The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) is pleased to announce that they have elected their new Executive Committee for 2016 as follows:-

Newton James (Chairman)

Debbian Dewar (Vice-Chairperson)

Claire Grant (Vice-Chairperson)

Gary Allen

Christopher Barnes

Danville Walker

Wayne Chen

The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) held elections at the Annual General Meeting on January 13, 2015 and appointed a new Executive Committee to serve for 2015 as follows:-

• Newton James (Independent Radio Co. Ltd.) Chairman

• Christopher Barnes (Gleaner Company) Vice-Chairman

• Claire Grant (Television Jamaica) Vice-Chairman

• Shena Stubbs-Gibson (Gleaner Company) Secretary/Legal Advisor

• Andrea Messam (RJR Group) Treasurer

• Brian Schmidt (Grove Broadcasting Co. Ltd.)

• Gary Allen (RJR Group)

• Danville Walker (Jamaica Observer)

• Wayne Chen (CVM TV)

The newly appointed Chairman, Mr. Newton James, said that his greatest concern was the survival of the industry adding that the media was important to the future of the country.  The MAJ will continue to seek to expand its membership so that it will be truly represented in the entire industry.  Addressing economic challenges by increasing clientele and improving on the free market environment would be considered.  There have been considerable changes in the industry.  Therefore, the relationship between the MAJ and the Advertising Agencies must be strengthened.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF FRANCIS “PACO” KENNEDY C.D.

Today, Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJL) celebrates the life and work of Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President, Mr. Francis Kennedy C.D. His list of accomplishments and contributions to national development is extensive and well publicised  However, in particular, we commend his unwaivering support of our partnership with the Chamber on the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC). Through this partnership we have been able to set a globally recognised standard for political debates which have served to better inform the electoral decisions of our populace; something both our organisations can be extremely proud of.

The Association and its members extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Kennedy and look forward to continuing the good work he supported with the newly appointed JCC executive. We are confident this would be his wish.

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

The theme for World Press Freedom Day this year is “Media Freedom for a Better Future:    Shaping the Post-2015 Development Agenda”.  As we mark this global commemoration, the Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) notes that Jamaica, while ranking highly  on the 2014 World Press Freedom Index at 17th place, has slipped 4 places in the last year.  We urge Jamaicans to strive to improve on this record for the benefit of our democracy, our country’s development and, by extension, our people. We simply cannot afford, especially now, further retardation of Jamaica’s development.

The Media Association Jamaica Limited (MAJ) condemns recently reported threats, including death threats, made against journalists in relation to the cover of high profile court cases, and other publications.