Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, November 14, 2022

Many of us have seen this: history being rewritten by mediocre successors in organizations; they take credit for the vision and accomplishments of their predecessors. I remember attending a function where the founder, one of Jamaica’s most brilliant women, was seated anonymously at her brainchild’s event while newcomers were preening themselves at the head table. I had to intervene, leading the lady to her rightful place after persuading a reluctant person to take a seat in the audience.

This is why we at CCRP (please know us by the acronym now), an organization for seniors take great care to research and prepare citations annually for our Living Legacy Awards ceremony. What we have discovered each year is that most high achievers are humble individuals; it is not until you insist that they share they life’s journey that you realize how much they have contributed to Jamaica.

Take Winniefred Chambers-Dyer. With a UWI degree in nursing administration, she gave 33 years of service to the Kingston Public Hospital retiring as Deputy Matron. After retirement, she was re-employed to KPH as Operating Theatre and Renal Unit Manager with responsibility for the efficient management of 15 operating theatres. She assisted in establishing the Eye Clinic at the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB), was a member of the Prevention of Blindness Committee of the Ministry of Health and was a member of the team which amended the current Opticians’ Act. One of her most challenging assignments was her trip to Montserrat during the island’s Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption in 1997, when she served as team leader of six nurses.

Then there is Beryl Chevannes, a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. Her career in nursing and midwifery was the foundation of her career, leading to her appointment as Executive Director of the National Family Planning Board. She has served as a Consultant to Futures Group International providing technical assistance in the development of A National Youth Policy and the preparation of a national strategic plan for youth development. Mrs Chevannes has served in several roles including as an Examiner with the Nursing Council of Jamaica, Lecturer in the Maternal & Child Health Diploma Course of the Department of Social & Preventive Medicine at UWI, and External Examiner for Nursing & Midwifery with the Nursing Council of Nassau, Bahamas.

We usually see Howard Hamilton on the sports news as president of the Jamaica Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, authoring the publication, “My Journey With Thoroughbreds”.  This dynamic Jamaican headed the Shell Company and created the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) in 1991. The SDF has built sporting infrastructure around the island and also supported administrative capacity in several sports. Serving as Chairman of the then Metropolitan Management and Transport Holdings, Mr Hamilton oversaw the development of bus depots in Portmore and the Corporate Area, including the Metropolitan Transport Centre in Half-Way-Tree.

Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson is in his own league as a Jamaican philanthropist.  He received a special Award named for the late Michael Fraser, a generous board director of CCRP. Hendrickson has been heard warning his 1000 strong team “Make the money please – you know I plan to give it away.” With his colleague Glen Christian, the model Union Gardens School was created. His National Baking Foundation has donated millions to early childhood education and more recently to the UWI STEM Project.  Hendrickson sponsored the “Bold Ones of Manufacturing Project” which gave small manufacturers a marketing boost including mobile fixtures for expositions, the production of promotional videos, exposure at JMEA EXPO shows. Two of those companies, AMD Packaging and Spur Tree Spices are now listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. He created a mobile training classroom complete with teacher and driver and the Jamaican Made Christmas to promote local organizations. He lends his organizational brilliance to the Council of Voluntary Social Services as their Chairman as well as to several high-powered boards.  Meanwhile National Baking continues its 70-year journey, now creating an ultra-modern facility in Montego Bay and widening its range of products.

This column has dubbed Eleanor Jones an ‘Angel of the Environment’.  The former UWI Lecturer grew impatient with the conferences exploring environmental problems and so she left academia to co-found Environmental Solutions. As we constantly weigh the balance between development and environmental protection the company’s initial mission was applying disaster risk management and environmental conservation to the wider public sphere, encompassing Government, private sector and civil society. More than 30 years on, ESL has one of the largest environmental labs and consultancies in the Caribbean, certified to the ISO/IEC Standard, and is continuing to expand through volunteer and community activism. The brilliant Eleanor Jones remains a well-loved empathetic individual, high in EQ as well as IQ.  She is also very proud of granddaughter Rachel Jones who has joined the Reggae Girls World Cup Team, playing for the first time against Paraguay over the past week.

Next week, I will continue to share with you the achievements of more legendary Jamaicans.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, November 7, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The first fan letter I ever wrote was to Leonie Forbes after watching her play the mother in
Trevor Rhone’s ‘Old Story Time’. In her over sixty years on Jamaica’s stage she slipped
easily into a range of characters, riveting us with her every expression and movement on
stage. She inspired and mentored generations of broadcasters and actors. Indeed I was
surprised to see the comments of young journalists whom she would call when they
mispronounced words and would guide them until they got it right.

