Category: Business

Renewables boost

Marubeni says old power plants to be replaced by renewables

Executives from JPS shareholder Marubeni commit to replacing its aging power plants with renewable energy plants in the next two years. The Marubeni executives made the commitment in a recent meeting with Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Marubeni Power International has now confirmed that renewables have been chosen to replace old fossil fuel-fired power plants at Rockfort and Hunt’s Bay in Kingston. The company made the revelation about the choice after making the commitment to the Government to align the company with the objective of having 50 per cent of power generated in Jamaica coming from renewable sources by 2030, during a recent visit.

The two power plants are expected to be shutdown starting in the next two years, and the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), based on its licence, has the right to replace generating capacity it already owns and will be spending US$500 million to replace those plants with renewable energy. It will be looking to develop projects which together will replace 171 megawatt entirely with solar and wind energy.

“In the next two years or less, some of the plants are going to be shutting down and have to be replaced, and the replacement the Government indicates to us has to be renewables,” Damian Obiglio, senior vice-president, Marubeni Power International and chairman of JPS, told the Jamaica Observer in an interview Tuesday. He added that the investment will also include battery storage to ensure power remains available when the sun is not shining or when the wind dies down.

The confirmation comes long after it was first indicated that the JPS would be replacing the old power plants with renewable energy. Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s energy minister, earlier this year told the parliamentary committee reviewing the Electricity Act that renewables would be the replacement power source, but a check with the JPS then revealed that the issue was not finalised as yet.

Marubeni says it will be working with its partners to spend US$500 million to replace 171MW of fossil fuel-generated electricity with solar and wind solutions in the next two to three years.

“JPS is in the final stages with the Government about how much battery, wind and solar power,” Obiglio added in the interview with the Business Observer. He said it is expected that 60 per cent of the investment, or US$300 million, will be spent on batteries to store power for future use. Of the US$200 million left to build the farms, he said US$160 million will go to solar farms while the other US$40 million will be invested in wind energy solutions.

“These are different investments from the other renewable investments the Government is seeking. This is the JPS just replacing existing capacity which is about to come off line with renewables,” Obiglio stressed. He said the Government indicates that it would prefer the battery farm to be somewhere in the Corporate Area where demand is greatest, either on Spanish Town Road or at its old plant at Hunt’s Bay.

“In the case of renewables, the Government have indicated a strong preference for the farms to be in the eastern end of Jamaica — the St Thomas area and the Portland area — while some of the plants may be set up in Clarendon.”

The company added that it is awaiting further directives and stand ready to cooperate as soon as the plans are agreed upon.

Just recently, executives from Marubeni Corporation and Marubeni Power International visited Jamaica in demonstration of their ongoing commitment to the country and to being an investment partner in the nation’s growth.

In the island for a one-day visit were Satoru Harada, Chief operating officer, Power Division of Marubeni Corporation and Yukio Konishi, senior vice-president, Marubeni Power International.

They paid a courtesy visit on Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the prime minister’s office, where Harada spoke to the significance of Marubeni’s investment in Jamaica and pledged to continue to partner with the Government in supporting economic growth through efficient and sustainable energy generation.

Marubeni, a major shareholder in JPS, also has interests in the 194-MW capacity power plant operated by South Jamaica Power Company, located in St Catherine.

Currently, JPS has two major investors: Marubeni Corporation and Korea East-West Power, and each holds 40 per cent of shares in JPS. The Government of Jamaica, through the Development Bank of Jamaica, holds the remaining 19.9 per cent while the remaining less than 1 per cent is held by private shareholders.

This article was published in the Jamaica Observer https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/renewables-boost/

Japan Parliamentary Delegation Visit the South Jamaica Power Centre

Japan Parliamentary Delegation Visits the SJPC Plant: Takuya Kokawa (1st left), Associate, Marubeni Power International points out features of the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) plant in Old Harbour, St Catherine to Hiroshige Seko (centre), Secretary-General for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the Japan House of Councillors and Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Members of the Japan House of Councillors, Iwao Horii (2nd left), Yasutada Ohno ( partially hidden), and Yasuyuki Sakai (5th left). Also present were H.E. Yasuhiro Atsumi (left), Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Noel Watson (2nd right), Plant Manager, SJPC, Damian Obiglio (1st right), Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International and Leisa Batiste-Whyte (4th left), SJPC General Manager. The SJPC plant, which uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), has been operating at a world-class standard since commencing commercial operations in December 2019. It is 68 per cent more efficient and produces 59 per cent less emissions than the previous plant.

