By Viliame Kasanawaqa CANBERRA, 22 JANUARY 2026 (THE CONVERSATION) —i When the United States recently escalated its confrontation with Venezuela – carrying out strikes in Caracas and capturing President Nicolás Maduro – the moves were framed as political intervention. But the raid also reflected a deeper contest over oil and critical mineral supply chains. For […]
Author Archives: Island Times
Posted inPacific News
FSM aims for a self-reliant future with growing Compact Trust Fund
PALIKIR, 22 JNAUARY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Federated States of Micronesia’s Compact Trust Fund reached a $2 billion mark at the end of fiscal 2025, prefiguring further growth to a level that would secure the Pacific nation’s future, officials said. “This Trust Fund represents our responsibility to future generations of Micronesians,” FSM President […]
Posted inWorld News
U.S visa crackdown leaves Pacific families in limbo, experts warn
WELLINGTON, 22 JNAUARY 2026 (PMN) — Pacific political analyst Tess Newton-Cain says new United States visa bonds and travel restrictions risk reshaping how Pacific people move, migrate, and maintain family ties. She warns the policies could have long-term consequences across the region. In an interview with Pacific Mornings host William Terite, Newton-Cain says the measures […]
Posted inTop Stories
Koror Elementary Students Celebrate New Playground Built Through Local and Global Collaboration
By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (Jan. 21, 2026) — A new playground opened last week at Koror Elementary School, giving students a safer and more durable place to play after years of wear and tear rendered the previous structure unsafe. A new playground opened last week at Koror Elementary School, giving students a safer and […]
Posted inSport
South Korea’s WBC hopefuls assemble in Saipan as Dodgers’ Kim leads early camp
SAIPAN, 20 JANUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Kim Hye-seong is among a group of South Korean professional players training on Saipan as the national team begins its preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Korean Baseball Organisation says the Saipan camp, running from 10 to 21 January, is […]
Posted inTop Stories
Palau Senate Moves Swiftly to Block U.S. Deportee Transfers Under MOU
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGERULMUD, Palau (Jan. 19, 2026) — Palau’s Senate has moved rapidly to block the transfer of third-country nationals deported from the United States, approving sweeping amendments to the country’s immigration laws amid concerns over humanitarian impacts, legal safeguards and national preparedness. President Whipps Jr., explaining Palau’s decision to accept third-country nationals […]