Prisoners Released for Christmas

Friday, December 22nd, 2017

A St Thomas man who was imprisoned for selling bootleg DVDs will be reunited with his family this Christmas.

The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, is among 261 non-violent prisoners across the region who will be home for the holidays, thanks to Food For The Poor and the generous donors who support the charity’s prison ministry.

“I hustle and sell copied movies in the town of St Thomas to provide for my parents and my daughter. While I know that selling movies is illegal, I didn’t see any other way to help my family, so the police caught up with me one day, and I was charged with it,” the unidentified man said.

He was arrested last month for breach of the Copyright Act and later imprisoned after he failed to pay the $150,000 fine.

The man also said that being away from his family was a challenge. While in prison, he received a Bible that he said he read every day. Upon learning that he would be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre after his fine was paid by the compassionate donors of Food For The Poor, he was overcome with emotion.

“I am overjoyed right now, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “If I had just listened to my father in the first place, I would not be here. God answers prayers.”

Seventeen non-violent prisoners were released from prisons in Jamaica for the Christmas holidays.

For 19 years, Food For The Poor has honoured the tradition of securing the release of non-violent offenders in Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, and Jamaica by paying their accumulated fines for Christmas.

Source: The Jamaica Star

Charity pays fine to free non-violent prisoners for Christmas

Friday, December 22nd, 2017

A 25-year-old man from St Thomas, who was arrested last month for breach of the Copyright Act, will be home for the holidays thanks to Food For The Poor and the generous donors who support the charity’s prison ministry.

The man, who is among 17 non-violent prisoners who were released from prisons in Jamaica, was arrested while allegedly trying to get money to care for his family, which includes his one-year-old daughter.

The former prisoners in Jamaica are in addition to prisoners in Guyana, Haiti and Honduras, whose release from prison was secured by Food For The Poor after the organisation paid their accumulated fines for Christmas. The organisation said in a release yesterday that a total of 261 non-violent prisoners were released under the initiative, a tradition it has honoured for 19 years.

The release said the St Thomas man was charged a fine of $150,000, which is approximately US$1,400.

“I hustle and sell copied movies in the town of St Thomas to provide for my parents and my daughter. While I know that selling movies is illegal, I didn’t see any other way to help my family, so the police caught up with me one day and I was charged for it,” the unidentified man said.

The man also said that being away from his family was a challenge. While in prison, he received a Bible that he said he read every day. Upon learning that he would be released from the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre after his fine was paid by the compassionate donors of Food For The Poor, he was overcome with emotion.

“I am overjoyed right now and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “If I had just listened to my father in the first place, I would not be here. God answers prayers.”
Each of the 17 newly freed individuals was greeted by Food For The Poor staff who provided them with food, supplies, positive words of encouragement, and travelling money.

The release said this year’s prisoner release is especially meaningful for 18 former inmates in Honduras.

The city of San Pedro Sula, according to the release, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Some of the most hardened inmates are incarcerated in Honduras, but many arrested for petty crimes are locked up with them because of their inability to pay even modest jail fines.

Denis, 41, was arrested in September 2016 after attending a party in San Pedro Sula. He took a cellphone from another partygoer, and the police were called. Denis, who says he had never done anything like that before, was captured 10 minutes later. The phone was returned, but he was jailed anyway. Unable to pay the fee, one night turned into more than a year with Denis’s fine totalling $10,090 lempiras, which is approximately US$430, too much for the poor carpenter and his family to pay.

“When they informed me that I was going to be released, I thanked God, I felt so happy,” said Denis, a father of three. “I want to thank Food For The Poor and CEPUDO for paying my fine so that I can be set free and reunited with my family. Thank you!”

“We are not here to pass judgement on anyone, nor are we advocating bad behaviour, but it’s not right for a person who commits a petty crime to be locked away with potentially violent inmates,” said Food For The Poor president and CEO Robin Mahfood. “Why should a man’s life or that of his family be ruined because of a petty mistake and their inability to pay a fine?”

Five men and one woman were freed from the Association “Paz” De Superacion Por Honduras, and 12 men from the Pastoral Penitenciaria in San Pedro Sula. Each one received toiletries, food and a copy of the Holy Bible.

