G-G commends media/advertisers at awards event

KINGSTON — Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has commended Jamaica's media and advertising fraternities for their contributions to nation building.

Addressing the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica's (AAAJ) annual Media of the Year awards luncheon at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Wednesday (July13), the Governor-General said he was heartened by the work they have been doing in creating and sponsoring programmes which encourage Jamaicans, particularly young people, to build faith and confidence in the country.

He said that these efforts served as precursors to his inaugural address as Governor-General in 2009, which was underpinned by his “I Believe” vision.

He noted that Jamaican media houses were equal to schools and churches, as the most influential groups in the country, while the advertising agencies have used their creativity to promote a wide variety of products and services.

“Through print and broadcast here, and on the Internet, you have riveted the Jamaican public and impressed the global community,” the Governor-General said.

He said that the outdoor advertising fraternity has also contributed by sponsoring billboards and signs for charities and community-building messages, while print houses are famous for the pro-bono work they do for various causes and local magazines showcase Jamaica on coffee tables all over the world.

He also pointed to the need to accommodate persons seeking jobs, particularly young people. He noted that the society was poised to receive another batch of graduates from tertiary institutions shortly, and that “we all have to consider how we will accommodate them in the already tight employment environment”.

 “We have heard from researchers that our education system needs to adjust itself to make graduates more employable. The challenge presented to the media is finding ways to help these young people to better equip themselves for gainful employment. This is something that the media must consider carefully and thoughtfully, because you all have that duty of care (to perform) in Jamaica. You have a duty of care in your profession, as all of us do, in our various professions,” he said.

The AAAJ presented over 20 awards to media and advertising executives and organisations for excelling during 2010. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Editor of the Sunday Herald, R. Christine King, was named Media Personality of the Year, while the Gleaner Company received the Media of the Year award.

By DOUGLAS McINTOSH, JIS Reporter