Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Left: James Gill (right), outgoing managing director of Jamaica Flour Mills and his sucessor, Derrick Nembhard, present Diana Stewart of the Grants Pen Community Centre Project with a cheque to cover some of the centre's costs.   Right: Diana Stewart (right) has the rapt attention of Steven Miller, general manager of Goodyear, and Allison Peart, managing partner of Ernst and Young.

The oft-used phrase, 'parting is such sweet sorrow', thoroughly applied on Tuesday when members of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AmCham) and Jamaica Flour Mills (JFM) said farewell to James and Marina Gill.

James was managing director of JFM and Marina, an attorney by profession, had quickly become two of the more recognisable couples on Jamaica's social scene. And so, after being the face of Jamaica Flour Mills for about five and a half years, the lovable duo will be heading to the United States.

But as president of AmCham Audrey Marks said, "You don't say goodbye to people who leave Jamaica because they will always be back at some point."

His successor at JFM, Derrick Nembhard, said he had learned much from Gill, applauding his pragmatic style.

Mental toughness

American Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Becky Stockhausen always strikes the right fashion notes at the farewell cocktail for James and Marina Gill. she combined the perfect pair of pink floral pumps with her matching suit. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Marshall Hall, group managing director of Jamaica Producers, credited Gill with mental toughness, quipping that, "You can talk all you want but you won't necessarily succeed in changing his mind."

Friend and tax consultant, Allison Peart, related that James and Marina were two of the first persons to welcome her when she arrived back home. Paul Watson, plant manager at Seprod, admired Gill's generosity and said he served with dignity, thoughtfulness and a sense of service.

Gill didn't say much in his reply; typical of the soft-spoken man who was known for his calm demeanour. He said they had met a lot of wonderful people. He said JFM strove hard to do its best so that the customers could do their best. He revealed that Marina had lived in Jamaica for 16 years (which elicited gasps of astonishment from the gathering) and so parting was tougher on her.

Before they bade farewell, however, Gill left a little present. He presented a cheque worth US$50,000 to the Grants Pen Community Project. The Gills will be moving to Tennessee.

James Gill receives a farewell gift from Becky Stockhausen (second left), executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce. Looking on are (from centre) president of AmCham Audrey Marks, board member Diana Stewart and General Manager Dianna Williams. AmCham hosted a farewell reception for Gill at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Tuesday.