BY JOY OFASIA
GEORGINA Maka’a of In-Depth Solomons has been elected as the new President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), following the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Heritage Park Hotel on Saturday.Maka’a will lead the association alongside newly elected Vice President Irwin Angiki, Chief Editor of Island Sun, following the election of the new leadership and board members.
The election also saw Andrew Fanasia elected as a new board member, while other members continued their roles on the seven-member executive board. The board comprises Maka’a, Angiki, Fanasia, Ednal Palmer of In-Depth Solomons, Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong of ABC, Ned Gagahe of Island Sun, and Ruthina Koroa.
During the AGM, members farewelled outgoing President Ofani Eremae, Vice President Lynda Wate Seni, and board member Eddie Osifelo, acknowledging their contributions to the association.
In her first remarks as president, Ms Maka’a thanked members for their trust and called for greater cooperation to strengthen the media industry in Solomon Islands. “Thank you for trusting me to take up this role. On behalf of myself and the board, I would like to thank the outgoing President, Vice President, and board member Eddie Osifelo.
Thank you so much for your contributions to MASI,” she said. Ms Maka’a said she had not expected to take up the leadership position but looked forward to working with members to grow the industry. “As we are witnessing, the media industry needs us to work together, especially as we see many of our senior journalists leaving mainstream media.
“Let’s work together to find ways to grow and strengthen the media industry in the Solomon Islands,” she added. Meanwhile, outgoing President Ofani Eremae urged MASI members to remain committed to their responsibilities and uphold professional standards under the new leadership. “As we turn the page and look forward to a new chapter and new leadership,
I urge each and every one of you to remain steadfast in your duties, uphold ethical standards, and serve our industry and country with dignity, pride, integrity, and dedication,” Eremae said.
He emphasised that a free, vibrant, and responsible media remains a vital pillar of democracy and society. Maka’a’s election comes as the association continues to play an important role in supporting journalists, promoting ethical reporting, and strengthening the media industry in Solomon Islands.
