Author: TMC Palau

[Source: CNN Entertainment] Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who won an Academy Award for the 2007 film “Once,” died in a motorcycle crash on the outskirts of Dublin, his management said. He was 56. ATC Management told broadcaster RTE Hansard’s family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by his death. Irish police said a man in his 50s died in single vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan on the western outskirts of the Irish capital before 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The man, who they did not name, was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead a short time later.Article continues after advertisement…

Kamikamica has returned to Cabinet. [PICTURE:SUPPLIED] A day after his case was dismissed by the High Court, Manoa Kamikamica has returned to Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises. Kamikamica was sworn in today at State House by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, formally resuming his ministerial duties. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Kamikamica’s family members attended the ceremony, where he took the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office. His return comes after the court found there was no case for him to answer, clearing the way for…

The South Pacific Tuna Treaty, also known as the US Tuna Treaty, remains an important partnership for the region, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) says.The FFA is the primary agency responsible for managing offshore tuna fisheries within 200-mile zones of its 17 member nations.FFA director-general Noan David Pakop said the treaty allows for Pacific Island members to received financial support, which goes a long way in how the islands manage their fishing activities.Pakop made the comments this week in Honiara, after the FFA received the second distribution of 2026 funds under the US Tuna Treaty, totalling US$50.42 million.”This…

Coach Willie Walker after today’s press conference to officially announce his appointment. Former Black Ferns XV and Blues Women head coach Willie Walker has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Vodafone Fijiana XV. Walker arrives in the role with an impressive coaching résumé, having previously worked with New Zealand’s Black Ferns XV programme and most recently guiding the Blues Women. The experienced coach flew into the country yesterday after helping the Blues secure a victory over the NSW Waratahs over the weekend. His appointment comes as Fijiana prepares for a busy international calendar, including the upcoming…

Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara. [Photo: FILE] The successful rescue of six health workers and a boat handler has renewed calls for stronger maritime safety measures, with the Lau paramount Chief Turaga Tui Nayau urging the government to urgently address the challenges faced by outer island communities. Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, says while the safe return of the seven individuals is a moment of relief and gratitude, the incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen systems that protect health workers and communities who depend on…

Fitness trainer and gym founder Johnathan Hill. [Photo: MOSESE RAQIO] Fitness trainer and gym founder Johnathan Hill has been granted an extension of bail as he faces a charge of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. The 34-year-old appeared before Suva Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrates Court this morning, where his bail was extended. The matter has been adjourned to the 2nd of September for mention. Hill’s trial has been scheduled for the 2nd and 3rd of November 2026.Article continues after advertisement Source link

The Solomon Islands government is working on “response actions” to rescue two New Zealanders who are stranded on the country’s highest mountain.Keanu Isaksson, 25, and Luca Zylstra, 19, were on a climbing expedition to the remote volcanic mountain, Mount Popomanaseu, on the main island of Guadalcanal.Mount Popomanaseu is the highest peak in the Solomon Islands, standing at an elevation of 2335 metres or 7661 feet.The pair have been stranded in a remote ravine for five days due to bad weather, which has prevented them from continuing their descent, according to media reports overnight.”The government is aware of the situation and…

[Source: File] Flying Fijians and Swire Shipping Fijian Drua forward Joseva Tamani has secured a move to the Highlanders, signing a two-year contract that will keep him with the New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific franchise until the end of the 2028 season. The versatile forward, who is capable of playing at lock and loose forward, has been a key member of the Drua setup since the club’s entry into Super Rugby Pacific and has also represented Fiji at Test level. Tamani’s move comes after an impressive stint with the Drua, where he established himself as one of the side’s most…

[Photo: FILE] Health workers are calling for improved transport coordination and safety measures when carrying out outreach duties in rural and maritime communities. The call follows a recent maritime incident that nearly claimed the lives of six medical professionals travelling for an outreach deployment. Speaking during a discussion on health worker safety, Assistant Lecturer at the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Kaitlyn Khan, says those providing essential services in remote areas deserve better support. Khan says the incident was personal, as she nearly lost a colleague and former classmate during the deployment.Article continues after advertisement “They need help, and…

Although generally positive, the 2025 OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) peer review of Australian aid, discussed on this blog by Cameron Hill, made several pointed observations about the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) reliance on a “small pool” of managing contractors to run its largest, most complex programs, which could come at the expense of strategic, innovative programming, value for money, proportionate risk management and direct engagement with local partners. In the language of Australian aid, that’s a warning about “facilities”. A facility, in this context, is a large, multi-year delivery platform under which a single managing contractor…