Japan Parliamentary Delegation Visits the SJPC Plant: Hiroshige Seko (4th left), Secretary-General for the LDP in the House of Councillors, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry along with Members of the Japan House of Councillors, Yasuyuki Sakai (right), Yasutada Ohno (2nd right) and Iwao Horii (3rd right) on a tour of the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) plant in Old Harbour, St Catherine on August 7, 2023. Accompanying them were H.E. Yashiro Atsumi (left), Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Leisa Batiste-Whyte, SJPC General Manager (2nd left), Damian Obiglio (3rd left) Senior Vice-President Operations, Marubeni Power International, Noel Watson, (5th left), Plant Manager, SJPC and Takuya Kokawa (6th left), Associate, Marubeni Power International.

Inside the SJPC Control Room: Member of the Japan House of Councillors Yasuyuki Sakai (centre), discusses a feature of the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) Control room with Hiroshige Seko (left), Secretary-General for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the Japan House of Councillors and Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Noel Watson, (right) Plant Manager, SJPC. They were on a recent tour of the SJPC in Old Harbour, St. Catherine with Members of the Japan House of Councillors, Yasutada Ohno and Iwao Horii and H.E. Yasuhiro Atsumi, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica. Also present were Damian Obiglio (2nd left), Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International, Takuya Kokawa (partially hidden), Associate, Marubeni Power International and Leisa Batiste-Whyte, SJPC General Manager.

Japan Parliamentary Delegation Visits the SJPC Plant: Damian Obiglio, Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International, greets Hiroshige Seko, Secretary-General for the LDP in the House of Councillors, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry along with Members of the Japan House of Councillors, Yasuyuki Sakai (right), Yasutada Ohno (2nd right) and Iwao Horii (3rd right)  prior to the tour of the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) plant tour on August 7, 2023. Accompanying them was H.E. Yashiro Atsumi, Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica.

Japan Parliamentary Delegation Visits the SJPC Plant: Noel Watson (2nd right), Plant Manager, SJPC discusses key features of the South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC) plant in Old Harbour, St Catherine to Hiroshige Seko (centre), Secretary-General for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in the Japan House of Councillors and Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and Members of the Japan House of Councillors, Iwao Horii (2nd left), Yasutada Ohno ( partially hidden), and Yasuyuki Sakai (5th left). Also present were H.E. Yasuhiro Atsumi (left), Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Noel Watson (2nd right), Plant Manager, SJPC, Damian Obiglio (1st right), Senior Vice-President, Marubeni Power International, Takuya Kokawa (1st left), Associate, Marubeni Power International and Leisa Batiste-Whyte (4th left), SJPC General Manager. 
The SJPC plant, which uses Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), has been operating at a world-class standard since commencing commercial operations in December 2019. It is 68 per cent more efficient and produces 59 per cent less emissions than the previous plant.

JPS power plant cuts emissions 59 per cent

From left: Mohamed Majeed (left, foreground), chairman, South Jamaica Power Company (SJPC) & CEO, Marubeni Caribbean Power Company, discusses the elements of the SJPC control room with Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

THE new liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant at Old Harbour, St Catherine, has helped reduced the carbon footprint from power generation in Jamaica by almost 60 per cent and will go a far way in helping the country to come into alignmemt with the climate change goals, according to minister with responsiblity for water, environment and climate change, Senator Matthew Samuda.

Samuda was speaking during a tour of the Old Harbour, Saint Catherine plant of South Jamaica Power Centre (SJPC), an affiliate of Marubeni Caribbean Power Company, on Thursday (April 27). The tour was led by SJPC Chairman Mohamed Majeed and included directors of the company and the shareholder representatives of Marubeni and Korea East-west Power Co Ltd. He praised the company and the facility for achieving the levels of efficiency, and said the ministry looked forward to ongoing contact with the company as the operation progresses.

