The Government’s communication machinery was strengthened to reach Jamaicans across the length and breadth of the island, and to guard against misinformation and disinformation which can threaten democracy. Progress was also made on digital switchover.
Communication Architecture and Synergies
• Regular post-Cabinet press briefings were held as part of the Government’s res-ponsive and innovative communication infrastructure, fostering transparency, public engagement and trust.
• Support increased for communications and public relations departments in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), through increased engagement, training and providing a collaborative environment for information sharing and strategic direction.
Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
• New JIS website (www.jis.gov.jm) and fact-checking platform (www.factcheckja.com) launched.
• Establishment of a dedicated social media department covering a myriad of platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, with an impressive outreach of more than 16 million online users between April and September.
• Renewal of the agency’s ISO 9001:2015 certification in September 2023.
• Work began on establishment of St. Thomas regional office.
Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ)
• A Digital Media and Information Literacy (DMIL) Skills Framework was dev-eloped and submitted to OPM. This is in support of the Government’s vision of making Jamaica a Digital Society,
• It consists of a Digital Competency Model; National Baseline/Benchmarking Data; and Implementation Methods and Mechanisms.
• Various broadcasters commenced testing for digital switchover.
• Work undertaken to establish a digital literacy skills framework to equip citizens, particularly children, to make better decisions when using the Internet.
Access To Information (ATI) Unit
• Upgrading of the ATI’s website whereby all ATI requests can be submitted and tracked.
Jamaica Archives and Records Department (JARD)
• Initiation of Records and Information Management (RIM) systems in 58 public-sector entities under the GOJ RIM Programme.
• Eight entities that have successfully implemented the manual component of the new Government of Jamaica RIM programme presented with certificates of achievement and plaques.