Leonie Forbes’ contribution to Jamaican theatre is immeasurable. Dahlia Harris recalled that
she was nervous at the thought of performing with Forbes but found her to be a patient
mentor. We felt the love when her theatre family staged Basil Dawkins’s ‘Hide Your
Husband’ on her 85 th Birthday in June. She was radiant with joy. As Jamaica opens up, the
theatre community can summon up her profound style to preserve our grand theatre tradition.

Members of the Chinese Cultural Association (CCA) would look forward to the presentations
of our former president Dr Kai Meng Lui. The well-travelled doctor who used traditional and
Chinese medicine to attract a host of faithful patients would ply us with fascinating stories
accompanied by great photographs. It was only after his passing at a memorial gathering that
we realized what a multi-faceted individual he was.

The loving husband, father and grandfather was a valued member of several organizations
including the Photographic Club, the Natural History Science Club, and the Jamaica Amateur
Radio Association. He was an energetic organizer of China tours and as colleague Winsome
Mowatt noted, “We just had to show up – Kai Meng took care of everything.” The tributes offered by his daughter Shu Yin Lui-Morgan and office attendant Jennifer Douglas spoke of a
caring family man and a humble doctor who chose to serve in Kingston’s inner city where he
felt no danger, only love from his patients.
Our condolences to their friends and families of Leonie Forbes and Kai Meng Lui; may their
souls rest in peace.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, November 7, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

From the moment you get to the reception desk you are greeted by friendly and professional
staff at Club Mobay. The service and environment are impeccable; it makes one proud that
our visitors can enjoy this aspect of our Jamaican hospitality at arrival and departure.
Kudos to the founder of VIP Attractions David Hall who rolled out services at the Donald
Sangster Airport and Club Kingston at the Norman Manley Airport. General Manager Shelly-
Ann Fung-King inspires her team to give of their utmost; now one needs to book ahead for
their sought-after service.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, November 7, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

When we see the reports of fights in our high schools, we wonder what kind of homes
produced these children. This is not an uptown-downtown issue. I remember interviewing our
former World Boxing Champion Michael McCallum in the eighties. He came from a very
humble home in the inner city but his mother was so watchful that she took him to church
every night. Then there was the wonderful lead story in last week’s Jamaica Observer where
young Alexia Hibbert turned up at her mother’s workplace in her graduation gown to show
her the UWI BA Certificate. The workplace of her mother Makeisha Walker is at Crab Circle
adjacent to National Heroes’ Park and the photo of the two features a huge pot of crabs, the
means by which Walker has been raising and educating her two daughters.

The report by Brittny Hutchinson, quotes Hibbert: “I remember one time she got burnt by the
soup but she got up for work … She wrapped it up and came out here. Sometimes even when
it’s raining heavily she is out there doing her thing.”
It is said that every child needs that one person who loves them unconditionally, who reminds
them how precious they are, who makes sacrifices for them to give them the best life
possible. In our Jamaica this is not necessarily a parent: grandparents, elder siblings, aunts
and uncles have stepped in and have done wonderfully.
However, there are still too many of our children who do not have that one caring guardian; it
now falls on the society to step into the breach. We can talk and wring our hands but what is
really needed is a strategic plan involving school, church and civil society. There are active
alumni associations which could be brought on board to do one-on-one mentoring of troubled
children. This country has more churches per capita than most others in the world. There are
retired seniors who could conduct after school homework sessions in those beautiful empty
church halls and engage the children in practical and inspiring discussions.

Child abuse is taking place in all types of households. Parents suffering from diverse types of
addiction are neglecting their children. Internet addiction may prevent us from focusing on
our children’s concerns. Bullyism is rife and if parents are not aware and do not take action,
their children could be scarred for life. It can be a tough challenge for working parents but
instead of having their children waiting until dark with a security guard before being picked
up, other arrangements can be made for after-school care. Those poor little hearts depend on
their parents and guardians to look out for them and should never feel that no one cares.
Another severe problem is the constant criticism that some children face, being compared
with others.

I remember a competent co-worker always shrinking in the background and
never standing up for herself; she shared that her parents were constantly comparing her with
high-achieving cousins and she developed an inferiority complex. Another young lady kept
standing behind others in a group photo and when we asked her why she was hiding herself
she said she was too ugly to be photographed. We could not believe our ears. This was a
beautiful lady and when we kept complimenting her, she burst into tears and said apart from
men trying to pick her up, it was the first time that she received sincere affirmation; she had
been told repeatedly as a child that she was ugly. Our offhand remarks can be cutting to a
child as can our lack of focus on their needs.

