UK and BBC donate high-tech equipment to Daily Post
May 15, 2025 9:52 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
The British High Commission in Vanuatu, in partnership with the BBC, yesterday donated advanced media equipment to Vanuatu Trading Post Limited.
The donation, which includes an Apple Mac Studio M4 Max desktop computer and a ViewSonic VA2708 Series monitor, was made possible through a grant agreement between BBC Media Action and the Media Association of Vanuatu (MAV). The initiative forms part of a wider post-earthquake media support package to assist media houses affected by the December 17, 2024 earthquake.
British Deputy High Commissioner Michael Head paid tribute to the late Marc Neil-Jones, the English-born Vanuatuan journalist and press freedom campaigner who founded the Daily Post. Widely regarded as one of the Pacific’s most significant journalistic figures, Neil-Jones endured multiple assaults, deportation, and imprisonment for his unwavering commitment to press freedom in Vanuatu.
“I wanted to say condolences on the loss of Marc. I’d like to think that he would appreciate this connection with the UK and BBC—I am sure he would,” said Head. “My Commissioner attended his funeral, and this donation is a continuation of our relationship and his legacy.”
Head praised the Daily Post’s ongoing commitment to public service journalism, particularly its coverage during and after the December 2024 earthquake.
“You break all the major stories. You have a great sense of responsibility, being the only daily newspaper,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with your response to the earthquake—keeping morale high and people informed is crucial. I’m really glad this equipment will help you continue that vital work.”
According to MAV, the grant from BBC Media Action provides direct financial and material support to multiple media outlets across Vanuatu that were affected by the earthquake. This support includes not only newsroom equipment but also assistance for social media communications, journalist training and mentoring, and the development of lifeline programming to ensure the public continues to receive critical information during emergencies.
Gene Wong, Managing Director of Vanuatu Trading Post Ltd, welcomed the donation and acknowledged the importance of external support for sustaining independent journalism.
“We can’t thank you enough. All the aid donors have been very supportive,” Wong said. “If you look at today’s front page, on the commutation of prisoners, you’ll see what we’ve been able to achieve. Your assistance will help us continue to inform the public.”
The handover represents a continuing partnership between the UK, the BBC, MAV, and Vanuatu’s media community, built on a shared commitment to freedom of expression, resilience, and high journalistic standards and values.
