JFPR-funded initiative advances food security and outreach through August 2026 By: Telbakes Yano (BOA Intern) April 13, 2026 — The Asian Development Bank (ADB), through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), is supporting the Bureau of Agriculture (BOA) by funding two interns, Telbakes Yano and Yolanda Kloulubak, under its […]
Author Archives: Island Times
PICRC welcomes new Researcher—Lauren Shea
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is pleased to welcome Lauren Shea as a new Researcher. Lauren brings extensive experience in marine science, field operations, and expedition leadership. PICRC welcomes new Researcher—Lauren Shea. Photo credit: PICRC Lauren holds a Master’s degree in Fisheries Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor’s degree […]
Palau Solar unveils commemorative plaque at Apostolic Foundation Church in formal handover ceremony
KOROR, PALAU, April 22, 2026: On Tuesday, April 21, Palau Solar and the Apostolic Foundation Church held a formal handover ceremony to celebrate the church as the first-ever winner of the company’s ‘Good Deeds’ Competition and the recipients of a free solar panel system. Yesterday’s event marked the official recognition of that achievement. Ross Waddington, […]
Japan overhauls defence export rule to sell arms to 17 countries, including Australia
In short: Japan has overhauled its defence export rule, allowing Japanese-made arms — including warships, combat drones and missiles — to be sold internationally. Some fear the move away from Japan’s postwar pacifist policy could increase global tensions. What’s next? Japan will only sell to 17 countries that have signed defence equipment and will monitor […]
EU backs $148bn loan for Ukraine after pipeline spat resolved
In short: (ABC- Australia) The EU has given a preliminary green light to unblocking a $148 billion loan for Kyiv, after a months-long pipeline row was resolved. Russian oil will soon arrive through the repaired Druzhba pipeline, whose damage had pitted Hungary’s ousted premier against Ukraine. What’s next? Hungarian energy giant MOL said it expects […]
China a ‘good friend, but NZ is family, says Cook Islands PM Mark Brown
RAROTONGA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is “family” while China is “a very good friend”. Brown spoke to Checkpoint on the relationship between his nation and New Zealand. The two governments recently patched up a major diplomatic fallout that resulted in New Zealand pausing nearly $30 […]
