“Media is part of democracy,” Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said on Monday at the opening of the World Press Freedom Day and Journalists Association of Samoa’s (JAWS) 50th anniversary celebration.
He made the remarks before joining Australian High Commissioner to Samoa Will Robinson to cut the ribbon and officially launch the JAWS Strategy Plan 2026-2031.
Speaking towards the end of the event, Laaulialemalietoa acknowledged the media's role in Samoa’s democracy.
“Media is part of democracy, and you have a role to play,” he said.
He also said he did not "have much to say" and that the “comprehensive speeches” delivered earlier in the programme had highlighted the importance of World Press Freedom Day and the work of journalists.