Three people, two men and a 20-year-old woman, were freed from Guyana’s prisons in Lusignan and New Amsterdam. The trio was taken to the Food For The Poor-Guyana office where they were fed a simple lunch and given a copy of the Holy Bible, travel money, bags of food, and personal care items.

It has become a tradition for President Mahfood to call the Guyana office to say a few encouraging words to the newly released prisoners and to allow them to express their words of gratitude.

“I want you all to listen to me carefully… please do not do anything that could send you back to prison,” Mahfood said, “It’s not worth going back there, believe me. Make the most of this opportunity given to you by God’s mercy and have a very Merry Christmas.”

From the prisons in Cap-Haitien, Croix-des-Bouquets, Fort-Liberté, Grande Rivière, Hinche, Port-de-Paix, and Titanyen, Haiti, 223 people were expected to be released yesterday.

One man, Dorcine, 23, a farmer from La Victoire, Haiti, was arrested in July for what was described as a misunderstanding over a farm animal. Since he had no money to pay his jail fine, the man ended up spending six months in the Grande Rivière Prison.

“They found me with a goat in my hands and with no evidence, and they arrested me because they claimed that the goat is not mine,” Dorcine said. “They said that they will give it back to me after my release. Thank you Food For The Poor for all the help you are giving us.”

Food For The Poor said it paid the fines and also provided each newly freed person with bags of rice and other items.

According to the release, the Food For The Poor Prison Ministry Programme is helping to transform lives. Since the programme’s inception in 1998, the charity said it has assisted in freeing, training and reintroducing nonviolent prisoners back into their communities as productive citizens twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas seasons.

“To support Food For The Poor’s Prison Ministry Programme, cheques payable to Food For The Poor can be mailed to 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, Fla 33073. Please include reference number “SC# 74122” to ensure your donation is correctly routed, or make an online donation at http://www.FoodForThePoor.org/prisoners,” the release said.

Source: Jamaica Observer

Emotional Time At Food For The Poor Treat

Thursday, December 21, 2017 | 12:00 AM

It was deeper than having fun and eating lots of food. A treat hosted by Food For the Poor (FFP) yesterday left many wards of the State emotional as they were reunited with friends and even siblings.

Khalidah Bryce, secretary at Windsor Lodge Children’s Home in Manchester, told The Gleaner that she broke down in tears several times after seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they had fun and fellowship with friends from all over the island.

“Sometimes it can be a little emotional. This morning, for example, one of our children saw her two brothers, and when they saw each other, they cried and hugged each other so tight I started crying, too,” she said.

“The children love the treat, but it’s almost like a reunion as well. This means a lot to the children,” she said at the event held on the lawns of King’s House in St Andrew.

Nordia Smith, a night worker and a class teacher for teenagers at the home, was also overjoyed by the event but advised persons to focus on the importance of family and Christ.

“I think it’s a good day to be out, and they look forward to the gifts, food, treats. Christmas is one of the best times for them because, thankfully, we have persons who see the need to give back, and they give good gifts. They (children) can also get to utilise their talents because they take part in a lot of events where they sing, dance, and act. Many people don’t know that our children (wards of the State) are very talented.”

David Mair, executive director at FFP, said that they catered to more than 1,000 persons, including children and caregivers. He said it was a day that brought joy for organisers and the children.

“Some of the orphanages have sisters and brothers split. So when they come today, they are all coming together as a family, which is what we really want because this is what we do – we give back,” he said.

“If you spend some time with them and walk around and just see how they are enjoying themselves, that is what jumps out at me and makes me satisfied.”

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Poor People Get Special Holiday Treat

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

Executive Director of Food For the Poor (FFP) David Mair has said that the annual mass feeding of the poor at Christmas time is one of the most impactful events locally that has grown from strength to strength in recent years.

Mair, who has headed the charity organisation for three and a half years, pointed to the increase in the number of volunteers as well as corporate support as the reasons for the improved event.

“We’ve had a lot of help from Salvation Army, and since I’ve been here, I’ve seen a definite improvement in how we bring them in and how we seat them. The volunteers have been crucial in directing and keeping order because 2,000 people is no small crowd,” said Mair, adding that the efforts of FFP, the Salvation Army, and others, resulted in more than 250 persons turning out to volunteer.

