Fine Mat Creative

The past two months have been filled with back-to-back events, projects and deadlines, culminating in the celebrations marking Samoa's 64th Independence Anniversary.

But its back to business this week and it was a pleasure to finally meet the new British High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Andrew Nethercott alongside British High Commission Counsellor Josh Kemp and Programme Manager Margaret Seruvatu.

As BBC Media Action's Samoa Coordinator, I had the privilege of coordinating a series of visits with our media partners and BBC Media Action capacity-building alumni. During their visit, the delegation met with the President and Executive of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS), aswell as the Editor and Publisher of the Samoa Observer.

These meetings provided an opportunity for the British High Commission delegation to hear first-hand about the impact of BBC Media Action's initiatives in Samoa, while also gaining valuable insights into the successes, challenges and evolving landscape of the local media industry.

What does it mean to be a woman working in media in Samoa today? how do we build safer, stronger and more supportive spaces for the next generation?

Join respected journalists, broadcasters, communications professionals and media allies for Strengthening Women in Media Samoa: From Dialogue to Action as part of World Press Freedom Week 2026 and the JAWS 50th Anniversary celebrations.

The event will explore leadership, mentorship, digital safety, TFGBV, newsroom pressures and the future of support systems for women in media in Samoa.

📅 Thursday, 21 May 2026
🕘 9:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Conference Hall, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia

Facilitated by BBC Media Action in collaboration with Journalists Association of W Samoa - JAWS UK in Samoa BBC Media Action TV1 SAMOA MerMada Pacific

Last year we helped develop and facilitate the Lalaga Auala: Weaving Pathways to Cultural Innovation, Wellbeing & Enterprise workshops held in Asau, Savaii. We are so proud to find out that some of the participants of the Relaxing Massage training from Se’eti Beach Fales in Falealupo are now offering this service not only to supplement their income but also to improve their customer experience and enhance the wellbeing of their families - malo lava Elenoa and team!

At Se'eti Beach Fales in Falealupo, Elenoa Fanoga Sefo is proving that innovation, wellness, and growth can thrive even at the edge of the island.

It’s a story about resilience, rebuilding, and the fierce determination behind one of Samoa’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Read the full story, link in the comments.

New Zealand High Commission in Samoa Savaii Samoa Tourism Association

This week I had the privilege of representing Samoa at the BBC Media Action Pacific Regional Workshop, alongside country project coordinators from Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea.

We came together to review our work and reflect on impact, challenge our approaches, and refine how we deliver across the region.

At the core of BBC Media Action’s work is a simple belief that trusted media, accurate information, and meaningful communication can improve lives.

In the Pacific, that looks like strengthening local media so communities can access reliable information, lifting voices that are often unheard, and supporting journalists and content creators to inform, engage, and empower their audiences.

Our role goes beyond content. It’s about building systems, nurturing trust, and ensuring that communication serves the public good - especially in a region where storytelling, culture, and community are deeply intertwined.

Grateful to be part of a regional network committed to strengthening media in ways that are not only strategic, but human.

The work continues — one story, one partnership, one community at a time.

Every now and then, I return to writing — when something feels too good not to be told.

A world-class dining experience, right here in Samoa.

Full story at Samoa Lifestyle Magazine. Link in comments.

March flew by — but this moment mattered. 🌺

I had the privilege of co-organising Samoa’s IWD 2026 session on behalf of BBC Media Action with UN Women, and the UK in Samoa British High Commission, focusing on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV).

We brought together women across media to share, reflect and connect — and to start important conversations about navigating digital spaces safely.

Hearing from former BBC Journalist, Anne Reevel, and Fiji Sun Editor/Acting Publisher/Women in Media Fiji Co-founder, Rosi Tamani-Doviverata was a powerful reminder that strong networks for women in media are built with intention.

✨ Safe spaces
✨ Stronger voices
✨ Collective support

More to come.

🌺 Women in Media – Let’s Talk. Let’s Support Each Other.

Are you a woman working in media, communications, or digital content in Samoa?

Have you ever experienced online bullying, harassment, trolling, or intimidation because of your work?

You are not alone - and this conversation is for you.

Join us for a special Discovery & Dialogue Session: Supporting Women in Media, where we will create a safe space for women media professionals to share experiences, connect with peers, and explore ways to strengthen support, mentorship, and collaboration in our sector.

✨ Continuing the conversation following the International Women’s Day discussion on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
✨ Connect with other women working across Samoa’s media industry
✨ Explore practical ways to support each other and create safer professional spaces

We are honoured to welcome Women in Media (WiM) Fiji Co-founder and Fiji Sun Editor, Rosi Doviverata, who will share insights on how women journalists in Fiji came together to support one another in response to online harassment and professional challenges.

