Ministry of National Security

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Minister of National Security and Member of Parliament for East Central St. Andrew, Dr. Peter Phillips

Minister of National Security and Member of Parliament for East Central St. Andrew, Dr. Peter Phillips, has said that the fact that the Jamaica Observer Limited had chosen to establish its new state of the art facilities in that constituency, represented a vote of confidence in Jamaica, not only in its long term social and economic future, but also in the country's media environment.

Speaking at the official opening of the newspaper's new multimillion dollar offices at 40-42 Beechwood Avenue in Kingston yesterday (Feb. 8), Dr. Phillips said the move also demonstrated trust in the abilities of the people who lived in that part of the city.

Chairman of the Jamaica Observer, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart in his address, thanked the staff of the 10 year-old newspaper for their continued hard work and commitment over the years. "We set new standards. At the time, it seemed like a monumental task, but we said, we would survive and whatever it took, it would be done to ensure that the Observer became an institution that stood the test of time," Mr. Stewart said.

"The paper has been fearless, it has been uncompromising; the directors have seen to it that this newspaper has not compromised itself . the credibility of the Jamaica Observer today is as good as the credibility of any medium that exists in Jamaica today," Mr. Stewart noted, adding that the paper provided significant opportunity for young people who were coming into the business.

He pointed out that the newspaper had set several precedents over the years, among them, being the first paper to publish in full colour "This newspaper has had one first after another.we were the first to have prepress equipment that allowed quick turnaround time, we are also first by thinking about the staff so that the facilities for the staff include day care centres, a gym with great facilities, a canteen.the staff comes first," Mr. Stewart said.

Meanwhile, Editor-In-Chief, Paget deFreitas, outlining changes to be made to the newspaper, said beginning with the February 9 edition, there would be new mastheads for the daily and 'Sunday Observer', new fonts for body text and headlines and new and reorganized editorial products. The popular 'All Woman Magazine' has been redesigned with 24 pages and full colour; the 'Teen-Age' publication will be larger with more colour, while the 'Business Observer' will have more space and will move to greater coverage of personal finance. This Thursday, the new 'Thursday Life' section will be launched, focusing on shopping and trends.

Mr. deFreitas informed that the Friday entertainment section had been extended and enhanced, while a 24 page sports pull out section called 'Sporting World' would be launched on February 14. He said the 'Sunday Observer' would also be enhanced and that overtime, new sections would be rolled out for that edition.

The function was attended by hundreds of guests from various sectors of the society, as well as the Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, Ministers of Government, hoteliers and members of the diplomatic corps.

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