Tributes are pouring in from across the region for “fearless” and “formidable” Vanuatu journalist Dan McGarry, who died on Wednesday.
McGarry, 62, fell ill after a trip to Papua New Guinea earlier this month, from where he had to be evacuated to Brisbane to undergo a heart bypass.
But he faced complications during his recovery and had remained in critical care for the past few weeks.
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McGarry, who was a former editor of Vanuatu’s only national newspaper, the Vanuatu Daily Post, and Pacific editor of the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) at the time of his death, has left behind his wife and children.
“It’s with great heartbreak that I have to announce that the legendary Dan McGarry passed away earlier today,” Aubrey Belford, who was a co-editor with McGarry at OCCRP, said in a Facebook post.
“Dan was an absolutely dominating presence in Pacific journalism and in the region more generally.
“Dan was compassionate, sharing, and always motivated by a sense of justice and the common good. He was driven but also understood the importance of patience, friendship, and community.
‘A shell or more of kava’
“When home in Vanuatu he loved nothing more than finishing his day with a shell or more of kava, satisfied in the knowledge he had found his place in the world.”
Belford added McGarry’s loss was devastating not just for his family but for all journalists working in the region.
“He will be missed, and he will never be replaced.”
Another friend and colleague, Andrew Gray, said McGarry was “a good man”.
“After a hard life he finally found happiness in Vanuatu, and he did a lot more for the country than people appreciate. Last time I saw him he was planning his retirement at Lalwori.
“Condolences to Line McGarry Watsivi and their daughters.”
InsidePNG described McGarry as “more than just a colleague, a titan of regional journalism and a tireless advocate for the truth”.
‘Wealth of experience’
“As the former editor of the Vanuatu Daily Post, he brought a wealth of experience and a fearless spirit to every project he touched. Dan was absolutely instrumental in the birth of our investigative centre in Port Moresby.
“He didn’t just help set the foundation, he guided and mentored InsidePNG through our most critical work, building a lasting connection with our team that went far beyond professional duty,” the news outlet said in a social media post.
Kiribati journalist Rimon Rimon, who worked with McGarry, described him as “one of the brilliant minds I had the privilege of working closely with in our OCCRP investigations!”
The University of the South Pacific’s head of journalism associate professor Dr Shailendra Singh said McGarry’s passing is “profoundly felt across the Pacific media community, where his contributions as journalist, trainer and mentor have made a lasting impact”.
“He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
RNZ Pacific manager Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor said McGarry’s presence would be missed.
“Dan McGarry was one of the best – a champion of the truth.”
Asia Pacific Report editor Dr David Robie said: “Vale Dan McGarry A stunning loss to investigative journalism and media courage and integrity in Vanuatu and the Pacific. A friend and mentor to all.
“Farewell Dan and many thanks for your inspiration and mentoring. Deepest condolences to whānau. RIP.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
