MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Jamaica Observer was among the top three producers of coverage for the St James Municipal Corporation during 2025.

Television Jamaica (TVJ) videographer Garnet Beckford won first prize, while Western Mirror writer Clinton Pickering took home the second-place award.

The announcement and awards came during the Mayor’s Annual Media Appreciation Lyme held at S Hotel in St James Sunday evening.

The corporation’s CEO, Naudia Crosskill took pleasure in following through on a promise she made in early 2025.

“Most of you thought that because of all that we went through last year we had forgotten about it. Well, guess what, the persons who looked about the St James Municipal Corporation — always featuring us, make sure that Jamaica knew what was happening in St James — you will be rewarded this afternoon,” she said.

In showing his appreciation of journalists, Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon spoke about the important role media practitioners play in an age in which disinformation is common.

“Within the context of that new era of information distribution, we have to show appreciation not just to you being present at our meetings; not just being present at our functions, but [also] for carrying the right information to ensure that whatever is coming out, the facts can be substantiated. That is why I appreciate the work that you are doing,” Vernon said.

He noted that apart from some headlines, there were not many complaints last year and he is looking forward to working with media practitioners this year.

During the function, managing director and editor-in-chief of the Western Mirror and the Jamaica Observer’s longest serving living columnist, Lloyd B Smith, was given a special award for 50 years of service in journalism. Smith, who has been writing for the Observer since its inception in 1993, was also commended for the role he played in the development of media practitioners in Western Jamaica and the wider country in general.

“I’m happy that I’m still alive. Many, many persons that we grew up with, that we worked with, have passed on, and I’m still here, and I’m grateful to all of you,” said Smith, who is commonly referred to as ‘The Governor’.

“I feel good to know that I was able to make such a tremendous contribution. And all these youngsters, as I call them, that pass through the Western Mirror under my guidance, I’m happy that today they can honestly say that I did something for their professional development,” he added.