Media practitioners commence the observance of National Journalism Week today, November 29, by attending a church service at Calvary Baptist in Montego Bay. The week is being observed from November 29-December 5, 2009, under the theme 'Advancing Quality Journalism, Safeguarding Democracy.'

The church service will be followed by a brunch and investment seminar hosted by Jamaica Money Market Brokers Limited at the Wexford Hotel in Montego Bay.

Veterans

On Wednesday, four practitioners who have distinguished themselves as photographers and videographers will be honoured at the Annual Veterans' Luncheon hosted by Wray and Nephew Limited. The event will be held at the Girl Guides headquarters on Waterloo Road in New Kingston.

The week climaxes on Friday night with the staging of the Annual Journalism Awards Ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. Media practitioners will be vying for 18 awards at the event, which is co-sponsored by the Carreras group. Press Association of Jamaica President Byron Buckley disclosed that 117 entries were submitted.

"In addition to these submissions, a special committee comprising representatives of several media houses will select the Journalist of the Year from nominations submitted by the news organisations," Buckley explained.

The committee is chaired by former PAJ president Ben Brodie.

To order tickets for Journalism Awards Ceremony call 631-6390 or email: pressassociationjamaica@gmail.com.