Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Left: "Don't leave," might be Brenda Pope's (left) words to retiring partner of KPMG Jamaica, Gregory Shirley, or she might have uttered wishes of a restful retirement. Regardless, there was an air of affection and revelry at the KPMG reception hosted in honour of the retiring Shirley, recognising his 30 years of service to the firm. Right: Susan Shirley (centre), wife of retiring KPMG partner, Gregory Shirley, will likely see more of her husband now that he is retired, but KPMG partners Brenda Pope (left) and Raoul John are likely sad to see him go. They were seen at a reception in honour of Gregory Shirley, hosted by KPMG Jamaica at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday, October 3. - Winston Sill / Freelance Photographer

In a festive reception held on Tuesday, October 3, in the Pegasus' Grand Jamaica Suite, Gregory Shirley, board member of KPMG CARICOM and partner-in-charge of advisory services, bade farewell to his colleagues as he retired from active duty at the firm.

When Mr. Shirley first joined the company in 1976, then Peat Marwick, Mitchell and Company, his contract was for only two years with a one-year option. Thirty years and nine months after, he is just concluding his run at the firm, "a journey which I have enjoyed," said Shirley.

"Why retire now, you ask?" he brought up a question that was probably bubbling on everyone's mind, since traces of youth are still very evident in him. "I set certain objectives for myself when I was younger, to retire before it became necessary for me to do so," he explained.

Rum and coconut water

He will now retreat to the shade of his coconut trees where he will live out the rest of his days sipping rum and coconut water, as relayed by friend and colleague Linroy Marshall, and partner in KPMG Jamaica.

Linroy Marshall described Shirley as an important contributor to professional services and an exemplary team leader; "a steady hand in directing the KPMG ship," he said.

He heralded Shirley's leading role in growing the advisory practice from only four members to its current complement of 22 professionals.

"If you get bored, I know your car knows the way to 6 Duke Street, just like autopilot," said Marshall with a smirk. "But we wish you a happy retirement."

additional 'work'

Though officially retired, Shirley will be taking on additional 'work', and revealed that he has received offers to serve on several companies' boards, and that he has already indicated to three voluntary organisations his availability.

He was certain to state that he intends to honour his promise to his wife Susan that he will operate with restraint and "not be busier now, than when I was working."

But "I'll be around," he promises.

Among those present to bid Mr. Shirley adieu were: Raoul John and Herman Rodriguez from KPMG Trinidad & Tobago, Carol Nicholls of Barbados, Patrick Newton of the Dutch Caribbean; also Chris Williams; Earl Jarrett; Charles Ross; Mark McKenzie; Richard Byles; Ryland Campbell; Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson; Brenda Cuthbert; R. Danny Williams; Aubyn Hill and Astor Duggan.

From left: Retiree Gregory Shirley has a whale of a time with Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, Maria Williams, permanent secretary, Ministry of Education, and Capital and Credit's Ryland Campbell.   Right: Locked in a heated debate are (from left), Raoul John, partner in KPMG Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Newton, Brenda Pope, and Donald O. Barnett, all partners of KPMG Jamaica, while at a reception for retiring partner Gregory Shirley.