MIA MOTTLEY, Barbados' Deputy Prime Minister, whose portfolio covers responsibility for information, will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Annual PAHO/Caribbean Health Journalism Awards ceremony, at the Barbados Hilton hotel, this evening.
Some 13 regional awards and 11 certificates of merit will be presented, supported by a multimedia production.
This year, more than 100 submissions from print, radio and television competed for a total of 17 regional awards. These were reviewed by a seven-member panel of adjudicators, headed by well-known educator Kathleen Drayton, at a two-day meeting at the PAHO office in Barbados in September.
The Gleaner Company was among the winners at the local level, whose entries have advanced to compete in the regional finals. The entries were:
* Best health coverage - The Gleaner's year-long project: 'Its Your Health, Take Control'
* Best Health Page - Health - Editor, Eulalee Thompson
* Best Radio Feature: 'Murderous Rage' - The Gleaner/Power 106 news coordinator, Damion Mitchell.
THREE NEW AWARDS
This year, three new awards were implemented. These are the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Award for the best coverage on HIV/AIDS; the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) Award for the best story on HIV/AIDS, published or broadcast, using alternate media channels; the Sagicor Award for the best story on any non-communicable disease, and the PAHO Award for Disaster Preparedness and Response. This year also, the Food and Agriculture Organisation will be providing a Special Award in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of World Food Day.
Winners will again receive cash prizes ranging from US$1,000 to US$1,500, a PAHO plaque and a BWIA return ticket to any destination in the English-speaking Caribbean. BWIA Airline is the official carrier for the PAHO Awards.
