MONTEGO BAY, St James — After three stints as president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Oral Heaven will not seek re-election at next month’s annual general meeting. The banker said even though has enjoyed helping the St James business community while leading the influential lobby group, he has decided to now focus on his career.

He is centre director at Scotiabank Private Banking.

“My plan is to stay where I am now at Scotiabank Jamaica and grow. I’ve been here since 2023 and it’s a place where I feel welcomed and see where my contribution is valued,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“It is really positioning myself to take on added responsibility in the corporate world. It’s about taking on a new adventure with focusing on my career. Still not neglecting the whole aspect of corporate social responsibility, of giving back and serving the community, I’m big on that,” he said.

Over the last five years Heaven has served chambers in three locations: St Ann, Westmoreland, and Montego Bay, holding positions of vice-president and president.

His election to lead the Montego Bay Chamber in 2022 was an elevation from the position of vice-president after former President Janet Silvera did not seek re-election.

Heaven said he expects a smooth transition when the new president is elected.

“After three years as president I think it’s time to allow what I’ve done to grow and to have some fresh thinking and direction within the [MoBay] Chamber,” he stated.

“I know people are saying that others have done four years as president, people are saying where am I going and some are expressing concern. But I am confident that people in the new administration will do well,” Heaven said, adding that he is proud of the work he has done.

“Under my leadership, membership grew significantly with an influx of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) as well as micro and small tourism enterprises,” he pointed out.

This, he said, has led to a more inclusive organisation.

Heaven also told the Observer that the chamber’s cash balance more than doubled, solidifying its financial health and capacity to support the Montego Bay business community as a strong advocate.

One of the things he is most proud of, though, is work done to assist with curbing crime in the parish.

“The completion of the collective security study has provided actionable insights to address crime and to improve business operations in St James,” he said.

“The 35 per cent reduction in murders in St James is a testament to collaborative efforts between the businesses and law enforcement and I believe that the chamber’s advocacy has contributed to this improvement,” Heaven added.

He also pointed to continued engagement with stakeholders on critical issues such as the major overhaul being done to Cornwall Regional Hospital and the building of the Montego Bay perimeter road.

There is one more thing Heaven expects to happen before he demits office.

“The significant growth in cash balances can assist us by way of a deposit in securing our own space and creating a more inclusive chamber,” he said.

“Discussions are ongoing and we’re exploring opportunities to establish a physical space. It remains a priority and I am committed to making progress before my term concludes,“ Heaven told the Observer.