⚠️ Spaces are limited, so we encourage early RSVPs.

📅 Thursday, 12 March 2026
⏰ 4:00pm – 7:30pm
📍 Tanoa Tusitala Hotel

📩 RSVP by March 10:
[email protected]

🌺 Women in Media | International Women’s Day 2026

Women working in media, communications, and digital content are warmly invited to join us for an important conversation as we mark International Women’s Day and explore the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”

This event will bring together women across Samoa’s media sector to discuss the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and the importance of creating safer and more supportive spaces for women in media.

🎤 Speakers include:
✨ Rachel McGuin (BBCMA Country Coordinator Pacific and Indonesia
✨ Anne Reevell (BBC Media Journalist)
✨ Rosi Doviverata (Co-founder Women In Media Fiji )

📅 11 March 2026
🕛 12PM – 4PM
📍 One UN House, Samoa

📩 RSVP: [email protected]

Proud to see two of Samoa’s editors heading to Suva for the BBC Media Action Regional Training of Trainers on fact-checking and verification. This kind of regional collaboration matters. It strengthens journalistic standards, builds resilience against misinformation, and most importantly, supports the sustainability of independent media in our Pacific.

Capacity building is not a one-off event. It’s mentoring, curriculum support, peer networks, and ensuring that knowledge is shared back into the wider ecosystem.

At Fine Mat Creative, we believe strong media underpins strong democracies and informed communities. Supporting initiatives that prioritise verification, digital safety, and professional standards is something I care deeply about.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚: 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐯𝐚

On Tuesday, 24 February, the British High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner had the pleasure of meeting with two local editors who will soon travel to Suva to participate in the BBC Media Action (BBCMA) Regional Training of Trainers (TOT) Fact Checking and Verification Workshop. Also present was Liz Ah Hi, BBC Media Action’s Project Manager, who has been closely supporting ongoing media strengthening initiatives across the country.

The confirmed participants, Shalveen Chand, Editor of the Samoa Observer, and Emmanuel Tosimaea, Editor of Mermada Pacific, will join the regional workshop from 2–6 March 2026. The week-long specialised training programme is designed to strengthen journalistic quality and public trust, with a focus on fact checking and content verification for digital and social media, responding to misinformation and disinformation, enhancing journalistic resilience and digital security, and fostering peer support and regional collaboration among Pacific journalists.

Beyond developing individual expertise, the TOT workshop equips participants with the skills needed to train others. Upon their return to Samoa, Mr Chand and Mr Tosimaea will share their learning with the wider media community, supported by BBC Media Action through curriculum guidance, mentoring, and ongoing technical assistance.

This upcoming training complements the broader multi-year capacity building work that BBC Media Action has been carrying out in Samoa since 2024, focused on strengthening the media sector through improved verification skills, national audience research, and wider support to enhance development and resilience of local journalism.

"BBC Media Action’s work in Samoa and across the Pacific focuses on strengthening trusted, independent media so communities can access accurate and reliable information” said Ms Ah-Hi. “This Training of Trainers workshop is about building practical factchecking and verification skills, while also supporting journalists to navigate misinformation with confidence. Our goal is to strengthen the wider media sector through shared learning, regional collaboration, and long-term capacity building.”

As Mr Chand and Mr Tosimaea prepare to depart on Sunday, 1 March, the British High Commission extends its best wishes and appreciation to them for their ongoing commitment to the professionalisation of Samoa’s media sector.

Like Chef Joe Lam returning to his creative roots through this rare tasting menu, this story featured in the Samoa Lifestyle Magazine was also a personal return to mine.
While much of my work as a communications specialist focuses on strategies, training, and systems, freelance storytelling - through food, culture, travel, art, and people, is where it all began for me. It’s where I get to make the unseen seen, and celebrate the best of Samoa through narrative and connection.

Being invited to experience and document this special evening was a timely reminder of why storytelling matters, when artistry meets community, something beautiful happens.

Thank you for the opportunity, and for the trust. 💛

Read more here 👉
🔗 https://samoalifestyle.com/cuisine/f/inside-chef-joe-lam%E2%80%99s-rare-tasting-menu-for-a-cause

Food lovers, this one’s for you 🍽️✨

Samoa Lifestyle was invited to join Chef Joe Lam’s rare private degustation at Pickled Lam Scalinis, fulfilling a promise made at Samoa International Game Fishing Association - SIGFA 2025 Pinktober fundraiser.

A dining experience where local flavours met Japanese-inspired finesse, all in support of a powerful cause. From palolo risotto to miso-cured salmon, this was a night to remember.

Read the full story 👉Link in Comments