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.