Ian Levy, who is now acting chairman of Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL), is giving assurance that the largest gaming entity in Jamaica will continue providing quality products for its many patrons across the country, and will be endeavouring to make new and exciting additions as well as maintain its strong corporate values of integrity and professionalism.

Levy took over the interim position following the departure of co-founder and chairman Paul Hoo, who tendered his resignation to the SVL board at a meeting on Saturday, November 4.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer yesterday, Levy was very clear as to the way forward for his company.

“Right now SVL is consolidating, we are looking at new products, plus, during my time as acting chairman, I will be making sure that the good name this company has developed and earned over the years is not only maintained but enhanced,” he said.

Hoo’s resignation comes just two weeks after a request by shareholder Mayberry Investments Limited for the removal of seven directors, including Hoo.

Yesterday, Hoo was not in a talkative mood, telling this newspaper that “right now is not the time for me to comment”.

Last month two directors — Nikolaos Nikolakopoulos and Georgios Sampson — tendered their resignations as directors of the company, following on the retirement announcement of James “Danny” Morrison which took effect September 30, 2017. The spaces were filled by three new appointees — executive chairman of Mayberry Investments Christopher Berry; Mayberry’s chief executive officer Gary Peart; and management consultant, Trinidadian Ansel Howell.

Hoo served SVL as deputy chairman from 2001 to 2004 while Peter Stewart chaired the board. He was also SVL’s chief executive officer until the appointment of Brian George in 2003, and after Stewart’s passing in 2004 he assumed the chairmanship.

“As a co-founder of SVL, I can attest to the work Paul has put in to build SVL over the years. The company has experienced impressive and significant growth under his stewardship, becoming a force to be reckoned with. The entire board thanks him for his selfless, dedicated service and stewardship. He is a stalwart in the gaming industry and we will miss him,” Levy said in a news release from SVL announcing Hoo’s departure.

SVL’s President and CEO Ann-Dawn Young Sang noted in the same release that while the company is saddened by Hoo’s resignation, it respects his decision and wishes him the best as he moves on.

“There will be some adjustment for us at SVL in the wake of this development. But our company will continue to operate with the strength, efficiency and integrity it always has,” she said.

SVL, which began lottery operations on June 25, 2001, later diversified its portfolio into other areas of the gaming industry including video gaming lounges and sports betting. In March, the company added horse racing to its suite of offerings and, under the leadership of Hoo and Levy, grew lottery revenues from approximately $2 billion in 2001, to $45 billion at the end of 2016, according to the company.

As to its continued role as the sole promoter of horse racing in Jamaica, Levy stated that his company is committed to the industry.

“Caymanas in particular, we have a lot of aspirations, hopes and dreams for things we want to do for racing in Jamaica,” he told the Observer.

“We are going to move forward with Caymanas and horse racing — absolutely. everything we said that we were going to do, we are going to do and probably even more. Caymanas is one of our main focal points, and all the players that are out there, the jockeys, the trainers, the grooms, the owners, the punters and others, can expect our full commitment.

“What is happening now does not mean a change of direction as far as horse racing is concerned, absolutely not, and every move that we make at Caymanas will have inputs from all the major players,” Levy said.

SVL revenues reported for the half-year period ended June 30, 2017 are approximately $27 billion.

Outside of his business acumen, Hoo was also known for his philanthropic efforts, and was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class for his contribution to the development of the sporting industry in Jamaica.