JIS to close three regional offices to improve efficiency and contain costs

KINGSTON — In an effort to improve efficiency and contain costs, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) will be closing three of its four regional offices as well as its overseas offices, on a phased basis.

The closure of the offices in Portland, Ocho Rios and Mandeville, as well as the overseas offices in Miami, Washington, New York, Toronto and London will save the government some $51 million annually.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), JIS, Donna-Marie Rowe noted that the rationalisation exercise is in line with the government’s move to reduce the public sector wage bill, while operating more efficiently.

“At this time in the country when we have to be concerned about how tax payers hard earned money is spent, we at the JIS have to ensure that we operate at the highest levels of efficiency, including cost efficiency, hence our rationalisation to see those areas where we can effect savings without jeopardising our mandate to inform Jamaicans at home and abroad,” she stated.

Mrs. Rowe said the agency was therefore taking every step to ensure that it carries out its mandate in a cost effective and efficient way.

The CEO further noted that the JIS’ rationalisation exercise coincides with the objectives of the Public Sector Transformation Unit (PSTU), which speaks to the need to streamline operations, remove waste and duplication and reduce the public sector wage bill.

The JIS however, will continue steadfast in its efforts to provide accurate and high quality information to Jamaicans at home and abroad and will ensure that all regions of the island, as well as the Diaspora are covered.

“Evidence has shown that the services provided by the regional offices could be and, are in many cases, already being provided by the head office. Where the head office is unable, freelancers will be engaged,” Mrs. Rowe said.

Additionally, the JIS’ presence overseas will be maintained through the engagement of freelancers, which is another cost effective approach, as it will dramatically reduce the high expenses paid in foreign currency, often associated with maintaining offices overseas.

New media and technology have served to enhance the JIS’ ability to provide services to clients here and abroad. 

Due to the rationalisation exercise, a total of seven persons overseas and 10 persons locally will be affected and will be retired due to re-organisation. Five persons will be re-deployed to both the Kingston office, as well as the Montego Bay regional office, which will remain open.

A staff representative of the Jamaica Civil Service Association has been involved in the meetings with staff in the regional offices and all the guidelines stipulated by the PSTU have been followed.

The agency has also made available counselling services for those individuals who will not be re-assigned.

By ATHALIAH REYNOLDS, JIS Reporter