Author: TMC Palau
source: reuters Celebrities including Rami Malek, Eva Longoria and Lizzo gathered on the grounds of the immaculate Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on Thursday evening for the amfAR Gala to raise money for HIV/AIDS research. Oscar winner Geena Davis returned to the event after nearly three decades to host this year’s gala on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival in the French Riviera village of Antibes. In addition to Lizzo, singer-songwriters Robbie Williams and Zara Larsson provided the entertainment for the black-tie crowd in between auction rounds at the event, where the least expensive supporter ticket runs to 17,500 euros ($20,336.75).…
Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt Photo: Supplied / Samoa Government Samoa’s opposition party secretary has appealed Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt’s acquittal on corruption charges following a twisted conspiracy case. In March, the District Court in Apia cleared Laauli of criminal charges stemming from a probe into an unsolved, fatal hit and run in 2021, involving Tuuau Faasavalu, a university student. Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) secretary and MP for Faleata 3 electoral constituency, was a complainant and prosecution witness during the trial, which gripped the nation. The prime minister’s political nemesis, former long-time prime minister,…
Overview: Pacific leaders and police chiefs gathered in Fiji this week for the region’s first Transnational Crime Summit, warning that Pacific islands, including Palau, are increasingly vulnerable to international drug trafficking and organized crime networks. Palau officials join Pacific ministers, police chiefs in push for stronger regional response to drug trafficking and organized crime ahead of Pacific Islands Forum in Palau By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Pacific leaders, police commissioners and justice officials gathered this week in Fiji for the region’s first ministerial-level Transnational Crime Summit, warning that Pacific island nations, including Palau, are increasingly being…
The additional allocation will go toward purchasing HIV, STI, tuberculosis, and hepatitis medicines. [Photo: FILE] Fiji is strengthening its national health response with the Cabinet approving an additional $8.53 million investment to secure essential medicines and diagnostic supplies, as the country continues to face rising health challenges, including an escalating HIV outbreak. The funding supports the Fiji Health Procurement Project under the agreement between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the United Nations Development Programme, aimed at improving access to critical medical supplies. The additional allocation will go toward purchasing HIV, STI, tuberculosis, and hepatitis medicines, along with…
Overview: Palau’s National Security Coordination Office says more than 70 foreign nationals were deported in 2025 as authorities cracked down on online gambling, scams and drug-linked operations. The report also details international intelligence-sharing efforts that led to arrests across the Pacific. Read the full story. Intelligence-sharing with INTERPOL, Fiji, Macau and Hong Kong leads to arrests, deportations and disruption of drug and gambling syndicates. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Palau’s National Security Coordination Office reported major gains in combating transnational crime in 2025, including the deportation of more than 70 foreign nationals, the disruption of online…
Fiji is aiming to protect 30 percent of its marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030. [Photo: SUPPLIED] Fiji is aiming to protect 30 percent of its marine and terrestrial ecosystems by 2030 as part of its ambitious biodiversity conservation commitments. Speaking during celebrations for the International Day for Biological Diversity, Principal Environment Officer at the Ministry of Environment Krishneel Nand says the target forms a key part of Fiji’s newly launched National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Nand says the plan outlines 23 national biodiversity targets focused on protecting ecosystems, restoring degraded environments, and conserving endangered species across the country.…
Issued by: on U.S. Marine Corps combat engineers with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, watch as a Marine uses their newly constructed pull up bar during Koa Moana 25 in Palau, July 22, 2025. Koa Moana 25 is an annual partnership in the Indo-Pacific region that strengthens established relationships, bolsters theater security cooperation, and enhances the resilience of our allies and partners through community outreach, medical and civic assistance, infrastructure improvement projects, and key leader exchanges. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo by 1st Lt.…
Overview: Fake social media posts and a cloned news website targeting President Whipps have prompted warnings from officials and media leaders in Palau. Authorities are urging the public to verify sources, avoid suspicious links and stay alert against deepfakes and online scams. Officials, media leaders urge public vigilance as fake social media content spreads online misinformation in Palau KOROR, Palau (May 21, 2026) — Government officials and local media leaders are warning the public to exercise caution online after two fake social media posts targeting President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. were discovered this week, including a fabricated news story falsely…
The new retail store is worth approximately half a million. [Photo: Mollyn Nakabea Business owners and residents in Suva can now access industrial and electrical equipment with the opening of Ceylon Traders. The new retail store, worth approximately half a million, brings together quality international equipment’s, local distributions, with premium customer service. Established to meet the demand for appliance needs of everyday Fijians, Ceylon Traders Head of Sales and Marketing Vishaal Nath says this was an opportunity to create employment and invest into the Fijian economy. “It was open for the economy. We invested in the economy so that we…
Barcelona”As soon as the storm calms down, I will sacrifice myself,” proclaimed this Thursday, with a serene voice, the Turk Adnan Özer (Tekirdag, 1957) at the beginning of the 41st International Poetry Festival of Barcelona in an almost full Palau de la Música. Manuel Forcano and Anna Gual, the festival directors, have wanted to highlight this year “the capacity to look and to look at ourselves, to recognize ourselves, to interpret the world and to transform it through the word”. They have done so by choosing seven voices from around the world with long careers or emerging ones. The most…