Author: TMC Palau

This is the first in a series of three articles examining how the Hormuz closure is reshaping energy, governance and inequality across Asia and the Pacific. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed a tremendous vulnerability of the Asia-Pacific: in 2024, the region received 84% of the oil shipped through the strait and 83% of its liquefied natural gas. But, while dramatic, these raw numbers are an inadequate lens for understanding what this crisis is actually doing to the countries of the region. The disruption is transmitted via the political and economic architecture through which food reaches markets,…

Handicraft Vendor Salanieta Adikoila.[Photo:PECELI NAVITICOKO] A well-known handicraft vendor in Labasa believes the success of small businesses, particularly among iTaukei entrepreneurs, depends heavily on changing mindsets around business management and financial discipline. Renowned business operator Salanieta Adikoila, who has spent the past 18 years in the handicraft industry, says one of the biggest challenges faced by many small business owners is the pressure from relatives and close friends for discounts, loans, and unpaid goods. Speaking from her years of experience at the Labasa Handicraft Centre, Adikoila says many promising businesses struggle to grow because owners often mix family obligations with…

Overview: A new report warns that billions in U.S. military spending in the Northern Mariana Islands may create only short-term economic activity while deepening long-term dependence on outside contractors and labor. The study argues that without policies prioritizing local businesses, workers and self-determination, military expansion could leave the CNMI with limited lasting economic benefits despite growing federal investment. WASHINGTON/SAIPAN, 18 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—-Washington’s defence spending in the Northern Mariana Islands may temporarily boost economic activity, but it undermines long-term self-sufficiency and fails to sustain local wealth, according to a think tank’s report.  The report says the billions of…

SANTA RITA, Guam — Following the signing of an expanded bilateral law enforcement agreement in August, during the Joint Heads of Pacific Security conference, representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Republic of Palau embarked on a series of meetings and initiatives to advance maritime partnership and promote regional stability Oct. 6 to 13, 2023.”Our work with Palau goes beyond signatures on an agreement; it’s about the actions we take together. It’s about standing side by side to safeguard our shared maritime environment and ensure regional security,” said Capt. Nicholas Simmons, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.In a strategic…

The Central Bank of Samoa, on 24 April, issued a warning about BG Wealth. Photo: RNZI/ Koroi Hawkins Samoa’s government has distanced itself from a cryptocurrency scam after three senior ministers, including the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, were pictured with individuals promoting an alleged wealth creation entity. Last month, Samoans associated with ‘BG Wealth’ shared photos online with Samoa’s Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, Health Vaaaoao Salumalo Alofipo, Commerce, Industry and Labour Minister Fata Ryan Schuster. The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS), on 24 April, issued a warning about the entity, stating “BG Wealth shows strong…

At the invitation of host nations, Pacific Partnership’s mission partners will conduct tailored humanitarian civil action preparedness activities in areas such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and host nation outreach events.This year’s mission will feature military personnel from Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. The Pacific Partnership 24-1 mission has completed stops in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. Its final mission stop will be in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia.“The United States is committed to the people of Palau as we share deep ties and a…

[Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO] The remote interior of Drawa in Wailevu, Cakaudrove, is now home to a new eco-tourism destination following the official opening of the Ideal Drawa Eco Retreat. The new venture is expected to open doors for visitors to experience the rich cultural history, ancient village sites, and natural beauty hidden deep within the Vanua o Drawa in Vanua Levu. Surrounded by rivers, rainforest, and mountainous landscapes, the retreat is located within the Drawa Forest Conservation Area, known as Fiji’s first verified forest carbon trading and conservation project. Manager Mary Qiqi says the project is focused on ensuring tourism…

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[Photo: FILE] The Ministry of Women says that women living in rural and remote communities continue to face greater barriers to safety, economic empowerment and access to support services. Speaking during a workshop focused on strengthening Fiji’s response to gender-based violence, Minister for Women Sashi Kiran says many women in remote areas struggle with limited access to finance, leadership opportunities, and essential protection services. She says service delivery challenges in rural communities often leave vulnerable women with fewer support systems and limited access to assistance when facing violence or economic hardship. Kiran highlighted that women’s labour force participation in Fiji…

Issued by: on KOROR, PALAU (June 6, 2025) – Steelworker Constructionman Fernandon Cruz measures out bike racks for the Pacific Mini Games. Detail Palau played a key role in providing high-quality construction support, contributing to the successful preparation and execution of the Pacific Mini Games. NMCB-3 serves as the stand-in engineering force for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, executing high-quality construction operations, activities, and investments, and is capable at the unit-of-action level to support major combat operations in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility with efficient airfield, waterfront, and advanced base…