As a popular quote reads: “Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault.

It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in the air.”

THE Fiji Times is 152 years old and all glory to God for his strength and guidance and hats off to our readers in Vanua Levu who have journeyed with our small team in Labasa to make things happen.

Our readers and communities on this beautiful island have certainly not kept journalism quiet as they have supported our work through their bold approach and having issues published.

Despite impacts of COVID-19 which has reduced or to an extent, cut out events that are usually highlighted in the newspapers, people have continued to flock in with their news items.

Although our number of trips to rural areas have reduced due to COVID impacts, it has not changed how communities have seen the impact of The Fiji Times – that when their stories or issues are made known through this medium, change happens.

This is a fact that we should all be proud of and celebrate because we, including communities in Vanua Levu and readers have all made it possible.

In celebrating another year of our existence, the experiences and challenges have mostly remained the same.

But despite all these issues, it’s important to note that we’ve come this far on this island and our success is a result of team work – readers, communities and us