Tongan PM reaffirms commitment to media freedom

PINA president Moses Stevens, left, presents Tongan Prime Minister Samiuela ʻAkilisi Pōhiva with a token of appreciation during the official launch of the 5th Pacific Media Summit in Tonga on Tuesday. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

By MEREONI MILI in Nuku’alofa, Tonga

“It is very important that we are all empowered, the media and government alike, to be able to deal with the challenges posed by the ever-changing digital world.”

Those were the words of Tongan Prime Minister Samiuela ʻAkilisi Pōhiva during the official opening of the 5th Pacific Media Summit in Nukualofa, Tonga on Tuesday.

“The Government of Tonga is committed to the freedom of the media even in a digital world,” he said.

Tongan Prime Minister Samiuela ʻAkilisi Pōhiva with journalists from Palau. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

However, he did not mince his words when he said freedom came with responsibilities and the law should not be violated.

Mr Pohiva said the summit would explore opportunities and challenges that the media in the Pacific were facing in the digitised world.

Meanwhile, Pacific Island News Association president Moses Stevens announced he would be stepping down from his position after four years in office.

“It has been a very challenging four terms but I am happy that I have reached the time that I have to step aside and let one of you present here at this 2018 Pacific Media Summit in Nuku’alofa, to step up and take the helm of our PINA leadership from me,” he shared during his remarks.

Stevens leaves the association with a new five-year strategic plan that maps a new direction for the organisation.

Stevens is also the longest serving president of PINA.