Former PRSJ President elected Chairman of Women's Leadership Initiative 2011-2013

Gleaner: December 27, 2010

Women's Leadership Initiative elects new chair


Communications Consultant Marcia Erskine has been elected chairman of the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) for 2011-2013.


She succeeds Senator Marlene Malahoo-Forte who recently completed a two-year term as chair of the WLI, a committee of the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ).

Mrs Erskine, managing director of the Kingston-based Caribbean Communications consultancy firm, Marcia Erskine and Associates and a member of the board of governors of the UWJ, is a founding member of the WLI and has served as chair of the communications committee since 2003.

She is also a member of the board of directors of the St Patrick's Foundation and a former president of both the Public Relations Society of Jamaica and the Jamaica and Caribbean chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

The WLI was launched in November 2003 by former United States Ambassador to Jamaica Sue McCort Cobb following a series of 'exchanges' between a select group of women in Jamaica and Florida, United States of America, aimed at fostering economic development, knowledge sharing and partnership between the two countries.

The WLI has since accomplished much, including substantial retooling of the Sylvia Foote Basic School and the Mary Issa Clinic at the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children in downtown Kingston. The WLI also funds three scholarships to local tertiary institutions.

Mrs Erskine said that her focus as WLI chair is to continue the work of the inaugural chair, Pat Ramsay and her successor, Senator Malahoo Forte, to achieve the mission of the WLI of "building bridges of cooperation in developing, implementing and sustaining projects in health, education and philanthropy, which contribute to the improved well-being of all Jamaicans".

A Networking Christmas Mixer

Dear Colleagues, The Public Relations Society of Jamaica (PRSJ and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) will be hosting our 2nd Annual Christmas Mixer on December 17, 2010 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Port Antonio Suite.

The event is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and the theme is “Special Children” as we seek to raise awareness for children with special needs. Practitioners will be asked to pledge time in the coming year to assist the public relations needs of organisations that support these special children.

Tickets are $2,500.00 and will be available as of Monday December 6, 2010. Please contact me for tickets at:

Demares White
c/o ODPEM 2-4 Haining Road
Phone: 928-5111-4; fax 928-5503; Cel 399-1627
e-mail DWhite@ODPEM.ORG.JM

Other executive members are: Christopher Benjaminchrisbenjamin@flowja.com; Gwyneth Davidson gwyneth_h@hotmail.com; Analisa Downes adownes@slbja.com; Deborah Hickling deborahhickling@gmail.com; Stephen Shaw stephenshaw@nwa.gov.jm; Cheryl Smith cheryls@mof.gov.jm; Mark Thomas mthomas@jamprocorp.com.

We encourage you to purchase at least one ticket. You will not only be supporting a worthy cause, but also the associations that represent the professional practice of PR in Jamaica.
Regards
Delmares White

The News Awards Bursary

Republished from the October 15-November 14 edition of The News

THE NEWS AWARDS BURSARY

TO PR STUDENT

Jermaine Young, a 22-year-old second-year student at the Caribbean Institute of Media Communication (CARIMAC) at the University of the West Indies, has been awarded The News bursary for the 2010/2011 academic year.

The $40,000 bursary was granted to the former captain of the Rusea's High School's School Challenge team, to mark the 24th Anniversary of the News, which began publication on October 16, 1986. In making the award, Managing Editor of the News, Ben Bridie, congratulated Young on being the student selected for the honour and encouraged him to make the most of his good fortune.

He said that the News had been established 24 years ago on the premise that the profession of journalism was a vital element in the development process of Jamaica and indeed of any country, and that this bursary underlined The News' faith in that belief.

"Make the best of it; and above all, keep your focus on national development rather than personal success. The success will come with hard work and dedication to the profession," he advised.

For his part, Young thanked the fortnightly newspaper for its gesture and promised to make the organisation proud.

He will be mastering in Public Relations

Statistical Institute Needs Census Takers

CENSUS TAKER

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the posts of Census Takers for the 2011 Census of Population and Housing.

The incumbent will be expected to:

1.    Locate and visit personally every inhabited or habitable dwelling in the enumeration district (s)  to which he/she may be assigned;

2.    Complete census forms accurately for each person and each dwelling according to instructions;

3. Assist the Census Zone Supervisor in the performance of such other duties as the Census Zone Supervisor may determine; and
4. Assist any other Census Taker in the performance of his/her duties in any other enumeration district if so directed by the Census Zone Supervisor.

    The Candidate:

§   Must be at least 18 years of age 

§   Must sit a written aptitude test

§   Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills

§   Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as and when required

§   Must be available to attend five days of training on a full-time basis in preparation for the work.

Applications must state clearly the district and parish of residence, contact telephone number(s) and/or email address of the applicant.

Applications in writing should be addressed to:-

    Census 2011: Census Taker

    The Director General

    Statistical Institute of Jamaica

    7 Cecelio Avenue

    Kingston 10 

No email applications will be accepted.

Applications should be submitted no later than December 3, 2010.

From the region" PRATT AND ISES HAVE JOINT CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR YMCA

Join the Public Relations Association of Trinidad and Tobago (PRATT) and The International Special Events Society Trinidad and Tobago (ISES) as we bring Christmas cheer to the pre-schoolers of the YMCA pre-school, Benbow Drive, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.  

Confirm your attendance via the PRATT Secretariat at 622-3333 and send your payments to our address at 14 Picton Street, Port of Spain.

Caira E. Cudjoe
President
PRATT and
Manager, Corporate Communications Department
Guardian Life of the Caribbean Limited
1 Guardian Drive
Westmoorings
Caira.Cudjoe@bmobile.tt.blackberry.com or
CairaCudjoe@ymail.com
Tele.  868-632-5433 Ext. 2053
Telefax 868-632-5695
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Jamaica Civil Service Association Expo 2010

Jamaica Civil Service Association Expo - 2010



Sights and scenes from the 2010 staging of Jamaica Civil Service Week Expo 2010 in Emancipation Park, November 22, 2010. There were 35 booth displays, a 40% increase over last year. Guest Speaker of the Event was President and CEO of Sagicor, Mr Richard Byles.

Public Sector Agency Expo in Emancipation Park November 22

The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) hosts its second Expo in Emancipation Park on November 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. This is the second staging of the Expo which highlights current services, projects and programmes within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Expo is an event of Jamaica Civil Service Week. The event is currently the largest event that showcases the public sector.

Photos from 2009 below. Photos of 2010 welcome for new gallery.

Jean's Journey To The Boardroom - Published In The Gleaner - May 2, 2010

Original Story As Published in The Gleaner
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100502/out/out2.html

Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor


The name Jean Lowrie-Chin is synonymous with excellence in the marketing and public-relations business. Founder/managing director PRO Communications Ltd, this little dynamo has led many excellent public relations campaigns for corporate giants including Digicel, Lasco, the Norwegian Seafood Export Council (NORGE) and the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

Lowrie-Chin, JP, holds a BA (Hons) and an MA. She started PRO Communications Limited in December 1978. Previously, she held posts in the media and advertising, taught at Calabar High School and, most recently, she launched her latest initiative, Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP). She is its founder and chief executive officer.

Lowrie-Chin is a former president of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica and chairs the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) media awards committee. She is a life member of Women's Media Watch and a member of the Press Association of Jamaica.

Lowrie-Chin's voluntary contributions include former chairman of the Stella Maris Foundation, board member of St George's College, Food For The Poor and the Women's Centre Foundation of Jamaica.

She created Flair magazine for The Gleaner and is now a weekly newspaper columnist. The author of a book of poems titled Souldance, she is generous with her knowledge, always has a ready smile and listening ear and has taken to modern technological advances like a fish to water.

So it was no surprise that Lowrie-Chin was recently asked to serve as a director of FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB). She is married to Hubie Chin and they have two children. Outlook asked Lowrie-Chin to reflect on her appointment and its implications for business and future.

What does the recent board appointment mean to you?

It means that more women are being given the opportunity to serve at the highest levels in corporate Jamaica.

Another high-profile Jamaican woman told me recently that after hearing her speak at a recent luncheon, a male executive of one of the island's largest group of companies invited her to join one of their subsidiary boards. Are you satisfied with the relatively small number of women on such boards to date? Bear in mind that more women are graduating at the tertiary level and, therefore, far more qualified than men!

Well, that experience tells me that more women should step up to the plate when invited to address such functions. Perhaps if more of us would do this, there would be less of an imbalance. We should also try to mentor our fellow women. I am encouraged by the increase in the number of women on private- and public-sector boards.

What do you hope to achieve with the appointment and, overall, what are would you like to gain from the experience?

I am hoping that I can bring to bear my experience as the head of a small to medium-size business and my experience in marketing. I know I will gain a lot from serving alongside some of the country's and region's most distinguished business leaders.

