter visa issues or other challenges in countries across Asia, Europe and beyond. He says priority areas include upgrades to Fiji House in the United Kingdom and the High Commission in…