One of few women in Pacific who commanded respect of many

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI
SUVA
Regional journalists yesterday paid tribute to the late Laisa Taga, saying her legacy was something to aspire to.
Former manager of Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), Matai Akauola, now the director of Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA), told more than 300 mourners at a church service before her cremation in Nasinu, that members remembered her as a “great mentor.”
Ms Taga was editor in chief of Islands Business magazine group before her death.
“She was one of the few women in the Pacific who commanded the respect of many leaders and governments around the region even though they did not always agree with her viewpoint,” Mr Akauola said.
“Laisa was well known for her sometimes ‘fiery and thought-provoking’ opinion pieces in the magazine, especially her ‘Letter from Suva’ column that forced policy changes in some governments.
“PINA president, Moses Stevens, and the executive board members and the PINA Secretariat salute you Laisa for your unwavering support to PINA over the years, supporting our efforts to rebuild the regional media body.
“It is our prayer that your son, Aisake Tarogi, and all your loved ones will find comfort in the fact that you have served, mentored and trained hundreds of young journalists in the Pacific. This is the legacy you have left with us, something that we, your Fijian and regional media family, will aspire to.”

Messages from PINA members
and friends!
“Laisa was a remarkable journalist and editor. She led and influenced through deeds, rather than talking. She made a true difference in many lives. But one of her most enduring legacies is showing the way for the women who are editors and news executives today … Fiji Sun Publisher Peter Lomas who first recruited Ms Taga into journalism in the late 1970s.
“Laisa was a great mentor, who encouraged us, made us laugh and aim higher in our work. I will always remember her guidance and am comforted by the thought that this is her legacy … Anouk Ride from Solomon Islands
“Laisa had a deliciously wicked sense of humour and a complete disdain for pretense of any sort. Her passing is a great loss for anyone who had the good fortune to be inspired by her humanity. A very sad loss indeed for the Pacific media fraternity … Steve Menzies, the Pasifika Collective
“Laisa was highly intelligent, kindhearted, had a wicked sense of humour and was always willing to help. Her passion for the Pacific, journalism and Fiji will be sorely missed across the region … Sophie Foster, The Courier Mail, Brisbane
“Laisa was a good friend and a mentor. We worked together on stories for the Solomon Airlines in-flight magazine in the last few years and I am so sad indeed to hear of her passing. May God comfort her families and friends in Fiji, around the region and abroad during this difficult time … Julian Maka’a, Solomon Islands.
“Laisa was a fine journalist and a thoughtful, caring person who commanded respect … Johny Blades, Radio New Zealand International
“My dear Laisa Taga, “This is how I will always remember you. You were clothed in strength and dignity and you laughed without fear of the future … Eva Arni, Papua New Guinea
“So sorry to hear of Laisa’s passing. Our condolences and sympathies for the family from NBC & PNG Media Council … Janet Kwalahu, PNG.
“Please also convey to the family my sincere condolences on behalf of Niue’s small media family … Michael Jackson, Niue (PINA Vice President).
“I am saddened by the loss of a great Pacific journalist. Laisa and Makereta of PACNEWS introduced me to the media in Fiji and the region when I got posted to Fiji. I have always valued their friendship and shared honest and forthright discussions with them on issues that affect the Pacific region. Rest in Peace Laisa! … Peter Eafeare, Former PNG High Commissioner to Fiji.
“Please convey my condolences to the bereaving family and MIDA’s gratitude to Ms. Taga for her contributions in building a strong media in Fiji … Ashwin Raj, MIDA chairman
“My Tauvu Laisa is an inspirational leader, a mentor and a true friend…We will miss you at PACNEWS…we always discuss national and regional issues for Islands Business magazine. Your demise is a big blow to the media fraternity in Fiji and the region. May you rest in Peace my dear colleague and a friend” … Pita Ligaiula, PACNEWS Journalist
“I spent a month with Laisa at the New Zealand School of Broadcasting and got to know her really well; she was forthright, very genuine, and the mentor I needed at the time; that was the beginning of a long friendship both professionally and personally. I will miss you my friend but I know you are resting in a better place … Inoke Bainimarama.
“You were a great mentor and a friend. You were a shoulder to lean on my bad days, you were my sounding board when I needed a second opinion, you were the listening ear when I wanted to vent and caring friend when I just needed to talk … Makereta Komai, Editor PACNEWS
nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj