KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) will celebrate 50 years of providing information on the country’s economic and social development when it commemorates the Anniversary of its premier publication, the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in the Don Mills Training Room at 10:00a.m.
First published in 1958, the ESSJ provides information, data and in-depth analysis of Jamaica’s social and economic performance on an
annual basis.
The event which has a two-pronged objective will, says Director of Corporate Affairs, Marketing
and Communications, Mrs. Marcia Blake-Hall, also include the official opening of the building
by the Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding.
According to Mrs. Blake-Hall the 50th anniversary celebration of the ESSJ coincides with the Institute’s recent acquisition and relocation of the PIOJ and as such “it is quite fitting that we should have an opening at this time.
It will also give the Prime Minister, who is the Minister with direct responsibility for the PIOJ an opportunity to meet with staff.”
Plans are also in place for an extensive display to be mounted in the lobby showcasing the various historical stages of the ESSJ and the work of the PIOJ. “We will also pay tribute to the individuals and organisations that played (and still play) a pivotal role in the production of the publication,” says Mrs. Blake-Hall.
The Institute’s past Directors General, data suppliers, international development partners and the public are expected to attend the commemoration and official opening.
The PIOJ was first located on Barbados Avenue in 1984, nine years later the Institute moved to
Ocean Boulevard, which was its home until 1999, when the PIOJ moved its office to Grenada
Way in New Kingston. In 2008, the Institute found its final destination with the relocation and
acquisition of the former US Embassy (Consular Section) building on Oxford Road.
