Information Minister Lauds Work of JIS and PBCJ

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, has lauded the work of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ).

She said although they have different mandates and functions, “the teams have been creative in the use of the little they have, and they have certainly served the people of Jamaica well.”

“For those persons who believe that you can cut one, or the other, I don’t think they fully understand the roles that the different agencies play,” the Minister said.

“The PBCJ is our public broadcaster, and serves a very different role from what the JIS plays. The JIS is the Government information arm, and the PBCJ deals with culture and things of public interest,” she pointed out.

While on a tour of the PBCJ on South Odeon Avenue, in St. Andrew, on April 24,  the Minister said both entities have had to operate in tight fiscal spaces, and Jamaicans at home and abroad can see what is happening via live streaming, such as the coverage of Parliamentary sittings.

“I am proud that both the JIS and the PBCJ have modernized the way they operate,” she noted, adding that an organization out of the United States (US), Social Progress Imperative, has published a document showing that Jamaica is ahead of the US when it comes to communication, and access to information.

Meanwhile, the Minister said the modernization plans at the PBCJ are moving apace, to ensure that the Jamaican people receive the best offerings.

Senator Falconer added that she is pleased with the team effort that has equipped the Corporation with state-of-the-art equipment, and upgraded  the general facility.

While commending the agency’s Board for the guidance and support given to the staff in the transformation process, she said that “the potential for expansion shows that there are so many possibilities that the PCBJ can offer to the viewers.”

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer at the PBCJ, Keith Campbell, informed that the agency recently concluded negotiations with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), to package community and educational content for broadcast.

Mr. Campbell also added that work done by the JIS will be given more showcasing by the PBCJ.