Senior Production Coordinator at JIS Television Dept. Gets OD

For his almost 50 years of service in the field of television production and broadcasting, Senior Production Coordinator in the Television Department, Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Lavern Seaton Richards, has been honoured by the Government.

On National Heroes Day (October 21), Mr. Richards will receive the Order of Distinction, in the Rank of Officer (OD), for dedicated contribution of 50 years to Media Production in Television Broadcasting at the Jamaica Information Service, at the National Honours and Awards ceremony, to be held at King’s House.

In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Richards says he is delighted to be recognised by the Government of Jamaica for his extensive work in the field.

“It is with great pride that I welcome this award… . I think I provide this service with passion, precision and pride,” he says.

Mr. Richards’ commitment to excellence has earned him the respect of his colleagues and other industry professionals.

“My responsibilities include guiding a team of technical personnel consisting of videographers and sound technicians, and I think I would have earned their trust and confidence in the process, and to ensure highest production quality on behalf of the agency,” he explains.

Thanks to his decades of experience, Mr. Richards continues to serve the agency diligently and is currently responsible for all technical aspects relating to television production.

This includes directing the production of television broadcasts of State events involving the Governor-General, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Senior Ministers, and other public officials, as well as leaders in the private sector.

“My contribution has helped public education and awareness, and it has significantly impacted the achievement of the Agency’s mandate. We serve over 120 customers in the ministries, departments and agencies, and it is extremely broad-based. The JIS has been very good to me. It gave me the opportunity to excel, to be creative, and to broaden my knowledge base,” Mr. Richards says.

He has received several awards throughout his distinguished career, including the Governor-General’s Medal of Honour in 2023, for his outstanding service to the Office during the tenure of the current Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who has held the position since 2009.

Mr. Richards was awarded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service to Television Broadcasting by the Government of Jamaica, and in 2012, he was recognised by the JIS for his 35 years of outstanding service and dedication.

He was also nominated by the agency for the title of Civil Servant of the Year in 2011, for which he was the second runner-up, and in 2010 he received the Veterans Award for Distinguished Service to Media and Journalism by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ).

Mr. Richards got his start in television production as a National Youth Service (NYS) worker at the JIS in 1975, in the television department.

What originally started as a temporary position turned out to be his life’s passion when he applied and was employed with the agency in 1977 as an assistant sound engineer.

“I started at the very bottom as an assistant audio person in the mid-70s and moved through the ranks, thanks to the agency. They encouraged me and facilitated my movement from the very bottom to the very top,” he notes.

Mr. Richards worked his way up the ranks, getting his first promotion as a full sound engineer in 1979. In 1987, he moved up to the position of videographer and shortly after, he was promoted to senior videographer.

Several years later, he was promoted to be the Administrative Coordinator for the JIS television division.

Thereafter, he was promoted to act as Senior Editor for a year, and then as Acting Manager.

He was also assigned duties as the Head of the Agency’s documentary unit and Special Projects Coordinator. Mr. Richards has been in his current position since 2008.