Fiji Sun Editor leaves a legacy of commitment and professionalism
Venkat Raman
Auckland, March 13, 2022
We are sorry to record the death of our dear friend and colleague Peter Lomas at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji on March 9, 2022.
He was 74 years old and left behind his daughter Adi Losalini Lomas.
His wife Nina Ratulele Lomas, a Fijian and Pacific Islands Media veteran, passed away in 2019 after losing her battle with cancer.
A long-time friend of Indian Newslink, Peter was dedicated to The Fiji Sun, of which he was the Chief Executive and Publisher. In his 50 plus years with the newspaper (prior to which he worked at Fiji Times), his involvement in its development was complete, He preferred to spend his time at the office than in public.
We offer our condolences to his grieving family and our colleagues at the Fiji Sun.
Professional commitment brings forth new journos
Nemani Delaibatiki
Suva, Fiji, March 10, 2022
The following editorial appeared in The Fiji Sun on March 10, 2022. It was written by Nemani Delaibatiki, Associate Editor and reproduced under a Special Agreement approved by Peter in 2009. Mr Delaibatiki was formerly a Sub-Editor at Waikato Times and an Indian Newslink Columnist.
We pay tribute to our Chief Executive and Publisher Peter Lomas, who passed away on (March 9, 2022). He was 74 years old.
Mr Lomas was well known for his commitment to the training of journalists and media workers throughout the region. His dedication to this cause was unrivalled and highlighted his passion to improve the standard of journalism and the media industry.
His work in developing the media industry had a significant impact in Samoa, Cook Islands and the Solomons.
After working at The Fiji Times, the original Fiji Sun, and the Islands Business Magazine Group, he took up a contract in Samoa. In Apia, he spearheaded the training of the Samoa Observer staff and the launch of websites and E-editions in New Zealand and American Samoa.
In Rarotonga, he led the bringing together under one operation the Cook Islands Television, Radio Cook Islands and the Cook Islands Times and Herald. In Honiara, he helped the Solomon Star expand its services in the newspaper and broadcasting sectors.
Appointments and Awards
He was recognised for his commitment to training and development and was awarded the Pacific Islands News Association’s Pacific Media Freedom Award.
He was also Vice-President of UNESCO’s global journalism training network JourNet and secretary-general of the Council of Asia Pacific Press Institute.
When he joined the Fiji Sun 15 years ago, Mr Lomas continued his mission to create and secure access to training opportunities for journalists and other media workers.
He raised the bar and lifted the minimum level of entry for journalists wanting to join the Fiji Sun to a university degree.
He believed that it was a prerequisite to lifting the standard of journalism.
Qualified, experienced, and skilled journalists produced quality content, he said.
Advertising, circulation, finance, administration, and the print centre staff also received training, here and abroad.
Established gender balance
Mr Lomas also embarked on bringing gender balance in the workplace.
He didn’t do it just to appease the feminist groups. He did it on merit.
As a result, most of our department managers are women who deserved to be in those positions, which used to be held by men previously.
His contribution to giving women equal opportunities provides real and genuine meaning to our national celebrations on International Women’s Day.
Mr Lomas touched many lives, both on the professional and personal front.
He empowered them through humility, integrity, and dedicated service. He led by example and was the epitome of hard work and sacrifice.
His two great loves in life were his work (Fiji Sun in his final years) and his family.
A person of his stature, calibre and experience will be hard to replace. His death is a great loss to the Fiji Sun and the media industry. He is sorely missed by Fiji Sun staff.
But he has left behind a legacy that the newspaper can use as a motivation to keep the spirit alive and continue moving forward.
Moce (Goodbye), Mr Lomas.
Rest in Peace.
