In a significant move towards introducing television to the island, the contract between the Jamaican Government and the Scottish Television Consortium was formally signed yesterday in the presence of Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante. The signatories included Government Minister Edward Seaga and Hugh Begg of Thomson Television International, representing the consortium. Also present were Attorney General Victor Grant, Ivan Levy of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), and other officials. Seaga emphasised the collaboration's potential, citing the excellent reputations of both parties, while Levy, speaking for the JBC, pledged wholehearted cooperation to ensure the success of television services in Jamaica.

Published Tuesday, January 29, 1963

Television pact signed

A further step towards the establishment of television in the island was made yesterday morning when the contract between the Government and the Scottish Television Consortium was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Hon Sir Alexander Bustamante, in his office.

“In the interest of the Government and the people, I wish this venture good fortune”, declared Sir Alexander after witnessing the signing of the agreement.

Signatories were the Minister of Development and Welfare, the Hon Edward Seaga, for the Government; and Hugh Begg, an assistant to the managing director of Thomson Television International, a member of the consortium, for the consortium.

Also present were the AttorneyGeneral Victor Grant, Ivan Levy, chairman of the board of directors of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, and Henry Fowler, a director of JBC,  A.L. Hendricks, general manager of JBC, and B. Scott of the Attorney General’s Office.

Minister Seaga said that the day marked an occasion on which two parties with excellent reputations in the field of broadcasting services had come together to sign a contract in cooperation with the Government of Jamaica, for the provision of television services.  The reputation of the Scottish Television Consortium and those interests which made up the consortium had earned the respect of Jamaica, and it was believed that they would provide excellent television broadcasting services.

The reputation of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation,  on the other hand, was well known, and it was believed, too, that the coming together of these two forces would bring to Jamaica that medium which was an example of the small miracle of the establishment of television services throughout the world, Seaga added.

Speaking on behalf of the directors and staff of the JBC, Levy said that they were very conscious of the confidence that had been placed in them by being given the franchise for the establishment of television in the country.

He said: “We are conscious of our deep responsibility. We know we have to make it a success.  I would like to pledge the wholehearted cooperation of the entire directorate and staff of the corporation, and we are sure we will make television something of which the people of this country will feel justified”.

Begg, on behalf of the consortium, said that they were delighted to be in Jamaica and to give the technical advice.  They had worldwide experience in the setting up of television stations, and all their experience and expertise would be fully employed in Jamaica.

He added: “I think I can promise you that, with our help, you will have a television service of which everyone in Jamaica will truly be proud”.

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.