“We’ve seen a great response to our needs from corporate Jamaica. There’s always need for improvement because unfortunately, the poor and needy will always be with us, so we always accept and invite more sponsorship, but we are getting the support, and we’re very thankful for that,” Mair added.

The executive underscored that FFP was totally ingrained in the fabric of the country.

“We’re involved in a cross-section of every ministry. We’re involved in education through the building of schools; housing

ministry, through constructing houses for the less fortunate; agriculture because we have 18 fishing villages on the ground; we’re involved in all public hospitals. So we will continue to make a difference and alleviate suffering,” said Mair.

As part of its Christmas activities, FFP will next treat children from 26 orphanages on Wednesday, December 20.

‘I will remember this long after the food done’
All but forgotten by his family and subjected to public ridicule on a daily basis, Joshua Campbell, who prefers to look at the glass as half-full, was quick to share that “in everything, it’s the thought that counts.”

Campbell was among the hundreds of indigents who were fÍted by Food For the Poor and the Salvation Army at Emmett Park in downtown Kingston on Thursday.

“My family don’t give me a sweetie in over five years, so for a group of strangers to feed me, and a whole heap more, is amazing, and I will remember this long after the food done,” said Campbell, who was attending the treat for the fifth consecutive year.

The 62-year-old father of four told The Gleaner that he had been a carpenter until around 2010, when he developed a drinking problem and fell on hard times.

He stated that his inability to hold down work mixed with his love for alcohol resulted in his common-law spouse evicting him from a house they shared in east Kingston.

But in spite of the hand life has dealt him, Campbell pointed out that Christmas activities, the feeding of the homeless, in particular, is something that brings him joy each year.

“God knows best in everything, and I just hope that in years to come, I can be back here offering help, not being helped,” said Campbell.

Inside and outside the massive grounds, other persons could be heard praising the organisers of the event, none more so than an elderly woman with a walker, who exclaimed: “Thank you, Jesus! Bless them!” as she received her gift package.

syranno.baines@gleanerjm.com

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Purples Help To Feed Thousands At Christmas

Saturday, December 16th, 2017

The importance of giving back, especially during the festive season, has not been lost on the famed ‘Purples’ of North Street, who, on Thursday, after sitting their end-of-term exams, turned out in their numbers to help feed more than 2,000 poor Jamaicans across the island.

“At Kingston College (KC), it is service above self,” 18-year-old Ricardo Ricketts told The Gleaner during the Food For The Poor and Salvation Army’s annual Christmas treat at Emmett Park in Kingston.

The crop of lower sixth-formers who sprang into action as early as minutes after 10 a.m. readily served hot meals and beverages to the large, and, at times, demanding crowd.

As if mandated, the youngsters were meticulous in their actions, regularly consulting with each other and the organisers to ensure that no one was excluded.

“The KC culture is to nurture those that are around us and to develop worthwhile institutions so that we can have a better country,” said Ricketts, who also spoke of his intention to visit the Walkers’ Place of Safety on Christmas Day to assist with the children.

For youth parliamentarian Chad Rattray, 17, volunteerism has always been a passion.

“I’m always moved by giving back and seeing how it positively impacts people’s lives. So once I heard of the event, it was always a yes. I had to come along with my colleagues to give support,” shared Rattray.

While he hails from Stony Hill, 17-year-old Chadrick Chambers said that Kingston was also his community as it was where his school was located.

“One should always get involved in activities such as these. It contributes to personal development. At KC, we try to undertake as many service projects as possible. On Saturday, we’re going to feed the homeless in downtown in front of the courts. So initiatives such as these are bigger than self. It’s about bettering our people and the country,” he reasoned.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

syranno.baines@gleanerjm.com

Food For The Poor Spreads Christmas Cheer At Golden Age Home

Saturday | December 16, 2017 | 12:00 AM

Food For The Poor (FFP) Jamaica hosted its annual Christmas Treat at the Golden Age Home in Kingston on Monday. It catered to the two Food For The Poor-sponsored clusters: D & G, which house residents who are severely challenged, both mentally and physically; and seniors with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.

