By Pita Ligaiula in Savusavu
Papua New Guinea Media Council President Neville Choi has been elected President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), replacing veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala, who stepped down after serving one term.
Choi was elected at the PINA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Savusavu on Friday, with Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo elected Vice President.
Kalafi withdrew his nomination for another term, telling members he had decided it was time for new leadership.
“I just want to say that I withdraw. Thank you for the nomination. Thank you for your support. But I withdraw.
“Let’s just have our next President,” Kalafi said.
Kalafi said the next phase of PINA would be closely linked to Papua New Guinea, which will host the Pacific Media Summit in 2028.
He said Choi had the capacity to lead the organisation into its next term.
“We’re going to Papua New Guinea. And all the changes that we want to happen is this one guy that can really do it,” Kalafi said.
Kalafi thanked PINA members for their support during his term and acknowledged the PINA secretariat and board for their work.
“It’s been a tremendous journey and I’ve worked very closely.
“I want to especially thank Makereta Komai and the Secretary for the tremendous support and the leadership you have provided,” he said.
Kalafi also welcomed the newly elected board members, using humour to tell them their work would come with a pay rise.
“For those of you new members on the board, one thing I was assured, they’re going to increase your salary.
“They’re going to add on two more zeros to the pay that you’ve been getting,” he said
In his first remarks as PINA President, Choi thanked Kalafi for his leadership and said his influence would continue beyond his term.
“Kalafi, since Niue, I think we’ve all seen what you are and who you are. And you’ve just been yourself.
“You’ve been authentic. You’ve been visionary, but you’ve also tied us to our roots,” Choi said.
Choi said Kalafi had reminded Pacific journalists of their shared identity and connection across the region.
“You’ve brought us back to our land, our sea, our mountains.
“You always have a tale about all these things that continue to remind us that we are from one island and one nation, which is the Pacific,” he said.
Choi said one message from Kalafi would guide him as he takes on the presidency.
“The oceans may be wide, but it’s what connects us.
“And that I will take away and into this new term,” he said.
Choi thanked PINA members for their confidence and said he valued the experience and advice Kalafi had provided during his time on the board.
“You have shown confidence in me to represent you at times when you could not represent the PINA board.
“I truly, truly value all the experience that you have given me and the board,” he said.
Choi asked Moala to remain involved as PINA prepares for its next phase.
“So, until Papua New Guinea, I would like you to still continue to provide advice, because we do value your advice a lot,” he said.
The new PINA board is:
*President: Neville Choi — Papua New Guinea
*Vice President: Lisa Osifelo — Solomon Islands
*Print Media Representative: Frank Genaia — Papua New Guinea
*Television Representative: Charles Sumbe — Vanuatu
*Radio Representative: Viola Ulakai — Tonga
*Online/Digital Media Representative: Rose Amos — Papua New Guinea
* National Media Association Representative: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia — Samoa
The new leadership takes office as PINA prepares for the 2028 Pacific Media Summit in Papua New Guinea.
