Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
President of Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Pat Francis (centre) in deep conversation with the Most Rev. Bishop Charles Dufour (left) and The Gleaner's Silver Pen Awardee Michael Moyston during the installation ceremony of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA) at Margaritaville Caribbean on Monday. Mrs. Francis was the guest speaker at the launch. - PHOTO BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN
WESTERN BUREAU:
BRIGHT HORIZONS are ahead for western journalists following the launch of the Western Jamaica Media Association (WJMA), at Margaritaville, Montego Bay on Monday.
Members of Montego Bay's business and civic community came out in their numbers to support the newly formed WJMA, which had its official launch and installation of officers.
The event kicked off shortly after eight, with a prayer from the Most Rev. Bishop Charles Dufour, followed by greetings delivered by veteran reporter and Managing Editor for the Western Mirror, Lloyd B. Smith. The much anticipated installation of the executive body came next.
Much laughter and jokes could be heard as media managers Sharon Earle and Lloyd B. Smith both experienced considerable difficulty in pinning the executives with their new badges.
An historic evening under the stars, the event was taken to a splendid conclusion by guest speaker, Pat Francis, president of JAMPRO, who promised to give the organisation full support in strengthening the level of proficiency for western region's media practitioners.
Also in attendance were: Mark Kerr-Jarrett, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce (MBCC), immediate past president from the MBCC, Winston Dear, and his lovely wife Denise, as well as newly appointed Commanding Officer for Montego Bay, Warren Clarke.
Executive members of the WJMA are: The Gleaner's Janet Silvera, president, Nationwide News' Mexine Bisasor, vice-president; The Gleaner's Haile A. Clacken, public relations officer; The Jamaica Observer's Horace Hines, treasurer and RJR Communication's Latoya Johnson, secretary.