Approximately 155 residents and caregivers from the home were treated to a day of fellowship, food, and gift packages.

David Mair, executive director, FFP Jamaica, noted, “Over the years, Food For The Poor Jamaica has continued to support the Golden Age Home in various ways through the provision of food, clothing, furniture, and medical items. Today’s event is an extension of what we do throughout the year, where FFP staff members come in and feed and spend some time with the residents here at the home.”

Chevanese Rowe-Lyn Sue, healthcare coordinator, FFP Jamaica, stated that the part of th Christmas treat that stands out to her the most is the gratitude that the residents feel.

“They were so happy for the gifts, and that made me feel really good to be part of this. Food For The Poor is able to impact so many lives on a daily basis,” she noted.

“I am grateful that I can experience this activity as it relates to reaching out to the less fortunate.”

The caretakers at the Golden Age Home, specifically those from Clusters D & G, are very grateful for the continued support from FFP.

Morelene Moncrieffe, supervisor of Cluster D, noted: “With Food For The Poor as the main sponsor, we are very appreciative of the work, effort, support, and all the kind gestures they have given to us. We look forward to this Christmas treat on a yearly basis.”

Sentiments of gratitude were also expressed by residents and beneficiaries.

Ninety-five-year-old Ambert Frazer expressed her sentiments to FFP: “We were really blessed to have everyone from Food For The Poor. I heard that Food For The Poor was coming, and I could hardly sleep the night before. I give God all the thanks for the cheer that you have brought us.”

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Siblings in children’s homes reunite at Christmas treat

Friday, December 22, 2017

ORPHANS and wards of the State were on Wednesday briefly reunited with their siblings who are housed at other children’s homes across the island, at the Food For the Poor’s Angels of Hope annual Christmas treat at Kings House in Kingston.

For some, the event is the only occasion they get to spend quality time with their brothers and sisters.

“A lot of siblings are split up, so what happens now is today (Wednesday) they come together to see each other and this doesn’t happen very often,” executive director of Food For the Poor David Mair told the Jamaica Observer. “The governor general has always been very kind to offer his lawns. It’s just a time of enjoyment, relaxation and having the kids come together.”

Irene McDonald, who heads the Clifton Boys’ Home in Darliston, Westmoreland, was elated for two brothers from her home, who were able to spend the day with their two sisters.

“You could just see how happy they were to see each other, they hugged each other and started to cry. Some of my children when they go home for holidays it’s the only time they see each other,” she said. “These two boys will be going home for a week this holiday.”

The four siblings had evident joy on their faces.

The eldest, who is a 15-year-old girl, told the Observer she had not seen her siblings since they were separated a little over a year ago.

“I’m excited because a long time mi nuh see dem. Mi nuh get fi visit dem. Mi and mi sister were at di same home, but we get split up,” she said.

These siblings were just four of about 700 children from 27 homes across the island, who enjoyed themselves at the event. The day’s activities included games, a mechanical bull, bounce-about, face painting and even hair makeovers.

A new addition to the treat, which Food For the Poor has been hosting for 15 years, the hair and barber boutique was a hit.

Owner of Hair Extreme, Andreen Rose-Cephas, was present along with members of the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to work with Food For the Poor. I believe that persons should give back their time. This is why I do voluntary work and I definitely look forward to more of Food For the Poor’s Christmas treats,” she said.

Rose-Cephas also believes that the experience was more beneficial to the older children, who would soon venture out into the working world, as some of them are clueless about hair and make-up. Besides makeovers, she also gave them tips about grooming.

A 10-year-old was very eager to get her hair done.

“Miss I want di lady to comb my hair. Today is very nice. I like di food and di bounce-about. And me hair ago look pretty today,” she said excitedly as she watched a member of the team comb another child’s hair.

In the meantime, McDonald had high praises for the charity organisation.

“I am so proud of them (Food For the Poor). On a three-month basis we get food and it helps a lot. Anything that the Angels of Hope have and they know that we need, they send it for us. We were burnt out earlier this year, Food For the Poor provided beds and items we needed after the fire,” she said.

