27 Nov 2006

Journalists organisation in Samoa ends boycott of Tourism Authority events

5:47 am on 27 November 2006

The Journalists Association of Western Samoa Executive says it is ending its boycott of all events sponsored by the Samoa Tourism Authority.

This follows assurances given by the Minister of Tourism and Deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni, that his ministry will strive for improved relations with the media.

At a meeting with the Journalists Association, Misa expressed his regrets for any mistreatment of journalists by the authority.

The boycott was imposed a week ago after complaints from members over access to the recent Miss South Pacific and Miss Samoa pageants.

The Minister and the journalist's association have agreed to set up a working committee to look at ways to improve future relations between the two parties and to improve working conditions for journalists during STA events.