Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has issued a public apology to journalists who were left waiting outside the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) during a recent signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Agreement with representatives from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC).
In addressing the issue, Rabuka recognized a significant lapse in communication regarding media access, noting that the Prime Minister’s Office had not been made aware of invitations extended to the press by the event organizers. He expressed regret for the oversight, stating, “We weren’t aware that you had been invited by those responsible for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the insurance, the catastrophe insurance people, and we apologize for that.”
Rabuka highlighted the necessity for better coordination regarding media presence at events involving the Prime Minister and other government officials, underscoring the need for official channels to manage invitations. He emphasized that improved communication with media representatives and relevant directors is essential in ensuring smooth operations during such gatherings.
In a concurrent response, Webmedia South Pacific, which was responsible for inviting the media on PCRIC’s behalf, also apologized formally. They clarified that the media had received notification of the event on short notice—less than 24 hours—which led to the misunderstanding about the established protocols between PCRIC and the OPM. The organization assured that the exclusion of journalists was not deliberate but rather an unfortunate administrative oversight.
Both Rabuka and Webmedia have committed to adhering to established protocols in the future, aiming to enhance communication and operational practices to prevent similar occurrences. This commitment signals an opportunity for improved collaboration between the government and media, fostering a more transparent and accountable environment in the reporting of significant events.