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November 15, 2010 OFFICE OF DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (ODPEM),
Operations Centre, 2-4 Haining Road Members Present Past Presidents Miss Christine Ann Bell, Innovative Ideas Mrs Janneth Mornan Green, Media Central
Members
Mrs Gwyneth Davidson, OPM Mr Leo Mc Ewan, Ministry of Transport and Works Mrs Pat Tyrell Chong, National Irrigation Commission
Ms Opal Davis, NSWMA Mrs Blossom Laidlaw, CARIMAC Mr Christopher Benjamin, Consultant
Mrs Andrea Mc Lean, ODPEM Ms Keisha Johnson, IICA Ms Karelle Mc Cormack, 4H Ms Carolyn Johnson, Maritime Authority of Jamaica
Ms Deborah Hickling, Consultant Ms Cheryl Smith, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service
Mrs Dayner Azzellino, Marcastuta Ms Alison Christie Binger, Illuminarte
The meeting was called to order by President Delmares White at 6:06 p.m. who invited Opal White to offer a prayer. President White acknowledged the presence of Past Presidents and welcomed visitors.
Address by Guest Speaker
Wording of Bulletins Important Noting that Tropical Storm Nicole did not affect Jamaica, but that the heavy rains of September 26-October 1 were normal seasonal heavy rains, Mr Jackson said that it was important for persons writing for media to understand the Meteorological bulletins. The bulletins trigger levels of preparedness and is also referred-to by Insurance companies when reviewing claims.
Pre-Tomas Preparations and Decisions Mr Jackson underscored that the ODPEM does not start its hurricane communications programme at the start of the season, but it involved engaging communities and particular the youth all through the year. There is a Safe Houses Campaign currently on with 56 communities.
ODPEM has a National Disaster Management Media Plan which guides all communications actions when the Meteorological Service issues a severe weather bulletin. They have implemented a press briefing mechanism as this is more effective than granting interviews throughout the preparation period for severe weather. The actions on the checklist are guided by information already gathered by storm gauges as well as satellites from space.
Public behavior on hurricane preparedness has been measured by proxy using sales from grocery stores and also hardware stores. Items noted includes roof straps. The agency has also been moving more resources to key areas ahead of the storm and also in moving persons at risk out. During Ivan in 2004 a few people moved into shelters whereas 2,000 persons moved into shelters ahead of Gustav in 2008. Mr Jackson said that the involvement of the Head of State ahead of the expected effects of Tropical Storm Tomas in October helped to get the public ready. He noted that online discussions, radio and print commentary after the storm passed nearby still indicated that Jamaicans overwhelmingly thought of the agency as credible. He noted the need for continuous engagement with the publics and encourage responsible behaviour. Mr Jackson called the decision to close schools in the East of the island "gutsy" when it was expected that rains from Tomas might affect those areas. The decision was made with the sole purpose of preventing loss of lives. Hazard Information Now A Part Of National Development Mr Jackson said that ODPEM had been successful in making the integration of hazard information a part into the development approval process, but the agency is currently not adequately resourced to handle all of the applications that come to it. He noted that developers were expected to inform prospective buyers of known risks so that they can make educated decisions. Karelle Mc Cormack delivered the Vote of Thanks to Mr Jackson for allowing the PRSJ to hold its meeting at ODPEM and for his address ahead of a business trip the following day. It was suggested that the PRSJ be allowed to meet at ODPM again.
Feedback on Awards of Excellence - General Matters Christopher Benjamin reviewed the list of ideas that emerged from the October General Meeting. They were:
- Use 2011 to strengthen the society and 2012 for the first Awards of Excellence
- Engage in activities that will raise the profile of the society and attract more professionals. One idea was to have a weekly radio slot. Others were to identify spokespersons and seek opportunities for them to speak.
- More Membership activities
- Roving meetings
- Revive the cocktail reception for final year PR students at CARIMAC
- Continue building the relationship with IABC
- Restart the Presidents (and Consultants) Forum
- Have a presence at events wherever possible (booth or banner)
- Offer short courses, especially to business leaders
- Establish strategic linkages with the PAJ and the MAJ
The meeting was adjourned at 7:59 by Leo McEwan and seconded by Christopher Benjamin. The gathering repaired for light refreshments following the meeting.