Our children who we keep saying are our future have urgent and present challenges. We are
reaping the whirlwind and we need to act before it becomes a dangerous hurricane.

Al Webb Scholarship

For the past four years, retired banker Al Webb has been funding one-year scholarships for
UWI students based on their first- or second-year performance. Along with UWIDEV Project
Officer Francine Kidd-Warren I have been interviewing these students and have been moved
by their resolve and perseverance in the face of unimaginable challenges. The hardest part is
to select one from the four worthy candidates. Congratulations to Zanya Lawes now in her
second year pursuing a social sciences degree. She is an ardent volunteer for environmental
projects and participates in various extra-curricular activities. We wish her every success.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 24, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Acorn, a group of national leaders from the trade unions and private and public sectors, is concerned about Jamaica’s environmental sustainability and as part of its 25th anniversary is hosting a climate change summit sponsored by the European Union. Under the theme ‘Climate departure and resilience: Is Jamaica ready for the journey?’ the summit will take place today in hybrid format.

The objective of the summit is to draw attention to the urgency for Government and private, public, and social sectors to respond effectively to the implications of rising temperatures.

The summit will address areas such as balancing economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection for areas such as tourism, agriculture, and physical and technological infrastructure development.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 24, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

The GraceKennedy (GK) Foundation Annual Lecture last week celebrated the 100th anniversary of the company, its generous outreach, and its phenomenal growth. The foundation’s Chairman Dr Fred Kennedy announced that he had completed the biography of his father, founder Luis Fred Kennedy, entitled Firstborn, and all proceeds would go towards the GK Foundation’s scholarship programme. The stories of students from humble means who have been able to ascend the professional ladder served as evidence of the success of this programme.

We heard from visionary past group CEO Douglas Orane on the strategic direction of the company and from current CEO Don Wehby on Orane’s challenges to him when he served as chief financial officer. He recalls having to source funding for an overseas project and that it was a conversation with Miss Stella, an office attendant, which triggered thoughts on how this could be done. He said this was a lesson that one should “listen to everybody, whether office attendant or chairman; show them respect; and be humble”.

Wehby was happy that earlier this year GK’s 100th anniversary service was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral next door to his Alma Mater St George’s College. An excerpt from his address at the service was played: “We have always, without fail, adhered to the core values: honesty, integrity, and trust. We have stayed true to our mantra, ‘We Care.’ Congratulations, GK, on this 100th anniversary lecture, rich with memories and lessons. Please watch on YouTube.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 24, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

As I watched Private sector Organisation of Jamaica (PsOJ) president and JMMB Group Chairman Keith Duncan presenting the PsOJ Hall of Fame citation to Michael Lee-Chin, Jamaican-born international financier and chairman of the NCB Financial Group, I turned to fellow guests at my table and said, “Look at the new face of banking in Jamaica; 30 years ago we would hardly think this possible.”

We reflected on their lives, these sons of two matriarchs — Joan Duncan and Hyacinth Chen — who laid the foundation on which their children would build their regional and international businesses.

We recall the national honours ceremony last Monday at King’s House at which Duncan’s mother, Joan, was invested into the Order of Jamaica, one of our country’s highest national honours. I remember the comment of a former co-worker of Joan when she started JMMB. She shared that Joan had a deep faith and was a gifted expert in banking so her success was sure. From the beginning she declared love to be the watchword of her business and it continues to this day. JMMB has named their foundation in her memory.

I first met Chen at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto when my shop handled the Jamaican media coverage of the opening of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. When I introduced myself I was pleasantly surprised when she embraced me and said she had been following this column. When I visited her in Mandeville she took me into her kitchen to show me one of my columns stuck on her refrigerator door. She was a woman of great wisdom, always reaching out to the less fortunate. Michael Lee-Chin sponsored the Hyacinth Gloria Chen School of Nursing at the Northern Caribbean University in her honour.

The vision and empathy of their mothers have inspired these two Jamaicans to give back to their country in myriad ways. By coincidence, media cameras were trained on both men last Thursday. Keith Duncan, in his voluntary role as chairman of the Economic P ro g r a m m e O v e r s i g h t Committee (EPOC), presented the quarterly update on Jamaica’s economic status, declaring that we do not fully appreciate that, in comparison to many other countries, Jamaica is a positive example of post-COVID-19 recovery. As usual, Duncan was cautiously optimistic and lauded the Bank of Jamaica for its fiscal policies and the Government for providing funds for Jamaica’s vulnerable citizens.

