Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter
Montego Bay businessman, Winston Dear (right), with his son Stephen onboard his boat 'The Mantaray'. - PHOTOS BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
HAVING SERVED several terms as president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Winston Dear has influenced many decisions in the development of the Montego Bay business sector. Since it is said that 'charity begins at home', one can expect that he has just as much respect and influence in his private life.
The father of three children, Ian, Stephen and Kathy-Ann, Mr. Dear has always encouraged his children at every juncture. It is no surprise, therefore, that his keen business sense has rubbed off on them.
This is particularly true for his two sons who, while they may not be in the same profession as their father, have both made a name for themselves in the business sector. The eldest of the two, Ian is co-owner of the Margaritaville chain, while brother Stephen is Manager for First Global Bank, Montego Bay Branch.
"He has been a tremendous influence on how we view our lives and approach business," said eldest son, Ian. "He is an excellent father in fact, he is like a brother to me. I look up to him and I get advice from him - we are very close."
"He has been a tremendous role model for us and as a result, it is reflected in how we relate to our individual families," he continued."
The third Vice President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce (MBCC), Stephen Dear has been following in his father's footsteps for the past five years.
"I would not say that he said 'come on you have to be a part of this' but the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in our family that it was a natural course for me when I returned from school," Stephen explained."
"My involvement stems from him, just hearing what the Chamber was working on from when I was probably 10 years old. I remember that periodically there would be meetings at the house for the chamber functions and Daddy would go away on trips representing Montego Bay - there were so many projects, Montego Bay was not even a city at that time," he continued. "Really in terms of our household the Chamber of Commerce played a tremendous role in setting the stage of what is important and what became apparent to me - and my siblings. It taught us the importance of being in our community."
Described by his children as a go-getter who has takes a hands-on approach to projects, Mr. Dear has passed on this approach to his sons. He has even co-designed and served as construction engineer on his son Stephen's home.
A true "family man," Mr. Dear has tried to include his children in all aspects of his life so much so that they share his passion for sailing. In fact, later this year the Dear family will sail to Cayman where Ian and his business partner will be opening another Margaritaville outlet.