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Recalling the 123rd anniversary of the birth of
Rt Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey
National Hero |
Minutes for the General Meeting of the
Public Relations Society of Jamaica
August 17, 2010
Jampro Training Room, Trafalgar Road
Members Present
Past Presidents Miss Christine Ann Bell, Innovative Ideas Mr Mark Thomas, Jampro Mrs Beverley Josephs, UTech Members
Mrs Gwyneth Davidson, OPM Mr Neville Graham, Credit Union League Mrs Yvonne Grinam Nicholson, ROC Communications, IABC President Mr Leo Mc Ewan, Ministry of Transport and Works Ms Cheryl Smith, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service Mr Cecil Thoms, Ministry of Agriculture Ms Kimberley Weller, ODPEM Ms Delmares White, ODPEM Mr Glen Brown, Papine Development Area Committee Ms Nikesha Burchell, Jampro Communications Ms Melecia Brown, Ministry of National Security, National Security Strategy Co-ordinating Unit Mr Daniel Dunkley, Ministry of Labour and Social Security PR Ms Colette Gooden, Office of Utilities Regulation, PR Ms Carolyn Graham, Maritime Authority of Jamaica PR Ms Anthea Mc Gibbon, Blogger Ms Enith Williams, past PIOJ, PR Mr Christopher Wolfe, Ministry of Labour and Social Security PR Dr Trevor Munroe, Professor of Government and Politics, UWI Mr Christopher Benjamin, Consultant Ms Deborah Hickling, Consultant The meeting was called to order by President Delmares White at 6:20 p.m. who invited Past President, Christine Bell to offer a prayer. President White acknowledged the presence of Past Presidents Christine Ann Bell, Mark Thomas and Beverley Johnson and President of the IABC, Yvonne Grinam Nicholson. She welcomed visitors and members of the media, Erica Virtue and Mr Wellington of the Jamaica Observer and Peter from Newstalk 93FM. It was noted that the meeting was being held on the 123 anniversary of the birth of the Rt Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, National Hero.
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The meeting was advised that Mrs Shawnette Henry had resigned from the post of Vice President of Special Events as she was no longer able to carry out the duties of that post. Her resignation has been accepted and the Society looked forward to her continued participation as a Full Member.  Member Cecil Thoms introduced the Guest Speaker, Professor of Government and Politics at UWI, and Director of the National Integrity Action Forum (NIAF). The NIAF is a project of the the Centre for Leadership and Governance which is a collaboration of the Department of Government, UWI and the Mona School of Business. It is comprised of government officials whose work impact on integrity. Dr Munroe gave an address that led to a discussion on the topic: "Progress Being Made in Surmounting Challenges in Combatting Corruption". Dr Munroe said that the country has pulled back from a tipping point on the matter of corruption. He noted that in a 1999 study, half of persons surveyed said that corruption was the greatest threat to democracy. Another study, which was conducted in 2008 by the Centre for Leadership and Government found that of 22 regional states, Jamaica was ranked highest in terms of perceptions of corruption. He noted the following as small but important steps of progress:
Compliance on reporting award of contracts to the Contractor General had moved from 13% to 100%;
Serious efforts are being made by the police force to eliminate corrupt staff. Between January and July 2010, the JCF has not re-enlisted 170 policemen and women for reason of suspicion of corruption. Of this number, 21 have been charged;
A senior police officer has been convicted of corruption;
There is one Member of Parliament before the court on charges of corruption and another recommended for charge;
There have been investigations into corruption in several state agencies and as a result, 30 persons are before the DPP;
Law enforcement officials are prepared to deal with the most powerful political and business interests;
The Chief Justice has established a Corruption Court.
