Media freedom
Most of us Fijians are not aware of the restrictions placed on our media industry as we assume that we are operating under real democracy after the 2018 election. As a Fijian, I want to enjoy my rights and not to live in fear by voicing out what I believe is wrong or right.
No one should suppress the truth. Fiji was founded on honesty, truth and respect for one another. Can MIDA issue a statement that it is operating independently? Election is just around the corner.
JIOJI MASIVESI CAKACAKA Tadra, Votualevu, Nadi
The United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of
Human Rights. I’m glad the people’s newspaper had much literature on this significant day. The editor-in-chief compiled thought-provoking editorials, while his team compiled stories and article worth talking about and discussing. The significance of May 3 is reiterated as it reminds governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.
It is also a day of reflection amongst media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics. Just as importantly, World Press Freedom Day is a day of remembrance for those journalists who lost their lives in the pursuit of a story.
The day is vital in Fiji’s context as well. Our journalists play an integral role in disseminating information to masses and their work must be respected and they must be protected. I’m thankful to our journalists for they make endless sacrifices to cover stories and sports news, and I commend the journalists (past and present) for steering The Fiji Times to top position.
I also pay tribute to the journalists working for The Fiji Times who have gone for eternal rest. The likes of Maciu Malo, Paula Tagivetaua, Manasa Kalouniviti, Viliame Odro and Mary Johns, to name a few, will be remembered for their contributions.
May their souls rest high! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu