When and why did you relocate to Kingston?

I moved from Spain to Montego Bay in 2013 and to Kingston at the end of August 2018 after I was appointed COO of the Heart Institute of Caribbean.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

Most memorable is opening a brand-new hospital in Jamaica.

What is your idea of a perfect weekend in Kingston?

I really enjoy going for an ackee and salt fish breakfast at some of the great breakfast spots in Kingston. I have been exploring to see which restaurant has the best ackee breakfast. I also love going out to Port Royal and going to the beach at Lime Cay on Sundays.

What’s your fondest childhood memory?

I always enjoyed spending time with my grandparents and the rest of my family when I was younger.

Which five words best describe you?

Passionate, loyal, organised, impatient and honest.

What are three easy things that people can do to improve cardiovascular health?

1. First, I would say that anyone over 40 needs to actually check the status of their heart. If you do not know that something is wrong, you wouldn’t even know that you have something to fix or improve upon.

2. Get enough sleep.

3. Move around more – it doesn’t have to be just exercise; it can be walking around more or dancing more; Jamaicans love to dance!

Which other cities have you lived in? How do they compare to Kingston?

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is where I am from in Spain. It’s a very clean city to walk around in, a city that has lots of vegetation — very green areas. I have also lived in Barcelona, which is very cosmopolitan and has lots of different cultures and people. Kingston is similar to Barcelona, as it is a melting pot of people and culture, but Kingston is unique; there is always something to do in Kingston 24/7.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Each morning I get up and have breakfast with my wife, then I head to work which becomes the focus of my day. I meet with my staff, then go through my goals that I have set to achieve for the day. We are a 24-hour facility, so I usually leave the office late. I have been listening to a Canarian artiste called Rosanna on the drive home. Once I reach home, I go through all my e-mail then try to get some rest.

What initiatives are the Heart Institute of the Caribbean working on for 2018?

All our focus has gone into opening the HIC Heart Hospital. It is the first hospital in the Caribbean dedicated to all cardiovascular diseases. We are currently operating at international standards. As such, we have been heavily recruiting and putting in policies and practices to offer Jamaica and the entire Caribbean first-world health-care services.

Were you given Jamaica to run, which three things would you immediately address?

1. I would implement more places for pedestrians to be able to walk carefully without fear of being hit by a car or bus. Sidewalks, I would create more sidewalks.

2. I would place more public garbage bins around the city, and implement an effective garbage disposal schedule, so that it is not a burden for persons to keep the city clean.

3. I would also implement a beach initiative to ensure Jamaica protect its environmental assets. With such beautiful beaches every generation should be able to experience the atmosphere of the beach.

A night out or a night in?

Both. I don’t mind going out but I also appreciate family time at home.

Where’s your favourite place to hang out in Kingston?

I like to run at the Mona Dam.

Finally, what’s your personal credo?

As a leader of an organisation, one has to work hard with structure and support in order to achieve the goals, but one must never forget to find time to also enjoy life.