National Media Association JAWS Opens New Office

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, Samoa – 30 October 2025: The national media association of Samoa, JAWS, officially opened its new office at the Apia Business Machines Building at Saleufi today marking a new chapter in the organization’s mission to support and empower local media practitioners.

Delivering the keynote address was Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson who acknowledged the difficulties faced by the media profession and is also happy that Australia had conducted advanced media training ahead of the recent general election.

The new office is funded by Australia’s Pacific Media Initiative – PACMAS as well as media initiatives in support of the local media through JAWS.

Robinson acknowledged that the media is one of the vital pillars of any democratic country and its environment must have democratic values such as truth, trust, transparency and respect.

“Being a watchdog in any society is not an easy task, it requires courage, intervention and persistence,” he said.

The Australian High Commissioner, Will Robinson, Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo with members of the diplomatic corps and media representatives at the JAWS office opening this morning.

Representing the Samoan Government, the Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officiate the opening. Prior to that, she gave a strong presentation on media ethical obligations, values and responsibilities.

“We are here today not just to open an office but to reaffirm standards that good journalism is not defined by the number of readers, but by the weight of its integrity,” she said.

She highlighted the role of ethical media and how it benefits the public by fostering trust and accountability.

“As we open this office today, may it remind us that journalism at its best is not merely about what is seen, but about what it helps our people to see more clearly.

“Behind every story is a person, a family, a truth —and how we tell that story determines whether we build or break.”

JAWS President Lagi Keresoma said today’s event is indeed a milestone in its long journey and not the first time JAWS has had an office.

The JAWS Executive with PACMAS representative, Gardenia Elisaia Morrison.

JAWS journey
The dream for an office was passed down from Executives to Executives but was not realised because of the lack of financial support.

In the early 1990’s, JAWS had an office at the Feiloaimauso Hall but lost it when the hall was demolished for new development.

JAWS started having meetings at restaurants, hotel lobbys sometimes at an executive members office if available.

It became the norm for JAWS meetings until 2017 when the UN stepped in and funded a 6 months lease agreement with JAWS and the owner of the Sanalele complex at Saleufi.

It ended after 6 months and it was back to either a restaurant or hotel lobby.

In 2023, the then Executive secured a space at the Fono Aoao a Tina building at Matafele, but had to let go.

Last year, the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) representative Gardenia Elisaia Morrison informed JAWS Executive of available funds that will help fund an office and so began a trail of communication between the parties which resulted in the opening of its new office at Saleufi.

JAWS is the Samoa National Media body and having an office will strengthen its role in supporting the media sector.