KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican Government says it is increasing communication channels with the public to keep the country abreast of developments that will impact their lives, particularly in light of the current global recession.
Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, says the initiative is being undertaken against the background of the administration’s recognition of the importance of communications at this time.
He told journalists at Wednesday’s (May 13) post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House, that beginning Tuesday May 19, a series of town meetings will be held, which will be attended by Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding and members of the Cabinet.
The meetings are expected to commence in Mandeville. Others are scheduled for Portmore, St. James, St. Ann, and St. Mary. Mr. Vaz said that, while the dates are being worked out to facilitate Prime Minister Golding’s attendance, they are expected to run until the end of June.
The Minister also advised that, in addition to the meetings, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) is organising several forums, one of which was held last week, involving Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Pearnel Charles, and Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, adding that these would be augmented with the Sectoral Debate, which commences in Parliament next week.
“In these trying times, communication between the highest level of Government and the people of Jamaica is going to be critical. As such, we will be endeavouring to have, not only Post Cabinet press briefings, but forums with Ministers, where specific topics of the day (that) affect the lives of our people, will be dealt with almost on a weekly basis,” he said.
“People will be, at least, informed of where we are, and of course, how we are doing, in terms of fighting this monster called the recession,” Mr. Vaz said.
