Institute of Jamaica boss to step down

Vivian Crawford, the charismatic head of the Institute of Jamaica, will be stepping down from the post of executive director in early June.

Crawford has been leading the East Street, Kingston-based institute for 11 years, even though initially he had signed on for only a three-month stint.

"It's better to leave before being asked to leave!" Crawford joked.

Crawford's contract expires in June and he has decided not to seek a renewal. He said he hasn't decided what his next move will be, but he's ready for whatever comes his way.

Crawford said he was grateful to the staff and council at the institute for their support over the years.

He mentioned that among his greatest memories was finally getting a plaque in place to commemorate the location of the 1838 reading of the Proclamation of Emancipation of Slaves at the entrance to the old King's House building in Spanish Town, St Catherine.