Jamaica Information Service
The Voice Of Jamaica

Jamaica Information Service Logo | (Photo Credit: https://jis.gov.jm)

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

The Jamaica Information Service is mandated to distribute information that will promote public awareness and increase the public’s knowledge of the policies and programmes implemented by the government of Jamaica.

The Jamaica Information Service has been a main source of news for Jamaicans about Jamaica for decades. Many of us know the very distinct royal blue and yellow logo as it made its appearance on our television screens.

Children usually regard this as an interruption and usually take this time to shower, do assignments or some mundane task. As you got older you would appreciate the information the segment brought. The JIS was created for this reason; to keep Jamaicans informed on the happenings in the country from the government's point of view.

The History Of The Jamaica Information Service

When was the Jamaica Information Service established?

In 1956, the Jamaica Information Service was established, although it had a very different name back then. At first, it was named the Government Public Relations Office. Its main function at the time was to issue press releases and to bridge the gap and maintain the relationship between the government and the press.

Just a year later, in 1957, the JIS expanded to include the Jamaica Film Unit and the Government Broadcasting Service. The expansion also came with a name change from Government Public Relations Office to the Public Relations and Information Services.

This was not the last name change the organisation underwent, in January, 1963, the name was changed to the Government Information Office and then to Jamaica Information Service after the television unit was formed. The purpose of the JIS at this time was to write and distribute press releases and photographs for the government, produce stories for radio, film and television adaptation and conceptualise public education campaigns. During this time, the agency also had a mobile unit that would travel to the most rural areas on the island to show films in a central location.

Again, the name was changed, this time to the Agency for Public Information (API). This was done by April 1, 1974 by the then sitting Prime Minister Michael Manley. Under the PNP’s administration, the organisation was also given semi-autonomous power and had a 9 member advisory board with John Hearne at the helm.

The final name change came in 1980 by Prime Minister and leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, Edward Seaga, when he reverted to the Jamaica Information Service. Additionally, the organisation was restructured and the news gathering, print news and photography  functions of the JIS were transferred to the Jamaica Press News Agency (JAMPRESS).

At that time the JIS' main role was as a public relations arm of the government with responsibility for radio, television and printing. Its semi-autonomous privileges were withdrawn and the JIS reverted to a department of the government under the Ministry of Public Service.

In April of 2001, the JIS and JAMPRESS became one company under the Public Sector Modernisation Programme funded by the World Bank. This was now a semi-autonomous executive agency headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Who owns the Jamaica Information Service?

The JIS is owned by the state.

What does the Jamaica Information Service do?

Along with its responsibility of providing communication services to all ministries, agencies, and departments of government, the JIS earns revenue from services rendered by both government and non-government bodies in its capacity as an executive agency and as a semi-autonomous company.

What is the main function of the Jamaica Information Service?

The core functions of the Jamaica Information Service is to gather, produce and send out information on various government policies, programmes and other government related decisions both locally and abroad. This is done through print, radio, television, graphic arts, video projection, and public relations and is carried out by its seven departments; Editorial, Photography, Research & Publications, JIS Radio; JIS Television (JIS TV), Public Relations and Marketing;and the Computer Services Department.

The JIS has a wealth of archival footage from various eras of government since its establishment. This means it can be viewed as a custodian of much of Jamaica’s history of governance.

Where can I watch Jamaica Information Service programmes?

Every local media station, whether radio or television, has to have a designated time for JIS programmes to be aired at various points across their broadcast day. There isn’t a designated frequency or channel to watch JIS programmes 24/7.

Jamaica Magazine and Jamaica House Weekly are their two most popular programmes. Jamaica Magazine highlights current affairs related to the government, through interviews, news reports and videos. Jamaica House Weekly keeps the country up to date on the occurrences in parliament such as new laws that have been passed and policies being pursued.

The JIS also broadcasts state functions such as the annual National Honours and Awards Ceremony where special awards such as the Order of Jamaica are conferred upon Jamaicans from all walks of life.

Jamaican artefacts such as flags and photos of our National Figures such as our heroes and past Prime Ministers can be purchased from the JIS. Official photographs of the ministers of government may also be obtained from JIS offices around the island.

How do I contact the Jamaica Information Service?

To contact the Jamaica Information Service you can use the following methods.

• Email: jis@jis.gov.jm
• Telephone: +1 (876) 926 - 3590
• Fax: +1 (876) 9296727

Or you can visit their office at 58a Half-Way-Tree Kingston 10.

Jamaica Information Service has, since its inception, been able to bridge the information gap between the government and the citizens of the country. With new media spaces like YouTube older videos are readily available to access so you can keep up to date with the occurrences in the country or delve into the past.

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It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Current Affairs In Jamaica from Jamaican Information Service 
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaican Information Service

References & Sources For Jamaican Information Service

1. Senior, Olive, Encyclopedia of Jamaican Heritage, 2003
2. Wallace & Robinson, Creating Jamaica, Our Early Years, Carlong Publishers
3. Black, Clinton V. History Of Jamaica, 2005
4. Simpson, Joanne, M. Why Heritage, "A Guide To The Importance Of Our Jamaican Story"
5. Sherlock, Phillip & Bennett, Hazel, "The Story Of The Jamaican People" (independence)

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