John Issa shows off his handy digital camera at his New Kingston office yesterday. - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer
Most people know John Issa as a no-nonsense business tycoon who knows more than a thing or two about running a successful company. But what most people don't know, is that the SuperClubs chairman is quite a nifty photographer as well. Don't buy it? Well, he has the gold medal to prove it!
Yes, Mr. Issa has been awarded the coveted gold medal in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) photography competition. He also received the tripod award for the best overall amateur entry. That comes with a $100,000 prize.
This was Mr. Issa's 15th year entering the competition, but the first time he has ever won a gold medal. His winning entry was a black and white photo of an escalator in Europe.
"I normally take photos of architecture. I seem to be drawn to that more than anything else," he said while speaking with The Gleaner yesterday.
His overall tally this year is one gold, two silver and three bronze medals. He also received eight certificates of merit in addition to the tripod award.
"It took 15 years, but I finally struck gold," he joked. "I'll keep entering, but I suspect I may have peaked this year."
Enter the JCDC competition
His photos as well as photos taken by his two daughters hang in frames all over his New Kingston office. His daughters - Zein and Muna - are also photography lovers and enter the JCDC competition every year as well. They usually win more prizes than their father, but this year, it was dad's time to take the spotlight.
He uses a small digital camera that he picked up at a discount shop in New York. "Any camera I use has to fit into my pocket," Mr. Issa said.
He doesn't get into the technical side of things. Just give him a good camera that he can take anywhere with him.
But where does John Issa find the time? Well, according to him, if he can't find it, he'll make it.
"If all you're concerned about is making money and running a business then your life is rather sad," he said.
