Telebula Kate
SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): Journalist Losana McGowan, who died tragically on Easter Saturday, had earned the respect of her Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) colleagues, in particular within the Geoscience Division and the SPC's North Pacific Regional Office, as well as winning the trust of partners at the European Union and at the country-level, the SPC has said in a statement.
The SPC extended deepest condolences and sorrow to the family and close friends of McGowan.
The statement said the SPC staff were shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of McGowan, an accomplished journalist, event manager and communications specialist.
It said she would be remembered as a dedicated and talented SPC staff member with a strong team spirit who regularly shared ideas. She was a valued member of a SPC-wide communication working group on climate change and disaster risk management.
McGowan, 37, joined SPC in Suva in September 2014 to lead communications for the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Project, a partnership initiative with the European Union covering 15 Pacific countries and territories.
Remanded in custody
The Fiji Times reported de facto husband of McGowan has been remanded in custody after appearing in court yesterday charged with her murder.
Usaia Kilaiverata, 28, appeared before Magistrate Margaret Mua yesterday.
Police prosecutor Corporal Apenisa Keresoni objected to bail and told the magistrate that the charge was an indictable offence and should only be tried in the High Court.
Mua agreed with Corporal Keresoni and transferred the case to the High Court. She told Kilaiverata that any bail application he wished to make should be made to the High Court.
Kilaiverata will appear in the High Court in Suva on April 17.
Kilaiverata is alleged to have assaulted McGowan, causing her death.
Fijian Media Association laments loss of Losana McGowan
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