Jason Russell elected new MBCCI president

WESTERN BUREAU:

Prominent businessman Jason Russell has been elected president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), taking the helm of the 93-year-old organisation at a critical time for the city’s business community.

Operator of the popular Pier One on the Waterfront, in Montego Bay, Russell secured the presidency in a keenly contested election held Wednesday night at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Western Jamaica Campus. He was elected over long-time executive member Nadine Spence, managing director of Sixt-Rent-A-Car, who will now serve as the chamber’s second vice-president.

In his acceptance speech, Russell expressed gratitude for the support he received and outlined his vision for a modernised, digitally driven chamber that actively lobbies for the interests of Montego Bay’s business sector.

“This year is going to be a year of work,” said Russell, who extended his appreciation to outgoing president Oral Heaven, acknowledging his contributions over the past three years. “I think we need to bring the chamber into a more digital-friendly platform, so we now look more modern. I think it’s going to be a good year.”

Russell emphasised the importance of the chamber reclaiming its role as a strong lobbying force, stating that he will start out by assessing the key challenges facing the business community.

“In the first couple of weeks, I want to get a feel for what these issues are, what’s important to the business people of Montego Bay. Once we’ve identified the major pain points, we can strategise the best ways to address them, whether through vocal advocacy or behind-the-scenes negotiations,” he explained.

Reflecting on his previous tenure as government relations director for the chamber, Russell highlighted his hands-on approach to problem-solving.

“One of the key elements we used when I was on the board was direct engagement, attending government meetings, understanding the issues, and tackling them head-on,” he recalled. “Sometimes, it’s about finding private-sector solutions to governmental challenges, whether it’s a cash flow issue, a logistics problem, or securing land to facilitate a necessary development.”

Russell’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Montego Bay navigates rapid economic expansion, infrastructural developments, and evolving business needs.

With a dynamic team that includes Spence as second vice-president, attorney-at-law Paulette Neil as first vice-president, and Richard Burrowes, president of Rose Hall Developments, as fourth vice president, the business community will be watching closely as Russell steers the chamber into a new era of modernisation and impact.

Other members of the new board include, Rosh Marketing’s Rosh Ramchandani, The Heinz School’s Tamar McKenzie, Digicel’s Joy Clark, Hospiten’s Samuel Ofonso, Victoria Mutual’s Suzette Ramdanie-Linton, Sobe Holding’s Andre ‘P’Nut Brown, and the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Odette Dyer.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com