“Our stated targets include cutting emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, and concurrently we intend to get to 50 per cent renewables usage in that period,” he said. “Against that background it has been very useful for us to be able to see the operation here first-hand and get an understanding of the process in our quest to maximise the opportunities for fuel source diversification.”

Majeed, in welcoming the minister, stated that the plant — a Us$350-million investment — would have a significant and positive impact on Jamaica’s long-term growth and development by providing cleaner energy and improving power supply reliability.

“This plant was constructed to be responsive to the need for more renewables to be added to the grid while being 68 per cent more efficient and producing 59 per cent less emissions than the retired plant.” He added that the plant has already been operating at a world-class standard since commencing commercial operations in December 2019, a fact of which Jamaicans could be justly proud.

Source: Jamaica Observer | JPS power plant cuts emissions 59 per cent

Rainforest adds more solar capacity

Seafood trader Rainforest is doubling solar energy capacity at its plant in Montego Bay, from 0.5 megawatt to one megawatt, at a cost of $75 million.

When the project is finalised in two to three months, Rainforest will possess the capacity to generate over 1.5 megawatts of solar power in Jamaica at its main complex in Montego Bay and its plant in Kingston.

The new photovoltaic (PV) or solar panels are being installed on a five-storey building that houses the company’s free-standing freezer at Montego Freeport.

“When we first introduced PV systems in Kingston four years ago, it cost us about US$1.65 per watt of power installed. By the time we did MoBay two years after, that came down to about US$1.38 per watt. Now it is less than a dollar, so it’s becoming far more attractive to go solar,” said Rainforest CEO Brian Jardim.

The Kingston plant was outfitted with solar panels in 2014, followed by a second phase at the MoBay complex in 2016.

Altogether, the three phases represent a US$2-million investment, Jardim said, funding for which was secured through the window for renewable energy loans set up by the Development Bank of Jamaica, DBJ, but issued through lending institutions.

“The window provided by the DBJ means very good rates. It actually comes through the commercial banks at an interest rate of six or seven per cent. That makes good financial sense, if you ask me,” Jardim said, who noted that at each stage of the project, the payback period on the investment has shortened.

“The payback period has come down from about six years in the first instance,” he said. “For the second phase, the payback was about five years. Now it is about four years.”

With the current project, all of Rainforest’s main operating and administrative buildings would have been covered with photovoltaic arrays.

The company has also implemented other conservation methods to add to those savings, including more efficient compressors, and switching from freon gas to ammonia for cooling, and utilising LED lighting for the freezers and perimeters of the Rainforest complex.

“There is also a neat little set-up that saves us a lot of money, where we embed tubes at the base of the freezers, run glycol through that and distribute that to other areas where we need temperatures that are less than freezing – that is to say, chill rooms and so on,” Jardim said.

Source: The Gleaner

GraceKennedy — an amazing company in an extraordinary time

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When Jamaicans reach for a wide array of the now familiar products bearing the Grace brand on supermarket and grocery shelves at home and abroad, they know that they are assured of 95 years of quality born of the passion and the exquisite taste of a demanding island people and an amazing company.

That has been a feat of no mean order.

Dr John Grace and Fred William Kennedy, on Valentine’s Day 1922 took on the ambitious task of packaging Jamaica’s favourite and most tasty food products and sharing them at their best quality, not only with countrymen at home, but also with those in the wider Caribbean and in the diaspora.

For the founding fathers, the company was birthed with a heart of love for the products, the consumers and employees, and a commitment to deliver at the highest standard and good value regardless of circumstances.

Now, just shy of a century later, the passion of those modest beginnings has grown and reverberated throughout the Group in the 16 countries where GraceKennedy has operating plants, and its wider reach to more than 60 countries around the world.

Known first for its food products that are synonymous with quality and nutrition, the Grace brand is a solid and confident declaration of the best of Jamaica that meets the taste test every time and exudes the warmth of the people who inspire its existence.

Today the company has expanded its product line to become a cutting-edge leader in financial services, providing safe, secure, convenient world-class financial services that make it possible for Jamaicans to do business easily.

GraceKennedy is often a pioneer in technological services and has introduced several innovations through First Global Bank, GK General Insurance, Allied Insurance Brokers, FX Trader, Bill Express, and through its partnership with Western Union as its exclusive representative in Jamaica and 10 other Caribbean countries.

