Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
Maurice Facey (second right), founding chairman of Pan Caribbean Financial Services (PCFS), and his team, Donnavon Perkins (left), president of PCFS Steven Facey (right), director of PCFS, in conversation with veteran hotelier Heinz Simonitsch during the launch of the PCFS Montego Bay operation. - PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA
WESTERN BUREAU:
PAN CARIBBEAN Financial Services Limited expects its earnings to exceed $1 billion this year, says Donovan Perkins, chief executive officer of the organisation.
To meet this forecast, the company is strengthening its presence in the west, launching its Montego Bay operations at the Half Moon Conference Centre on Friday. The company, which recently became a 51 per cent owned subsidiary of Life of Jamaica, merged Manufacturers Sigma and the Montego Bay-based Lets Investments in 2004, taking over several western-based portfolios previously managed by the two.
"In this important and increasingly valuable republic of western Jamaica, we are determined to play a key role," said Mr. Perkins, as he addressed the large gathering. "We want to support the financial needs at the corporate and individual level."
Key corporate entities in the west, including Chukka Blue, Doctor's Cave, Margaritaville Caribbean, Rainforrest Traders and Coyaba Beach Resort are all entities that had a relationship with the institution since it entered the second city.
"These companies are but a few of the clients that we are proud to have helped succeed, at various stages of their development," Mr. Perkins said.
Brian Jardim, co-owner of Margaritaville Caribbean and Rainforrest Traders, says he owes the success of two of his companies to the Pan Caribbean team. "They gave us our very first loan, and have financed all our major projects since."
Mr. Jardim, who opened three new Margaritavilles in 2004, described the group as very progressive "A team that will help change the financial landscape in the second city for the better."
Pan Caribbean has chosen education as the major focus of its corporate involvement island-wide and Montegp Bay has been one of the beneficiaries.
"We believe that it is through education that we will be able to produce individuals with the skills necessary to achieve their true potential, and thus, allowing us to develop as a country," noted Anya Schnnor, chief operations officer and senior vice-president of the organisation.
