My Kingston – Camar Williams
What are your earliest memories of Kingston?
My paternal grandparents operated stalls in downtown Kingston near to Coronation market. Every Saturday my dad would take me with him and I was given the task of becoming the official holder of the black scandal bag with escallion and thyme and anything else that I could manage. We would always stop by my grandparents before or after to collect my ice-cream money and anything else that I would have wanted from the neighbouring stalls. It was really family-like then; everybody on the street who knew my grandparents were automatically my parents. Of course, my several parents were excited when I passed my Common Entrance and I was showered with small gifts upon my subsequent visit to town.
What do you miss when you’re not in Kingston?
Everywhere in Kingston is a stone’s throw away and I am not a fan of driving for long periods. As a result when I am out of town, I miss the fact that my friends and all my recreational activities are not within close reach.
What would be your advice to a first-time visitor to Kingston?
My advice would depend on the personality of the individual. There are many things to do that appeal to different persons. If you are into food and nightlife, stop by New Kingston and The Market Place. If you are into our history and the culture, stop by Port Royal and the Bob Marley Museum; and if you are into a relaxed evening and a nice stroll, eating ice-cream at Devon House is the perfect spot. Certainly, there are many other places to choose from and so my question would at some point be: “Do you have enough time to see it all?”
What would you do if you were mayor (of Kingston) for a day?
I would spend a significant amount of my day downtown interacting with the people on the ground and seeing how best I can get them engaged in the strategy to transform the image of downtown.
Share with us the title of the last book you read.
The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography by Sidney Poitier. I found it interesting as I could relate to the similarities with my life, the character and personal values as well as the impact of a sound family structure.
And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?
I am a big music lover and I love all genres, so I have these moments all the time. However, when I discovered I had a child on the way, I was listening to a hip-hop song titled Glory by Jay-Z, and remember relating to my moments in time when I thought my girlfriend was pregnant and then later had to deal with the disappointment of that not being the case. Now I am looking ahead and have already started to relate to an extract from his song that says, The most amazing feeling I feel, words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real, maybe I paint the sky blue, my greatest creation was you, You, Glory. The melody and the lyrics were meant for each other.
Where and what was the best meal you’ve eaten in Kingston?
As far as I am concerned, you have not had fish if you have not had the curry and coconut-flavoured fish at Whitebones.
What was your last bit of retail therapy?
Towards the latter part of last year, I upgraded the audio head unit in my car and added high-quality amplifiers and speakers to complement it. The acoustic sound I now receive has since become the source of my sanity.
Which cologne are you currently splashing?
One Million by Paco Rabanne.
Which is your preferred beverage?
Wray & Nephew White rum and coconut water
What upsets you?
I don’t get upset often. However, I will become upset when it becomes obvious I am being taken for granted.
Credit Bureaus are new to Jamaica. How would you sell Creditinfo Jamaica to potential clients?
We got our licence on March 7, 2012, and became the first company to be licensed in Jamaica under the Credit Reporting Act (2010) and remain focused on delivering on our objective of becoming the pioneers in this newly formed credit reporting environment. Creditinfo Jamaica will offer lenders better risk management, faster decision processing and stimulate the creation of products ideal for one’s credit position. Eventually, decisions will become more automated and products will be priced according to the associated risk. Undoubtedly, these changes will serve to improve the financial services sector and encourage the development of our economy.
Where’s your favourite chill spot/s in Jamaica?
These days I spend less time on the road and more time at home. However, when I am out I am usually at Driftwood for a nice relaxing evening with friends over a drink.
Share with us your latest project.
I am celebrating the recent birth of my son, Liam Preston Williams. In February, I established the “Liam Project”: I designed and organised his room in the way I would want it if I were a child. If he’s like his Dad he would appreciate how colour-coordinated and functional everything is.
Finally, what’s your philosophy?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.