For Jamaicans who rely on relatives in the diaspora for regular and critical financial support, their “pots can be put on fire” with the firm assurance that through its remittance service, GraceKennedy will deliver.

In the Caribbean islands, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom, Grace is a real-life demonstration of the potential of a Caribbean island company that has attained solid international presence and respect. This is supported by strong local roots.

For small farmers in the deep rural communities, Grace is the certain hope that a reliable market is available for the choice fruits of their back-breaking labour. When GraceKennedy began producing canned items in 1959, starting with their Vienna sausages, citrus and vegetable farmers were next in line to benefit as the company quickly followed on with the packaging of ketchup, tin fruit juices, vegetables and bottled juices.

But it was the GraceKennedy agro-processing plant at Hounslow, St Elizabeth, that broadened the scope for hundreds of small pepper farmers who now have a guaranteed market for their produce. With a certain and stable market, farmers are better able to plan and to support their families from their endeavours.

But the most basic and far-reaching surety is in the high quality of the food supplied under the Grace brand. There is no second-guessing the fact that the standard of Jamaican food is the Grace standard.

GraceKennedy’s foray into banking and insurance does not depart from the quality performance of the group over its near 100 years in business.

The company sees it as its business to develop new initiatives that help its brands and advance and enhance the lives of its customers and employees.

Initiatives like the expansion of the banking facilities and the recent US$8-million investment in the expansion of the Hi Lo Food Stores not only create employment, but also give easy access to all.

For the GraceKennedy Group, caring begins at home and the company ensures that its employees are fully on-board with its commercial push, while also encouraging their fullest participation in its strong charity outreach programmes. In 1925, employees were invited to purchase shares at par. With a stake in the business, employees became owners of the promise and potential of the Grace brand.

It was therefore not by accident that this powerful approach gave birth to the Grace & Staff Community Development Foundation in 1979 and the GraceKennedy Foundation in 1982. These foundations have contributed mentoring, tutoring and also millions in support of persons in need, especially students.

Funds from the GraceKennedy Foundation have been distributed through the Carlton Alexander Bursary, while the Grace and Staff Foundation operates six homework centres, including a STEM Centre at Parade Gardens, downtown Kingston, among other programmes.

Those who live in Jamaica, are Jamaican or admirers of the Jamaican culture from afar, would have felt the unmistakable impact of its ‘Grace’. The achievements of GraceKennedy speak to Jamaica’s highest aspirations and their deepest yearning for the good life.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/GraceKennedy—an-amazing-company-in-an-extraordinary-time_89345

New JMMB Her Wealth offering targets women

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A recent study conducted by the International Labour Organization identified Jamaica as one of the top three countries where ‘the boss’ is likely to be female. These statistics in the study Women in Business and Management, Gaining Momentum are not surprising, as women account for more than 70 per cent of students enrolled at the tertiary level in major local universities.

Climbing the corporate ladder marks a different, if not new, milestone for women, as they have stood the test of time, often seeking work/life balance — in the case of working mothers — even as they juggle varying roles while pursuing their dreams.

In support of the empowerment of women to achieve their financial goals, the JMMB Group has announced the introduction of JMMB Her Wealth, a complete package of financial solutions which includes investments, loans, savings facilities and insurance. As part of the customisation of the offerings to better cater to women, JMMB also provides a maternity loan, and coverage of handbag contents against theft as part of their motor vehicle insurance offering.

According to JMMB Jamaica Country Manager Kisha Anderson, women have shown their continued intention to attain financial success in Jamaica.

“We aim to facilitate and assist our clients to achieve their goals. This new offering is in response to a perceived gap that has been identified in the market, and research that suggests the need for financial institutions to deepen their relationship with women in order to meet their unique financial needs,” she explained.

Anderson says JMMB Her Wealth is designed as a special and remarkable vehicle for this purpose, and is the first of its kind in the market.

The JMMB Her Wealth packaged solution also includes a rewards programme that offers JMMB Her Wealth clients special access to discounts (or other benefits) of up to 20 per cent from partnering companies.

