FAMILY, friends and colleagues gathered at the Vatuwaqa Crematorium in Suva yesterday to pay their last respects to the former executive secretary of the Fiji Media Council, Robert Pratt.
Known as Bob Pratt, he co-founded the Fiji Media Council Ltd in 1996 and served as executive secretary until its operations were suspended in 2010.
Speaking on behalf of the council, president Agatha Frey said Mr Pratt had left a void in the lives of many.
“We gather not only to say farewell and to mourn, but to celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual, a mentor, a colleague and a friend,” Ms Frey said.
“Bob’s physical absence has left a void in our lives, but his legacy, spirit, teachings and memories continue to inspire us.
“His professional accomplishments were vast and precedent. He was an extraordinary intellect of unwavering commitment and dedication, and of boundless talents.”
In July 1996, members of the media formed a news council to replace the Fiji Press Council.
“They called on Daryl Tarte and he became the independent chairperson, and Bob Pratt was the secretary,” Ms Frey said.
“Bob was also given the task of recruiting membership.
“I was told in a relatively short time that all major media organisations had become members of the council.”
Ms Frey said the Council Foundation for the United Kingdom sent a team to assist the council, and they wrote the constitution and the media code of ethics and practice. This was also part of the work he took on.
“In May 1998, the council was formed into a limited company, known as the Media Council (Fiji) Limited and Bob Pratt became the executive secretary.”
