- Jamaica Association of Community Cable Operators (Winsome Witter – President; Andrew Lee)

It was suggested, at the Broadcasting Commission’s 2015-2016 Operational Plan Retreat, that JACCO should meet with MAJ to voice their issues.  Mrs. Witter advised that their main issue was in relation to communication for acquisition of rights for airing programmes.  Mr. Lee said that although there may be communication in claiming rights, it was not being made clear and JACCO would like more transparency.

- US Embassy (Joshua Polacheck – Public Affairs Officer;  Derie Gilzeane – Information Specialist; Cleo Walker – Information Specialist)

Mr. Polacheck said that he looked forward to working with the media to convey their policies and messages to the public.  He would be introducing to the Heads of Media the new Ambassador who was expected within a month.

Mr. Polacheck said that he would be willing to arrange for a specialist to speak on the benefits of having a ‘Sullivan’ regime and free press.  The US Embassy welcomes partnership with the media on any matter that would be productive.

- Suncity Radio (Tremayne Phillips, Steve Billings and Kurt Matthews)

- Reggae To Reggae Radio.TV (Carl Layne and Cheryl Chong)

With a view to expanding its membership base, MAJ has been encouraging media entities to join the Association.  Strength in numbers would be more effective in addressing issues that are affecting the industry and society.

Rian Gayle, Research/Advocacy Officer, Jamaica Association for the Deaf

Mr. Gayle advised that the Jamaica Association for the Deaf was collaborating with the Government as well as the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities making presentations to members of the Constabulary Force and medical staff island-wide to build awareness in dealing with persons with disabilities.

Dr. Elizabeth Ward, Chairman, Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA)

Damion Hutchinson, Executive Director, Peace Management Initiative (PMI)

Dr. Ward informed the meeting that homicide statistics in January 2014 were the lowest since the last eleven years.  She advised that the Jamaica Constabulary Force hosted a programme entitled “Operations Resilience”.  Also, the Peace Management Initiative, with funding from the Ministry of National Security, put on a programme called “The Rapid Response Programme” in the 24 communities with the highest level of violence.  Interventions were done by the Peace Management Initiative, by community policing and the churches.