Voice of the voiceless Media freedom
THE past week has been quite historic for Fiji. Unprecedented even. We are all relieved with our new sense of freedom. As we look back at the past 16 years, amid the unlawful deaths, physical and mental torture, loss of livelihoods and properties of many- the freedom of the media was sorely tested too. At all levels. In this regard, may I congratulate the journalists that had the courage to keep us updated on news from all fronts. In particular, I salute The Fiji Times for being our voice throughout those turbulent years in our history. In my salutation, I reproduce here what I had written some four years back: “Congratulations to The Fiji Times.
To those that missed the top story of the month, on Tuesday, (May 2018) The Fiji Times Ltd publisher and general manager Hank Arts, the editor Fred Wesley and others were acquitted of publishing a seditious article in the Nai Lalakai newspaper. There was much relief and jubilation among our populace. Yesterday, The Fiji Times, thanked everyone for standing by them in the past two years. I submit that such support from the masses is testament to the belief of the supporters in your excellent journalistic work. I believe you when you say that you are not pro-government nor anti-government. I further believe you that you are “very,very pro Fiji!”
It is a timely reminder to Fiji and all Fijians of your Charter and what you stood and continue to stand for. I also agree with you that despite the many unfounded perceptions, you strive to give us readers “a newspaper that is fair, just, balanced and honest”. May I be allowed to add here some of my observations about The Fiji Times that was printed some years ago, May 4, 2016. This is what I said then — “Despite the many challenges, you have remained steadfast in your calling. You have been the voice of the voiceless on countless occasions. You have stood up to regimes and critics who wished that you be silenced. You have highlighted the plight of many, the underprivileged, the poor, the disenfranchised and many more.
You have spoken out when it was so easy to look the other way and not report at all. You brought to the fore and raised questions when some of our citizens suffered at the hands of those who should be protecting them. You chose not to look the other way. You also celebrated the success stories of many. You shared the dreams of our sports people and administrators. You shared the achievements of farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. You reported on the devastation of cyclones and floods. This meant that your reporters were out in the cold when they could have remained indoors in the comforts of their beds.
You continuously spoke out against littering and the need to protect our fragile environment. You stood for the protection of the “kawakawa” and other species in the seas. You reported on crimes. You reported on the functioning criminal justice system and how perpetrators of crimes accounted for their misdeeds. You also highlighted the successes and achievements of governments and their officials. You did not shirk in your duties to question government expenditure of public funds. You promoted racial equality when some quarters of our society sought elitism.” As I’ve said before, above all, you had the courage to speak out and demonstrated your freedom from fear!
I’m reminded of some passages from your first editorial; more than 148 years ago. It went like this — “We make no pretensions of greatness and remember that little boats, to be safe, must keep near the shore.”
“We shall maintain the liberty of the press and the rights to all men”.
“Many subjects of vital importance need ventilating, and for the lovers of the country, of industry, commerce, morals and humanity, there is a vast field of usefulness.
“There is plenty of room for us all, for