Maree will be greatly missed by us and our listeners and online followers – Taylor

Communications Fiji Limited General Manager, Charles Taylor says it is unfortunate that despite strict adherence to COVID-19 safety habits at the radio station, we have had a team member, Maree Stewart test positive to the virus and sadly, she passed away on Monday at the CWM Hospital.

While speaking during the company’s first ever virtual AGM today, Taylor says Maree who was a personality of FM96 and then Legend FM, had been an invaluable member of our family for 16 years and was well loved.

He says she will be greatly missed by us and our listeners and online followers.

[Maree Stewart]

Taylor says after receiving confirmation of her positive result last week and upon contact tracing, CFL immediately stood down the team members.

They include night shift radio personalities, a receptionist and drivers all of whom have been isolated, swabbed and are awaiting their results.

Taylor says CFL has since decontaminated the premises as well.

He says since the outbreak in late April, CFL scaled back on the number of on-air shifts and has been operating at the radio station, with essential team members only.

Taylor says most of the team have been set up to work remotely and that is proving to have many advantages.

He also says 100 percent of CFL’s team members have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, AstraZeneca with the majority having received their second doses two weeks ago.

CFL aims to have all the team members fully vaccinated by the 1st of September.

Meanwhile CFL Chairman, William Parkinson says both Fiji and Papua New Guinea based management teams have responded to the outbreak quickly and effectively reflecting the extensive risk planning that has continued since early 2020.

Parkinson says safety of the team remains the priority while recognising the importance of meeting the obligations to the listeners and wider community.

He says sadly, our hearts and prayers go out to Maree’s family.

Parkinson says the Fiji management team has responded strongly to this tragedy following all advised protocols aimed at protecting the physical and mental health of the team.

He says in Fiji, the team had split with a core group remaining at 231 Waimanu Road and the rest working from home.

This included on air personalities broadcasting from home adding an interesting and very real perspective to our “sound”.

He says he was very impressed by the imaginative approach the team took to this challenge building on the multi-platform approach launching online concerts and competitions that worked in tandem with the broadcast products.

Parkinson says it is important, in times like these, with listeners stuck at home for long periods of time that we do not lose sight of our dual role of providing reliable information plus raising spirits with fun entertainment.