You have a long history/record of doing volunteer work with organisations such as the Church in Jamaica. Why do you do so?

We actually gain more from volunteerism than we give. It is probably the most rewarding thing that we can do in this life. I have found that there is nothing more joyful than seeing a fellow human being advance because of our contribution, whether in time, talent or treasure.

You have one of the most successful public-relations companies in Jamaica. What's your secret?

The 'secret' is really in our slogan 'Follow-through sets us apart'. We have learned to be not just thinkers but doers, and we also look at the bigger picture of seeing the success of our clients as being the success of our beloved Jamaica. We are energised by the vision and commitment of our clients.

What else are you hoping to achieve in business and for your company?

We are hoping to expand further into advertising and training so that we can provide more employment opportunities and empower more Jamaicans.

You are very busy, yet you are actively engaged in social networking through your blog, weekly newspaper column and family and social life. How do you balance them all?

I balance these various activities because of the unwavering support of my husband, Hubie, the PROComm team and the network of friends who help me not to take myself too seriously. I am grateful for the technology that helps me to manage my time.

Young girls look at accomplished women such as yourself and dream of emulating you. What advice would you give them?

My advice to young women is that they should educate themselves thoroughly in the field that they love and be courageous in going after their goals. They should volunteer in these areas and join social clubs so that their good deeds and excellence can be seen. I would also advise them to look out for their families and to stay connected with the Almighty. 'More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of'.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com

With Choice Comes Responsibility - Broadcasting Commission Campaign

With Choice Comes Responsibility

The Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) launched its media campaign "Choice Comes With Responsibility" this week delivering messages urging the public to take a more active approach to screening content that is exposed to children and content that is fit for broadcast.

Public Relations Manager, Nicole Morrison, notes that the campaign is a refreshed approach to the previous “Children’s Code for Programming Campaign”. It relates to the three areas of BCJ regulation: radio, television and cable.

Ms Morrison said of the goals of the campaign "The aim of a regulatory authority, such as the Broadcasting Commission, operating in a dynamic and converging media environment, is ultimately self-regulation by licensees. This campaign is to hopefully take us in that direction...Everyone has a role to play and this campaign seeks to identify the role expected of different social groups."

The three radio PSAs and two television PSAs are receiving prime time airplay across stations and according to Ms Morrison, have gained attention and are stimulating comment.

THE CAMPAIGN

Choice Comes With Responsibility

Radio PSA:

• “Radio for Everyone”: This highlights the choice between content fit for airplay and content that should only be for personal consumption

Radio/TV PSAs

• Studio Mix”: This is the scenario of music producer and artiste producing content for airplay
• “Put in the code”: This highlights the importance of protecting the young and vulnerable from harmful content on cable

The series of new PSAs was developed with the expertise of Dunlop Corbin Communications. Video and sound production was done by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC).

Methodology Manages The Crisis - JPS

Methodology Manages The Crisis - JPS    (Audio of JPS Operational Crisis Plan)

Communictions Director at the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo), Winsome Callum said that to manage crises the company follows a clear plan with documented processes. She was speaking at the IABC presentation and discussion "Earthquakes, Murders and Blackouts" on March 3.

Noting that when a crisis had been identified it triggered action by specific individuals on an Operational Crisis Organisation Chart, Ms Callum said that a person appointed with the responsiblity for communications is always on a crisis team.
 
Key elements of the company's Operational Crisis Plan, including the crisis communications response, include clear documented guidelines on timely updates and a list of key persons who need to be kept advised.

The JPS response calls for: Immediate acknowledgement of the problem and statement on action being taken; reporting to System Control within 60 minutes; hosting a media conference and releasing an updated statement to all stakeholders." 
 
The JPS crisis plan is not a static document but is reviewed and updated every single year. This is a policy of ongoing improvement. The company proudly says that it has the best hurricane response plan of all public services in the entire country.

As a service provider, billing issues are listed high among the communications challenges for JPS, perhaps even more so than handling an oncoming hurricane or an all-island blackout. To manage those issues, staff members are considered to be key communicators.
 
"Every JPS employee is a customer service rep. We recognise that...our job is to ensure that the information is available, we try to get the team leaders and the managers to discuss these talking points with team members and ensure that they understand them and give us feedback," Ms Callum said.

The organisation is currently undergoing changes and preparation is being done to ensure that persons in key posts have the necessary communications skills.

