On this date 20 years ago, the media landscape in Jamaica changed significantly with the birth of the Jamaica Observer.

We still recall with pride our 88-page first edition in which we pledged honesty, professionalism, and diligence in reporting. Those are principles to which we are as firmly committed today as we were then. It is our unerring guide in our mission to help create a better Jamaica because we regard ourselves as not only purveyors of news, but as citizens first.

Available with today's edition is our anniversary special, a keepsake in which we reflect on some of the big stories we have covered over the past 20 years.

Despite the size of the publication we were unable to carry every event, as space did not permit. However, we will be publishing as many of those stories and photos as we can in the coming weeks as we continue to observe our 20 years of existence.

We could not have survived all these years without the support of the Jamaican people, and for that we are eternally grateful.

We therefore pledge to continue serving you by our unwavering commitment to the highest principles of journalism and by keeping alive this platform — your platform — where all views can contend.

Now, turn the pages of your Observer and enjoy!

Vernon Davidson

Executive Editor — Publications

Desmond Allen

Executive Editor — Operations