New PAJ Executive

Excerpt from Jamaica Observer column published Monday, February 22, 2021

By: Jean Lowrie-Chin

Hearty congratulations to the new Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) executive, elected earlier this month at its annual general meeting (AGM). Now in its 78th year, the PAJ can pride itself on being the first such body in the Caribbean, with the late legendary The Gleaner Editor Theodore Sealy serving as its first president.

In working towards their mission of upholding high standards in the profession, the PAJ has conducted numerous professional development exercises, and lauds the achievements of its members with its annual National Journalism Awards.

George Davis was returned unopposed as president, and the following nominees also took up their positions unopposed: First Vice-President Gillian Haughton, Second Vice-President Kalilah Reynolds, Secretary Kimberley Hibbert, Treasurer Jovan Johnson, and Assistant Treasurer/Secretary Damion Mitchell. The five directors elected were: Dionne Jackson Miller (a past president), Archibald Gordon, Giovanni Dennis, Sharlene Hendricks (Young Journalist of the Year and staff reporter at the Jamaica Observer), and Khadijah Thomas.

In the Observer report on the AGM, George Davis noted, “There are six women and five men on an executive team that includes an attorney-at-law, a media entrepreneur, and the reigning young journalist of the year. Indeed, with only four of the 11-strong team members aged 40 or older, this is one of the youngest executives ever to be tasked with handling the business of the PAJ.” 

Journalism Icon Ken Allen

As we celebrate the strength of Jamaica’s media, we must acknowledge the contribution of the Ken Allen, who passed away earlier this year. Allen moved up the ranks from reporter to editor-in-chief of The Gleaner, completing half a century in media. So brilliant was he at his craft that, in 1955, the young Cornwall College alumnus was offered the first Inter-American Press Association Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University although he did not have a first degree.

Allen’s colleagues remember him for his excellence, integrity and leadership. On assignment for Flair magazine in the 80s, I discovered that this serious-looking gentleman had a lovely sense of humour and an unforgettable twinkle in his eyes. May his great soul rest in peace.