By Monique Hepburn, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU
WITH THE city's tourism growth rate currently at five per cent per annum, the challenge for Montego Bay's banking sector will be to provide services to support this expansion. Stephen Dear, 35, First Global Bank manager in Montego Bay, is the city's home grown response. Speaking to Wednesday Business last week, Mr. Dear, whose banking career began some eight years ago, shared his vision for his community.
"Montego Bay is probably at one of the most exciting points in its history right now," he told Wednesday Business. "I think we have struggled for years as a developing city. We are at a point where the city will take off and we have an opportunity if we get it right, to develop a city that is a model for the Caribbean."
CAUGHT IN A SHIFT
He contends that the city is caught in a major shift with innovations spanning the tourism and commercial sectors.
"Recent developments have put a new face on what is potentially possible in terms of tourism and the ICT sector. It's bringing up the level of experience of our average citizens," he said. "Montego Bay is the mecca for Jamaica right now." And the presence of his firm, First Global, is timely as he aims to provide more services and increase the client base in support of the changes under way. "I see the bank fitting in to provide support for the expansion," Dear said. They plan to open another branch in the city to serve its growing community.
First Global is one of six divisions in the Grace group, he said. "What we are seeing in Montego Bay is a roll out of the division," the manager stated. "We anticipate bringing more of the division's companies in the region to provide MoBay with complete financial services, like a one stop shop."
The son of prominent businessman and president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Winston Dear, Stephen spoke of his love for the city. "All my life has really revolved around Montego Bay," he said. "It is a great feeling to have had the opportunity to have led several financial institutions in my home town."
He holds a degree in Finance and Accounting from the Canadian university, Ryerson Polytechnic. Stephen is married to Linda and they have two sons.
The passion he holds for his city extends to the job he does, he said. "When I provide a service or a product for someone, it is because I believe it is the best thing for them. I take a long-term view towards my clients."
