McConnell

William 'Billy' McConnell, managing director of conglomerate Lascelles deMercado & Company and Wray & Nephew Group will be inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) Hall of Fame.

The official ceremony is set for October 18 at the Hilton Kingston hotel.

McConnell, a long-standing member of the PSOJ and a well-known name in Jamaican industry, now holds the title Honorary Secretary of the PSOJ having served for years on the PSOJ's executive committee.

Similar recognition

Induction to the PSOJ Hall of Fame, a 14-year-old award, is usually reserved for business leaders who have had an impact on national development. In fact, McConnell has had similar recognition at the national level, and was conferred this year with the Order of Jamaica.

The trade organisation, in announcing McConnell's selection, said the businessman "has had a long and illustrious career in trade and commerce, both in the private and public sector and has made a sterling contribution to the development of the economy of our country."

Inductees must have been in business for at least 25 years, and be seen as a person worthy of emulation. As important, the company the candidates for induction leads must be successful "with above average growth," said the PSOJ.

Past PSOJ Hall of Fame inductees:

Carlton Alexander
Paul Geddes
Mayer Matalon
Rafael Diaz
Gordon 'Butch' Stewart
Raby Danvers Williams
Oliver Frederick Clarke
John Issa
Maurice Facey
Desmond Blades
Karl Hendrickson
Douglas Orane
Marshall Hall