By Pita Ligaiula in Savusavu
Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Information Eseta Nadakuitavuki says the government is committed to a free, independent and vibrant media and recognises the important role journalists play in providing accurate and timely information to the public.
Speaking at the opening dinner for delegates attending the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Nadakuitavuki said differences between government communicators and the private media were part of a healthy communications environment.
“We may work on different sides of the communications landscape, and from time to time, we may not always agree. That’s exactly how it should work.
“But we share an important responsibility to ensure our people have access to accurate, timely and meaningful information,” Nadakuitavuki said.
Nadakuitavuki said the Fiji Government was taking the Pacific Media Summit seriously, demonstrated by the participation of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Mano Kamikamica at the summit.
She said the Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, was unable to attend the opening dinner because she was on duty travel preparing for the upcoming Pre-COP meeting in Nadi.
“With the Pre-COP not only a week away, the Minister is on duty travel and very much focused on ensuring that Fiji is ready when 05 October arrives,” she said.
Nadakuitavuki said government support for the summit went beyond financial assistance and reflected a commitment from the highest levels of government.
“I can assure you that the Minister of Information and the Government of Fiji is very, very pleased to support the Eighth Pacific Media Summit,” she said.
She said the Ministry of Information had sent its largest delegation ever to a PINA summit, describing the participation as significant to the relationship between government communications and private media.
“For us, that is significant. It demonstrates how far the relationship between government communications and the private media has developed,” she said.
Nadakuitavuki commended the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Fijian Media Association (FMA) for creating opportunities for journalists and government communicators to engage, learn from one another and build professional relationships.
She also congratulated the Fijian Media Association for choosing Savusavu as the venue for the summit.
Nadakuitavuki said the summit was an opportunity not only to discuss the future of Pacific media, digital innovation and connecting remote communities, but also to strengthen relationships among journalists across the region.
“Gatherings such as this are not only about sessions we attend, they are also about conversations we have over dinner, the relationships we build, the experience we share, and the partnerships we take home with us.
“Our Pacific is vast, but our media community is relatively small. That makes these relationships even more important,” she said.
Nadakuitavuki urged delegates to make the most of their time in Savusavu and experience the town’s hospitality while taking part in discussions on the future of Pacific media.
“Tonight, enjoy the food, enjoy the company of each other, enjoy Savusavu,” she said.
