ZACCA

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica is a voluntary national organisation of some 330 private sector associations, companies and individuals. Some objectives of the PSOJ are to lobby government for policies and programmes which will support economic growth; to channel private sector resources to help alleviate the economic and social problems of the country; to promote the principles of private enterprise and the free market economic system as being the most effective means of achieving economic growth and to advocate equality of opportunity, freedom and reward for personal initiative.

50-member council

The organisation is governed by a 50-member council which is elected by the general membership at the annual general meeting to serve for a two-year-period. The council elects each year from its members an Executive Committee, which appoints a Chief Executive Officer.

The Executive Committee meets monthly and is responsible for the operations of the organisation.

Some activities that the PSOJ is involved in are the publication of in-depth economic analyses and forecasts, serving on important government and non-government committees, staging seminars and membership functions aimed at providing information

Membership in the organisation is open to associations, companies and individuals; however, referral by a member in good standing is required.

Zacca outlinespath for PSOJ

Newly-elected president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Chris Zacca, has outlined a number of objectives for his term in office.

Mr. Zacca was elected the 14th president of the PSOJ at a meeting of the organisation's council at its Hope Road headquarters yesterday.

He has pledged to continue to work to promote principles that will reduce bureaucracy and facilitate growth and development in the business sector and, by extension, the country's economy.

Mr. Zacca was involved in an acrimonious presidential battle with Scotiabank Jamaica head, William 'Bill' Clarke, with the latter subsequently withdrawing his organisation from the private sector group.

According to a statement from the organisation last night, Mr. Zacca voiced his regret and disappointment at the recent withdrawal of Scotiabank from the PSOJ.

Mr. Zacca said PSOJ members, like those of Scotiabank, play an important role in the organisation, and the significant example that such esteemed players like Scotiabank set within the country's private sector.

During yesterday's meeting, Earl Jarrett was re-elected to one of three vice-presidential posts, while William McConnell and Don Wehby were returned as honorary secretary and honorary treasurer respectively.

Richard Chen and Mark McKenzie were also elected as new vice-presidents.

Zacca's CV

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

Siebel Institute of Technology: Diploma in Brewing Technology, Chicago, Illinois, 1984

University of Florida: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Gainesville, Florida, 1982

Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, (BSc. Mechanical Engineering), 1980

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

Dec. 2004-Present: Deputy Chairman - ATL/Sandals Group of Companies

Jan. 1998-Dec. 2004: Deputy Chairman & CEO - Air Jamaica Limited

Sept. 1997-Present: Deputy Chairman - ATL Group of Companies

June 1994-Sept. 1997: Managing Director - Appliance Traders Limited

July 1991-May 1994: Managing Director - Caribrake Limited

October 1990-June 1991: Vice President, Engineering - Desnoes & Geddes

1989-1990: Manager, Engineering and Development - Desnoes & Geddes

1984-1989: Engineering Manager - Desnoes & Geddes

1982-1984: Project Engineering - Desnoes & Geddes

Jan. 1980-Aug. 1980: Trainee Plant Engineer - West Indies Crown Cap

INTERESTS/AFFILIATIONS

Dominoes and Football

Active Member of the Educational Council of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Justice of the Peace, St. Andrew

Active member of the Jamaica Skeet Club

Active member of the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club

Active member of the Jamaica Rifle Association

CONTACTS

Office Telephone: (876) 501-5740

Fax Number: (876) 929-5621

Email:czacca@atljamaica.com