THE PRESS Association of Jamaica (PAJ) yesterday declared November as 'Journalism Month'. This is a deviation from the norm, where Journalism Week is observed during the final week of the month.Addressing journalists at a press briefing at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Desmond Richards, president of the PAJ, implored his colleagues to renew their commitment to ensure that the public's interest is defended at all times.
"We have a duty and a responsibility to ensure that those who are downtrodden (and) those who are voiceless, their rights are represented," said Mr. Richards.
ACTIVITIES
A number of activities are scheduled for Journalism Month an important one being a seminar on investigative journalism and the Freedom of Information Act. This is being held in collaboration with the Media Association of Jamaica and the PAJ. Mr. Richards said that more than 50 practitioners, media owners and managers are scheduled to attend the three-day seminar, which will be held at the Breezes Runaway Bay Hotel between November 19 and 21.
Mr. Richards told reporters that the PAJ is placing special interest this year on investigative journalism because "we believe that is one of the areas that we can strengthen". He added that a prize would be given for investigative journalism this year, with the possibility of two awards being granted in that category. Fourteen awards will be presented at the annual dinner scheduled for December 2. Journalists also have a chance to enter a new category, which is the Ken Dawson Award for Videography.
Journalists Dorraine Samuels, Jennifer Grant, Alan Magnus and Ocho Rios news correspondent Devon Evans will be honoured at the PAJ's Annual Veterans' Luncheon.