"We are training people in crisis management and recognising crises. Identified a team of spokespersons and organising a speakers' bureau for training to start being on the ground in addressing customers and the use of new media." she noted.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CCN Balancing The Reporting of Crime

JCF Balancing The Reporting of Crime

(Audio clip)

Head of CCN Inspector Steve Brown said that his unit is reviewing how it reports serious crime in order to give the public more context about murders. Inspector Brown was participating in an IABC presentation and discussion "Earthquakes, Murders and Blackouts" on March 3.

"Some of these murders, you will never understand it; especially from an organised perspective. Most of these murders can be easily explained, and that is what we intend to do from a communications perspective...at least some people can get a better understanding as to why some of these people are taken out. Gang men having their personal conflicts."

Sharing examples of how murders were carried out on persons who may be far removed from a conflict or by gang members with low tolerance he said, "We have to try to balance the thing so that you have an understanding and don't panic because most of the times it (the murder) is coming from somewhere."


Inspector Brown said that constant reporting of serious crimes has an effect on members of the CCN and that the Force steps in to protect those officers.

"The most dificult task is when you go on a murder scene and you are caught in the middle of children crying for their parents...people begging for help. That is the most difficult task and challenge. How do you relate to those human beings? We tend to withdraw some of the police officers from CCN who go out on a murder scene too often. It is our responsibility to be professional," he said.

The CCN Head said that the Force was tackling its image by being tough on corruption that is within and cited examples of recent arrests of officers by other officers and the reporting of it by the CCN.

He said that the future of the Force is looking promising as they were currently experiencing an increase in the number of qualified persons who are applying to enter. "We are getting people who are qualified people to be a part of the JCF to change the face of this organisation....It is  your police force and it is something that we are working on," he said.

Hats On To Easter - Fundraising Event for Childern

HATS ON TO EASTER TO BENEFIT SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE – HAITI and JAMAICA’S CHILDREN FIRST

On Sunday, March 14, the 5^th staging of the popular Hats On To Easter fundraising event which raises funds to assist children at risk will take place in the courtyard of the OGM building at 3 Ardenne Road, Kingston 10, starting at 11:00 a.m. Proceeds from the 2010 event will benefit SOS Children’s Village, Haiti and Children First of Spanish Town and special guests at the 3-hour event will be the event’s Patron, Ambassador Madge Barrett, as well as the National Director of SOS Children's Village, Jamaica, Gregory Wint.

Staged by Hearts `n’ Ideas, the charitable arm of the communications agency, Innovative IDEAS, Hats On To Easter has established a reputation as a totally-fun and top-value-for-money way to spend a Sunday morning in support of a very worthy cause! 

The 2010 event will again showcase spectacular hats – this year presented by Cinderella Hats and featuring celebrity models such as actress / singer Sakina of For Better or Worse and actress Camille Davis of Easy Street – and will also incorporate a series of highly-anticipated, prizes-linked competitions. These will include the Best Dressed Hat competitions for Men & Women; the Most Innovative Hat competition; and the Reggae Jammin’ [Best Model] Hat competitions for Men & Women.  Adding to the fun will be the auctioning of two hats, donated by Cinderella Hats, with Christopher “Johnny” Daley serving as the auctioneer.

With Glen “Titus” Campbell at the turntable and an excerpt from For Better or Worse included in the entertainment package, Hats On To Easter 2010 promises to be one of the best ever. 

Tickets to the event will be $1,500 each, all inclusive, presold [$1,800 at the gate] and may be booked by calling Sharon at 978 4330.

Corporate Movements

Postal Corporation of Jamaica
Thandy Lewis, Communications Officer, is now handling all public relations and marketing for the Postal Corporation that is headquartered on South Camp Road.

Constabulary Communications Network (CCN)
Inspector Steve Brown is the officer-in-charge at the CCN. At the March meeting of the IABC, he noted that the department will be undergoing changes in order to improve delivery of service. Inspector Brown is the first CCN head with specialist public relations and communications training and skills.

Public Sector Modernisation Unit
The PSMU in the Office of the Prime Minister gave an update of its activities to public sector communications stakeholders at a meeting on March 5. Nearly 80 officers attended the meeting where they gave suggestions for an ongoing programme to deliver clear, frequent messages to public sector workers using the communications officers in place in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

JIS Delivering Shorter Programmes
The JIS has moved away from the half-hour magazine format and is delivering shorter and more targetted broadcast messages in the time reserved for government broadcasts. The agency launched the patriotic song, "This is Jamaica, A Bold New Beginning, last week. The song is the theme under which the new radio and television programming is being delivered. The song, written and produced by Devon Sparks Proudctions, is also being played accross radio stations.

