Newly elected Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) President Neville Choi has thanked the outgoing PINA Board for its service while praising the Fijian Media Association (FMA) for setting a high standard with its hosting of the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu.
Choi, who was elected PINA President during the association’s Extraordinary General Conference in Savusavu, paid tribute to outgoing President Kalafi Moala and former Board members Leilani Reklai, Katalina Tohi, Fred Wesley, Robert Iroga and Esther Pavihi for their contribution to the regional media organisation.
In a letter to the outgoing Board, Choi said their service had helped strengthen the Pacific media community and provided an important foundation for PINA’s next chapter.
“Kalafi, a special thank you to you for your leadership as President,” Choi said.
He said Kalafi had led PINA through a period of important challenges and opportunities and provided “steady leadership and guidance” to the organisation.
Choi also acknowledged the contributions of the former Board members from Palau, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Niue.
“Each of you contributed in your own way to the discussions, decisions and work of the organisation, and we are grateful for the time you gave alongside your own demanding responsibilities in your respective media organisations,” he said.
He said their participation ensured the perspectives of PINA’s diverse Pacific membership remained central to the organisation’s work.
“As you heard during the Extraordinary General Conference, PINA is entering a new chapter,” Choi said.
“The new Board has an important task ahead in strengthening the organisation, supporting the Secretariat and continuing to implement our Strategic Plan.”
Choi said the outgoing Board’s work would remain an important part of PINA’s future and called on former Board members to continue contributing their experience and advice.
The new PINA President also thanked FMA President Rosi Tamani Doviverata, General Secretary Stanley Simpson and the wider FMA team for organising the 8th Pacific Media Summit.
“As I said in my acceptance speech after my election, FMA has certainly set the bar high for the Media Council of PNG, as the next host, to try to match,” Choi said.
The Summit was held in Savusavu under the theme “Reaching the Remote: Media and Digital Innovation for a Connected Blue Pacific.”
Choi said the FMA team had demonstrated strong leadership and professionalism in managing the programme, speakers, logistics and coordination involved in hosting the regional event.
He also praised the unity among Fiji’s media leaders, who took on roles as speakers, facilitators and Town Hall moderators.
“This is something our national media organisations across the Pacific can certainly learn from and aspire to emulate,” he said.
Choi said holding the Summit in Savusavu also brought delegates closer to the realities faced by remote communities in accessing media and information.
The Town Hall meeting at Nukubalavu Village was particularly significant, he said, while the live streaming of the event across Fiji’s media platforms demonstrated the strength of collaboration within Fiji’s media industry.
“It showed what can be achieved when the media work together, and it also contributes to the important work of promoting media literacy across the country,” Choi said.
He said PINA members from other Pacific countries were already interested in exploring similar initiatives.
The new PINA Board is also seeking continued support from FMA as the regional organisation addresses governance challenges, strengthens its Secretariat and implements its Strategic Plan.
Choi said the Board was committed to building a stronger and more connected PINA.
“We look forward to working together with our members and partners to build a stronger and more connected PINA,” he said.
He said PINA would continue to draw on the experience and support of its former Board members while working with current members and partners to strengthen Pacific media.
Choi also thanked the wider FMA team and others who worked behind the scenes to deliver the Savusavu Summit.
He said the discussions, networking and relationships developed during the event demonstrated the importance of bringing Pacific media organisations together every two years.
The PINA Board and Secretariat are now awaiting the final outcomes of the Summit as the organisation begins its new term.
