The Fiji Times has celebrated the significant contributions of Stuart Gerald Inder MBE, an esteemed Australian journalist, publisher, and editor, who played a pivotal role in the newspaper’s 155-year history. Inder’s legacy was relived this week when his three children—Leslie, David, and Stephanie—visited the newsroom to share cherished memories of their father, who remained connected to Fiji and the Pacific decades after he retired from mainstream media.
Inder served multiple times as interim editor during the 1960s and 70s when The Fiji Times was owned by R.W. Robson, who ran a company, Pacific Publications, focused on regional Pacific issues. His children recounted how Inder would step in whenever there was a gap between editors, demonstrating his dedication to the publication.
Known for his strong relationships within Fiji’s media circle, Inder was highly regarded by notable figures, including Fiji’s first Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. In a poignant memory, Stephanie recalled how, after Fiji’s first coup in 1987, Mara recognized Inder amidst a throng of reporters and chose to speak with him privately.
Inder’s passion for journalism ignited at the age of 12 when he began a local publication with his brothers. Post World War II, he served as a war correspondent in Japan and later joined Pacific Islands Monthly (PIM) in 1957, where he co-edited for over three decades, advocating for Pacific independence and recovery from the impacts of the war.
After retiring from Pacific Publications in 1981, Inder found fulfillment as a staff writer for Australian Geographic and remained engaged in journalism, mentoring younger writers until 2013. He was honored as an MBE in the same year he retired and served as chairman of the ethics committee for the Australian Journalists Association.
Inder’s persistence in journalism and his affection for Fiji remained evident throughout his life, as he expressed concern over the country’s political instability affecting the media landscape. He passed away on January 30, 2015, leaving behind a robust legacy that continues to inspire generations in the region.
This article serves to not only commemorate a giant in Pacific journalism but also to remind us of the long-lasting impact that dedicated individuals can have on media and society. Inder’s story encapsulates the essence of commitment to truth and justice in journalism, providing hope that integrity and passion can transcend the challenges faced by the industry. His influence reminds us that the values of journalism remain vital in fostering understanding and connection across cultures.
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