Remembering Pacific Journalism Titan Peter Lomas

Matai Akauola, Former journalist

“First and foremost, I believe Peter is in a better place today. See you in eternity Peter.

“As I put pen to paper, tears swell in my eyes as I recount how straight out of school I was recruited as a Fiji Sun Cadet Reporter in 1981.

“One night I was with my friends in Edenville, Toorak, when veteran journalist Jale Moala arrived and said that Peter Lomas wanted to interview me.

“My elder brother Maika Cama, a journalist himself and a friend of Peter, helped set up the Fiji Sun at Mark Street in the heart of Suva.

“This office is beside the old Century theatre that is now Rups. My brother died in an accident in 1987.

“Fast track to 1981, Jale repeated what Peter said and I quote, ‘If he’s half as good as Maika, he’s good.’ The interview was at 8pm at the old Lami Fiji Sun office; my job was to cover a sports match at Nausori Primary School at 2pm the next day. Like they say the rest is history.

“I can proudly say that I was the first of a lot of young journalists to be trained by Peter. Our Fiji Sun Sports team comprised: Harris Choy, Jale Moala, Isimeli Koroi, Laisa Taga, Jiope Balawanilotu and Kameli Rakoko.

“Peter was so dedicated to his work and you know when he’s happy or not happy with your article. He’ll just take his gauge and tap on the glass window with raised eyebrows and head nodding signalling for you to go into his office. Isa, there’s so many good old stories to reminisce about.

“Peter was always a father figure to me and a go-to person whenever I’m stuck. In the last couple of years I’ve seen that he had slowed down, probably because of age.

“He was thankful for our involvement in coaching his daughter Losalini and son-in-law Josua in preparation for marriage a couple of years ago.

“And a week ago we were told that he was in hospital, so we just could lift him up in prayer. Isa, Peter thank you so much. I hope I speak for the hundreds of journalists you’ve impacted not only in Fiji but throughout the Pacific region and beyond.

"Vinaka Vakalevu Peter, we’ll try our best to keep your legacy alive for generations to come.

Moce Peter.”

Lisa Williams Lahari, Public Affairs Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat

“I received the news of the passing of Peter Lomas with deep sadness. My tears come with much appreciation for his work in the founding days of Pacific media regionalism.

“Peter, and his late beloved Nina,

were both key figures in the early days of the Pacific Islands News Association, PIBA, which was a broadcasters grouping that eventually merged back into PINA, and PacNEWS, the regional news bulletin which continues to this day.

“They were both instrumental in my own mid-80’s journey into journalism and without their mentorship and support, I would not have the convictions and sense of regional solidarity that infuse my own learning around the power of Pacific unity applied to our island newsrooms around the region.

“Through Peter and the PINA family he and Nina served so well, we were able to grow our unique media led version of leadership with a fierce push for the Pacific Way, Pacific regionalism, and Pacific voices working as one.

“I know for certain that there are many like me across the region who respect that influence and support from Peter and Nina.

“They were very much the power couple of Pacific media for more than 20 years. I was only one of many who were able to thrive and grow within the support and mentorship and opportunities they hustled into life.

“The test of maturity is when those you have mentored and helped along the way are able to hold and argue their positions on media standards and development, and you walk away feeling enriched, tested and stronger.

“Meitaki ma’ata, vinaka vakalevu Peter, and thank you for enabling and being part of my journey. You helped grow a Pacific able to share, own and frame our own stories, for our lived narratives.

“We didn’t always agree, but that was never the point. On the issues that define our region, our egos should not get in the way of common unity for the things that matter. And you definitely showed us how media matters.

“You spent time in newsrooms across the region developing editors in their spaces and living as a local. In many ways I still see your influence across those newsrooms.

“Your footprint remains, affirming your journey. Your stories will continue to live on through your influence and teaching, and I will ever be thankful for your support and guidance.

“Rest easy, you are reunited with your beloved. I will miss your feedback and insight, always gently and humbly rendered.

“With condolences and love to your family at the Sun, and your beautiful Talei and Losalini and families.”

Ajay Bhai Amrit, The People’s Alliance Party Founding Member

“We remember a colleague of mine Peter Lomas who was the Publisher of the Fiji Sun and as some of you will know he passed away on Wednesday. I worked with him for seven and a half years at the Fiji Sun and during that time my area was Sports it was entertainment and international news.

“In that seven and a half years I spent there covering each and every week a full page article. I never had a problem with him. Regardless of whatever paper you work for we should always be objective and be very balanced in our reporting. From my side I’d like to stand up and give a one minute silence for Peter. As far as I’m concerned he was a very good man.”