PNG Journalist Neville Choi elected New PINA President

A NEW leadership team is set to guide the Pacific Islands News Association, with Papua New Guinea Media Council president Neville Choi elected to head the regional media organisation.

Choi secured the presidency at the PINA annual general meeting in Savusavu on Friday after outgoing president Kalafi Moala chose to withdraw from the contest. Solomon Islands journalist Lisa Osifelo was elected vice president.

PNG Media Council President and newly elected President of the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) Neville Choi. Picturesupplied.

The leadership change places a Papua New Guinean journalist at the centre of PINA’s next term, with Papua New Guinea preparing to host the Pacific Media Summit in 2028.

Moala told the AGM that he had decided against seeking another term after members nominated him again.

“I just want to say that I withdraw. Thank you for the nomination. Thank you for your support. But I withdraw,” he said.

“Let’s just have our next President.”

The veteran Tongan journalist said Choi was well placed to lead the organisation during its next stage, particularly with PINA activities expected to focus on Papua New Guinea.

“We’re going to Papua New Guinea. And all the changes that we want to happen is this one guy that can really do it,” Moala said.

Before handing over the presidency, Moala thanked members and the PINA secretariat and board for working with him throughout his term.

He singled out Makereta Komau and the secretary for their support and leadership.

“It’s been a tremendous journey and I’ve worked very closely,” he said.

Moala then turned to the newly elected board members, joking about the financial rewards awaiting them.

“For those of you new members on the board, one thing I was assured, they’re going to increase your salary,” he said.

“They’re going to add on two more zeros to the pay that you’ve been getting.”

In accepting the position, Choi acknowledged Moala’s contribution to PINA and the wider Pacific media fraternity.

“Kalafi, since Niue, I think we’ve all seen what you are and who you are. And you’ve just been yourself,” he said.

Choi said Moala had helped reconnect Pacific journalists with the region’s cultural and geographical identity.

“You’ve been authentic. You’ve been visionary, but you’ve also tied us to our roots,” he said.

“You’ve brought us back to our land, our sea, our mountains.”

He said the outgoing president’s messages about Pacific unity would remain important during his own term.

“You always have a tale about all these things that continue to remind us that we are from one island and one nation, which is the Pacific,” Choi said.

“The oceans may be wide, but it’s what connects us.”

Choi thanked the association for entrusting him with the presidency and recognised the knowledge gained during his time on the board.

“I truly, truly value all the experience that you have given me and the board,” he said.

He also asked Moala to continue contributing to PINA as the organisation prepares for its next chapter.

 

PACNEWS/PNG TODAY