Noted...

New PSAs out on Citizens Rights
Karen Cadien, communication consultant at The Police Citizen Oversight Authority (PCSA) lanched its first PSA on television "Know Your Rights When Arrested". For more on PCOA go to www.pcoa.gov.jm

IABC Meeting Preparation Is Strength
IABC meeting on March 3 delivered sound presentations on Crisis Management from Communications Director of JPSCo Winsome Callum and Officer-in-charge of CCN, Inspector Steve Brown. Friends of the Haiti Society explained how broadcast radio is an essential empowerment tool for citizens.

PRSJ Made Major Impact
Past President of the PRSJ, Janneth Mornan Green, recalled the contribution of the PRSJ to education, governance and other areas in the February 15 meeting of the Society. PR Manager at the Ministry of Transport and Works, Leo McEwan announced that the AGM will be at JTI/Jampro on March 30. Invitations extended for all members to pay subs so that they will have a vote.
First Citizen of Kingston Sworn in With Pomp and Ceremony
CARA's Managing Director, Founding member of the PRSJ and Past President, Elaine Commissiong, handled the PR and some areas of venue logistics for the swearing in ceremony for Hon Steadman Fuller, Custos of Kingston. The event, attended by hundreds of Justices of the Peace, was held at the Jamaica Conference Centre on February 25. Event co-handled by the Jamaica Defence Force, Kings House and state protocol officers drawn from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister.

PR Exec is President of Masters Athletic Association
PRSJ Member, Leo McEwan, was elected President of the Jamaica Masters Athletics Association (JMAA) recently. The organisation represents athletes 35 years and over. The Gleaner reports him as saying that he will be trying to change the perception of his organisation from leisure activities to one where it is taken seriously.


Areas of particular focus for the association over the next two years include becoming more visible within the Jamaican sports fraternity, participation in overseas Masters track meets such as the World Masters Championships, Penn Relays and the North American, Central and Caribbean Championships and the holding of a Jamaican Masters Championships. The JMAA motto is "promoting a healthy approach to life after 35".



VP Records Sign Joan Andrea Hutchinson
MIRAMAR - With seven CDs and three books under her belt, Joan Andrea Hutchinson is now signed to entertainment distribution giants, VP Records. VP records will now handle the distribution of Hutchinson's work in North America, Europe and The Caribbean.

Nothing Stops This Baby
The organisers of the Sigma Corporate Run recorded their largest ever turnout of participants with 11,000 registered to finish the course. There were 6,000 participants in 2008 and more last year. AMK Communications handles marketing efforts for Jamaica's biggest corporate road event. See articles on marketing at their blog.

Top Note
Jamaica Jazz and Blues is Jamaica's top flight musical calendar event. The three-day musical event Marketing and Sponsorship is handled by Marcia Mc Donnough of Touchstone Productions.

When Eating Out is In
Kingston Restaurant Week expanded to become Restaurant Week. A date that is circled in red in many calendars and the Gleaner's list is eagerly sought out. Concept and marketing execution by Stephanie Scott with the Gleaner as major partner.

Who Would've Thunk It?
Fashion Night Out created a road block last year when the Jamaica Observer united retailers for one evening of group retail therapy. Organised by Novia Mc Donald Whyte who went beyond editorial duties to become a marketing force for the national newspaper. 

Where there is a Vacuum
In the absence of a Jamaican restaurateur's association, Novia Mc Donald Whyte brings the best epicurean skills and artistry in one place for a glorious evening of culinary appreciation. Winners of this award proudly display the trophy and make mention on promotional materials.

Putting the People Behind the Scenes Forward
Each year some of the most honourable professionals are put on a pedestal by Lasco and celebrated. The Teacher of the Year; Policeman of the Year and Pharmacist of the Year recognititon and awards are handled by Jean Lowrie Chin of PROComm. 

Fun In The Son
Not enough family events are around and the yearly Best Dressed Fun In The Son is so big that the municipal bus company has a special schedule for it. PR handled by Christine Bell of Innovative Ideas.

No More Cussing On Air

On Ash Wednesday morning (February 17), Newstalk 93 FM radio talk show host Ragashanti told a caller that there will be no more cussing on the programming. He said that it was a "bit man thing" and that they had to be responsible and comply with the regulations of the Broadcasting Commission.

