SUVA, Fiji (March 2, 2026) — The Pacific Islands News Association and the Fijian MediaAssociation on Monday announced that the 8th Pacific Media Summit will take place Sept.21–25, 2026, in Savusavu, Fiji.The biennial regional gathering will convene under the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.” Organizers expect 150 […]
Author Archives: Island Times
Posted inPacific News
Pacific media watchdog condemns alleged assault on PNG journalist Rebecca Kuku, calls for swift investigation
28 Feb, 2026– The Pacific Freedom Forum (PFF) strongly condemns the allegedassault of senior journalist Rebecca Kuku by officers of Papua New Guinea’sCorrectional Service in Port Moresby.Kuku was hoping to attend a presser at the CS offices on Friday, 27 February 2026 tofollow up on an earlier bylined piece in the National newspaper reporting human rightsconcerns from […]
Posted inIn Focus
Pacific nations would be paid only thousands for deep sea mining, while mining companies set to make billions, new research reveals
SYDNEY/SUVA, 02 MARCH 2026 (GREENPEACE) — New independent research commissioned by Greenpeace International has revealed that Pacific Island states would receive mere thousands of dollars in payment from deep sea mining per year, placing the region as one of the most affected but worst-off beneficiaries in the world. The research by legal professor Dr Harvey […]
Posted inTop Stories
Baules Responds to U.S. Entry Ban, Rejects Corruption Claims and Defends Senate’s Oversight Role
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026)— Hokkons Baules on Tuesday publicly rejected allegations referenced in a recent statement by the United States Department of State, saying he has never engaged in corruption, taken bribes or supported criminal activity involving Chinese nationals. In remarks addressed to fellow senators of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau […]
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At a Crossroads: Palau’s Environmental Future in the Hands of Its People
By: Ngeldei Tulop Koror, Palau — If the ocean could speak, what would it say? That question lingered metaphorically over discussions at the Cheldebechel Forum held yesterday at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, where environmental protection took center stage in a candid and forward-looking dialogue. Crowd attending the first Palau Cheldebechel Forum listened attentively to the […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Closes 2025 Strong, January 2026 Arrivals Jump 13% as Japan and Australia Surge
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The Palau Visitors Authority reported that Palau closed 2025 with solid tourism gains and opened 2026 on an upward trend, welcoming 7,810 visitors in January — a 13% increase from the 6,902 recorded in January 2025. The January figure also marked a 4.3% rise from December 2025’s total of […]