Public Sector Practitioners Meet

Working Togetha Without Losing Mi Swagga

On Thursday, February 11, nearly 40 PR practitioners in the public sector gathered at a one-day conference organised by the National Transformation Programme ((NTP) to share ways that we can work together to achieve national goals.

The day in the Prime Minister's Press Room featured stimulating presentations by speakers who not only gave food for thought on new ways to reach audiences, but also insights into national development goals.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Senator Arthur Williams spoke on the importance of unity in national development and the work being undertaken by the Partnership for Transformation group that he leads. The group seeks to find consensus among Trade Unions, Government, Media and the Private Sector.

Journalist and Chief State Media Liaison, Mr Ian Boyne, gave a new look at removing barriers to Communication.

PRSJ President, and JTI/Jampro Communications Director, Mr Mark Thomas, addressed the gathering on branding Jamaica as a nation to the people of Jamaica. A successful concept that has been used in countries such as Singapore and South Africa.

Specialist at the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Ms Carmen Miller made a presentation on Vision 2030 which is a road map towards Jamaica being the place to live, work and raise families.

RJR Managing Director, Mr Gary Allen, urged all practitioners to measure the work that they do, and not by the number of news releases that were dispatched to newsrooms.

The gathering agreed that there should be a quarterly meeting of government communicators to continue sharing experiences and learning.

The conference was organised by Rev Dr Al Miller with Chairman of the Conference, Rev Michael Aiken and rapporteur Fabian Brown. Registration and logistics were handled by Claudette Lindo.

Click here for more on the National Transformation Programme.