He outlined several hurdles that need to be overcome in combatting corruption: Dr Munroe then announced that by the end of the year, a Jamaica chapter of Transparency International, a global watchdog on corruption, will be established in Jamaica. He said that this can develop a systematic approach to outreach and public education on the necessity of combatting corruption more effectively. He noted that Jamaica was consistently in the top ten counties where there was a strong perception of freedom of the press and that this should be protected. In the discussion that followed there was general agreement that there was a need for continuous public education on how corruption affects the man in the street, contributes to murder, siphons off scarce funds to the pockets of those who are corrupt and damages services to which the public is entitled. There was agreement that a narrative needs to be developed on the benefits of fighting corruption and the promotion of fairness and equity. There was also general sentiment that the criminal justice system needs to inspire more confidence in the people it is there to serve. One way suggested is to ensure that legal defences are not financed by ill-gotten gains. Gwyneth Davidson delivered the Vote of Thanks to the guest speaker. As there was no other business, the motion for the adjournment of the meeting was moved at 8:15 p.m. by Kimberley Weller and seconded by Cecil Thoms. Refreshments were offered for a contribution of $300. /gd
Minutes PRSJ General Meeting June 15, 2010 Jampro Training Room Trafalgar Road Delmares White, ODPEM
Mark Thomasm, Jampro
Shawnette Henry, MIND
Camille Taylor, LIME
Analisa Downes, SLB
Christopher Benjamin, Consultant
Cheryl Smith, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service
Opal Davis, NSWMA
Keith Brown, Keith Brown and Assoc
Stephen Shaw, NWA
Gerry Mc Daniel, JFLL
Carroll Edwards, UWI Mona PR
Claudette Myers, PIOJ PR
Leo McEwan, Ministry of Transport and Works
Gwyneth Davidson, OPM
Christine Ann Bell, Innovative Solutions
The meeting was called to order at approximately 6:15 by President Delmares White. She welcomed student guests from CARIMAC (Keith Brown) and students guests from the International University of the Caribbean (Gerry McDaniel).
Announcement of New Members
VP Membership announced that the following persons were accepted as full members of the PRSJ.
Journalist, radio producer and Communications Manager, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Mr Cecil Thoms; Public Education and Community Relations Manager at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Mr Jamal Tugman; Information Officer at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) Ms Kimberley Weller; Journalist and Media Coordinator Embassy of the United States of America - Public Affairs Section, Ms Fern White.
The Society extends a warm welcome and congratulations to the new members and look forward to their active involvement in the Society. Members in arrears were reminded to pay their 2010 dues.
Guest Speaker
Past President Mark Thomas introduced guest speaker, Social Violence expert and Lecturer in the department of Social Sciences, UWI, Anthropologist Dr Herbert Gayle. Dr Gayle made a call for more investment in boys and young men as an essential component to overcome violence in the society. Dr Gayle was presented with a token of appreciation by Gwyneth Davidson.
Other Business
First VP Christopher Benjamin reminded the group about the benefit performance of the UWI Singers on Saturday June 19, tickets $1,200 each. Tickets are on sale from Executive members. Members were asked to support the Society by purchasing the tickets to this fund-raising event.
Juice was served and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00p.m.
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PAID UP MEMBERS 2010-2011
Members are encouraged to pay annual subscriptions at General Meetings. All queries can be directed to The President at prsj2009@gmail.com
- Analisa Downes
- Beverley Josephs
- Camille Taylor
- Carroll Edwards
- Cheryl Smith
- Christine Bell
- Christopher Benjamin
- Dayner Azzellino
- Delmares White
- Gerrard McDaniel
- Gillian Haughton
- Gwyneth Harold
- Janneth Mornan-Green
- Leo McEwan
- Marie Berbick-Graham
- Mark Thomas
- Meris Haughton
- Misha Lobban
- Opal Davis
- Shawnette Henry
- Stephen Shaw
- Yvonne Grinam-Nicholson
- Meris Haughton
- Maxine McDonnough
- Ealane Livingston Smith
- Claudette Myers
- Tamara Scott Williams
- Kamika Williams
- Deborah Hickling
- Donna Marie Rowe
Life Members
MINUTES ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING MARCH 30, 2010 JAMPRO TRAINING ROOM TRAFALGAR ROAD
Present
1. Analisa Downes 2. Beverley Josephs 3. Camille Taylor 4. Carrole Edwards 5. Cheryl Smith 6. Christine Bell 7. Christopher Benjamin 8. Delmares White 9. Gerrard McDaniel 10. Gillian Haughton 11. Blossom Laidlaw 12. Alison Christie Binger 13. Kamika Williams McKellop 14. Gwyneth Harold 15. Janneth Mornan-Green 16. Leo McEwan 17. Marie Berbick-Graham 18. Mark Thomas 19. Meris Haughton 20. Misha Lobban 21. Opal Davis 22. Shawnette Henry 23. Stephen Shaw 24. Maxine McDonnough 25. Ealane Livingston Smith 26. Claudette Myers
President Mark Thomas called meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
Apologies for absence was tendered for: Elaine Commissiong, Kathleen Johnson, Patricia Tyrell, Tamara Scott Williams, Dayner Azzellino, Donna Marie Rowe, Errol Miller, Winsome Callum, Jean Lowrie Chin, Marcia Erskine, Keith Brown,
Induction of New Members Past President Janneth Mornan Green performed the induction of new members who were present at the meeting they are: Full members: Analisa Downes, Cheryl Smith, Christopher Benjamin, Delmares White, Gillian Haughton, Marie Berbick-Graham, Meris Haughton, Opal Davis, Shawnette Henry, Stephen Shaw, Claudette Myers Maxine Francis; and Associate Members: Akilah Maxwell and Kamika Williams McKellop.
