Author: TMC Palau

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,…

Overview: Palau’s graduation season is highlighting the achievements of students not only at home, but across universities and colleges around the world, as families and communities celebrate a new generation of scholars, professionals and leaders. From community colleges to global universities, Palauan students celebrate academic excellence and achievement across multiple fields By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 25, 2026) — Graduation season in Palau is once again becoming a celebration not only of academic achievement, but also of the strength, resilience and aspirations of Palauan families and communities as students across the islands and around the world reach major milestones…

[Photo: FILE] More than 47,000 marijuana plants have been seized from 93 farms in the Northern Division as the Police and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces intensify intelligence-led operations targeting illicit drug networks in the country Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua revealed the figures during his ministerial statement in Parliament. Naivalurua says the joint operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces resulted in the arrest of 22 people linked to the marijuana farms. He also confirmed that 68 others were arrested during roadblocks and searches conducted in the Central and Eastern Divisions for…

Overview: Palau’s tourism industry continues to show strong momentum in 2026, with visitor arrivals rising 38% through April despite global concerns over fuel prices and geopolitical tensions tied to the Iran conflict. New data shows broad-based growth across major international markets and no visible signs of weakening travel demand. Broad-based growth across Asia, North America and Europe points to resilient travel demand and stable visitor confidence By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 25, 2026) — Visitor arrivals to Palau continued to climb steadily through April 2026, with tourism data showing no visible signs of weakening demand despite global concerns over…

[photo-Kelera] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says his People’s Alliance Party will contest the upcoming General Election with full confidence. His comments come after the Electoral Commission yesterday declared that the campaign period for the upcoming General Election is open. Rabuka says while he is ready to serve the country for another four years, the decision on who will lead the nation rests with the people. “We will be confident going in for elections. And it’s the people who will have to work out whether, oh, this candidate will not last four years.”Article continues after advertisement While Rabuka is confident in…

Super Typhoon Sinlaku closes in on the CNMI as at 7pm NZT, Tuesday 14 April 2026. Photo: zoom.earth Guam Guam’s national power company is estimating US$10 million in damages and operations costs after April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Last week, the Guam Power Authority reported the $10 million included $2.7 million in expenses incurred due to Sinlaku’s passage near Guam, and more than $7 million in damages. Pacific Daily News reported the Authority’s general manager saying they were back delivering about 99 per cent of regular energy demand for Guam by 23 April. Meanwhile, the grid in Saipan in the Northern…

Overview: Palauan students gained hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, taxation and AI during the 2026 Palau Development Symposium, capped by a Shark Tank-style business pitch competition in Koror. Students pitched startup ideas after hands-on training in finance, marketing, taxation and AI tools during a youth-focused symposium in Koror. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — “Students were open-minded to learning different solutions and ways to develop a business and how to keep your business running and stable,” an event organizer said following the 2026 Palau Development Symposium on May 25, where students received hands-on training in entrepreneurship and business development. Students…

[file/photo] Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai says a total of 246 live rounds of 5.56mm ammunition were voluntarily handed over to the military in the Nausori area last week. Ro Jone says the surrender of the ammunition was a direct result of the ongoing joint security operations being carried out by the RFMF in partnership with the Fiji Police Force. He says several magazines and magazine pouches were also surrendered alongside the live rounds and are now in the custody of the RFMF for further assessment and investigation.Ro Jone says the RFMF commends those involved for…