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ICAJ soars to new heights

Published:Friday | December 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Rev Dr Ralph Hoyte lights a candle to symbolise a light against the darkness as he blessed the George S. Willie Resource Centre, which was dedicated at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) offices. Looking on are Elaine Robinson (centre) and Vintoria Bernard, president of the ICAJ.
Doreen Willie (right) unveils the plaque officially opening the resource centre named for her husband George (centre). Sharing the moment are (from left) Archibald Campbell, Vintoria Bernard, Rev Dr Ralph Hoyte and Elaine Robinson. The opening was held at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica headquarters last Wednesday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Selwyn Goldson (left) raps with guest of honour George Willie.
Whatever the topic, this group of (from left) Muriel Bailey, Blondell Wilson-Henry, Doreen Willie and Maureen Murphy-Smith are engrossed in conversation.
Jasper Burnett (left) jokes with Auditor-General Pamela Monroe-Ellis and Jason McPherson of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.
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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) was looking to take its profession to new levels, and found the right man to help them do it.

The association has a new resource centre at its Ruthven Road headquarters and it's named in honour of George Willie, managing partner of Bert Smith and Company based in Washington, DC, one of the top black accounting firms in the United States. Willie, who hails from Yallahs, St Thomas, attended Excelsior High School and worked at the then Barclays Bank before enrolling at Howard University in the United States. He and wife Doreen were present to cut the ribbon on the centre.

On-demand researching

The George S. Willie Resource Centre will allow the ICAJ to meet the wider needs of the accounting community through the availability of universal accounting and business information for its stakeholders. The centre's collection of materials is concentrated in scope, with significant depth within specialised areas. These include business, accounting and economics and might, in the future, be the main repository of that kind of information. It will be equipped with an on-demand researching database programme and, in time, will provide the latest in business-related news and online learning and certification.

Though he doesn't look it, Willie has been a practising certified public accountant (CPA) for over 30 years. Over the years, he has been heavily involved in initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational options and resources for African-Americans pursuing careers in accounting. He was also guest speaker at the ICAJ's banquet the following night (check Sunday's Outlook for highlights).

Willie admitted he never knew what a CPA was before leaving Jamaica, much less that he would become one. But he vowed to continue helping African-Americans embrace the profession and was looking forward to working closely with the centre.