The Tribune

“COMMUNICATIONS,” explained Erica Wells, government’s newly appointed Communications Director, “is a central and critical function of government in a democracy. It fosters transparency and accountability and enhances citizen participation. It is essential for good governance.”

The Director of Communications, she said, is responsible for managing and coordinating the Office of the Prime Minister’s communications, and interactions across all communications platforms to ensure the Prime Minister’s policies and messages are being delivered in a clear, consistent, successful and timely manner.

It will be her job, said the 23-year news veteran, to work alongside Press Secretary Anthony “Ace” Newbold, and Bahamas Information Services (BIS) to implement and execute a strategic communications plan aimed at ensuring that the people of The Bahamas are well informed and are able to provide their own input about government priorities, programmes and activities.

BIS is the central channel of communications between government ministries and the people of The Bahamas and is generally responsible for assisting the government with public relations, including overseas.

“The Press Secretary acts as one of the prime minister’s and the government’s major spokespersons and media liaison,” Ms Wells explained.

This communications unit is similar to other government communications units found in modern democracies generally and throughout the Commonwealth. The government of Jamaica employs a Director of Communications, a Press Secretary and a CEO of its Jamaica Information Services. Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados have similar systems.

“Historically,” she continued, “government communications have been understaffed. The increased number of national addresses (reports to the nation), the introduction of new TV show and the appointment of a Director of Communications is an important demonstration that the government of The Bahamas is serious about strengthening how it communicates with the Bahamian people, including in the policymaking process.

“How you communicate what you are doing is almost as important – and some might argue – even more important, as what it is that you are doing,” said Ms. Wells. “Our goal is to ensure the public receives credible and factual information in a timely manner.”

She said it was a pleasure to be working with the team of dedicated and hardworking professionals at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Ms Wells, married and a mother of two, started her journalistic career 23 years ago as a cub reporter at The Tribune, working her way up to Senior Reporter and News Editor. “While at The Tribune,” she said, ”I received a strong foundation in journalism that has guided me throughout my career.”

During her studies for a Masters degree she interned at The Times of London. She has written for The Associated Press and the New York Times and has contributed to other international news agencies, such as the BBC Caribbean.

“I have a strong interest in Bahamian history and culture and write regularly on those topics,” she said.

“At The Guardian,” said Ms Wells, “I joined as News Editor and then moved up to Managing Editor, and played a major role in expanding the media operations and re-branding the paper.

“I have always considered a career in the media as a public service, and take the responsibilities of a journalist very seriously – to be fair, accurate and professional, and to educate the public about issues and events that impact them. These are values I will bring to this new role,” she said.

Ms Wells is the wife of well known artist John Cox. They have two children, Shelter and Story.