Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
SAPT编辑者会见新西兰高级专员
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Yesterday, Jake Sanders, Editor of the Solomon Islands’ SAPT, and staff writer Richard Sanders met with Jonathan Schwass, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands who is also a former journalist. Schwass has commended on the vital role of journalists, characterizing journalism as a “noble calling” essential to society and expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by media professionals in their pursuit of truth and accountability. “I can guess that those of you who went into journalism did so not to make a lot of money, but to tell the truth and create a better society,” he reflected. He acknowledged the myriad challenges journalists face, admitting, “Sometimes the objectives are hard to reach, or stories don’t work out as planned. We’ve all made mistakes.”
Drawing from his own extensive experience at Radio New Zealand, Schwass has said “I know you will not be easily discouraged. Tomorrow, you will be back to try again, because you are professionals in a very old and noble calling.” Schwass has also highlighted his support for the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), which is focused on “Celebrating the Strength and Spirit of Solomon Islands Media.” He recognized the resilience of local journalists who navigate limited resources and political pressures in their quest for quality reporting. As active members of MASI, SAPT staff play a crucial role in this mission, with one member serving on the board of directors.
Australia recently announced a new initiative, the Solomon Islands – Australia Media Sector Partnership (SIAMSP), which pledges SBD$11 million over four years to foster a free and vibrant media sector in the Solomon Islands. The initiative aims to support journalists through training and exchange visits, reflecting Australia’s ambition to be a leading partner in security and media matters in the region.
In contrast, New Zealand maintains a neutral stance, focusing on assisting the Solomon Islands without interfering in internal affairs. Schwass echoed this sentiment, emphasizing New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ media landscape in a respectful manner.
MASI underscores the essential role of media in shaping the cultural identity and community spirit of the Solomon Islands. By promoting quality journalism across various platforms—print, radio, TV, and online—MASI aims to inspire local media practitioners and acknowledge their contributions.
Jonathan Schwass, who has previously held significant diplomatic positions, including High Commissioner in Vanuatu and Ambassador to Timor-Leste, is nearing the end of his term in Honiara and is set to return to New Zealand later this year. His insights and encouragement serve as a reminder of the importance of journalism in fostering a just and informed society.
霍尼亚拉，所罗门群岛——昨天，所罗门群岛《SAPT》编辑杰克·桑德斯和工作人员理查德·桑德斯会见了新西兰驻所罗门群岛高级专员乔纳森·施瓦斯，他也是一名前记者。施瓦斯赞扬了记者的重要作用，将新闻事业形容为对社会至关重要的“高尚职业”，并对媒体工作者在追求真相和问责制方面表现出的奉献精神表示感谢。他反思道：“我可以猜测，进入新闻行业的你们并不是为了赚很多钱，而是为了讲真话，创造一个更好的社会。”他承认记者面临的各种挑战，并表示：“有时目标很难实现，或者故事并没有按计划发展。我们都有过犯错的时候。”
施瓦斯结合自己在新西兰广播电台的丰富经验表示：“我知道你们不会轻易灰心。明天你们会重新尝试，因为你们是这个古老而高尚职业的专业人士。”施瓦斯还强调了对所罗门群岛媒体协会（MASI）的支持，该协会专注于“庆祝所罗门群岛媒体的力量与精神”。他认可了当地记者在资源有限和政治压力下追求优质报道的韧性。作为MASI的活跃成员，SAPT的工作人员在这一使命中发挥着至关重要的作用，其中一名成员担任董事会成员。
澳大利亚最近宣布了一项新倡议——所罗门群岛-澳大利亚媒体部门伙伴关系（SIAMSP），承诺在四年内提供1100万所罗门元，以促进所罗门群岛自由活跃的媒体部门。该倡议旨在通过培训和交流访问支持记者，反映了澳大利亚在区域安全和媒体事务中成为主要合作伙伴的雄心。
相比之下，新西兰保持中立立场，专注于在不干涉内政的情况下协助所罗门群岛。施瓦斯重申了这一观点，强调新西兰致力于以尊重的方式支持所罗门群岛的媒体环境。
此次活动强调了媒体在塑造所罗门群岛文化认同和社区精神方面的基本作用。通过在印刷、广播、电视和在线等多个平台上推广优质新闻，MASI旨在激励当地媒体从业者，并承认他们的贡献。
乔纳森·施瓦斯曾担任过重要外交职务，包括瓦努阿图高级专员和东帝汶大使，他在霍尼亚拉的任期即将结束，计划在今年晚些时候返回新西兰。他的见解和鼓励提醒我们，新闻事业在促进公正和知情社会方面的重要性。