Guest Speaker
The Guest Speaker, country branding expert, Mr David Lightle, was introduced by Delmares White. Mr Lightle gave insights on his case studies in Taiwan, Thailand, New Zealand and most recently Colombia. He is currently a consultant with JTI/Jampro training local communicators and investment technocrats in the skills needed for successful nation branding. Cheryl Smith delivered the vote of thanks.
Adoption of Minutes Gerry McDaniel read the minutes from the 2004 AGM. The motion to adopt the minutes was moved by Beverley Josephs and seconded by Mark Thomas.
President’s Report Status of Accounts Jamaica National Investment Account Nov 24, 2009 - J$99,444.67 NCB Current account Dec 27, 2009 - J$1,127.55 NCB Savings account as at March 30 2010, $24, 285.47.
New members Since the start of 2010, the Society has inducted 14 Full Members and two Associate Members.
PRSJ/IABC Christmas Networking Event Held on December 15 2009 which saw 51 practitioners attending. PRSJ presold 20 tickets IABC 23 tickets. A very small profit was cleared which IABC retains on mutual agreement. There is an active commitment to collaborate for the benefit of all practitioners with joint promotion of events.
Communications The original website created by is still online. A free online Google Site has been created at_ Blogs are maintained on the practice of PR in Jamaica. Both Google site and blog are tracked using Google Analytics.
Work in progress Catalogue of practitioners with 28 practitioners listed. When we have 50 listed we will publicise and use to promote local PR talent. Encourage persons to write in to the email address for more information on this.
Appointment of Auditors The meeting accepted VBernard Chartered Accountants as the auditors. Misha Lobban was asked to convey her appreciation to the firm’s Partner,pn;’’/m, p;]’; Vintoria Bernard.
Election of Officers Outgoing Trustee, Camille Taylor, accepted nominations for election and the following persons were named and accepted by declaration.
New Executive - President – Delmares White
- First Vice President – Christopher Benjamin
- Vice President Finance – Stephen Shaw
- Vice President Recruitment and Membership – Analisa Downes
- Vice President Special Events – Shawnette Henry
- General Secretary – Cheryl Smith
- Assistant General Secretary – Deborah Hickling
President’s Vision President Delmares White outlined her vision for her presidency highlighting a need km’kl./.mkvlto: Draft guidelines for calculating the efficiencies and effects of the local PR output with a view to improving those where necessary and/or possible.
2. Develop a plan for an articulated sense of common direction that will keep the cultural values of Jamaica in our Public Relations Activities.
3. Build up a programme for the conceptual, philosophical, or financial support for local PR professionals in need of such assistance. Possibilities could be the creation of a back up fund for practitioners or self insurance.
4. Develop strategies that may be mutually shared by members for reinforcing Brand Jamaica in our PR designs.
5. Forge partnerships with Public Sector and Private Sector Organizations, emphasis on Public Sector in an effort to collaborate more with each other so that important messages for public information are not overlooked by media outlets.
6. Outline guidelines for the membership to establish or achieve constructive standards, relationships, and responsibilities for social media where they relate to PR work.
7. Design or review a Crisis Communication and Control plans for times of disasters, which dovetails with ODPEM’s national/regional programme.
8. Review the criteria for the PRSJ Awards of Excellence to ensure that it adheres to International Standards and best practice.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. by Mark Thomas and seconded by Gwyneth Davidson. /gd
PRSJ 2010 EXECUTIVE ELECTED
The following persons were elected as Officers of the Public Relations Society of Jamaica at the Annual General Meeting on March 30. Director of Elections, Camille Taylor, received the nominations and oversaw the process where nominees were accepted by acclaim. Looking forward to a great year.
