Author: TMC Palau

An ocean-policing deal signed between the governments of the Solomon Islands and the United States is causing consternation in Honiara, as the opposition claims it raises “serious concerns” about sovereignty.The Shiprider Agreement between the Solomon Islands and the US was signed aboard the deck of the US Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane berthed in Honiara on 28 July. The agreement will allow the US Coast Guard into Solomon Islands waters, alongside local police, for joint maritime enforcement and surveillance efforts.”Under this arrangement, Solomon Islands officers will exercise their authority in accordance with Solomon Islands law and agreed operational procedures, particularly…

Opposition Leader and People First Party Leader Inia Seruiratu says Fiji’s greatest strength is its communities standing together. Seruiratu says the party respects iTaukei ancestral stewardship, culture and traditions while giving equal respect to every community that calls Fiji home. He says the contributions of Fijians of Indian descent, Rotumans, Chinese, Pacific Islanders and other communities are central to Fiji’s social, economic and cultural fabric. Seruiratu says the party will reject hate speech, discrimination and divisive politics, with no citizen excluded because of race, religion, gender or economic standing.Article continues after advertisement He says national unity must be built deliberately…

[Photo: FIJI POLICE FORCE/ FACEBOOK] Close to 8,000 plants believed to be marijuana have been seized during a police operation at the Bilobiloca farming area in the Northern Division. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe says the operation was driven by information provided to police, with a drone later deployed to confirm the suspected cultivation site. ACP Vusonilawe says community support remains critical to the success of drug operations, contributing to seizures and arrests. He says the sharing of information demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and preventing crime.Article continues after advertisement Police say their drug operations…

[file/photo] An investigation is underway into claims of an alleged attempted abduction at a Nausori school. The Fiji Police Force says the matter came to its attention after a social media post alleged a man had attempted to pick up a child from the school. Nausori Police have since conducted enquiries, with investigations continuing to establish the facts. Police have also confirmed that the man pictured in the post has lodged a report at Lami Police Station. He told police he had visited the school to see his daughter and not for the reasons alleged online. The man said he…

In Part 1 of this series, the author set out the census evidence that I-Kiribati are under-represented in Pacific migration pathways compared to Tuvaluans and citizens of states with Compacts of Free Association with the US. Part 2 moves from the numbers to what he has seen in Australia, and to the Falepili Union. When I first arrived in Australia in 2009 to study at the University of Queensland, I remember walking into a bottle shop in Ipswich and being served by a Tuvaluan worker. That moment stayed with me. It may sound like a small encounter, but for me…

DVIDS Hub works best with JavaScript enabled Issued by: on Local children attend the Palau Red Cross Society booth during a back-to-school fair and community day in Koror, Palau, July 24, 2026. The event was held with participants from various U.S. military branches and civilian organizations prior to Tenacious Archer 26, a U.S. Army Pacific-led multilateral joint exercise that focuses on cooperation, interoperability and advancing the mutual interest of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Steinborn) Date Taken: 07.24.2026 Date Posted: …

Family, friends and fans of rugby icon Jonah Lomu filled Auckland’s civic theatre on Saturday for the New Zealand premiere of a documentary about his life.’Lomu’ tells his story through the eyes of his family, childhood friends and closest colleagues. With never seen before home videos, it also offers insight into who the legendary All Black was off the field, behind closed doors.Hundreds in attendance at the documentary’s premiere , which was part of the New Zealand International Film Festival, were left with tears and hearts full of pride.”I felt so inspired, and to see his faith that he didn’t…

Fiji Rugby Union chief operating officer, Talemo Waqa. [Photo: FILE] Some have questioned why the Ra High School under-18 team is hosting Ratu Kadavulevu School in the Vodafone Deans quarterfinal at Garvey Park in Tavua. Ra finished fourth from the western zone while RKS was second from the east. However, as per the competition’s Terms of Participation, Ra claimed the northern zone’s number one seed after their elimination win over Navatu Secondary School at Ganilau Park last week. If the result was in favor of Navatu, then RKS would have traveled to Ganilau Park this week.Article continues after advertisement The…

Issued by: on A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 74th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 303rd EOD Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, inspects a fixed-wing drone during an EOD training scenario as part of Tenacious Archer 26 in Koror, Palau, July 31, 2026. Tenacious Archer is a U.S. Army Pacific-led multilateral joint exercise that focuses on cooperation, interoperability and advancing the mutual interest of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Steinborn) Date Taken: 07.31.2026 Date Posted: 08.03.2026 17:24 …

[Photo: FILE] Former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and FIJI Water Flying Fijians hooker Zuriel Togiatama has signed a one-year deal with Gallagher PREM side Newcastle Red Bulls. The 27-year-old becomes the club’s 23rd signing and joins from Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, where he made 50 appearances. Togiatama has 14 caps for the Flying Fijians and will add experience and physicality to Newcastle’s forward pack. He previously played alongside Red Bulls back-rower Hoskins Sotutu at Counties Manukau in New Zealand.Article continues after advertisement Newcastle head coach Dan McFarland says Togiatama is a powerful front-rower who will bring quality and depth to…