Author: TMC Palau

For reasons relating to the terms and conditions of the permanent public service, ingrained habits of reticence learned therein, or the uncertainties of consulting, many who work in and around development are hypersensitive about putting their names to their opinions. I am reminded of this every time I write a review of a book that touches in some way on goings-on in the Canberra aid and foreign policy scene — I get messages from insiders in said scene telling me I’ve either been too tough on the subject or not gone hard enough. Insider tales and perspectives gush out, many…

Workers rights activist say CNMI’s foreign worker community has long struggled for more secure immigration status. Photo: 123RF Human rights advocates, labor activists, and former lawmaker Edwin Propst are warning that a new US immigration policy that restricts immigrant visa holders from applying for green cards could create fear, family separation and workforce instability in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The new US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memorandum issued this week characterises Adjustment of Status (AOS) as “extraordinary relief” and signals that many applicants may instead be expected to process immigrant visas overseas. Propst criticised the…

[Photo: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, JAPAN] Fiji is set to become the first Pacific Island nation to benefit from a new Quad-led port infrastructure initiative, following major announcements made during the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India. Foreign ministers and senior officials from the United States, Australia, Japan and India outlined a series of new regional security, infrastructure and economic initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific. A major highlight for Fiji was the announcement of the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which will launch its pilot infrastructure project in Fiji. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong…

[Photo: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE/ FACEBOOK] Fiji has renewed its commitment to protect its environment through the SAMBIO Fiji Project, which focuses on conserving marine and land biodiversity across the country. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change held the second Project Steering Committee meeting last week . Government officials, technical experts, and development partners came together to review progress and plan activities for 2026–2027. A key decision from the meeting was to continue work on establishing new protected areas across eight important sites in Fiji.Article continues after advertisement These include five land areas like Greater Delaikoro, Natewa-Tunuloa,…

Supporters of People’s Alliance Party celebrate after securing the support of the Social Democratic Liberal Party to form a new government in Suva on 20 December 2022. Photo: AFP / Saeed Khan Fiji’s election campaign period has officially kicked off, although an election date has still not been announced. The Electoral Commission announced the campaign commencement on Monday. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is yet to announce the date for the polls, which must be held between 7 August this year and 6 February next year. However, an indication of the date may come with the issuance of the election writ…

[Photo: FILE] A sharp escalation in the Westin resort redevelopment has triggered calls in Parliament for a full inquiry into the Fiji National Provident Fund. MPs questioned how the project cost reportedly rose from about $90 million to around $230 million. Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya said the increase, estimated at more than $150 million, required clear answers. He raised concerns over approvals, governance, and accountability. He also pointed to delays, contract changes, and possible conflicts in decision-making.Article continues after advertisement He warned that poor management of major investments affects members’ retirement savings. Opposition MP Premila Kumar said strong financial returns…

[Photo: FILE] The constitutional review process is under tight time pressure. This, according to Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga. He has called for stronger whole-of-government support to ensure it is completed on schedule. Speaking in Parliament, Turaga said the Constitutional Review Commission was working against the clock.Article continues after advertisement “How we choose to govern ourselves. The opportunity before our citizens right now is to shape the very foundation of this nation. It is rare and precious.” Turaga warned that delays or poor coordination could weaken a process he described as a national priority. He told the House…

Photo: 123RF The Cooks Islands is now dengue fever free, but other regions of the Pacific are still seeing cases. Cases of dengue fever in Tonga have reached 66. As of Monday, 25 May, two cases were hospitalised – one at Princess Fusipala Hospital in Ha’apai and one at Niu’eiki Hospital in ‘Eua. No deaths have been reported in Tonga’s current outbreak. Cases are also being reported this month in New Caledonia and Samoa, and in Futuna. In the Cooks, 1251 cases were reported in the last outbreak, one of whom died. Secretary for Health Bob Williams told Cook Islands…

Overview: Two of the most influential leaders in Olympic sport faced tough questions from Oceania’s athletes during the 2026 Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, where discussions ranged from climate change and athlete funding to leadership, retirement and the future of the Olympic movement. IOC President Kirsty Coventry and ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton encouraged athletes to speak up, stay engaged and help shape the future of sport governance in the Pacific and beyond. HONIARA, 25 MAY 2026 (ONOC MEDIA)—Following the formal opening of the 2026 Oceania Athletes Forum in Auckland, the room quickly shifted from ceremony into conversation.   Baklai Temengil-Chilton, President…

[Photo: FILE] Opposition Member of Parliament, Alvick Maharaj, is calling for a more aggressive and targeted national response to the growing drug crisis, warning that the country risks losing an entire generation if urgent action is not taken. Speaking in Parliament in response to the ministerial statement on illicit drugs and transnational organized crime, Maharaj acknowledged the work of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and praised prosecutors for their success in the landmark 4.5-tonne methamphetamine importation case. He says the case demonstrated that Fiji’s judicial and prosecutorial systems are capable of delivering results when properly supported. However,…