The head of Clifton Boys’ Home said she and her team hopes to start rebuilding the home in January, with the help of Food For the Poor.

— Falon Folkes

Source: Jamaica Observer

Food For The Poor Partners with Salvation Army To Treat Over 2,000 for Christmas at Emmet Park

Kingston, Jamaica – December 14, 2017: There was much Christmas cheer on Thursday, December 14, when Food For The Poor (FFP) partnered with the Salvation Army to host its annual treat for Jamaica’s poor and indigent at Kingston’s Emmet Park. The event was one of a series of activities designed to bring hope, and an opportunity to celebrate this special time of the year with disadvantaged Jamaicans.

 
The over 2000 homeless and severely challenged persons from across Jamaica gathered at Emmet Park to enjoy a hot meal and lively entertainment in a relaxed environment. At the end of the day, everyone received with a gift package containing food and other items.

 
David Mair, Executive Director, FFP observed, “Our Christmas Treat at Emmet Park with the Salvation Army is a very special day for us. It means so much to us. We can share not only food but also music, entertainment and gifts for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. It’s something we look forward to every year and we work hard at making it a success.”

 
Major Selbourne Oates, Administrator for The Salvation Army’s William Chamberlain Centre added, “This day is a very big and meaningful day. It is a great time to come together, share a common meal and give gifts for the Christmas. It is an opportunity for us to share with FFP. This is one of the ways we spread the love of God together, giving people something that they will never forget. The people who come to this event talk about it all year and look forward to it before the tickets are even ready. Not only the Salvation Army and FFP, but other organizations who want to come in and share join in, helping to serve the food – such as students from the various schools and Salvation Army colleges. We welcome the idea of them partnering with us…We plan for months to make this event very special.”

Featured Photographs

Welcoming Guests From Across The Island_Emmet Park.JPG

Welcoming Guests from Across The Island: (from left) David Mair, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Jamaica, Major Selbourne Oates, Administrator For The Salvation Army, William Chamberlain Centre and Craig Moss-Solomon, Director of Wooden Houses, Food For The Poor welcome one of the over 2,000 attendees at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14. Attendees from across the island, including residents of clusters D and G of The Golden Age Home, were treated to a hot meal and lively entertainment in a relaxed environment.  At the end of this one-day event, everyone was presented with a gift package containing food and general items, courtesy of both charities.

Clapping Hands and Praising God_Emmet Park.JPG

Clapping Hands and Praising God: Two members of the elderly community enjoy singing along and clapping to prayer songs as they await the delicious meal served to the over 2,000 homeless, less fortunate and severely challenged persons at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14.

The Salvation Army Band Provides Lively Entertainment.JPG

Salvation Army Band Provides Lively Entertainment: Members of the Salvation Army band provide festive music and live entertainment to the over 2,000 homeless, less fortunate and severely challenged at Food For The Poor and the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Treat at Emmet Park in Kingston on Thursday, December 14.

Attendees Share Sentiments of Gratitude

Esmie Dixon, who attended the event, expressed her appreciation. “I’m glad to be here today to see some of my friends, especially the Salvation Army and Food For The Poor people,” she said. “We are very grateful for what they have done for us this year and in the previous years. I thank them very much and may the good Lord guide them and protect them.”

 
Another attendee, Munchie Hinds added: “It’s a pleasure to be here because I am disabled and there aren’t that many people or organizations that do what the Salvation Army and FFP are doing today. The food was delicious. I probably would never get another treat like this, so I look forward to this every year. There’s nothing else as good as this treat.”

 
Clair Reid, who also benefited from the treat, said it was a blessing for her to share the day with FFP and the Salvation Army. “Some of the people that come here really need it because they don’t have anything like it. People don’t look out for them so these little things help them. That’s why you see the place so full. They are so glad for it because they get a nice package and some good food. I enjoy it myself and I am going to dance all day even though I am disabled! Thank you for everything. It is good for you to be here every year. We love you with all our hearts.”