Centre: President, Delmares White
From left:
Vice President Recruitment and Membership, Analisa Downes, SLB
General Secretary, Cheryl Smith, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service
First Vice President, Christopher Benjamin, Communications Consultant; radio/tv producer
Vice President Finance, Stephen Shaw, National Works Agency
Vice President Special Events, Shawnette Henry, MIND
Not present:
Assistant General Secretary, Deborah Hickling, Radio and TV producer; communications consultant
New Members Admitted to the PRSJ
The PRSJ is pleased to accept six practitioners as members: five Full and one Associate.
The applications were considered at meetings of the Executive on March 14 and also March 21.
The new members will be inducted into the Society at the AGM on March 30 at JTI/Jampro on Trafalgar Road.
The new members are:
Full
- Marie Berbick Graham - Berbick Graham and Associates
- Opal Davis - NSWMA
- Maxine Francis - Kings House
- Claudette Myers - PIOJ
- Delmares White - ODPEM
Associate
- Kamika Williams McKellop - CARA
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MY GOALS FOR THE PRSJ
The Public Relations Society of Jamaica (PRSJ) was established in 1981 as the body to monitor professional standards in the field of Public Relations. I am offering myself as President of the Society. If elected President I will uphold and maintain the spirit and ideals of the society and I would also seek to establish or to emphasize the following areas:
1. Draft guidelines for calculating the efficiencies and effects of the local PR output with a view to improving those where necessary and/or possible.
2. Develop a plan for an articulated sense of common direction that will keep the cultural values of Jamaica in our Public Relations Activities.
3. Build up a programme for the conceptual, philosophical, or financial support for local PR professionals in need of such assistance. Possibilities could be the creation of a back up fund for practitioners or self insurance.
4. Develop strategies that may be mutually shared by members for reinforcing Brand Jamaica in our PR designs.
5. Forge partnerships with Public Sector and Private Sector Organizations, emphasis on Public Sector in an effort to collaborate more with each other so that important messages for public information are not overlooked by media outlets.
6. Outline guidelines for the membership to establish or achieve constructive standards, relationships, and responsibilities for social media where they relate to PR work.
7. Design or review a Crisis Communication and Control plans for times of disasters, which dovetails with ODPEM’s national/regional programme.
8. Review the criteria for the PRSJ Awards of Excellence to ensure that it adheres to International Standards and best practice.
Professional Brief
Delmares White is excited about building competencies in people that will build "Brand Jamaica". She brings to the post her expertise in creating synergies between people towards a cause or an event. She is currently the Director of Information and Training – Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) where she is integral to strengthening disaster response within communities and groups across the nation. She is a part of the organisation's communications team, providing advice and technical support in the area of public relations, and marketing.
Her past experience includes the management and promotion of recreation and sporting events while managing the sports clubs of major corporate organisations National Commercial Bank and also Red Stripe.
A practitioner with a diverse skills set, she also lectured at the Vocational Training Development Institute (HEART/VTDI).
See all nominees
The following members are the first to offer their services for the awesome task of re-establishing the PRSJ to serve the practice and the needs of practitioners. Nominations remain open and will be open during the meeting on March 30.
Some of these candidates are new members and will need the support of long-established members in order to be successful during the upcoming year.
Many of our Past Presidents are working in the background giving support and and others have pledged to sit on the committees of the newly elected leadership team.
Candidates for Nomination on March 30
(Invitations for all posts remain open)
President nominee
Delmares White (Full)
First Vice President nominee - her manifesto
awaiting candidate
Vice President, Special Events nominees
Shawnette Henry (Full)
Vice President, Recruitment and Membership
Analisa Downes (Full)
Vice President, Finance nominee
awaiting candidate
General Secretary nominee
Cheryl Smith (Full)
Assistant General Secretary nominee Deborah Hickling (full) Suggested Appointments
Immediate Past President (as per constitution)
Mark Thomas
Past President with responsibility for Ethics
Christine Bell
Trustees
Keith Brown (Past President)
Misha Lobban (Full)
Gwyneth Davidson (Full)
The PRSJ honours members who have passed on
Please feel free to leave a comment.
Immortality is the recollection one leaves...Napoleon Bonaparte
Bill Bennett
Charles Balfour
Desmond Henry
Dick Pixley
Dickie Coke
Jacqueline King
Kirsten Fraser
Patrick Jones
Pauline Gray
St Hope Thomas
Marcia Bowen 2009
Pamela White -2011
Corina Meeks - 2013
"PR means telling the truth and working ethically - even when all the media want is headlines and all the public wants is scapegoats. Public relations fails when there is no integrity."
Viv Segal, MD of Sefin Marketing.
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