Author: TMC Palau

Overview: Palau’s aging water infrastructure, drought conditions and system inefficiencies took center stage at the 2026 Palau Development Symposium, where officials outlined the growing challenges of maintaining reliable water service while pursuing long-term sustainability goals. 2026 Development Symposium highlights drought risks, water loss and nationwide utility upgrades By Ngeldei Tulop KOROR, Palau — Aging infrastructure, drought conditions and rising maintenance demands are placing increasing pressure on Palau’s water systems, officials said during presentations at the 2026 Palau Development Symposium. Held under the theme “Keeping the lights on and the water flowing,” the symposium brought together government agencies, utility officials, development…

New Caledonia’s special electoral card for Congress and provincial elections. Photo: Supplied The French Constitutional Council on Thursday validated an adjustment to New Caledonia’s restrictions for their forthcoming provincial elections due to be held on 28 June 2026. The adjustment will now allow more than 10,000 people to cast their votes in the French territory’s local elections. The ruling from the French body comes at the request of the French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, after the amendments, in the form of an “organic law”, were endorsed by both the National Assembly and the Senate. The partial “unfreezing” of New Caledonia’s…

Overview: Melekeok and Ngiwal states have signed Palau’s first regional partnership focused on community-led marine conservation, combining traditional Bul practices with modern science to strengthen fisheries management and protect coastal ecosystems. KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Leaders from Melekeok and Ngiwal states have signed a landmark agreement aimed at strengthening coordination on marine conservation and fisheries management, marking Palau’s first regional alliance focused on community-led coastal resource management. The agreement was formalized during a stakeholder event at the Capitol in Ngerulmud on May 19, bringing together governors, state legislators, community leaders, fishers and conservation partners to advance the “Safeguarding…

Athletes competing in the championship at Yat Sen Secondary School’s Hall in Suva. Badminton Fiji president Abel Caine has praised the performance of teams competing in the Badminton Fiji Secondary Schools Championship, which began yesterday. According to Caine, Yat Sen Secondary School has successfully defended its titles in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, but the level of competition from other schools has been exciting to watch. Schools such as Swami Vivekananda College, Lekutu Secondary School and Jeremiah Raibevu College have produced impressive results over the past two days. Caine said it is encouraging to see many schools that do…

Overview: Palau officials and lawmakers are reviewing new Social Security reform projections showing long-term funding pressures under the current retirement and contribution structure. A government modeling program presented this week outlines possible policy options aimed at protecting future benefits while maintaining stability for current retirees. By: Ngeldei Tulop KOROR, Palau — A financial modeling program examining Palau’s Social Security system projects rising long-term pressure on benefit funding under current contribution and retirement structures, according to figures displayed in a government modeling spreadsheet reviewed this week. The Excel-based “Social Security modeling program” outlines several policy assumptions and contribution scenarios designed to…

[Photo: FILE] Majuro, in the Marshall Islands, will host a key Pacific maritime meeting next month. Government Ministers will push plans to shift regional shipping away from diesel dependence toward low-carbon transport. Transport Ministers and senior officials from 10 Pacific countries will meet from next weekend for the inaugural Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership (PBSP) Ministerial Meeting. The gathering comes as pressure mounts to cut fuel costs and reduce emissions from vessels that remain vital to island connectivity and trade.Article continues after advertisement The initiative is designed to unlock large-scale climate finance and support a coordinated transition to sustainable shipping. Pacific…

Overview: Allegations of police brutality involving three teenagers at Meyuns Causeway are under investigation after a parent accused an officer of using excessive force during a traffic stop. Investigation underway after allegations an 18-year-old was slapped and aggressively detained at Meyuns Causeway By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 28, 2026)— A parent has accused a police officer of abuse of authority and excessive force following a traffic stop involving three teenagers at Meyuns Causeway, prompting an active criminal investigation by authorities. The allegations surfaced Tuesday in a Facebook post written by the mother of an 18-year-old boy who claimed he…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Pacific youth say major regional infrastructure plans could reshape jobs, trade and long-term economic prospects across Fiji and the wider Pacific. Focus is now on the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership. Youth and Community Advocate Broderick Mervyn said the initiative, announced at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, goes beyond port development. He says it reflects a shift in global attention toward the Pacific. Mervyn says the partnership signals growing confidence in Fiji and the Pacific as hubs for trade, maritime connectivity and economic resilience. He says this could benefit young people entering a more…

Photo: Liam Swiggs / RNZ The Queensland Reds have put an end to the Fijian Drua’s hopes of advancing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition with a 45-24 win at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. The Reds will advance into the playoffs, taking on either the Chiefs or the Hurricanes next weekend, while the Drua are officially done in 2026. It’s a 10th-place finish for the Fijian team, which will ultimately be disappointing for departing coach Glen Jackson. See how the action unfolded in our blog: Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered…

Overview: A female inmate already serving time for methamphetamine possession at the Koror Jail now faces additional felony charges after authorities allegedly found “ice” in her possession inside the facility. The case could trigger Palau’s newly strengthened penalties for repeat drug offenders. Repeat offender could face decades in prison under Palau’s tougher drug laws  By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A female inmate serving time at the Koror Jail for possession of methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” has been charged again after authorities allegedly found methamphetamine in her possession while incarcerated. According to court documents filed by the Office of…