Praise for a pioneer
March 11, 2025 9:53 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
The Vanuatu media industry is mourning the loss of one of its most fearless pioneers, Marc Neil-Jones, the founder of the Vanuatu Daily Post.
Neil-Jones passed away on Monday at Vila Central Hospital (VCH), leaving behind a legacy of press freedom and journalistic courage that transformed the media landscape in Vanuatu.
At midday yesterday, staff from the Daily Post gathered to pay their respects to the man who built the publication into a bastion of independent journalism.
The loss of Neil-Jones is deeply felt, not only by his family but also by the wider media community in Vanuatu.
Former Daily Post Editor, now the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kiery Manassah reflected on the indelible impact Neil-Jones had on journalism in the country.
“I am grateful to Marc for giving me the opportunity to put my journalism qualifications into real practice,’’ he said.
“That was during an era when media freedom was a rarity. He stood up for what he believed in – speaking truth to power. Marc gave many of us the courage to go out and ask the hard questions. I was there when he was assaulted, deported twice, and even jailed. That kind of courage is rare today.”
Neil-Jones was a journalist who refused to back down, even in the face of physical attacks, deportations and legal battles.
His fearless reporting came at a time when press freedom in the country was fragile, and he played a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s democratic values through an open and accountable media.
President of the Media Association Vanuatu (MAV), Lillyrose Welwel, also paid tribute to Neil-Jones, recognizing his efforts in establishing the MAV and shaping the role of media in the country.
“He is a pioneer of press freedom in Vanuatu. Even though he was threatened and assaulted, he continued his work, highlighting the importance of media in a democratic country like Vanuatu,” she said.
“When we look back on the journey of the media industry in Vanuatu, we see many challenges – journalists being assaulted, intimidated by police, and their equipment destroyed by politicians. At that time, it was rare for the government to respond. Today, the media plays a crucial role in providing information, and people are more open to speaking with journalists because they understand the importance of our work.”
Welwel said Neil-Jones’ legacy is one that should not be forgotten.
“If it weren’t for people like Marc and other pioneers of the Media Association back then, we would not have the level of press freedom we enjoy today. He fought for our right to practice journalism, and we must continue his work,” she said.
“We will continue to uphold the principles that Marc stood for – truth, justice, and accountability,” MAV President Welwel affirmed.
“He left a scar in the media landscape, but his legacy will inspire us to keep fighting for press freedom. His work must not be forgotten.”
Neil-Jones was not only instrumental in establishing the Daily Post as an independent media outlet but also in setting the foundation for journalistic integrity in Vanuatu. His influence extended beyond reporting; he trained and mentored many young journalists who now carry forward his vision of fearless journalism.
As the media industry in Vanuatu comes to terms with the loss of a leader, the Daily Post has vowed to honor Neil-Jones by continuing his legacy of investigative journalism and fearless reporting.
His story will continue to serve as a beacon of journalistic excellence, reminding journalists of their vital role in holding power to account.
The Daily Post, the MAV, and the wider media community extend their deepest sympathies to Jennifer Neil-Jones and the Neil-Jones family.
Marc’s contributions to journalism in Vanuatu will not be forgotten, and his legacy will endure in every story told fearlessly in the name of truth.
