Jason McKay, chief executive officer, McKay Security and Investigative Services, is basking in his recent award from the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) for his contribution to the local private security industry.

Captain Basil Bewry, chairman, lauded McKay for “building a company literally from scratch to becoming a major player in the private security industry”, according to a recent news release.

“He is also well known for his involvement in martial arts and was named by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica as being among the most influential business people under 50,” he added.

McKay, a renowned businessman and district constable attached to the St Catherine South Special Operations team, pointed to his 13-year law enforcement background and 20 years as a security contractor at the Caymanas Park racetrack as his yeoman service to national security.

“This recognition from ASIS certainly augurs well for local players in the security industry and I will continue to play my part in keeping Jamaica and Jamaicans safe,” he said.

McKay was among three ASIS members recognised last Saturday at ASIS’ Jamaican Chapter awards function at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew.

Dr Kenroy Wedderburn, CEO, Firearm Licensing Authority, and Beverley Stewart, security manager, Port Authority of Jamaica, were the other awardees.

Captain John Richards was presented with the Chairman’s Award for his invaluable work with ASIS, Jamaican Chapter.

ASIS International is the leading organisation for security professionals worldwide. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programmes and materials that address broad security interests.

The Jamaican Chapter emerged as a spin-off from the West Indian Chapter in 1975 and received its charter in January 1980. Many distinguished security professionals have provided able leadership over the years.

Membership comprises security professionals from many of the island’s top companies and organisations as well as sole practitioners. They formulate and implement security and safety policies and programmes for their organisations. They also develop and implement security systems to reduce employers’ loss from internal and external threats and from natural and man-made events.