The partners selected to be a part of the JMMB Her Wealth Rewards programme are established organisations that offer support services that are typically utilised by women in their daily lives. These include auto servicing and maintenance; food; home care; medical services; counselling; beauty and spa services; computers and accessories; and children’s products and accessories.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/issues/New-JMMB-Her-Wealth-offering-targets-women_87598

JMMB focuses on ‘Her Wealth’

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Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB) aims to cement its place as the financial partner of choice for women with its newest product offering, JMMB Her Wealth.

In launching what it describes as the first of its kind on the market, the investment institution has designed the financial solution with hopes of empowering women to realise their financial goals through investments, loans, savings and insurance.

The women-only event was held at the Spanish Court Hotel on Wednesday.

JMMB Her Wealth follows on two new unit trust products — the JMMB Bond Fund and JMMB Real Value Fund — launched by the institution in 2015 as it sought to increase market share.

“…whatever they are and wherever we are on our financial journey. We have included unique add-ons like maternity loan and handbag coverage, which is a part of the motor vehicle insurance coverage,” JMMB Country Manager Kisha Anderson told the audience, adding that the company has identified that women have unique needs and have a different relationship with money from men.

“As your financial partner we want to support you by providing financial expertise and education to give you greater access to critical services so that you can be empowered to make the best financial decisions for yourselves, your families and those who depend on you,” she continued.

According to Anderson, the financial institution, which made $2.03 billion in net profit in the six-month period ended September 30, 2016, expects the introduction of JMMB Her Wealth to expand the company’s client base while deepening its relationship with clients.

Currently, the gender split of JMMB’s client base stands at 59 per cent, in favour of women.

“Research indicates that women represent a huge potential market opportunity for growth across many industries, including finance where there are gaps perceived in the way financial institutions cater to women and their unique needs,” said Anderson.

JMMB Her Wealth will also feature a rewards programme for services utilised by women in their daily lives, including medical care, beauty, auto and home and garden services. JMMB will be partnering with companies from the service industries to offer discounts between five and 20 per cent.

As a part of its aim to facilitate financial empowerment for women, JMMB Group will also be hosting quarterly financial education sessions which are expected to provide women with guidance and knowledge of important financial matters.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/JMMB-focuses-on–Her-Wealth-_87057

My Desire Is To Serve!

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To bring about the kinds of changes that will help people live healthier and more productive lives, volunteer organisations listen and learn to identify pressing problems that get too little attention.

This is why community service is important. Volunteerism teaches compassion and understanding, and has emerged through a process of identifying what is needed to assist people and where the greatest impact can be achieved.

Dane Richardson, now at the helm of Digicel Foundation, an organisation that has invested $3 billion in communities islandwide, is no stranger to volunteerism. Although earlier in his life he began a trajectory in pursuit of medicine, Richardson always felt there was something missing but could not immediately identify what it was.

It was while teaching at the Portmore Community College that he began connecting the dots towards his true calling, while pushing for solutions to assist students who needed remedial work.

“There were students at that level, but they could not read. Then I realised that the school itself had broader issues, where students were matriculating but not transitioning. This is where I was thrust into programme management and administration and I started designing programmes and meeting with different key stakeholders while trying to solve these issues,” Richardson said.

Having carved out a definitive career goal, Richardson joined the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life as programme development and grants manager. The Jamaica AIDS Support for Life is one of the leading health-care agencies in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing the socio-economic challenges facing, and advocating for, Jamaicans living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, STIs, and intimate-partner violence.

According to Richardson, his experience at Jamaica AIDS Support for Life assisted him in understanding and acknowledging the capacity each person has to develop their true potential.

“I realised there is a lot more that can be done here in Jamaica. I was thrust more deeply into dealing with social issues and working with persons dealing with other issues who are less fortunate than us,” Richardson said.

“There are persons who are facing real and significant challenges in our country, and my eyes were opened to the fact that many Jamaicans are looking for someone who can be their voice and looking out for their best interest. I was able to take stock of my own life and do things to help others, not just myself,” Richardson said.

GIVING BACK

With the Digicel Foundation built on the premise of giving back, Richardson joined the organisation in 2013 as programme manager with primary responsibility for education. In 2015, he was promoted to head of programmes and a year later, he was again promoted to director of operations.

