by Georgina Maka’a

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has plucked out one of the country’s most experienced and prominent journalists to head his press office.

Georgina Kekea, co-founder and editor of Tavuli News and former president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), will take up her new role as Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Monday.

“….yes, I’ve been offered the position and decided to take it on,” Kekea told In-depth Solomons.

“I’m sad to leave the mainstream media, but I believe it’s time to give way for those in my organisation to lead the newsroom,” she added.

“I look forward to joining the Office of the Prime Minister and hope to meet the expectations that come with it.

Kekea will join two assistant press secretaries, Leni Dalavera and Allan Tarohania, who have been manning the press office since Manele assumed power in May last year.

Kekea’s departure came as a surprise to many of her media colleagues, who didn’t expect her to leave just two years after she co-founded Tavuli News in 2022.

“This is a big loss for the media industry,” MASI president Ofani Eremae said.

“Georgina is an active member of MASI and a respected voice in the media space,” Eremae added.

“It’s unfortunate that she decided to leave at a critical time when the industry needs people like her. But it’s her decision so we have to respect it.

“I believe Georgina’s departure offers the opportunity for our young and up-coming journalists to step up, show their potential and lead.”

With over two decades of experience in radio, television, and print, Kekea is a well-respected multimedia professional both at home and in the region.

Her career started in 2000 at the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), followed by her work at One News Television until its closure in 2013. 

She has contributed to various outlets, including ABC’s Tok Pisin Service and SIBC from 2014 to 2017.

Kekea also held a project officer position at the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and served as Chief of Staff at Island Sun Newspaper in 2018. 

She served two terms as MASI President from 2020 to 2024. Kekea is the second woman to be appointed Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, following Deli Oso, who held the role in 2014 during Manasseh Sogavare’s term.

Oso was also a former president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

Her freelance engagements include contributions to Solomon Times Online, correspondent for ABC Pacific Prepared, and consultancy roles with SPREP, PEBACC and UNDP.