.JPG)
Moses and Bogues
JAMAICA'S leading private sector group, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), marks its 25th anniversary next week.
As it celebrates this anniversary, the PSOJ has embarked on an initiative to consolidate the various private sector associations to benefit from the economies of scale and to sharpen the focus and effectiveness of each body.
"The organisation is here to represent the interests of the private sector," said PSOJ chief executive officer Greta Bogues. "We have to keep our fingertips on the pulse of the economy, for only so can we remain relevant."
The PSOJ, the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association (JMA); the Jamaica Exporters' Association (JEA); the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC); the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) have all agreed to be included in the first phase of the consolidation process and to tap into the benefits.
Outgoing President of the PSOJ, Peter Moses, says he is pleased that both the PSOJ and the JEA have taken the initial step of sharing a chief executive officer, Greta Bogues. The PSOJ and the JEA also share the same accountant, which Mr. Moses says is already providing benefits.
The PSOJ was launched on March 11, 1976, with the inaugural meeting taking place at the Pegasus Hotel. It was established as a voluntary, national organisation of private associations, companies and individuals, concerned with fostering the development of a strong and vibrant private sector.
Its first president was the late Hon. Carlton Alexander O.J., while Anthony Abrahams was the first Executive Director.
The organisation established a Hall of Fame, in 1992 to honour outstanding persons for their contribution to the development of business and industry. Nine outstanding businessmen have been inducted into the Private Sector Hall of Fame since then, the first being the founding PSOJ President Carlton Alexander.
While its major focus has been the state of the nation's economy, the organisation has over the last two and a half decades expanded its role to offer solutions on a wide range of social, political, community and cultural issues. It is against this background that programmes such as "Crime Stop", a private sector initiative in crime control, was launched in September 1989. "Crime Stop" assists the police in gathering information on unsolved crimes and has recorded huge success over the years.
The PSOJ says it is committed to the continued development of Jamaica and sees the celebration of its 25th anniversary as a critical cross-roads in its history. This will be marked by a number of events.
On Sunday, December 2, there will be a special church service at the University Chapel, Mona Campus, starting at 9:00 a.m.
The PSOJ will have its Council Meeting at its Hope Road Headquarters at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, where a new president will be elected. The incumbent president Peter Moses will not be seeking re-election after serving three terms.
One of the highlights of the Council Meeting will be the main address by the International Spelling Bee champion and Ardenne High School student, Jodi-Ann Maxwell. It's the first time that the PSOJ Council has invited a youth speaker to address such a meeting.
The highlight of the week will be a special silver anniversary banquet at the Kingston Hilton Hotel on Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. At the banquet, there will be a revue created by Louis Marriott chronicling the role of the PSOJ in developing the economic and social life of Jamaica over the past 25 years.
