KINGSTON, Jamaica- The outsourcing industry is expressing deep sadness at the passing of Patrick Casserly, a stalwart and pioneer of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in Jamaica.

In a release, the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) president Wayne Sinclair noted that Casserly “paved the way for this industry when he took the risks about a quarter century ago and started his own contact center in the the Montego Bay Free Zone”.

“Our members across the board has given a range of emotional feedback about their experience with Patrick,” Sinclair said.

“Patrick was an entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on the BPO sector through his company e-Services. His innovative mind and unwavering commitment to developing the sector created, at the time, the largest locally owned outsourcing company in Jamaica. He not only created thousands of jobs, but he empowered and developed many leaders who later on went on to becoming leaders of large multinational companies. He was an excellent member of the Montego Bay Free Zone community and we are deeply saddened by his passing, but his contributions are deeply etched into the annals of Free Zone and BPO Jamaica history,” he added.

GSAJ board member Jeanne Marie Dillon-Barrett described Casserly as a true legend.

“Patrick had a unique ability to see potential in others and like many, he gave me the opportunity to grow and truly understand the Industry. His warmth and generosity touched everyone he met. He was a people leader and no matter who you were, Patrick treated you with kindness and respect. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the indelible mark he left in our hearts,” . He was a true legend,” Dillon Barrett said.

“Mr Patrick Casserly was a great boss, a boss with a difference who looked out for his employees to ensure they were comfortable working for him, says Philippa Antonio, a former employee of e-Services.

Marie Whyte noted that Casserly was a remarkable leader, mentor, coach and friend.

“His leadership has been a guiding light in my career, illuminating the path toward professional growth and development and his impact and legacy will live on,” she stressed.

GSAJ lauded Casserly as a pioneer leader in 2021 and will be looking at ways to memorialise him this year.

Casserly died on Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. He was 58.