Discussions on strengthening regional media collaboration and preparations for the upcoming Pacific Media Summit took centre stage Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Board to the Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki and Director of Information Samisoni Pareti.
Led by PINA President Kalafi Moala, the team included Robert Iroga (Solomon Islands, online), Neville Choy (Papua New Guinea, national association representative), Esther Pahivi (Niue, TV), and PINA Manager Makereta Komai.
During the meeting, the board expressed gratitude to the Fiji Government, particularly the Ministry, for its continued support towards media development and the promotion of media freedom in the Pacific.
Discussions centred on the upcoming Pacific Media Summit scheduled to be held in Savusavu this September. The summit was described as a key event, with plans to further decentralise engagement across sub-regions including Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
The board also acknowledged Fiji’s role as a training hub for Pacific journalists, noting that countries such as Niue continue to rely on Fiji for skilled media professionals.
Permanent Secretary Nadakuitavuki emphasised the importance of collaboration between the media and government, noting that while the media plays a critical watchdog role in ensuring accountability and transparency, both sectors must work together in the national interest.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for PINA and the upcoming summit.
