The objective of the training was to equip parliamentary officers with plans for effective media relations, enabling them to communicate clearly and accurately with the media on the activities of parliament.

The focused workshop would also help parliament officials sharpen their skills in media handling, ensuring professional, clear and timely communication with the public and media.

British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Robert Turner said:

A vibrant media is a sign of a healthy society – a society that is at ease with itself; that can investigate and report on all kinds of stories; one that can both challenge and reflect on matters in the political arena. “The press is there to serve the governed, not the governors.” – the words of the US senator Hugo Black some 50 years ago. He was right.

Our job in this workshop is to equip and prepare you as Parliamentary officials to be able to flourish in such an environment – to manage the flow of information and sharpen your skills in interacting with the media and ultimately with the public.

Clerk to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Jefferson Hallu said:

Parliamentary activities are of public interest, and it is appropriate that people know what the government is doing or decide in their interest.

Supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and BBC Media Action programmes in Solomon Islands, the workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis conducted in 2023 when WFD began its work in the country.

WFD Country Director for Solomon Islands, Vatina Devesi said:

The workshop stemmed from a political economic analysis we conducted back in 2023 which identified gaps in our system, one of which is misinformation and disinformation. However, WFD is not here to recommend any system or practices for Solomon Islands but takes a participant-based approach in working with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands who is taking the lead in implementing activities.

Westminster Foundation for Democracy is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world. BBC Media Action on the other hand is the BBC’s international charity that use media and communication to help deliver stronger democracies, a safer, more habitable planet and inclusive societies.