News

Conference highlights social, economic issues in the region

Policy-makers, academics and development practitioners gathered at The University of the South Pacific's Japan-Pacific ICT Auditorium in Laucala Bay for the two-day 2018 Pacific Update Conference. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF   By WANSOLWARA STAFF THE prevalence of inequality and hardship among the population in the region at varying levels remains a concern for policy-makers. And according to the Minister for Waterways, Dr Mahendra Reddy, forums such as the 2018 Pacific Update Conference provided the platform for stakeholders to discuss those important issues in Pacific Island countries. While delivering his keynote address at The University of the South in Suva this morning,…

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Free press vital, says NZ academic

Auckland University of Technology School of Communication Studies and Director of Pacific Media Centre, Professor David Robie (centre) with Pacific Cooperation Foundation media interns during the AUT tour last week. Picture: Pacific Cooperation Foundation/Supplied   By SALOTE QALUBAU in New Zealand In order for democracy to thrive and function efficiently, a free press is paramount in terms of check and balance. This was stressed by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) School of Communication Studies lecturer and Director of the Pacific Media Centre, Professor David Robie while hosting Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) media interns during a tour of the AUT Media…

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US Embassy marks double celebration

By WANSOLWARA STAFF To mark the 242nd anniversary of the United States of America, and celebrate founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the US Embassy in Suva hosted an early Independence Day celebration alongside the 50th anniversary of the US Peace Corps in Fiji last night. The double celebration included an elaborate display of fireworks as well as a photo exhibition of the Peace Corps in Fiji. Chief guest Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni, left, and US Embassy chargé d'affaires Michael Goldman cut the US Independence Day cake at the US…

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FEO ready for election, says Saneem

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem speaks to regional journalists and media stakeholders during the recent political reporting workshop organised by the US Embassy at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF   By WANSOLWARA STAFF THE Fijian Elections Office is ready and on standby mode should an election be called, says Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem. While no official date has been set for election this year, Mr Saneem said they were prepared to carry out election at more than 850 polling venues. “Should an election be called, we are prepared. We have the staff, the resources and capacity.…

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Lack of media judgment a challenge, says Indian academic

Speakers in the opening AMIC2018 plenary on “Millennials – concept of democracy: Freedom of expression for all v. Freedom of expression for themselves”. Picture: Pacific Media Centre/SUPPLIED   By DAVID ROBIE in Manipal, India “Fake news” combined with a lack of critical media judgment by many in the millennial generation is a major challenge to democracies across the world, says a leading Indian communication academic. Speaking at the 26th annual conference of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre (AMIC) conference with the theme “Disturbing Asian millennials: Some creative responses”, Professor Bharthur Sanjay, pro vice-chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, said the vulnerability…

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Bid to revive wise traditions

The four partners after the signing of the agreement in Suva on Monday. From left: Dr Frances Koya-Vaka’uta of the USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies, Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba of the NFU, PIANGO executive director Emele Duituturaga and PTC principal  Reverend Prof Feleterika Uili Nokise. Picture: Lusi Banuve/SUPPLIED   Traditional wisdom holders in the Pacific converged in Fiji’s capital Suva this week in a bid to capture knowledge that’s fast disappearing in the islands. The Inaugural Pacific Philosophy Conference from June 11-14 hopes to address this aspect of Pacific life and help bring revival in the way islanders cope…

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Workshop hones investigative reporting skills

Team USP Journalism during the investigative journalism and political reporting workshop at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva. From left: USP student journalists Venina Rakautoga, Grace Tuvakasiga and Kirisitiana Uluwai (far right) with USP Journalism Programme co-ordinator Dr Shailendra Singh, Wansolwara supervising editor-in-chief Geraldine Panapasa and USP Journalism Programme graduate Linda Filiai. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF   Despite the various challenges faced by journalists to report on serious crimes, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing, there is still a growing interest to develop investigative reporting in the region. And according to experienced US journalist Mark Horvit, there were many examples of journalists…

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Not guilty – Judge delivers ruling in Fiji Times sedition case

Not guilty ... a Fiji Times celebration huddle outside the High Court in Suva today. Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley is on the right. Picture: The Fiji Times   "Relief!" That’s the word from Fiji Times Ltd publisher Hank Arts after High Court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe acquitted Fiji Times Ltd, Mr Arts, The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley, Nai Lalakai editor Anare Ravula and letter-writer Josaia Waqabaca of sedition charges at the High Court in Suva this afternoon. Speaking to Wansolwara News immediately after the verdict, Mr Arts said…

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Judge to deliver judgment in sedition trial

From left: Josaia Waqabaca, Fiji Times Ltd publisher Hank Arts, The Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley, Nai Lalakai editor Anare Ravula, with their lawyers outside the High Court in Suva last week. Picture: fijivillage.com   High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe is expected to deliver his judgment in the Fiji Times sedition trial at 2.30pm today, according to local media reports. Last week, the three assessors delivered a unanimous not guilty opinion on all charges against Fiji Times Ltd, publisher Hank Arts, Nai Lalakai editor Anare Ravula and Fiji Times editor-in-chief Fred Wesley. The assessors also delivered a not guilty…

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PCF announces Pacific media internships

The Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) is now accepting applications from New Zealand and Pacific-based journalism/media students who wish to gain a unique opportunity to intern with regional news and media organisations in the Pacific region. Now in its third year, the PCF Media Programme focuses on improving the level and quality of media exposure in the Pacific, with particular interest on economic development, arts and culture. Selected students will be immersed in the newsroom for two weeks where they will meet reporters and come away with a better understanding of regional issues. Past students who have participated in the programme…

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