The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) has rejoined the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), bringing Samoa back into the regional media network after more than a decade away.
JAWS President Lagi Keresoma said the return was an important opportunity for Samoa to reconnect with other Pacific media organisations and work together on issues affecting journalists across the region.
JAWS withdrew from PINA in 2015 after concerns were raised by its leaders at the time over transparency and accountability.
Ms Keresoma said the decision to return was about moving forward and being part of regional discussions again.
“Our return is not only to speak about our own experiences, but to listen to the experiences of our Pacific neighbours,” she said.
She recalled the history of PINA’s establishment being led by Samoan media before its offices were later based in Fiji.
“PINA was established and is registered in Samoa,” said Keresoma.
The President said JAWS had tried in 2003 to bring PINA’s headquarters back to Samoa, but the move did not receive enough support from member countries.
She said PINA remained an important platform for Pacific media to share experiences, discuss common challenges and look at the future of journalism.
“Our region must have the capacity to tell its own stories, explain its own circumstances and preserve its own history,” she said.
JAWS is returning with a willingness to participate, contribute and listen to other Pacific media organisations, she added.
“It is our hope that Samoa can host the PINA family again in the future.”
JAWS’ return was supported financially by PACMAS, the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme of the Australian Government.
Ms Keresoma expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to PACMAS for making the association’s participation possible.
“We would not have been able to make it Fiji without the support and backing of PACMAS..”
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