30/10/2025
The Journalists Association of (W) Samoa (JAWS) has officially launched its new office at the ABM Building in Saleufi today.
This milestone was made possible by funding from the Australian Government through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), allowing JAWS to secure an office, essential equipment, and cover the salary of an office administrator.
Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Will Robinson, expressed condolences to the Samoa media on the passing of former JAWS President, Rudy Bartley.
“Though I didn’t know Mr. Bartley personally, I’ve learned of his impactful contributions to Samoa’s media and his collaboration with PACMAS,” he said. “His legacy will continue to inspire.”
Mr. Robinson congratulated the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) on the opening of its new headquarters, calling it a vital space for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.
He emphasised its role in strengthening free and independent press, made possible through the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).
“Australia’s partnership with Pacific media is longstanding. PACMAS supports training and professional development to build a diverse, resilient media sector. In Samoa, we’ve tailored support around CHOGM and the upcoming election,” he said.
“Being a watchdog requires courage and integrity. Journalists play a crucial role in holding governments accountable, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting transparency. Australia reaffirms its support for Samoa’s journalists and their right to report freely.”
Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo-Ale said the heart of a nation lies in its ethics.
“O tala ma fa’aupuga, e fausia ai se aiga, se nu’u ma se atunu’u — words and truth build a nation,” she said.
“Truth — held with integrity — sustains a nation,” said Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Molioo-Ale. “Every society is measured not only by its power, but by its principles.”
She emphasised the importance of ethical journalism, noting that “good journalism is not defined by the number of readers, but by the weight of its integrity.”
Ethics, she said, “is not the shadow of journalism; it is its spine.”
The media, she added, must serve as both “a mirror and a protector” — reflecting the nation’s character while shielding truth from distortion. “In the stories you tell about women and children, you shape how Samoa sees its soul.”
She warned against sensationalism: “A victim’s story is not a headline to exploit — it is a call to compassion.”
When truth is twisted, “trust is the first to break.”
“Journalism at its best is not merely about what is seen, but about what helps our people to see more clearly,” she concluded.
“Behind every story is a person, a family, a truth — and how we tell that story determines whether we build or break.
“On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Journalist Association of Samoa. May this new home be a sanctuary of courage, conscience, and compassion.”
JAWS President, Lagi Keresoma acknowledged the Australian Government for their vital support in advancing Samoa’s media sector through training, conferences, and now, a long-awaited office.
She described the new headquarters as “a dream passed down through generations of JAWS Presidents and Executives,” thanking former Presidents Apulu Lance Polu and Galumalemana Tipi Autagavaia present at the event “for their tireless lobbying.”
She reflected on the association’s journey, noting past offices at “Feiloaimauso Hall, a UN-funded lease at Sanalele in 2017, and a brief tenure at Maota o Tina.”
“With guidance from PACMAS local representative Gardenia Morrison,” she said, “the current Executive prioritized securing a permanent office.”
Ms. Keresoma also acknowledged “landlord Muagututagata Peter Ah Him and Sala Ana for their patience and support during the process.”
“Plans to formulate a strategic plan for the association with the help of our consultant is underway,” she added, “to help shape the media’s vision for the future.”
She also acknowledged all current and previous donor partners such British High Commission to Samoa, UNESCO, UNDP, UN Women.
Vice President of JAWS, Seiuli Francis Vaigalepa said this milestone reflects the association’s passion for journalism and commitment to promoting excellence in media reporting.
"I would like to acknowledge our former JAWS members Ganasavea Manuia and former secretary, Galumalemana Ronna Lee, who played a key role in making our dream office a reality. She has since moved on to pursue a higher calling at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji."
Seiuli also thanked members of the for their unwavering commitment to shaping a stronger future for Samoa’s media landscape.
The event was attended by representatives from the diplomatic core, UNESCO, UN Women, UNDP, and local partners such as the Office of the Electoral Commission, Ombudsman, SUNGO.
JAWS has over 20 members, including media outlets across Samoa, and has been established for 50 years.
