Style Observer (SO) What’s your Zodiac sign?

Samuel Afonso Diaz (SAD) Cancer.

SO: Describe Samuel Afonso in a few sentences.

SAD: An enthusiastic, determined and hard-working person who loves leadership that impacts fruitfully on people’s lives.

SO: What was your first impression of Kingston?

SAD: To be honest, a little bit chaotic and busy as any capital city in the world, but at the same time vibrant and full of life.

SO: Are there any changes to that initial impression?

SAD: Of course, I spend most of the week in Montego Bay which is a bit easier going so I love the contrast between both cities. Now I see Kingston as my home and business centre.

SO: Where would you take a first-time visitor to Kingston?

SAD: For a first-time visitor I would take them to Devon House, The Blue Mountains, Café Blue, Strawberry Hill and Port Royal because I love the history behind these places.

I have a couple of favourite places in Kingston to eat and drink, like Mystic Thai, Cru, East Japanese, Steak House on The Verandah at Devon House, Janga’s, AC Hotel Kingston, and, as a sport bar Tracks & Records at The MarketPlace. But if I have to choose real Jamaican experiences, it’s M10, Gloria’s, Susie’s and Sonia’s. A new spot for cocktails Republic Jamaica is a must.

SO: Were you to be appointed mayor of Kingston, what would get your immediate attention?

SAD: Traffic!

SO: Driving from Montego Bay to Kingston what are you listening to?

SAD: I like all genres of music, but when I am driving alone, I love to listen to Bob Marley, Chronixx, to really feel I am in Jamaica. Once I was driving with my wife’s’ grandmother listening to Bob Marley songs (both are contemporaries) and it was one of those magical moments I had dreamed of having in Jamaica.

SO: Who are your preferred reggae artistes?

SAD: Chronixx is my number one. Protoje, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Damian Marley and, of course, Bob Marley.

SO: Share with us the last book read.

SAD:
Rich Dad Poor Dad and I am now reading a book called
Playing to Win: How Strategies Really Work.

SO: What current projects are you working on?

SAD: Working on finishing my Executive MBA at IESE Business School Spain.

SO: What are your favourite home comforts?

SAD: BBQ, swimming pool, music and friends.

SO: Which cologne are you currently splashing?

SAD: I love many but my day-to-day are Polo Ralph Lauren, Agua de Loewe or Aqua di Gio. To go out: Tom Ford, Bleu de Chanel, and L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent.

SO: What are you drinking?

SAD: Appleton 12 on the rocks with a slice of dried orange

SO: What was your last bit of retail therapy?

SAD: To be honest, some sport clothes and shoes. Pickleball is trending, and I want to be a part of the movement… always representing the sport spirit.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

SAD: Go with the flow!

Appleton 12 on the rocks with a slice of dried orange (Aceion Cunningham)

Rorie Bernard, bartender at the award-winning Lester’s Bar at the Half Moon Resort, adds a slice of dried orange to Appleton 12 on the rocks. (Aceion Cunningham)

AC Hotel Kingston.

Janga’s Soundbar & Grill is one of Afonso’s go-to spots.

A daytime fave Loewe Solo Ella .

A playbook for creating a company’s winning strategy.

Prepping Appleton 12 on the rocks.Aceion Cunningham

A night out fave.