( L - R ) Richards, Buckley

The two candidates for the presidency of the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) say they would be willing to participate in a debate, if arranged by members of the media fraternity, on major issues affecting media.

It is proposed that the debate would form part of the agenda for the election scheduled for July 27.

Incumbent President Desmond Richards mooted the idea of a debate on the weekend, and yesterday, challenger Byron Buckley, the current PAJ secretary, agreed to the proposal.

Debate essential

Both candidates believe a debate is essential for the leadership of the PAJ, which is the oldest organisation representing journalists in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Richards said that if re-elected, he intended to continue the programme started under his watch of development for members of the media through scholarships, incentives for outstanding work, and the restoration of the PAJ headquarters.

Buckley, who has served two terms under Richards' administration as first vice-president and secretary, says his vision is to bring the PAJ on par with premier professional associations in terms of influence and status.