RAMSI congratulates Solomon Islands media

RAMSI congratulates Solomon Islands media

A strong and vibrant media industry in Solomon Islands is a key tool in the fight against corruption.

In an address to the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), RAMSI’s Acting Special Coordinator, Paul Ash, said the journalists and editors of Solomon Islands do a great job with very limited resources.

“Everything I have seen here in Solomon Islands gives me cause for optimism about the future of the media. The journalists and editors of Solomon Islands have proved resourceful and innovative in making do through troubled times,” Mr Ash said.

“They are also passionate about their work, and articulate supporters of good governance. RAMSI has supported the media in Solomon Islands because we recognise the contribution of the media to the demand for good governance.”

Mr Ash announced that RAMSI would be provide a roving training and mentoring adviser, available to any media outlets that wanted assistance. In addition, there were plans to assist with spectrum management, and extra training and support would be provided to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation.

Mr Ash urged Solomon Islands journalists to continue to ask questions and scrutinise their leaders and institutions including RAMSI.

“Scrutiny keeps us all honest. Scrutiny and balanced criticism helps us to improve the work we do. Scrutiny also exposes shady behaviour. It makes it difficult for people to operate outside established norms and legal frameworks. It makes them accountable.”

In post-conflict societies the media came under increased pressure – both because of the work it did, but also because the institutions in place to defend the freedom of the press might not be functioning properly.

“It’s natural that some people will be unhappy with the work you do – it comes with the job. It is important that journalists and editors are well-informed, objective, inquisitive, curious and suspicious of authority in whatever form,” Mr Ash said.

“People want to know what is happening in the fight against corruption. They want to see a light shone into the darkest corners of governance. They want this because they want the best for Solomon Islands.”

ENDS

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