LopezBUSINESSWOMAN BEVERLEY Lopez is the new president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). She replaces Oliver F. Clarke, O.J., who did not seek re-election after serving one term.
Other officers elected at yesterday's PSOJ Council meeting are:
VICE PRESIDENTS
Hayden Singh, Managing Director, Courts Jamaica Ltd.
Donovan Perkins, president & CEO, Pan Caribbean Banking Division
Earl Jarrett, general manager, Jamaica National Building Society
HONORARY SECRETARY
William McConnell, Managing Director, Lascelles Demercado & Wray & Nephew Group
HONORARY TREASURER
Don Wehby, chief financial officer, Grace, Kennedy & Co.
William McConnell was returned as Honorary Secretary and former Honorary Treasurer, Hayden Singh was returned to the officer corps in the capacity of vice president. These officers, along with the chief executive officer and the presidents of the following seven associations will form the Executive Committee for the 2003 administration year:
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
Jamaica Exporters Association
Jamaica Manufacturers Association
Small Businesses Association of Jamaica
Jamaica Employers Federation
Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association
Jamaica Bankers Association
After her election, Mrs. Lopez thanked the outgoing officers - president Oliver Clarke, vice presidents Desmond Blades, Douglas Orane and Peter Melhado for their contribution to the development of the private sector and praised Mr. Clarke for his outstanding involvement, particularly in the area of crime and his efforts to forge a new partnership between the security forces and the people of Jamaica.
Mrs. Lopez said, "the officers of the PSOJ intend to focus on social, moral and economic issues impacting on the development of the country for the upcoming term. We will be continuing the close collaboration with the security forces, while focusing on economic growth and trade related issues and these will be done as we continue working towards the strengthening of the consolidation of the private sector associations."
Mrs. Lopez has served the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) in varying capacities, as director, vice president, president for two three-year terms and is the Immediate Past President of the JEA. Over the years, she has championed the cause of the exporting community, and with her keen foresight and practical approach, she has been instrumental in the elimination of many of the constraints from the export process. A former vice president of Desnoes & Geddes Ltd., Mrs. Lopez has interest in Dry Clean USA, Big City Brewing Company and Catherine's Peak Bottling Ltd. She also serves on the board of First Global Bank and the National Export-Import Bank.
The PSOJ's CEO Greta Bogues welcomed Mrs. Lopez as president, regarding her election as significant and a timely move, as the private sector associations continue the implementation of the consolidation of their secretariat services. She said the PSOJ will be hosting a dinner on February 13, at the Hilton Kingston in honour of Mr. Clarke and three past presidents of its consolidated association, namely:
Beverley Lopez, Immediate Past President Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA);
William Clarke, Immediate Past President Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) and
Anthony Chang, Immediate Past President, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC)
"This past presidents' dinner is one small way of thanking our private sector presidents. We expect a full amount of our members as we honour our past presidents, who have contributed significantly to the development of the private sector in Jamaica," Mrs. Bogues continued.
The PSOJ welcomed Mrs. Lopez and extended best wishes and support to her team for the term ahead.
