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.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
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
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
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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.
Radio PSA:
Radio/TV PSAs
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
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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.
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.
(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.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Hats On To Easter - Fundraising Event for Childern
HATS ON TO EASTER TO BENEFIT SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE – HAITI and JAMAICA
On Sunday, March 14, the 5th 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
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.
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.
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