Dr Ernest Madu, Chairman & CEO, Heart Institute of the ,Caribbean (HIC)

What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

I wasn’t born here and I am therefore a Jamaican by choice. I was amazed at the similarities to Lagos, Nigeria. Though much smaller in size compared to Lagos, the similarities in vibrancy and culture were interesting to note. The people are essentially the same.

What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?

The sounds of music from every corner shop and bar. The smell of roadside food cooking. The unique pulse of the city.

What are your favourite home comforts?

A home-cooked meal followed by a round of chequers or some other game of strategy with my son Kristofer.

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

I would commission a master design plan to improve the aesthetic appearance of the city. I would then invite private companies to participate by adopting sections of the city that must be improved strictly according to that one unifying plan. Actual improvement of the infrastructure must be left to the government, but landscaping of roadways and beautification of buildings, including private properties that front on major thoroughfares will be included. The drive from the airport to the city centre must reflect the uplifting mood of the city and give the first-time visitor a positive impression of Kingston.

Studies show that environment plays a large role in uplifting the mood and impacting the attitude of people or the narrative about the city and people.

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

Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There is Another Way for Africa. The book is by Oxford and Harvard-trained economist Dambisa Moya. It argues against aid dependency in Africa and indeed other low-income nations, and argues for more innovative ways for Africa and low-income countries to finance sustainable development and capacity building. I think it is a must-read for people truly interested in nation building.

What’s your middle name?

Chijioke.

And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?

Exodus by Bob Marley -all the time.

Which cologne are you currently splashing?

None. In my profession, I interact with many patients who have sensitivity to fragrances. It has become my practice to reserve cologne for rare occasions.

What’s your preferred beverage?

Grand Marnier neat. I especially like a variety called Grand Marnier 150, technically called Cuvée Speciale Cent Cinquantenaire.

What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?

We took overseas partners to an early dinner at Strawberry Hill. More than the food, the view of the setting sun over the city with the harbour in the distance was breathtaking.

What are your current projects?

We are building an International Heart Hospital and diagnostic centre in West Africa and reviewing other opportunities in East Africa. We are also embarking on aggressive expansion of the operations of our US company,Echo Doctors of America.

What upsets you?

Inefficiency and mediocrity. I am also disturbed by lack of drive or motivation and blind resistance to change, even in the face of evidence that staying the same is unproductive and harmful.

Name the last three places visited on holidays.

We try to vacation at home in Jamaica as much as we can. Outside of Jamaica: We took a fantastic cruise down the Yangtze river in China. A summer trip to Northern and Eastern Nigeria and a short visit to London, Edinburgh and Paris.

Share a few places in your black book.

A tucked away but convenient hotel in London called The Soho. An excellent Jamaican-owned restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida, called Ortanique. An incredible restaurant in Abuja, Nigeria, called Buka. Abuja City is one of the hidden gems in the world and would shock the senses of all those who have outdated views of Africa. Finally, a unique store in Kiel, Germany, called Uptown.

Name some of your all-time musical favourites.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Bob Marley, Burning Spear and Oliver De Coque.

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

We get a significant number of international visitors coming to HIC for heart care. I always advise that while crime is an issue, it is probably no more likely to impact you than in any major city in the world. I encourage visitors to experience and enjoy the vibrancy of the city.

What’s your philosophy?

Dependency is an impediment to growth and development. Problems must be solved with active participation from the individuals experiencing them. Handouts devalue work and discourage excellence, while encouraging mediocrity and dependence. Having to be self-reliant builds resilience and the interest in prevention and progress.