The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) will tomorrow host an 'Evening of Reflections' on the life of its colleague, veteran journalist Monica Dias who passed away on Sunday at the Andrews Memorial Hospital, in St Andrew.

The event will be held at the PAJ's East Avenue headquarters in St Andrew, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Highlights of the function will be tributes in remembrance of the veteran reporter by journalism colleagues, cultural items by visiting artistes and a slide presentation on Dias' work produced by UNICEF, Jamaica. Dias served as a communications officer with UNICEF for nearly two decades, during which she was a founding member of the Jamaica Coalition on the Rights of the Child.

35 years in journalism

In addition to her substantial work with UNICEF, Dias contributed more than 35 years to the profession of journalism with groundings at The Gleaner, where her skills were honed under the influence of journalism stalwarts such as LK Sutherland, news editor during her years at The Gleaner; Barbara Gloudon; Ken Allen; the late Calvin Bowen and Clarence 'Ben' Brodie.

Dias has been described by the PAJ as one of its most distinguished members. In July this year, the then PAJ Executive, led by Desmond Richards, recorded its recognition of Dias' contribution to the work of the association by naming her a recipient of one of its 65th Anniversary Awards. It was her rapidly failing health that prevented her from attending the PAJ's anniversary launch on July 2, at which she was scheduled to accept the award.

Dias' contribution to the PAJ dates back to 1980 when she was first elected an executive member.

In 1982 she was unanimously elected to the post of assistant secretary and much later served as secretary for two years.

A service of thanksgiving for her life is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 at The University of the West Indies Chapel beginning at 2 p.m.