Author: TMC Palau

Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 and U.S. Marines from the U.S Marine Corps Engineer Detachment in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 16. During his meetings with the teams, Lasky received updates about current military activities, operations, and responsibilities in the country.Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands,…

Fiji is positioning major port developments as part of its long-term plan to become a high-income nation by 2050. The move is linked to the Quad countries’ broader initiative involving Australia, India, Japan and the United States, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving critical supply chains, and enhancing energy and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific. Speaking to FBC News, Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says infrastructure readiness is key to supporting future economic growth. “We cannot have that happen if the actual infrastructure itself is not up to par.”Article continues after advertisement He says initial work will focus on Fiji’s…

Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with Palau President Surangel Whipps, Jr. and National Security Coordinator Jennifer Anson in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 18, 2026. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ongoing efforts of the U.S. to maintain the defense and security of Palau under Title 3 of the Compact of Free Association, and opportunities for partnership in the future. Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of…

External fuel assistance is expected to begin arriving in Fiji from next month. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the support, committed by development partners, is part of broader budget assistance linked to the ongoing fuel situation. Speaking to FBC News, Immanuel says assistance is expected from Australia, New Zealand, the Asian Development Bank and other financial institutions. He says while the support has been committed, several administrative processes, including contract arrangements, must be completed before the funds are released.Article continues after advertisement “There’s a process to follow. Contracts will be done, and then the funds will be cut. So, we’re…

Issued by: on KOROR, Republic of Palau – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Josh Lasky, commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, meets with U.S. Navy Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 and U.S. Marines from the U.S Marine Corps Engineer Detachment in Koror State in the Republic of Palau, May 16. During his meetings with the teams, Lasky received updates about current military activities, operations, and responsibilities in the country.Lasky serves as the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Senior Military Officer for the Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands,…

Screengrab of the AI-generated fake footage on Instagram shared by an Indonesian nationalist account “bersamaastacita” showing Koteka Wenda speaking out against a new film about land grabs and human rights abuses in Papua. Photo: Screengrab / bersamaastacita A West Papuan independence activist says AI-generated fake footage of her and her words has been used to spread disinformation on social media. Koteka Wenda, daughter of the leader of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda, said the Instagram video reel by an Indonesian nationalist account cast her speaking out against a new film about land grabs and human rights…

The Government is strengthening Fiji’s biosecurity systems to protect local crops, support agricultural growth and improve national food security. Speaking in Parliament, Tomasi Tunabuna said the biosecurity strategy is focused on prevention, preparedness and partnership. He said the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is upgrading inspection facilities at ports and entry points, while introducing risk-based screening systems to better detect threats. Import permits and phytosanitary certificates are also being digitalised to align with international standards.Article continues after advertisement Tunabuna told Parliament that surveillance is being expanded in high-risk areas such as ports, nurseries and seed systems. He added that diagnostic laboratories…

Issued by: on U.S. Army Soldier, Staff Sgt. Thomas Belanger from the 1ST Theater Information Advantage Detachment and U.S. Marine, LCpl Miguel Medina from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, and one of Palau’s National Emergency Management office (NEMO) representatives install an antenna and radio on NEMO emergency response vehicles at NEMO, Airai, Palau, May. 4, 2026. To strengthen regional disaster response resilience and ensure first responders can effectively coordinate during a crisis, the United States partnered with the Republic of Palau to upgrade critical national disaster communication systems. (U.S. Army photo…

[Source: Fiji Football Association/Facebook] The Fiji national football team will head into a new phase of development after head coach Stephane Auvray named a provisional 21-member squad for two international friendlies. Their first one is against Vanuatu national football team for the upcoming FIFA international window in Port Vila. The June fixtures are set to serve as a key assessment opportunity for Auvray, who continues to refine and build the national programme with a long-term focus toward 2029. Auvray said the camp will be used primarily to evaluate players he has not yet worked with since taking charge.Article continues after…

John Yalu, a ni-Vanuatu who worked as a banana picker in Australia, was acquitted of murder in Cairns Supreme Court, after he amputated the leg of a pensioner in exchange for NZ$6000. The man died as a result. Photo: Supplied / Facebook A ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker in Australia, who sawed off a pensioner’s foot for cash, could be eligible for release from jail this year. John Yalu was convicted of manslaughter last week after amputating Kalman Tal’s foot in exchange for NZ$6000 in the North Queensland town of Innisfail in 2022. The 41-year-old banana picker was sentenced to nine years’…