As programme manager for education, Richardson intensified the efforts of the organisation to empower teachers to improve the literacy and numeracy levels among students in primary schools, through the use of information communications technology (ICT).

“Digicel Foundation works in three areas – education, special needs, and community development. We cannot solve all the problems, however, we can galvanise support from other partners and, most important, the Government to ensure sustainability. At the end of the day, Jamaicans are the ones that will benefit,” Richardson said.

“We have had many achievements across the island over our 12-year history. At this juncture, we intend to look back at what has worked, what has not worked and build going forward; and really look at what is relevant to make the foundation stronger,” he added.

The Digicel Jamaica Foundation is a non-profit organisation that utilises funds on a charitable basis and remains a vested partner in the social development of communities by increasing access for the special-needs community to improve their quality of lives, by expanding access to education through technology, by supporting and empowering survivors of domestic violence, and by fostering a spirit of self-reliance through sustainable enterprise within communities.

“My aspiration has always been to head an organisation and to put in the machinery to effect change. Every aspect of what will transpire is team work, and we will work together as a team to effect necessary changes in the lives of Jamaicans,” Richardson said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20170120/my-desire-serve

Shaw enters the Rainforest

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Finance Minister Audley Shaw and a team from his ministry and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) yesterday toured Rainforest Seafoods’ 30,000 square-foot processing plant at Slipe Road in Kingston, where they received a first-hand look at the operations of the Caribbean’s largest supplier of premium quality seafood.

The team included minister of state Rudyard Spencer, PSOJ President PB Scott, and PSOJ Chief Executive Officer Dennis Chung.

The state-of-the-art, climate-controlled processing plant is HACCP-certified and has the capability of producing value-added products to include breading, battering, brining, cooking, pickling, portioning and smoking.

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) is a food-safety system that helps food business operators look at how they handle food. The system utilises procedures to make sure the food produced is safe to eat.

Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Shaw-enters-the-Rainforest_86524

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Digicel Foundation Appoints New CEO

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The Digicel Foundation has appointed Dane Richardson as its new chief executive officer, following the recent resignation of Samantha Chantrelle.

Richardson is now responsible for taking the organisation to the next level and building on the solid momentum achieved under the leadership of Chantrelle who resigned from the position late last year.

Oversight and management of a US$3+ million annual budget ­– focused on education through improvement in literacy and (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) STEM; the development of the special needs sector; and community development/social entrepreneurship.

Richardson joined the foundation as programme manager for education in 2013 and was later promoted to head of programmes. Richardson assumes the new role from his position as director of operations.

Over the years, he has developed a reputation for strong people, project and resource management. With more than 10 years of experience in the social development sector in Jamaica, Richardson has served the public and private sectors in addition to civil society.

The 33-year-old has contributed significantly to the growth of Digicel Foundation, leading the implementation of a three-year strategic plan.

“The foundation has given me a tremendous platform to challenge myself in ways I never did before. Stepping up to the helm is both an honour and a charge,” Richardson stated in a release from the organisation. “The needs in Jamaica are great and varied. What is clear is that all my efforts must remain focused on how to better serve those who are most in need.”

Richardson started his career at Digicel in 2001 but spent much of his time in managerial roles in secondary and tertiary level education, before joining Jamaica AIDS Support for Life as its programme development and grants manager. The Wolmer’s Boys’ graduate is described by his peers as a dynamic and innovative team leader who has consistently displayed honourable work ethic.

“This is an exciting time for the foundation as Dane charts a road map for expanding our reach to touch more lives. I know that he will be a strong leader, with the passion to guide our foundation towards achieving more for our communities,” expressed Jean Lowrie-Chin, chairperson of the Digicel Foundation.

Last year, the Digicel Foundation invested more than $3 billion in communities islandwide, impacting over 580,000 Jamaicans since inception.

In the release, the Board acknowledged the “outstanding contributions” of previous CEOs Major General Robert Neish and Samantha Chantrelle.

Chantrelle was CEO of the foundation since November 2011, having previously worked as a project manager for the NCB Foundation. She holds an MSc in the Sociology of Develpment from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and a BA in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley in the United States.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Digicel-Foundation-appoints-new-CEO_85486