Ken Jones (left) and Ken Chaplin share a laugh shortly after being recognised by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) for their 60 years of service each to the journalism profession. The men, along with Hartley Neita, were recognised at a veterans' luncheon at Wray and Nephew's hospitality room on Spanish Town Road, Kingston, yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) yesterday recognised three veteran journalists for their combined 180 years of service to journalism.

The three are Ken Chaplin, Ken Jones and Hartley Neita who have practised journalism for 60 years each.

Ken Chaplin who started out in the profession in 1947, at the age of 17, began his career at the Jamaica Times weekly newspaper where he wrote a column called News - in Brief. Over the years, he worked with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) as senior information officer, editor of the editorial department and chief public relations officer and director of public relations.

He also became the first editor-in-chief at the former JAMPRESS in 1984. He was later appointed executive director and executive chairman. Mr. Chaplin also served as press secretary to three former Prime Ministers - Michael Manley, Edward Seaga and P.J. Patterson.

Number of positions

Ken Jones also began his career in 1947 as a sports writer with the Jamaica Daily Express, an afternoon tabloid at the time. He later joined Public Opinion, a weekly newspaper where he worked in a number of positions, including sports writer, editor, general reporter and acting director.

He worked with the JIS in different positions including as executive director in the 1980s. Mr. Jones' career moved from journalism to public relations where in 1972, he founded Jamaica's first public relations firm, Public Relations Associates.

He, however, returned to mainstream media as a columnist for The Star and The Gleaner in the late 1970s.

Hartley Neita started writing short stories, movie reviews and sports reports in 1947 in The Star. He also worked at the Government Public Relations Office, the precursor to JIS. He was later assigned as press officer to Premier Norman Manley. He served as press secretary to former Prime Ministers, Donald Sangster, Hugh Shearer and Michael Manley.

After retiring from the public service in 1981, he returned to his true love - journalism - where he resumed writing for The Gleaner as a columnist.

Responding to the recognition on behalf of the other recipients, Mr. Jones said he was grateful for the recognition given to him and his colleagues.

"This award really gives me a chance to reflect, and I am thinking of that 60 years that I have served with great delight," he said. "It causes me to also reflect on the great changes that have taken place in the profession."

Meanwhile, Desmond Richards, president of the PAJ, urged the veterans to play a more meaningful role in helping to mentor young members of the profession.