JIS Opens New Offices in Montego Bay

The Jamaica Information Service (JIS) on April 17 officially opened its new Montego Bay Regional office, located at 42 B and C Union Street in the St. James capital.

The office, relocated from premises at 34 Union Street, now has more spacious surroundings,  which will enable the agency to expand its offerings to better serve the parishes of St. James, Hanover,   Trelawny  , Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth and St. Ann.

Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, said that the team under Regional Manager, Bryan Miller, has demonstrated commitment to delivering high quality public information despite limited resources. 

She said the decision to move the office to a new, more spacious location is a step in the right direction, especially as the agency carries out its mandate to educate and inform, and make government more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.  

Citing a business plan put forward, which she said, “will transform the office into a truly super office,” the Minister gave a commitment to “ensuring that you are adequately resourced to deliver on your strategic objectives”.

Custos of St. James, Hon. Ewen Corrodus, who also attended the launch, lauded the JIS as an agent for fostering change, while delivering on its mandate to “educate and spread awareness on matters of great importance”.

He noted that the agency, over the years, has grown and effectively adapted to political, economic and technological changes and “your new office here is another welcome step in facilitating your further growth and enhancing your service to Jamaica."

Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Councillor Glendon Harris, in a message delivered by Councillor Suzette Brown, expressed the hope that the new space will boost the morale of the staff.

“It is our hope that you, the staff members, will continue to improve your standards as you maintain the company’s image as a trendsetter in the field of communication, and a trustworthy source of information regarding the nation’s progress and its challenges. May it (new office) be a centre of communication excellence for many years to come,” Mr. Harris said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Donna Marie-Rowe, who traced the history of the regional office, told the gathering that the Montego Bay team prides itself in providing comprehensive coverage throughout the western parishes, despite the constraints.

She stated that with the closure of the other three regional offices last year – Portland, Mandeville and St. Ann – the agency’s work across the island has continued with efficiency. Some members of staff from these offices were relocated to Montego Bay.

“Locally, the Montego Bay team, along with head office in Kingston, gets the job done; that of providing coverage for more than 200 ministries, department and agencies, and responding to the ever-changing demands to deliver public relations programmes, public service announcements, and getting the information to the people,” Mrs. Rowe said.

By Garfield Angus, JIS Reporter