The Suva-based regional news media organisation Pacific Island News Association (PINA) is now a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG).
This was passed during the PINA annual general meeting (AGM) in New Caledonia on Friday afternoon.
“We will now be known as PINA Limited,” acting PINA secretariat manager Makereta Komai said.
Media Industry Development Authority director and former PINA manager Matai Akauola told delegates at the AGM that the resolution of turning PINA into a CLG was from a Maximise Report in 2005.
“The report was backed by the then PINA board and we continued on with the process until it was finalised by the lawyers,” he said.
PINA president Moses Stevens said this was the forward for the organisation.
“We faced a lot of challenges but continued on regardless,” he said.
“By making PINA a CLG means accountability and transparency, which is essential when it comes to attracting major donors.”
Stevens in for third term. Mr Stevens, from Vanuatu, is in for his third term as the PINA president.
During the AGM, Ms Komai said from the advice of their lawyers, Mr Stevens and his deputy Michael Jackson, from Niue, had to continue to ensure a smooth transition since PINA is now a CLG.
Also reappointed to the board are:
- Anish Chand (Fiji) representing television industry
- Janet Kwalahu (Papua New Guinea) representing radio industry
- Evelyn Toa (Vanuatu) representing national media bodies
- Leone Cabenatabua (Fiji) representing print industry
Mr Stevens urged PINA critics to pay up their subs and be engaged in the development of PINA.
“There’s no point talking from the outside. Join the family and be part of the solution,” he said.PINA, the original Pacific Islands news media organisation, has in recent years faced splits in membership and the emergence of other regional media groups.
Suva (Fiji Sun)