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Adequate Accommodations for Local Press to Cover Prince’s Visit

March 2, 2012

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Minister with responsibility for Information, Sandrea Falconer, swiftly intervened this morning on the treatment of local journalists during the visit of Prince Harry. Minister Falconer said that no local media person will be required to carry his or her own safety vest when covering events at the Norman Manley International Airport because safety vests will be provided for them. A bus will also be provided for local media personnel who need assistance in order to adequately cover the visit. 

The issues arose during a press briefing yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister where concerns of the local media were fully aired. Neither Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller nor Minister Falconer had been briefed on the decisions of the committee organising the Prince's visit.

Minister Falconer said, "The local press is important to our democracy and we must treat them with respect and no less than we will treat international journalists. Jamaica House will be providing a bus and also safety vests for the airport." 

Also arising out of yesterday's press briefing, is a commitment that local press vehicles carrying accredited staff will be given special stickers allowing the traffic police to recognise them easily at these events associated with the visit of Prince Harry. This will be especially necessary for press access at the University of the West Indies and locations in downtown Kingston and also in Falmouth.

The visit of Prince Harry will be from March 5 – 8. He is visiting Jamaica on behalf of his grandmother, The Queen, who is celebrating the 60th anniversary of her accession this year. The visit has attracted significant international attention and is being handled as an opportunity to project the most positive image of Jamaica in key investment and tourism markets.

During his time in Jamaica, Prince Harry will visit the University of the West Indies, the Bustamante Hospital for Children and the Victoria Jubilee Hospital; and the Rise Life NGO in central Kingston. His North Coast visits include the historic town of Falmouth; Good Hope Great House and a Jamaica night event at Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel. Prime Minister Simpson Miller will host Prince Harry at Devon House, which was built by the first black millionaire in Jamaica – George Steibel. He will also do military exercises at Up Park Camp alongside soldiers of the Jamaica Defence Force.

Last Updated: July 31, 2013

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