Beloved JIS Binder Gets National Honour

When Paul Anthony Johnson started at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) as a teenage summer worker, he had no idea that he would become an integral part of the JIS team and receive a national honour for his invaluable contribution.

For 38 years of dedicated service, the beloved Binder in the JIS Printery, was presented with the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House on Monday (Oct. 20).

Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Johnson recalls the fateful encounter with a JIS staff member at his alma mater, Charlie Smith High School, who asked him if he was interested in learning a trade.

“Whenever school had holiday breaks, I would come to JIS to do holiday jobs, and they took me finally to work in the printery [when he left high school]. That was where I started,” he says.

“I remember my first day on the job. I drew for the broom and started sweeping, I was just so happy,” he laughs.

Known for his energy and enthusiasm, Mr. Johnson says he was early for work every day.

“I was the first to reach work every morning. I would look at the men running the press and it was so beautiful. My Supervisor, Barry Simpson, saw that I was interested in the work of the pressmen and he gave me books to collate, fold and bind until I became professional at it,” he says.

Then, his Supervisor gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.

“One day, Mr. Simpson asked me if I wanted the run the press and I said, ‘why not,’ Mr. Johnson recalls.

Through the JIS, Mr. Johnson was trained on the job, gaining experience in the entire printing process.

“I do so many things – bind and cut, fold, staple, collate, number, pack and label books, so many things,” he says.

Mr. Johnson tells JIS News that he is honoured to be recognised with the prestigious national award for his contribution.

He notes that his work in the JIS Printery is integral to the success of national events such as the Ceremony of Investiture.

He says the team often works long hours, sometimes through the night, to meet tight deadlines.

“We have to make sure that the job is done on time and delivered on time. We have to make sure that we can’t miss. We have to ensure that we preserve the reputation of the agency,” he notes.

After 38 years, Mr. Johnson has done it all.

He tells JIS News that his love for his job and the dedication and camaraderie of the team is part of what inspires his commitment to the agency.

“It is amazing to work with a dedicated team, so I am inspired to stay there and support them,” he says.

“I came to JIS with no trade or skill. I now have a skill, and I can go out there with

confidence,” he says with pride.

Work colleague for 20 years, Robert Taylor, says Mr. Johnson is deserving of the national honour.

“It is good working with him because he is a very energetic person and he puts a lot of effort into his work; he doesn’t shirk from work. He has his head on all the time and is always prepared to face a challenge,” he says.

Mr. Johnson was first employed to the JIS as an Apprentice Binder on December 9, 1987, and was officially appointed to the position of Binder on October 1, 1992.

He received a long service award from the JIS in 2023 and was named Employee of the Quarter for the period October to December 2022.