The publisher of Vanuatu’s sole daily newspaper, Marc Neil-Jones, passed away on Monday after a prolonged battle with illness. He was 67 years old. A British national, Neil-Jones was known for his adventurous spirit, having traveled extensively in his youth. He eventually joined forces with his business partner, Gene Wong, in Papua New Guinea before settling in Port Vila to establish a business.
Together, they acquired a small publication called Trading Post, which they successfully transformed into a weekly newspaper, eventually evolving it into the Vanuatu Daily Post, the only newspaper serving the nation. After dedicating over two decades to journalism and breaking significant news stories from Vanuatu, Neil-Jones retired in 2015.
Following his passing, Wong confirmed that condolences had been pouring in from both government representatives and the private sector. Neil-Jones’ body is currently held at the Vila Central Hospital mortuary and is set to be interred in Mele Maat Village cemetery on Wednesday.
Colleagues and admirers of Neil-Jones have paid tribute to his courageous efforts in promoting press freedom and commitment to journalistic integrity. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career—including imprisonment, deportation, threats, and physical assaults—he remained steadfast and dedicated to the truth. His work not only provided a crucial platform for independent journalism in Vanuatu but also established a legacy of resilience and dedication that has influenced generations of journalists across the Pacific region.
Neil-Jones’ lasting impact on the media landscape of Vanuatu and his role as a symbol of press freedom will be remembered by many. His commitment to truth and fairness in journalism has left an indelible mark on both the profession and the nation’s historical narrative.
As Vanuatu mourns the loss of this media pioneer, there is hope that his legacy will inspire future journalists to pursue truth with integrity and courage, further advancing the cause of press freedom in the region.
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