The PAJ: Who We Are

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OVERVIEW

Formed in 1943, the Press Association of Jamaica, PAJ, was the first organization of its kind in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The Association convened its first general meeting on August 9 of that year, with the late former Gleaner Newspaper Editor Theodore Sealy as its first president, leading the discussions among the PAJ’s then 30 odd strong membership.

In its formative years the Association’s membership was pulled primarily from print media entities such as the Daily Gleaner, Daily Express, Jamaica Times, Public Opinion and Spotlight.

Membership has increased over the years as the organization grew to steadily represent more and more working professional journalists across traditional as well as new media fields.

MISSION

The Press Association is guided by its constitution which defines its overarching goal as being dedicated to the best interest of democracy and press freedom in Jamaica. The PAJ is organized and operated exclusively for the furtherance of the education and professional status of its members.

Section 3 of the Association’s Constitution says the PAJ shall:

  1. Foster a high standard of journalism in Jamaica by means of improving the journalistic education of its members and in the furtherance thereof, make awards, give scholarships, bursaries and/or grants and other encouragement to such members and to the community at large.
  2. Maintain and improve the professional development and welfare of its members.
  3. Safeguard and protect the rights and privileges belonging to and the facilities usually accorded to the Press in all democratic countries.
  4. Show recognition to members of the Press for meritorious work in journalism and to members of the community and/ or representative groups of the community for meritorious work on behalf of the community.
  5. Promote activities in the interest of the public welfare.

Accordingly, the Association has over the years been engaged in a range of activities aimed at fulfilling these goals including public education and advocacy, training for media professionals as well as events to promote and celebrate excellence in Jamaican journalism.

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