The following is an edited version of the Secretary's Report to the 66th annual general meeting of the Press Association of Jamaica on August 9.

COLEAGUES, THE year 2008-2009 was as challenging as it was exciting. It was a year which saw this noble organisation celebrate 65 years of existence, it was a year when the profession was challenged and professionals continued to fight for change in the libel laws. It was also a year when we had to say goodbye to one too many of the profession's stalwarts.

Your executive body, which you elected a year ago, served the organisation tirelessly to improve the image, stature, presence and relevance of the organisation in the Jamaican society.

New members

Prior to the election of President Byron, there was an aggressive campaign to increase membership and, by extension, participation. The list of those eligible to vote in last year's election was just over 260 members, the majority being new members. The entire list of members, however, stood at more than 270. Today, there are approximately 337 members of this august body. During the first half of the term the team embarked on an aggressive drive to induct members

Week of Activities

The launch of Journalism Week was held at the Mandeville Baptist Church in Manchester on Sunday November 30.

The journalists were feted by Alumina Partners (Alpart) at its sports club in Nain, St Elizabeth. The first induction ceremony was held there, with 25 new members of the recently formed PAJ Central Chapter given the charge by President Byron. On Thursday, December 4, the Western chapter members were inducted.

The two events which highlighted Journalism Week were the Veterans Luncheon and the Journalism Awards ceremony.

In 2008, your executive chose six outstanding sports journalists to honour. They were Bobby Fray, Elton Tucker, Courtney Sergeant, Lance Whitaker, Patrick Anderson and Ed Barnes.

The six were honoured for their individual service of 25 years and more to the profession.

In addition, Hubert Lawrence and the sports journalists who were assigned to 2008 Beijing Olympics in China were specially honoured for outstanding coverage of the event.

This year, we had four new categories for the journalism awards.

1. Excellence in online journalism

2. Best Cover Design - Magazine

3. Best Cover Design - Print

4. Best Human Interest - TV Feature

Close to 170 entries were received for the various categories for the 2008 awards.

The panel of judges, headed by veteran journalist Wyvolyn Gager, did not present a Journalist of the Year award.

There are suggestions to add more categories, particularly for areas in broadcast journalism, such as editing and producing. A final decision has not been reached.

This year, the PAJ had a special guest speaker at the awards banquet to help celebrate the organisation's 65th year of existence - John Fisher Burns, Pulitzer Prize winner and veteran journalist who is the New York Times' London bureau chief.

In March, we became full members of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). This will give Jamaican journalists full access to several benefits, especially during international travel and when covering assignments overseas.

One of the flagship programmes for the current administration, Jamaica Press Institute (JPI), was officially launched in June. A steering committee comprising highly skilled individuals guided the institute for several months.

At least four training courses were conducted under the auspices of the JPI in writing and public relations for communications practitioners and media workers. It is expected that the JPI will provide a major income steam for the PAJ in the future.

Off the Record, briefings

Your executive led the way in bringing key news makers to the average journalists. During this term in office three off the record briefings were held. We had sessions with Paula Llewellyn - DPP, Douglas Leys - solicitor general, Major General Stewart Saunders - chief of defence staff, Hardley Lewin - commissioner of police, who attended an executive meeting, Les Green - assistant police commissioner.

In addition, the association partnered with the US Embassy's Public Affairs Unit to host seminar on reporting under hostile conditions. The seminar was presented by US journalist Ronald Wimer and was held at Jamaica Observer boardroom. It was well attended.