MASI marks Press Freedom Day

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

MEDIA Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in partnership with the Journalism and Media School at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), hosted an Open Day as part of World Press Freedom Day event yesterday

The celebration was held at the Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) Village, Panatina.

Guest speaker Dr David Gegeo, Head of SINU’s School of Humanities, said journalists have done an excellent job in terms of keeping the public informed and updated in various issues and happenings.

MASI President Georgina Kekea with Guests of MASI Open Day.

“Today I want to congratulate journalists for reporting news especially meeting deadlines,” Gegeo said.

He said using English to communicate news and meeting deadlines is not easy as English is a foreign language brought into the country by British.

“I salute you all journalists for the great job you have done in informing the public with updated stories.

White River students
Participating students.

“Also, I congratulate them for taking a lot of risk. One moment they are happy, the next moment their lives are in danger,” Gegeo said.

He said having said that there is always room for improvement.

“Let’s create an environment where journalists can keep us informed.

“Let me say here we need to create an atmosphere free from hate, atmosphere filled with love, respect and admiration for their work.

“At the end of the day our mass media is the mouthpiece and voice of our nation as they influence, educate and entertain us,” Gegeo said.

Solomon Star staffs Andrew Fanasia and Esther Nuria explaining the roles of Journalist to students

Alecia Kenilorea on-behalf of UNFPA lauded MASI for hosting this event to mark the World Press Freedom Day, which falls on 3 May 2021.

“Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we pause to reflect on the crucial work that journalists in Solomon Islands and around the world do.

“This year’s theme ‘information as a public good’ affirms the importance of cherishing information.

“It calls for the transparent production, dissemination and consumption information that benefits all, including the vulnerable and marginalized.”

Georgina Kekea President to Media Association of Solomon Islands says she is grateful to see secondary school students, SINU students and members of the media association who turned up to be part of the event.

Kekea said the World Press Freedom Day is a very important day on MASI’s calendar.

It’s a day where media organizations, journalists and media staff come together to celebrate and reflect on their work especially inside the country.

She said there is also an increase of journalists needed inside our country especially in the news industry.

“With this theme, we believe that information is only as good as the person that writes it.” Kekea said.      

She added with the limited resources and support from MASI members they were able to host the program yesterday.

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