As a perfect segue, later that evening Lee-Chin, chair of Jamaica’s Economic Growth Council (EGC), shared his guidelines for achieving success, citing the example of his parents and that had nothing to do with me. I didn’t choose my parents, I was blessed; I didn’t choose my country, I was blessed; I didn’t choose the era in which I was born, I was blessed. Therefore, given my blessings, do I have a responsibility to those of my brothers and sisters who are less blessed?” The NCB Foundation was the mentorship of Warren Buffett. The strength of family was evident at the event: his brother, our favourite pop historian, Wayne Chen was emcee, his son Michael Lee-Chin Jr said the grace, and his younger children gave the vote of thanks.

Lee-Chin quoted the early 20th century Chicago architect Daniel Burnham: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realised. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty.”

He recalled that day, March 22, 2002 when he decided to buy NCB, which had stood for two years on the auction block: “Just before writing the cheque, I thought, ‘How is it possible for the son of an orphan and clerk to be buying the National Commercial Bank of Jamaica?’

“In a flash the answers came to me. There are many factors that made it possible the answer, donating millions of dollars in scholarships and other projects.

Reflecting on his role as chairman of the EGC, he observed, “The big issue we have to solve is the trust deficit between the public and the private sector…We solve problems every day in our role as the private sector so we are problem-solving fit. If we want a better country, we have to find ways to engage with the public sector at all levels, work hand-in-hand to solve national issues.”

How can we ever give up on Jamaica when we have some of our best minds serving voluntarily on EPOC and on the EGC? All of us can take a page from the book of Joan Duncan and Hyacinth Chen by raising resilient, altruistic, and ambitious children who will take this country forward.

Written by: Aneika Mills

Pharmacist Kimesha O’Connor of BeWellers Pharmacy, a CCRP discount partner, was
the guest on last Sunday’s CCRP Update. Ms. O’Connor expressed a love for her
career which began when she volunteered to work at a pharmacy while in high school.
Today, Ms. O’Connor is fully invested and encourages youth to consider this career
path as it is a very fulfilling one. She commented on the various roles of a pharmacist,
however, the major role is ensuring that all medications are prescribed according to the
law.
For anyone wishing to become a pharmacist, specific subjects are required, however,
Ms. O’Connor stressed the need to acquire Chemistry. She also stated that it could take
up to four years to become a pharmacist after which one would need to undergo
internship for a year, complete at least 500 hours and lastly, sit a licensing exam. In
addition, annual re-registration is required.
Though the steps to becoming a pharmacist may prove daunting, Ms. O’Connor shared
that in this line of work, you get to be empathetic and touch lives. One must be a people
person to love this job as a pharmacist interacts daily with customers.
She shared that it is quite fulfilling when you are a part of a patient’s success story in
overcoming an illness, regardless of the severity.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 17, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

I was grateful that Observer Senior Business Reporter Dashan Hendricks featured my business journey in last Wednesday’s paper. Pressed for space, Dashan was not able to include that part of the interview when I related how my husband Hubie Chin became involved in the business. Please allow me to tell that story.

It was 1988 when we decided to adopt our second child and the business was getting even more demanding. Hubie, who is an engineer by profession and had a high paying job, agreed to join the business, thus allowing for a better work-life balance. What a blessing that was. Hurricane Gilbert hit in September of that very year and thanks to his skills, the business was up and running in days. Hubie’s arrival at PROComm also coincided with the demands of information technology which his scientific mind was quick to manage and to maintain over the past 34 years. This man of God is a caring father and husband, the math whiz and the DIY star. He is as humble as he is brilliant so I may get in trouble for writing this.

Happy Birthday to the rock of our family, our hero Hubie Chin.

Excerpt from the Jamaica Observer column published on Monday, October 17, 2022

By Jean Lowrie-Chin

Congratulations to the recipients of National Honours at today’s Heroes’ Day presentation ceremony at King’s House. We are especially proud of Jamaica Observer Executive Editor Vernon Davidson CD, and other friends and colleagues Rita Humphries-Lewin OJ, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughn OJ, Professor Alvin Wint OJ, Richard Pandohie CD, Alok Jain CD, Dr Audia Barnett OD, Dr Amina Blackwood-Meeks OD, Jeffery ‘Agent Sasco’ Campbell OD, Michael Anthony Clarke OD, O’Connor Basil Dawkins OD, Nayana Williams OD and Lloyd Williams OD.