Recently appointed Operations Manager at Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios

What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

The most vivid would have to be my kindergarten years at Hillel Academy, which was then located on Oxford Road. Our classroom at the time was actually a converted garage and the higher grades where designed to look like igloos. I am still very good friends with many of my classmates from back then who actually went all the way through to college in the very same class as me.

Who remembers Coconut Park?

What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?

The social aspect most of all, whether it is entertaining friends and family or going out for a meal, or playing golf or, of course, enjoying a good party.

You were away for some time. Tell us what you simply had to have on your return to The Rock .

A trip to Lyme Cay was high on the priority list. I was pleased to see the improvements made in the areas of cleanliness and I only hope we all do our part to maintain same. From the culinary aspect, believe it or not, my craving was for a Devon House chicken patty and ice cream.

What are your favourite home comforts?

Sitting and reading with my two-year-old daughter Trinity Rose always puts a smile on my face; however, sharing a bottle of good New Zealand wine while playing backgammon with my wife Hilary relaxes me after a hard day.

What would you do if you were mayor (of Kingston) for a day?

Many of us, I am sure, would love to be able to simply wave a magic wand, with the magnitude of issues and challenges facing our beloved Kingston. Positive, proactive thinking needs to be the order of the day. Kingston requires a ‘Safe Street Day’ – different from Labour Day – where emphasis would be placed on cleaning up the Corporate Area. Co-operation will be sought from MPM, NSWMA, and other agencies to combine forces with citizens to effect a massive clean-up. Everyone will need to get involved. From the boys washing the car windows to the man driving the Benz. To assists in gaining ‘buy-in’, free breakfasts and lunches will be provided at depots. Increased police presence and support will be sought to keep the streets safe for the day – the safest day of the year.

Let’s give back to Kingston for one day… it may take one day at a time but will go a long way in helping to lift spirits.

Share with us the title of the last book you read.

I am a fan of James Patterson and the trials of his Alex Cross character. Funny enough, I picked up the book To Kill A Mockingbird, which I’m re-reading after 20 years since I first read it while at Campion College.

What’s your middle name?

Cameron. It’s a family name apparently steeped in history with origins from an old Scottish clan. I actually named my son Cameron as I think it’s a great strong name.

And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?

There is nothing like the experience at a good concert. I recently saw U2 live, one of my all-time favourites, and simply just had chills running down my back the entire show.

Which cologne are you currently splashing?

Actually I have a few on the go including Burberry’s Weekend, Hugo Boss and L’eau d’Issey by Issey Miyake for Men. Depends on my mood I guess.

What’s your preferred beverage?

I am very fond of a good Red Wine, especially the Pinot Noir varietal, but there is no replacement for a cold Red Stripe on a hot day. When I’m not drinking wine, Appleton and Coke (as they call it in New Zealand) goes down really well.

What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?

You know, I am going to have to say a recent meal I had at Spanish Court Hotel (smile). It was my father’s birthday and the company was great but the food and service truly was top-notch. I do miss Mac’s Chop House and think there is a gap in the market for an up-market steak house.

What are your current projects?

I am currently re-establishing myself in the hospitality industry here in Jamaica, having been ‘Down-Under’ for a good 10 years. I have been given the opportunity to stretch my legs at the very beautiful Couples Sans Souci Hotel on the North Coast. By the very nature of the business my project list tends to be very long and seems to be continuously growing. My baby at the moment however would have to be our spa. The setting is just absolutely amazing and I am working very hard to ensure it is a world-beater.

An ongoing project of mine is the environment and protection of same. Our efforts in this area to date have seen the property being awarded a Green Globe Certification, and I am continuously challenging my green team to find new and innovative ways to save and reduce. It also helps with the bottom line.

What upsets you?

The indisciplined nature of some of our people. If our nation’s socioeconomic situation is to improve, we have got to improve our standards across many verticals of society and industry. That starts right at home and is so evident in everyday life eg, when a man tries to cut cross you to avoid waiting in a traffic line or when a man throws his garbage out of the bus window. Stop cutting corners and obey the laws, people. This drives me crazy.

Name the last three places visited on holidays.

Since moving back a few months ago, I have had the rare opportunity to enjoy Jamaica as a true holiday destination with my family. We visited Montego Bay, Negril, YS Falls on the South Coast and Kanopi House in Port Antonio. More Jamaicans should give it a go and vacation at home.

While over in the Pacific I had the opportunity to holiday in Fiji and Singapore. Both very lovely parts of the world.

Share a few places in your black book:

The breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island is hard to beat. If you have ever seen the movies The Lord of the Rings or The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe you’ll know what I mean. Should you ever get the chance to visit that side of the world, Queens Town should definitely be a stopover.

Name some of your all-time musical favourites.

I love the ‘soul/singers’ reggae … Beres Hammond, Toots, Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, and Dennis Brown CDs are always in my car. I still also love to listen to Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock album. One of my all-time favourites.

What’s your advice to a first-¬time visitor to Kingston?

Apart from the obvious dining, shopping etc, Kingston has such a wide range of cultural offerings – from great houses to art galleries. Do we have a “cultural trail?” Unknown to most visitors, Kingston also sports some very nice beaches. Fried fish at Fort Clarence is a real treat. A trip to Kingston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Strawberry Hill.

Like any big city, Kingston has its ins and outs. Don’t act carelessly and you will have a ball!

What’s your philosophy?

Seize the day: do not put off till tomorrow what can be accomplished today. I am continuously working on self-improvement, and taking care of the mind, the body and the soul is crucial to one’s success.

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