The Jamaica government has launched its first ever Communication policy with the Portia Simpson Miller administration saying it is part of its commitment to greater accountability, transparency and good governance.
Information Minister Sandrea Falconer, who launched the policy, said that having a proper communication policy and a proper communication environment, encourage transparency and good governance, hence the move to formulate the Government of Jamaica Communication Policy.
“The policy is very important, as it gives a guideline of minimum standards of communication that we require in Government agencies, departments and ministries, because communication is such an important part of what Government does.
“ We have to communicate our policies, we have to communicate our programmes, and we have to make sure we have the best professionals who are providing this kind of information to the people,” she said.
Falconer said that this is the first Government Communication Policy in Jamaica’s history, and is an important step which shows how “this administration is taking seriously, communicating to our people and getting them involved in what we do.”
The Executive Summary of the document notes that the the policy is crucial, as Government realises that accessible, accurate and timely information – in particular, that which relates to its policies, programmes and services – is necessary to enable Jamaicans, including those in the Diaspora, to participate more meaningfully in the democratic process and the realisation of the national development goals.
