What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

Journeying to the Hope River with my friends. It’s a shame how it’s dried up now, but the river used to be a vital part of my childhood. Back then it was very clean and constantly flowing, even in the summer.

What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?

The vibrancy of the city, the fast pace, the night life and the people.

What is your middle name?

Roland.

What is your preferred beverage?

A glass of

Moët & Chandon.

What are your favourite home comforts?

I love basketball. When it’s NBA season, I stay home and watch the games.

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

If I were mayor for a day, I would bring some serious order to our transportation system. It’s chaotic, there’s no proper facilitation for children, the elderly and the disabled. The taxi system needs serious reform and our JUTC bus drivers drive as if they’re taxi men.

What steered you in the direction of your current career?

Having a solid foundation at Jamaica College gave me the confidence to pursue my goals. You would be amazed at what a school of such rich tradition can do for you.

What’s the last bit of music that stirred your soul?

The song Wicked Games by the Canadian R&B artist The Weeknd.

What was your last bit of retail therapy?

My Movado Bold watch.

Which colognes are you currently splashing?

Tommy Bahama & Prada.

What upsets you?

Poor customer service. I think if a survey were to be done around the world, Jamaica would be at the bottom.

Share your favourite spots on the island.

The South Coast. It’s relaxing and rustic — I love it there. Tracks and Records is also my favourite hangout spot in Kingston.

Share some places in your black book.

Los Angeles, Trinidad, South Beach and Boston.

What would your advice be to a first-time visitor to Kingston?

Jump off the obvious trail and visit some hidden spots. Kingston in itself is a historic city — do some research and explore the places that aren’t on the tourism websites. The city is the core of our reggae and dancehall culture — visit a street dance — you will never regret it.

What’s next for you?

Getting to work the next day. I’m a workaholic.

Share the title

of the last book you read.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

What’s the last movie you saw?

The new James Bond film — Skyfall.

How did it feel to become a recipient of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s 50 Under 50 honour?

It’s a privilege to be counted among a group of hard-working, patriotic Jamaicans. They have helped to shape our country in one way or another, and to be honoured alongsode them is humbling.

Who is your business idol?

R ‘Danny’ Williams. He’s an excellent role model for any Jamaican or entrepreneur. Also, Richard Byles, our company’s chairman. Any aspiring executive should study his path; he’s a performer in every sense of the word. They are two gentlemen I have the honour of knowing.

If you could have your pick of three persons to be trapped in an elevator with, who would they be?

Steve Jobs; 10 minutes with him would be a lifelong learning experience. Jay-Z; he’s my favourite rapper and someone who helped to move hip-hop music to the mainstream and is also a savvy entrepreneur, author and philanthropist. And my favourite basketball player Kobe Bryant — he’s a fierce competitor. I see him come out of every single game with the same fire in his eyes. I think I could learn a lot from someone like him.

What’s your philosophy?

Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.