A three-day pandemic workshop aimed at improving news reporting and information sharing between the Government and the media opens Wednesday at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Sogi.

Nine media organizations Samoa Observer, Savali Newspaper, TV1, TV2, TV4, TV7, Radio 2AP, Radio Polynesia and Loabay will be represented at the COVID-19 Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (P.A.C.M.A.S.) Awareness Workshop.

“The awareness workshop brings together media editors, sub editors, journalists and heads of key stakeholders including the Government Communication Unit, Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Operations Center,” according to a statement from workshop organizers.

“To work together more effectively during a pandemic, and encourage positive interaction to strengthen Samoa’s media reporting and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The three-day workshop facilitators are media veterans Galumalemana Faiesea Lei Sam-Matafeo and Su’a Hesed Ieremia. 

The workshop is supported by the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme [P.A.C.M.A.S.], which strives to build the capacity of journalist and communication practitioners in the Pacific and is an Australian Aid project initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by ABC International Development. 

An opening prayer on Wednesday morning will be followed by remarks from the Australian High Commissioner, Sara Moriarty and the Minister of Health, Faimalo Kika Stowers who will deliver the keynote address.

Presenters on Wednesday include Director General of Health Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, the World Health Organization [W.H.O.] and P.A.C.M.A.S.

Agafili Shem Leo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet and National Emergency and Operations Center [N.E.O.C.] Chairman Ulu Bismarck Crawley are among  Thursday’s scheduled speakers. 

A presentation by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology [M.C.I.T.] will address “COVID-19 and Social Media Fake News” on Friday morning.

Journalist Association of Western Samoa [J.A.W.S.] President Rudy Bartley will present on the Media Code of Ethics and the M.C.I.T. Minister Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i will deliver the keynote address on Friday afternoon.

The event will culminate with the presentation of certificates to the media organisation representatives who complete the three-day workshop.