Dr Deanna Ashley

On Monday, The Gleaner was guest-edited by a team from the Violence Prevention Alliance headed by Professor Barry Chevannes. Stories in this publication were selected by guest editors and published under the theme, 'Unite For Peace and Prosperity'. Today, the guest editors share their experience with you.

Joining my colleagues at the offices of The Gleaner to discuss our role as guest editors, I had no idea what to expect, or how we would function. New avenues for learning are often interesting, exciting and challenging.

We knew that the editors of The Gleaner were providing an opportunity to discuss issues of concern, in our efforts to build a movement for peace in Jamaica.

The briefing with sub-editors and journalists guided us through the requirements to produce the special edition. It helped focus our thoughts on the key issues and messages needed to communicate. Our discussions facilitated building ideas, identifying data sources, publications and resource persons that the journalists were keen to explore.

The day of reckoning as we began the editorial work was another day of learning. It provided us with insights regarding newspaper set-up and article selection process for each page. I totally under-estimated the time and intensity of effort needed!

The interactive process of being a guest editor was a valuable experience. It provided an opportunity to work with journalists, share knowledge and insights into one of the most urgent challenges facing our nation. Through these partnerships, we will bring peace to Jamaica.

Dr Deanna Ashley

Public Health Specialist and research fellow