Minister Henry Tours JIS Television Dept. New Building

Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Lester Michael Henry, who has responsibility for the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), toured the building designated for the agency’s Television Department at 5-9 South Odean Avenue, Kingston 10 recently.

He was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the JIS, Donna-Marie Rowe; Project Leader; and Director of Corporate Services, Errol Gardner; and the management team to assess the progress of the refurbishing work.

Mr. Henry, who was meeting with the team for the first time, said he was pleased with the infrastructure and the new technology that the JIS, the Government’s premier public relations agency, has sourced and will be using at the location to enhance the dissemination of government communication.

“I think this new facility will have a significant impact on the communication flow, as you are putting in new equipment, moving into the digital age, while creating and getting information to the public at the base,” the Minister said.

“I’m very impressed with the new facility…and with the layout, I think the JIS is preparing itself for the tasks ahead. There seems to be an ease in the flow of people and connectivity of the different units of JIS TV, and, therefore, it augurs well for enhancing the communication process,” he added.

The Minister gave the team a history of Jamaica’s development and progress in communication in which he participated, particularly as Minister of State for Culture (1983-1989).

Mr. Henry stressed the importance of identifying, protecting and managing intellectual property to capitalise on its financial benefits.

The project to transition the television department from analogue to digital will shortly advance to the relocation phase as the refurbishing aspect is nearing completion. The next stage, which will be tackled in the coming quarter, includes labelling, packaging, procuring and moving the agency’s archives, library material and equipment.

“The new location will definitely boost staff morale as it is more spacious and will be technologically driven.  We will be operating with a seamless work flow that is integrated,” Mrs. Rowe said, while she briefed the Minister.