Goodbye Jone Salusalu. We loved your work!

Jone Mary Salusalu, a talented young journalist whose work left a distinct imprint on Fiji’s media landscape, was laid to rest in Labasa this morning.

He passed away at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital last Friday at the age of 24 after a short illness.

Originally from Dogoru, Wailevu in Macuata with maternal links to Nasuva, Seaqaqa, Jone began his journalism career at the Fiji Sun, where he worked from 2022 until March 2025 and became known for his strong political reporting.

In 2024, during the Fiji Sun’s 25th Anniversary, he was awarded the Rising Star in Journalism Award.

In March 2025, he joined the Social Empowerment and Education Programme (SEEP) as a communications officer, where his professionalism, creativity, and passion for storytelling helped elevate the organisation’s public voice across social and mainstream media.

Below is a tribute by former Fiji Sun chief subeditor, Ranoba Baoa.

Impact. That’s the word to describe Jone Mary Salusalu. Wherever he went, he made an impact.

He brought light and life into the Fiji Sun newsroom, especially on the subs desk, where tired editors often felt they had had enough of editing and layout.

Even after clocking in before 8am and out at midnight, Jone maintained the same magnetic and cheerful energy he had at the start of the day.

One late night at the subs desk, Jone’s impact shone brightest. Remember the FRU saga that the Fiji Sun uncovered? Jone was among the few trainee reporters helping piece the story together, even though he was completing just a six-week practical.

Whether he stayed back for the “after-work programme” or simply eager to learn, he worked with senior journalists to verify comments and documents that “had fallen out of a truck.” That night, and many others like it, showed Jone had what it took to become a journalist.

Always on his toes and sometimes in high heels or other striking footwear, he pulled off his style effortlessly. Always dressed to the nines, he knew what questions to ask and how to handle even the most stubborn interviewees.

He had a refreshing thirst for knowledge. Ask about his stories or a breaking event, and he could tell you who he spoke to and what he was working on. Even if he was out socialising or unreachable, he made prior arrangements to ensure the press was never kept waiting.

As a result, there was never a story he wrote that didn’t cross the ‘t’ or dot the ‘i’. Jone understood his responsibility to his readers, and it showed in his writing. His enthusiasm and passion left a lasting contribution to journalism that matters.

“Love your work” was a phrase he often told himself after breaking a story. It is a fitting tribute for someone who touched so many lives and left a void with his untimely passing.

Life is fleeting, and we are all visitors here. Goodbye, Jone. Rest easy, gentle butterfly. Your work is done, and we loved it.