Denegration of PR

Public Denegration of the Practice of Public Relations
It was noted that during a February 15 RJR Hotline outside broadcast from St Thomas, the Minister with responsibility for Local Government said that the country needed more and better communication and not PR fluff. This comment that was made on a very popular radio programme regrettably denigrates the essential role of public relations in public education and other forms of mass communication.

Best Practices in Jamaican Crisis Communication - Wednesday March 3, 2010

IABC Caribbean Presents

“Earthquakes, Murders and Black-outs”

A look at best practices in Jamaican crisis communication

Speakers

• Winsome Callum, Head of Corporate Relations, JPSCo
• Inspector Steve Brown, Head of the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), JCF
• Delmares White, Director Information & Training, Information & Training Unit, Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM)

March 3, 5:30 p.m.

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

Admission: $500.00

RSVP: 876-807-1140

PRSJ Member Anchored Publicity for Golden Cleats Awards

Scotiabank PR Officer and PRSJ Member, Simone Hull, executed a successful public relations and publicity around Scotiabank DBG’s inaugural Golden Cleats awards and banquet in January. Coming close on the heels of the Christmas season, the big ticket event was managed by DBG Marketing Manager Monique Todd with event organiser Stephanie Scott pulling all elements together. Held on the back lawn of Jamaica House, the Golden Cleats award featured the culinary artistry of leading chefs from around Jamaica. Scott is the conceptualiser and organiser of the popular Kingston Restaurant Week event ofo which the Gleaner is the main media partner.

January 2010

Haiti Relief Shoe Drive Jan 23-24 - ODPEM

Lisa Ogilvie (Caribbean Events), under the philanthropic group "Well Heeled Jamaicans" has organised a shoe drive as a Haiti relief activity. Donations will be accepted at ODPEM's new location, 2-4 Haining Road, on Sat Jan 23 and Sun Jan 24 from 10a.m. - 6p.m. each day. Volunteers for sorting are welcome, safety and health gear will be provided.

National Prayer Breakfast

Organised and executed as a contribution to nation building by PROComm led by Jean Lowrie Chin. Event on Jan 21, 2010 was attended by hundreds of national leaders in government, business and religion. Part proceeds for Hear the Children Cry and Haiti relief.

Professional Development

CARIMAC has started its year with a bang with short courses being offered as early as this month! For January they have Voice and Speech, and in February Event Planning and also Social Media. Visit their site for more: http://www.carimac.com/training/courses/ .

Marketplace
The PRSJ is currently outfitting our marketplace with PR consultants and will shortly invite buyers to send us their advertisements for job placements, tenders and bids which we will position for all to see in one place. There is also space for suppliers, so send by email the websites and blogs of your recommended event venues, caterers, florists, video and audio technicians, printers, entertainers, photographers and more. Visit the construction site of the marketplace at http://sites.google.com/site/gojamaicapr/home/jamaica-pr-marketplace?pli=1



December 2009

Nicole Robinson, formerly of the Registrar General's Department, is now with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and immediately on arrival pulled together a successful aviation seminar that allowed a range of industry players to receive a timely update on the status of aviation in Jamaica.

Business Development Officer at the Management Institute for National Development (MIND), Shawnette Henry (in photo left), was honoured at the organisation's graduation and 10th anniversary awards ceremony for displaying the values of the organisation: passion for customers; on fire for quality; dynamic; active team player; understanding and embracing the bigger picture. She was also key in organising the agency's 10th graduation and awards ceremony on December 12 where the Prime Minister was guest speaker. For more on MIND's courses for public sector workers, visit their website at http://www.mind.edu.jm/Templates/start.html#











Caribbean Communications Icon - postponed
Note that due to low submission of nominations, the Caribbean Communications Icon award has been postponed.




November 2009
Dania Beckford - Now Director of Public Relations & Information at Jamaica Customs Department. Previous posting was Youth Information Specialist at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Enthrose Campbell - Production Manager JIS (TV and Radio) is currently on an intensified short TV course in Beijing, China.

Congratulations - Latoya Halstead of the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) is back on the job following maternity leave.

Jean Lowrie Chin - Appointed to Consultative Monitoring Group (CMG) that will work directly with the Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU) of the Office of the Prime Minister, which has been charged with transforming the machinery of government to be more efficient and cost-effective. The CMG will report to a Sub-Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister.