Family Ties, All in the Family, Dynasty, Family Matters, Generations — all prominent TV shows beloved by legions of fans. The shows’ titles also double as apt descriptions for select Jamaican families whose progeny have chosen to follow in the footsteps of mum or dad, be it in the sphere of business, medicine, law, art, sport or beauty. For these broods, theirs is a path that’s oh-so-familiar given their names and legacy, but also brimming with promise as they look to step out of the shadow of their parents.

S O presents some of Jamaica’s brightest scions (and their parents).

The Marleys: The Hon Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley and sons Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Julian and Ky-mani

Musical Messengers

His name is synonymous with ‘reggae’ and ‘Rastafari’. His music is timeless, transcending numerous boundaries, and he is also credited with giving Jamaica’s name worldwide recognition. There is no doubt that Bob Marley, reggae’s most recognised artiste, has created a mammoth impact on music. This, of course, provides more than a wealth of inspiration for multi-talented sons Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, Julian and Ky-mani, all of whom are currently continuing dad’s legacy. Eschew all notions of piggybacking on their late father’s fame, the Marley sons, who are all musicians, songwriters and singers, boast numerous Grammy awards and nominations and have certainly carved their own niche in the reggae industry. We’ve heard, too, that there are quite a few musically inclined Marley grandkids waiting to carry the baton.

Drs Joseph and Sharifa Frederick

Obstetricians & Gynaecologists

“My father always made medicine seem extremely fascinating,” Dr Sharifa Frederick tells S O. Little surprise, perhaps, that she has followed his lead and is herself an obstetrician and gynaecologist. “As far back as I can remember, I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed what he did, and so I was inspired.” They have distinctly different personalities, though, as Sharifa explains: “[he] believes in 90 per cent work and 10 per cent relaxation… I believe in 60 per cent work and 40 per cent relaxation.” Working alongside her father (they share a family practice) has provided many life lessons, she says. “I have always admired my dad’s ability to make challenging procedures seem straightforward and surmountable… I always try to adopt this mindset.” She proudly declares that the triple motivation — medical partner, senior doctor and attentive parent — provided by Dr Joseph Frederick instilled within her the belief that “anything is achievable”.

Gordon Stewart and Adam Stewart

Hotel/Automobile Magnates

As heir apparent and eventually christened Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart had big shoes to fill, taking over the day-to-day operations of his father’s thriving businesses. He’s already distinguished himself, however, and is making sweeping changes, having expanded the automotive divisions from one to five brands, launched the award-winning tour company Island Routes, and established the charitable Sandals Foundation. A humble, personable Adam tells S O: “I feel fortunate to be in the best profession in the world [being involved with] service, people and humanitarianism …every day is an adventure.” For Adam, the recipe to succeed in business is simple: “I have been able to emulate my old man and at the same time put my own stamp on what we are doing.” He shares that realising there was no crash course to learning ins and outs of the family business and, by his own account, got started really young in the mail room licking and sticking stamps at age eight. Fast-forward over two decades later and the adult Adam admits to learning much at his father’s feet. “For as long as I can remember, my old man has preached the principles of integrity, hard work and never compromising.” The 30-year-old Stewart is carrying on those learnt traditions and reaping rewards.

Audrey Hinchcliffe and son Garth Hinchcliffe — executive directors, Manpower & Maintenance Services

Combined Manpower

When mum Audrey first approached Garth in 1990, he, like the majority of their family members, found the idea of “becoming corporate janitors” ludicrous, which resulted in many a family joke. Her determination soon paid off, however, and Garth eventually found himself embracing the vision. Twenty-one years later, Garth is a proud executive director of Manpower & Maintenance Services. What with its 14, 000-square ft headquarters and an impressive list of clients ranging from the PM’s office to GraceKennedy, and even the National Stadium, the company has become one of the island’s most noted businesses. Garth beams with pride whenever he speaks about the family business, and is quick to share that the mother-son duo continues to achieve greatness together.

The Forbes Family: Richard, Marcia and Delano

The Next Phase

As the only child of Marcia and Richard Forbes, owners of Phase Three Productions Limited, Delano grew up in the business, and did everything from helping to run cables at Reggae Sunsplash, to performing in TV commercials and music videos when the company couldn’t afford talent fees. Learning to shoot and edit from an early age, by the time he went off to study film at New York University, Delano was steeped in the business and was confident and comfortable with the rapidly changing technologies of the industry. Phase Three Productions is a family business in every sense. The Forbeses, Richard, Marcia and Delano, are its exclusive shareholders, and they bring their respective strengths, knowledge and skill sets to the business. Upon turning 21, Delano was formally inducted into the family business and today functions as the company’s CEO and television director.

The Jarretts – Terence, Donahue, Anthony, Ena, Chris and Richard

Small-Time Hoteliers, Big-Time Success

For over 25 years, Terence Jarrett and his wife Ena have successfully moulded their family empire. They stand at the helm of New Kingston’s Altamont Court, one of Kingston’s most highly regarded midsize hotels, as well as Montego Bay’s chic boutique hotel Altamont West. Though small-scale hoteliers, they have created a thriving business, and following closely in their footsteps ready to take the reins, are their sons — Anthony, Chris, Donahue, and Richard — who have each, as early as high school, got their feet wet in the tourism industry. Son Chris acts as CEO and manages Altamont Court in Kingston, while Donahue has been based on the North Coast, since the development of Altamont West in 2005, and handles operations there. Anthony, the eldest of the siblings, is in charge of all issues relating to the company’s banking relationships, while Richard deals with payroll, the computer system and PBX lines at Altamont Court Hotel. Each in his own way has submerged himself in the business, ensuring the continued success of the Altamont brand, and where there is a void, they take the initiative to fill it. Even with international brands and super-inclusive hotels, the Jarretts have held their own at both their Altamont locations, offering a more personable, boutique-type service, with a reputation of enthusiastically welcoming both local and overseas guests alike.

The Watsons: Barrington, Raymond, Basil and Kai

Artistic Generation

Barrington Watson is held in high esteem in art circles. His outstanding talent, too, has been passed through generations, and has borne two additional generations of artists carrying on the Watson name. Sons Basil and Raymond are internationally acclaimed artisans, and Basil’s son Kai has been turning heads on the art scene as well, gathering acclaim for his works at every turn.

The artistic Watsons have been recognised for their craft, with Barrington copping a Commander of Distinction award from the Jamaican Government and Basil receiving the Order of Jamaica. Like Barrington (respectfully referred to as The Master Painter), the resident patriarch of the Watson family, grandson Kai uses oil on canvas as his medium, while uncle Raymond sculpts, and dad is both an artist and sculptor. Kai, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, is carrying the artistic torch of the family with much pride, and we’re pleased to report success. He has been exhibited widely in the United States and is gaining much favour in the art world.

The Stewarts: Richard, Diana, Duncan and Jacqueline

Auto Inclined

On many occasions you’ll hear Diana Stewart say, “We complement each other… We work well together as a team.” And perhaps that’s the reason the Stewart’s Auto empire has remained one of the largest and most prosperous auto dealerships in Jamaica today.

The Stewarts are the largest importers of new Japanese automobiles to the Jamaican market, and since 2006, after securing the BMW dealership, can boast a sizeable share of the luxury car market in Jamaica. Lionel Stewart, Richard’s father, started the company in 1938, and it was in fact he who suggested that Diana join her husband at the company back in the ’70s. Today, husband-and-wife partners Richard and Diana Stewart see the continuation of their legacy through their children Duncan Stewart and Jacqueline Stewart-Lechler, who play major roles in the development of the company. Executive director Jacqueline is in charge of accounts and administration, and Duncan — an engineer by training — deals with parts and services.

The Stephensons: Stewart, Khalil and Khari

Let’s Play Ball!

“As far as I know, it started with my grandfather. He played a lot growing up, and represented Jamaica, as did my dad. We all played; my dad and his two brothers, as well as myself and my two brothers.” These are the words of Khari Stephenson, a midfielder playing for US Major League Soccer team, the San Jose Earthquakes. Like his father Stewart and grandfather (Arthur) Burchell, he too, represented Jamaica, having played for the national team for the past seven years. Indeed, the football skills of all the Stephenson men were innate, and honed from a very early age. However Khari in particular shared that, “I actually started working harder when I realised that skill alone would only get you so far. That realisation has made me into more of an all-round, complete player.” Of course, there was a little coercing along the way, but along with brother Khalil, who played in college until 1999, Khari will agree, we’re sure, that football was something everyone willingly pursued. So, are there hopes to continue the tradition? “Definitely,” Khari says, “but we’ll have to wait and see how that goes.”

Michael Ammar, Sr and Michael Ammar, Jr

Retail Kingpins

The name Ammar represents an institutional brand on the Jamaican business landscape. For 50 years, under the watch of Michael Ammar, Sr and later, his son Michael Ammar, Jr (the designated second-incommand), the clothing retail brand has expanded from its original King Street, downtown store to include two uptown locations. “I don’t know anything else but this business,” the younger Ammar responds when S O quizzes him on his take on being part of the family clothing empire. “I started at the bottom, learning to wrap. The next stop was a salesperson, then a cashier, and thereafter I went to work in the warehouse.” Given his desire to be part of the family business, Ammar Jr went abroad to study and graduated from the Oklahoma State University with a Business Administration degree with a major in marketing. As to what each brings to the table, Ammar Jr considers his father “more conservative, while I’m a little more outthere. It’s a good balance”. He pauses to reflect and adds: “While it’s more due to age difference, I’m sure he took risks when he was younger.” In respect of what he values most about his father’s business practices, “it’s most definitely his ethics; he always stresses paying bills on time and doing things on the up-and-up”.

Peter and Mikael Phillips

Politicians

Not bad-looking well-spoken . A commanding presence and firm handshake . For Mikael Phillips, direct lineage to politics is also auguring well for him in his bid to launch a political career. The son of former government minister and member of parliament Peter Phillips, Mikael says “it’s a great joy” being in the same professional line as his father. “Growing up with my father in politics and understanding the reasons for his commitment to his choice of profession have always inspired me to be a better person,” he explains. While he did not initially set out to enter the political arena, the business-owner-cum-aspiring-politico (he’s the PNP candidate for North West Manchester) says the shared love for Jamaican people encouraged him to follow in Dad’s footsteps and run for elected office. “We are so much alike, enjoy such similar pastimes as cricket, bird-shooting and football and we uphold the same ideals, most notably our views on ‘anti-donmanship’ and being pro-family.”

The McGregors: Freddie, Yeshemabeth, Daniel and Stephen

Big Ship Sailing

Reggae crooner Freddie McGregor’s children Yeshemabeth (Shema), Daniel and Stephen have inherited his penchant for music, and decided long ago to follow in their father’s footsteps.

While Shema started off singing back-up for her dad, since last year she has embarked on a solo singing career. Daniel, known widely in music circles as ‘Chino,’ has gained some success as a dancehall artiste and has even gone on to tour alongside his father, in addition to booking his own performances overseas. The youngest, Stephen, has been given the moniker ‘Di Genius’, for no other reason than his ability since his early teens to be somewhat of a genius when he sits behind the mixing board. Producing local dancehall hits, not to mention numerous beats for overseas clients, the young prodigy is an accomplished musician, and has most recently added singer and deejay to his repertoire. He, too, has gone on to perform at concerts overseas. Today, Big Ship is one of the largest and most recognised reggae labels in Japan, handling its own production, manufacturing, distribution and promotions. And with a strong family foundation like that, we’re sure it will be nothing but smooth sailing.

Richard Russell and sons Rayne and Ryan

Tennis Hunk Trifecta

Tennis maestro Richard Russell has a slew of major achievements under his belt — he was a national tennis champion at 16, a part of the Davis Cup team in the 60s and qualified for Wimbledon in 1966. But he says his greatest accomplishment to date is seeing his two sons, Ryan and Rayne, become tennis professionals; “We can safely say we were born with the tennis racquets in our hands,” Rayne asserts. “Having such a great player and coach as our father has been a tremendous blessing; he knew exactly what it took for us to be at the top of our game.” Brother Ryan feels he shares much in common with his father. “I would say we’re very much alike … I have the same game style as his, just more modernised and powerful … and I have the same looks, just 40 years younger.”

Marie-Clare and Brittany Lyons

Beauty pageant ladies

Two striking beauties, two dynamic personalities, two amazing bodies, but only one managed to snag the Miss Jamaica World title. Brittany Lyons grew up being regaled with tales of her mother Marie-Clare’s entry in the country’s prestigious beauty pageant in 1980. “I always heard stories of that night and it gave me the incentive to want to experience it for myself,” Brittany informs us, adding that non-stop encouragement to enter the competition gave her that extra push. Twenty-eight years after her mum’s first-runner-up placing, Brittany did one better and was crowned the winner. “I was completely overwhelmed with so many different emotions…I was involved in a very bad car accident mere hours before and so can only describe the win as divine intervention and my silver lining,” the beauty says. Mother Lyons was on cloud nine, and took pride in her daughter’s triumph. She still does long after her reign. “She’s a constant inspiration and has revealed many wonderful qualities to make me burst with pride,” Marie-Clare beams. Britanny, who presently works in her father’s automotive business, says should she someday have a daughter, “I would be flattered to know she would want to follow our footsteps and enter the pageant. That decision, however, would be left entirely up to her.”

Courtney and Tiffany Hamilton, attorneys-at-law/legal partners

Legally Bound

Following the path of a parent’s footsteps is, for some offspring, a natural progression. For Tiffany Hamilton, however, a career in law did not appeal to her… at first. She always felt a calling to journalism, but as she matured out of adolescence her faint interest in law burgeoned. Elated, her father encouraged her to pursue it, and so she did. Today, the two share a practice — Hamilton & Hamilton in Montego Bay, and she enjoys the intellectual challenge that law provides, so much that she also lectures in the Faculty of Law at the University of Technology. Tiffany admits that she has “some pretty big shoes to fill” but is “up for the challenge”, and is currently taking advantage of Dad’s wealth of experience and knowledge base. She tells S O she will allow her children to choose their own career paths, but says “adding another name to the letterhead wouldn’t be a bad thing”. And how does Dad feel to have his little girl following his lead? “I feel insurmountable pride and satisfaction knowing there will be continuity. Tiffany has helped me to incorporate new technologies into the practice and I’ve also come to recognise the strength and usefulness of a young, sharp attorney who brings the vigour and insight of a new age.”

Dennis and Paul Lalor

Kings of Polo

For a long time, people have instinctively associated Jamaican polo with the Hon Dennis Lalor, a man who some 40-odd years ago represented Jamaica internationally. It’s not surprising, then, that today his son Paul now sits in the ‘saddle’ continuing his father’s legacy, or rather, sharing in his love of the sport from an early age. Paul, president of the Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited, has participated in several polo tournaments, representing the Kingston Polo Club, and of course copping numerous trophies along the way. We reckon too that his son Jack will follow suit, as soon as he’s able to straddle a horse.