THE Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has thanked its sponsors, supporters and stakeholders for helping to make Honiara’s celebration of World Press Freedom Day a big success.
Solomon Islands celebrated the World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, May 10 with a ‘Clean-a-thon’ through the Honiara city, a public information stall and end it with a formal awards night.
MASI President, Leni Dalavera, said the event would not have been possible without the generosity and hard work of MASI supporters.
“It was one of the biggest events that MASI has ever held,” Mr Dalavera said.
“After what has been a difficult month for many in our community, including the media, it was great for us all to come together and celebrate the freedom that journalists have enjoyed in this country.
“Although it took MASI subcommittee only two weeks to prepare for this event, it has turned out to be one of the best events I could ever remember hosted by MASI,” Mr Dalavera added.
He said the successful host of celebrating the ‘Media Freedom Day’ in Honiara was made possible through MASI supporters.
“For that MASI would like to specially thanked the Prime Minister’s Office, Monarch Bar and Grill, The Pacific Islands News Association, Solomon Star, Sunday Isles, Honiara City Council and the British High Commission for making our activities and awards night programme a success.”
The MASI president extended his sincere thanks to local UNESCO representative as the coordinating body in the country and the Minister for Education, Dick Ha’amori for accepting to attend the MASI Press Freedom Awards and giving an entertaining and insightful keynote address.
MASI further thanked the HCC, SIBC and Youth @ Work for their support towards staging of the MASI information stall.
“It is important to celebrate with the world the freedom media in the country is enjoying and also to organise activities to recognise the hard work of those who are leaders in the media industry.
“Those who are showing the courage and determination it takes to uncover stories that the public needs to hear,” Mr Dalavera said.
The Unite Nations General Assembly proclaimed world Press Freedom Day in December 1993.
It aims to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, defend the media from attacks on their independence and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
