Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] The shortage of public sector pharmacists may not simply be a matter of missing qualifications. Public consultations on the Pharmacy Act review are raising questions over whether low pay, poor working conditions, and resource shortages are driving professionals away from public health facilities. While the Health Ministry cites a high vacancy rate, pharmacist Joshila Lal points out that Fiji produces 25 to 30 pharmacy graduates each year, suggesting retention is the real issue.¤ “When people say shortage of pharmacists, it really bothers me. I think if government were to look at where the priority is and where equity…

The long-discussed spaceport project on the island of Biak has again attracted public interest after Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Papua Provincial Government and the Biak Numfor Regency Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026. Biak’s relevance as a potential satellite launch site is rooted in its history as a major World War II battleground, where Japan and the United States fought a series of intense engagements in 1944. The Allied forces built extensive airport infrastructure that to this day remains a vital part of the island’s strategic importance. Geographically, any aeronautical development in Biak…

SEOUL, Aug. 9 (Yonhap) — An air defense artillery brigade under the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) participated in a recent air and missile defense exercise led by the U.S. Army Pacific in Palau that involved the firing of surface-to-air missiles, according to the USFK. “Soldiers from the Eighth Army’s 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade recently showcased their lethality and precision during Exercise Tenacious Archer (20)26,” the Eighth Army said in a recent post on Facebook. Alongside the U.S. Army’s 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment and multilateral partners, the exercise featuring multiple joint live-fire events involving “the AN/TWQ-1 Avenger system and…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] A family of ten has been left homeless after a house fire destroyed their three-bedroom home in Tacirua over the weekend. The National Fire Authority says firefighters arrived at the scene at around 9.33pm and found the house fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters from Valelevu and Suva worked together to bring the fire under control and prevented it from spreading to nearby properties. The house suffered an estimated 80 to 100 percent damage and was not insured.Article continues after advertisement Preliminary investigations indicate the fire started in one of the bedrooms, but the exact cause is still being…

[Photo: FILE] Families dealing with the loss of loved ones could soon have a private space to grieve at Navua Hospital. The Hospital Board of Visitors is planning to build a Dignity Hub as part of efforts to improve facilities at the hospital. Board member Dr Komal Ram says the hospital currently only has a mortuary, with no additional space for families to privately spend time with their deceased loved ones. The proposed facility will provide families with a more private and dignified environment during a difficult time.Article continues after advertisement Board member Natalie Marletta says the project is one…

[Supplied] Exercise Bougainville 2026 was officially opened today at the Officers’ Mess at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua. The launch was attended by government guests, defense partners, partner agencies, and RFMF officers.  Article continues after advertisement It marks the start of a major national exercise testing how Fiji’s agencies coordinate during times of crisis and natural disaster. Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua stated that the exercise is a crucial investment in Fiji’s readiness, coordination, and resilience. Tikoduadua explained that Fiji faces evolving challenges—ranging from natural disasters and cyber threats to cross-border crime, maritime security issues, and public health emergencies.…

[Photo: Riya Mala] After years of holding school assemblies in a car park, students of Bhawani Dayal Arya College in Nakasi now have a dedicated community hall that will improve their learning and school experience. Principal Ranjeeta Kumar says the nearly $950,000 hall was built through an 11-year fundraising effort involving alumni, parents, students and the wider community. Kumar says the new facility will provide a safe and enclosed space for assemblies, cultural activities, examinations and other school events that were previously held outdoors. She adds the project began in 2013 and was made possible through years of community fundraising.Article…

[File Photo] The Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei says Fiji needs the proposed Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill despite existing laws protecting iTaukei rights. The issue was raised during submissions to Parliament’s Standing Committee on the Bill, which seeks to formally recognise and promote indigenous rights in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Assistant Minister for Justice Josaia Niudamu questioned whether new legislation is necessary. “There are legislations which has already been established in the past which safeguard the iTaukei rights and there’s no need to come up with another legislation such as this. We just…

[Source: Bollywood Hungama] More than three decades after its release, Khalnayak continues to hold a special place in Indian cinema. Directed by Subhash Ghai, the 1993 action thriller completed 33 years, reaffirming its status as one of Bollywood’s most celebrated cult classics. The film, remembered for introducing one of Hindi cinema’s most iconic anti-heroes, remains popular among audiences even today. As the milestone is celebrated, anticipation for Khalnayak 2, which Subhash Ghai is co-producing, has also intensified, with fans looking forward to the revival of the franchise.Article continues after advertisement Released in 1993, Khalnayak became a major commercial success and…

Ba has ended a seven-year drought, beating Tailevu/Naitasiri 6-0 to secure the 2026 Extra Premier League title at 4R Stadium, Govind Park, in Ba. The emphatic victory handed the Men in Black their record 22nd national league title and their first since 2019. Ba entered the Round 17 encounter knowing a win would be enough to seal the championship, and the side delivered in style in front of its home supporters. The hosts were made to work in the opening stages before John Orobulu broke the deadlock in the 37th minute to give Ba a 1-0 lead at halftime.Article continues…