Vanuatu is mourning the loss of Mr. Marc Neil-Jones, a champion of independent journalism and the owner and former publisher of Daily Post, the country’s only independently run media outlet.

In a statement, Prime Minister Hon. Jotham Napat, who also serves as Minister responsible for media, expressed the Government’s deepest condolences, highlighting Mr. Neil-Jones’s pivotal role in supporting press freedom and independent media in the Pacific nation.

“Mr. Neil-Jones was a pioneer of independent media and a staunch defender of press freedom—often at great personal risk,” the Prime Minister’s statement read. “His pioneering work across many fronts will not be forgotten.”

“As Prime Minister, I share my deepest condolences to the immediate family, staff of Daily Post both past and present, and the media family in general during this sad time,” the message continued. “May you all find peace and comfort in God’s amazing grace during this time of sorrow.”

Marc Neil-Jones’s work with Daily Post was instrumental in providing independent journalism in a landscape where such media voices were rare. His steadfast commitment to press freedom made him not just a media figure, but a guardian of democracy in Vanuatu.

As the nation reflects on his life and contributions, his influence on independent media will continue to resonate deeply across Vanuatu’s press and beyond.