Author: TMC Palau

[ Source: Fiji Navy / Facebook ] Six people who went missing at sea in Fiji’s Lau Group have been rescued after a major joint operation involving the Fiji Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The group left Namuka Island for Fulaga on the morning of 6 August but failed to arrive, triggering an extensive search across more than 4,300 square nautical miles. A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 Poseidon located the overdue vessel just before nightfall, about 14.6 nautical miles southwest of Vanuavatu, after switching from radar to visual search. The Fiji Navy’s RFNS Savenaca was…

[Photo: Nikhil Kumar] Pharmacists are calling for tougher enforcement of the law, including spot fines and the immediate closure of pharmacies operating without a registered pharmacist. The recommendations were made during public consultations on proposed amendments to pharmacy legislation, with stakeholders stressing that stronger penalties are needed to improve compliance and protect patient safety. Pharmacist Shivneel Singh says there are instances where registered pharmacists are absent while medications are being dispensed. Pharmacists argue that operating without a registered pharmacist on site should attract immediate penalties.Article continues after advertisement “One of the complaints we receive a lot is that the pharmacist…

[File Photo] The Vodafone Fijiana XV will be aiming to maintain its unbeaten record against the Springbok Women when the two sides meet in the opening Test of their two-match series at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tomorrow. Fiji and South Africa have met only once before, with the Fijiana recording a memorable 21-17 victory at the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. The result marked Fiji’s first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup win and remains one of the team’s most significant achievements. Tomorrow’s clash will also be historic, marking the first time Fiji has hosted the Springbok Women…

More than 4000 students at the National University of Samoa (NUS) were given a dressing down by the country’s prime minister after a violent campus brawl last month led to the arrest of four students on criminal charges.Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa (Laauli) Polataivao Leuatea Schmidt, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and representatives of the Ministry of Police, addressed students during a special assembly at the NUS Gymnasium on Thursday.He descirbed the incident as a disgrace and warned that such behaviour had no place at the country’s highest institution of learning.Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga confirmed to RNZ that four people have…

[ Source: Pacific Islands Forum / Facebook ] Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers have reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity and consensus as they prepare for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau later this month. Chair of the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting, Foreign Minister of Solomon Islands Rick Houenipwela, says despite differing national perspectives, Forum members remain committed to working together through dialogue and the Pacific Way. “Today’s meeting was grounded firmly in the importance of regional solidarity and unity. Ministers reflected on a rapidly changing international environment and reaffirmed that the strength of the Pacific Islands…

[File Photo] Lelean Memorial School Under-19 manager Viliame Kotoilakeba says his side still has areas to improve despite carrying strong momentum into today’s Vodafone Deans national quarter-final. Kotoilakeba says the team will continue reviewing its performances and addressing weaknesses as it prepares for the knockout encounter. “We need to spend more time again. We will go back and discuss and see where we have gone wrong.” Despite the challenge ahead, the Lelean manager remains confident the side can continue its impressive run in the competition.Article continues after advertisement He also has one eye on a potential showdown with Ratu Kadavulevu…

Aug 8, 2026 – 5.00amThe first time I snorkelled in Palau, I saw spinner dolphins, a four-metre-wide manta ray, three hawksbill turtles, two green turtles, four blacktip reef sharks, five whitetip reef sharks, and perhaps 50 species of reef fish. I also saw the kind of luminously bright coral I used to take for granted on our own Great Barrier Reef. But I’m not back in the island nation solely to see that underwater treasure trove again. Because if you think the snorkelling is good in Palau, you should try the sea kayaking.From the window of my plane on the…

The Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) will continue its assistance to the Fainu brothers – Sione, Samuela and Latu – who are interested to play for the Fiji Bati at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.International Rugby League (IRL) board chairman Tony Grant told CODE Sports this week the trio can play for Fiji if they can provide documentation proof of their Fijian heritage.The three are eligible to play for Tonga and New Zealand, but have also expressed their desire to play for Fiji, to honour their grandmother.”All three are eligible for Tonga and NZ but believe they have Fijian…

Northern Marianas tennis player Carol Young Suh Lee has upset the top seed at the Warsaw Open in Poland on her way to the tournament’s quarterfinals.The Saipan-born player defeated top-seeded Elsa Jacquemot 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round before recovering from a set down to beat Aliona Falei 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the Round of 16.Lee, 24, told Marianas Press she went into the match against Jacquemot believing she was capable of pulling off the upset.”I wouldn’t say I was surprised because I believed I was capable of winning the match. At the same time, I knew Elsa was the…

Ambassador Tajima hands over oil spill equipment. Fiji’s ability to respond to marine oil spills has received a major boost following the handover of $1.6 million worth of specialised oil spill response equipment from the Government of Japan. The equipment strengthens the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s response to marine pollution incidents while supporting the protection of Fiji’s coastal environment. Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Tajima said recent oil spill incidents in Suva Harbour highlighted the need to improve Fiji’s emergency response capability. “Recent oil spill incidents in Suva Harbour have demonstrated the operational challenges faced by MSAF and reinforced the importance…