Healthy Catch! Rainforest Seafoods ‘reels in’ internal Jamaica Moves programme

Rainforest Seafoods recently became the latest corporate company to launch their internal Jamaica Moves programme. The launch, held at the company’s headquarters, follows the Ministry of Health’s Jamaica Moves Get Moving Corporate Challenge launched in July this year.
Bethany Young, marketing manager at Rainforest Seafoods, pointed out that the core of what the company does is related to living a healthy lifestyle, making reference to the products they manufacture and sell – seafood. She further explained that it was a no-brainer for the company to get involved in the Jamaica Moves Get Moving Corporate Challenge, since participating in 5Ks is almost innate to the company and its employees.

“It’s part of our company culture. It’s who we are. We’ve always been a participant of 5Ks and a lot of physical activities for years. We saw the Jamaica Moves Corporate Challenge as an opportunity for our team members to get out there, to participate in something fun, inspiring and good for them,” Young said.

COMPANY CULTURE

Alison Sutherland, special projects manager at Rainforest Seafoods and team leader for the physical activity at the company, noted that the company has been able to develop a healthy habit for recreational activity because they have the support of their chief executive officer (CEO), Brian Jardim; general manager Jerome Miles; other executives and senior management within the company.

“The leader has to support it and that’s what we have here. Our CEO supports what we are doing. Without a support system, it’s not going to happen,” Sutherland said.
Adding to what Sutherland said, Bethany made mention of Jardim, who along with his wife, Shelagh, participate in almost every 5K run that their company is involved in.
“It feels like a team activity. Everybody is involved. Every level of the company is invited,” Young said.

The company also took it a bit further to encourage employees to get their family members active as well. Young explained that in a lot of the 5K runs, the company allows employees to bring a family member, which the company pays for. Winners and participants in the 5K races are also given special commendation in the company’s newsletter and featured on their social media pages.

ACTIVE TEAM

The Friday afternoon workout session is aimed at getting employees within the company to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day in an attempt to reduce their risk of contracting a non-communicable disease (NCD). The company currently has a similar programme at their Montego Bay, St James office, where they invite a personal trainer in. Sutherland said other employees now do their own workout sessions at home, while others have joined the gym.

“We are an active team,” Sutherland said with a smile.

The Jamaica Moves Get Moving Corporate Challenge has become increasingly important in light of a 2011 study by the World Bank, titled ‘Public Policy and the Challenge of Chronic Non Communicable Diseases’, which estimated that an individual suffering from any NCD spends approximately one-third of household per capita expenditure on health-care services and the purchase of pharmaceutical drugs.
Jamaica Moves is the country’s coordinated national response to the increased incidences of NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers. Through education, engagement and the building of supportive environments, the programme hopes to reduce NCDs by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

National Journalism Week | Public Lecture and Panel Discussion: “Who’s Watching the Watchdog? Media Regulation in Jamaica & Elsewhere.”

THE PRESS ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA | JAMAICA PEGASUS HOTEL

MEDIA ADVISORY

Telephone: 876.631-6390 or 876.348-1682
Email: pressassociationjamaica@gmail.com

Who: Press Association of Jamaica

What: Public Lecture and Panel Discussion: Who’s Watching the Watchdog? Media Regulation in Jamaica & Elsewhere

Where: Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

When: Monday November 27, 2017 at 6:00pm

Background: This year, activities for National Journalism Week are being held from Sunday November 26, 2017 to Saturday December 2, 2017 under the theme “Media Accountability in the Digital Age.”

In line with that theme on Monday November 27, 2017 at 6 p.m. the PAJ will host a forum at the Jamaica Pegasus with the topic “Who’s Watching the Watchdog? Media Regulation in Jamaica & Elsewhere.” The topic arises from an important conversation being had about holding the media accountable.

The forum will feature Dr. Janet Steele, the Director of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication at George Washington University in the United States. Her areas of interest include how culture is communicated through the mass media, the role of the press in a democratic society and narrative journalism.

Bringing local perspectives will be Press Association of Jamaica President Dionne Jackson-Miller, Vice-Chairperson of the Media Association of Jamaica Claire Grant, Isabel Viera Bermudez of UNESCO and Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan.

The event is open to the public.

Contact: Press Association of Jamaica
Tel: 876.631.6390/876.348.1682
Email: pressassociationjamaica@gmail.com