Gordon-Rowe

Nicola Gordon-Rowe, executive director of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, has succumbed to illness.

"The JMA family is devastated by the loss and is still trying to come to terms with her passing," said a statement issued by the association yesterday. "Nicky will be sorely missed by the entire manufacturing sector."

The 38-year-old Mrs. Gordon-Rowe leaves her husband David Gordon Rowe and sons David Nathan and David Nicholas.

Lobbied for sector

She joined the JMA in 1994 and lobbied on behalf of the association to build an environment more conducive to manufacturing, which has struggled to remain competitive in recent years against factors such as high interest rates and energy prices. She also represented the association internationally, including at the World Trade Organisation.

The JMA launched its 'Buy Jamaican, Build Jamaica' campaign during her tenure, encouraging persons to buy locally produced goods in preference to imports.

Born to nurse Mavis Rose in 1969, she was educated at The Queen's School, the University of West Indies, Mona, and the University of Southern Illinois.