The Journalists Association of Western Samoa (J.A.W.S.) has elected veteran news reporter Lagi Keresoma of Talamua Online Media as their first woman President. 

Ms. Keresoma was voted in as the new president during an election held at the conclusion of a J.A.W.S. meeting on Friday night at the Elisa Hotel Conference Room in Sogi.

She was nominated by freelance journalist and veteran in Samoa’s media industry, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia. He told J.A.W.S. members Ms. Keresoma is the first woman president of the association for news media practitioners.

Keresoma told the Samoa Observer that she plans to continue the work of the outgoing J.A.W.S. President Rudy Bartley (WTMedia) and his executives.

“[What] I hope to accomplish – like any other new executive – is to continue the work left behind by the previous executive and strive to do what needs to be done in the interests of the organisation and its members,” she said during an Observer interview.

There are number of issues Ms. Keresoma seeks to tackle, but the primary focus is the development of J.A.W.S.

“There is not just one or two pressing issues faced by any executive past or present, there are heaps. But I believe the development of the organisation through her members is of utmost importance,” she said.

“The executive’s job is to be there, to listen and work with her members in achieving what’s best for the organisation and members, and addressing any pressing issues.”

Journalists are not well liked and are underappreciated, notes Ms. Keresoma.

She says J.A.W.S. will work to protect and strengthen the rights of journalists, to push for press freedom and encourage professionalism.

“Journalists are not very much liked and their work is not much appreciated by many, and this is where the organisation comes in – to protect and strengthen the rights of journalists, freedom and to encourage professionalism,” said Ms. Keresoma.

“I feel humbled by the appointment, but happy because I’m not alone. I have the Executive and J.A.W.S. members as a team and I believe together we can accomplish much. I acknowledge the outgoing executive for the fine work done during their tenure. And also on behalf of the new executive, I acknowledge the trust bestowed upon us by J.A.W.S. members to lead the organisation for now.” 

The newly elected J.A.W.S. leadership is as follows: President is Lagi Keresoma (Talamua Media); Secretary is Lanuola Tusani Tupufia Ah Tong (Samoa Observer Newspaper) and Treasurer is Leilua Ame Sene (Radio Polynesia).

Executive Members are:  Hannah Silavaa Anae Gago (Loabay Media); Asenati Taugasolo Semu (Savali Newspaper) and Taulealeausumai Sioeli Alofaifo (TV1).

Among their first tasks is to select a deputy president, a deputy secretary and a deputy treasurer.