KINGSTON, Jamaica— In a candid address to participants of the job readiness programme hosted by Project STAR, business mogul, Gary Peart, executive chairman of Mayberry Investments and chief executive officer of the Supreme Ventures Group, urged the graduates to take control of their futures by planning deliberately, saving fiercely, and learning relentlessly.

Peart, who was the guest speaker at the awards ceremony, which was held at the East Queen Street Baptist Church, recently shared how he once walked miles to work to save money for university and shared hard-won lessons from his own rise from modest beginnings to becoming a titan in Jamaica’s financial sector.

Peart emphasised the importance of financial literacy and sacrifice, citing the story of the late businessman Lascelles Chin, founder of the Lasco Group, who amassed wealth while living simply and saving aggressively.

“He saved 90 cents of every dollar when others were saving 10,” Peart recounted. “He didn’t party, didn’t drink, didn’t smoke. He just worked and saved.”

He also debunked common notions of success tied to material appearances, drawing attention to Chin’s humble wardrobe of black pants and a white shirt, worn consistently despite his wealth.

“It’s not about what you wear. Just make sure it’s clean,” he said, challenging the culture of consumerism and peer pressure.

Peart recalled witnessing in his younger days desperate men scavenging for unbroken bottles among broken glass to sell for a mere $10. The memory shaped his perspective forever.

“Everyone has a sad story,” he said. “But none of you should want a trophy for the saddest one—you want a trophy for making it out.”

Peart recounted that these impactful life lessons fueled his decision to create a six-year plan to earn, save, and qualify himself academically. Through discipline and painful choices, like walking to work before sunrise and after dark, he raised enough money to fund his education independently.

He warned participants that landing a job was only the beginning. Mastering soft skills such as respect, humility, and adaptability is critical to career survival and growth.

“The number one issue we face in Jamaica is disrespect,” he said. “In the workplace, rules exist—and those who thrive are those who understand and follow them.”

Looking to the future, he encouraged the graduates to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to leapfrog ahead in a fast-changing world.

“You’re at the same level as all of us when it comes to AI. Your young minds might even see what we don’t. That’s your edge,” he stressed.

Ending on an optimistic note, Peart envisioned a future where one of the very attendees would return, not as a trainee, but as a captain of industry.

“My wish is that in less than 20 years, one of you will stand here as the next chairman, CEO, or executive of a multibillion-dollar company,” he declared, as he urged the graduates to “go forth and conquer.”

Meanwhile, Ian Neita, chair of the management, monitoring, and reporting committee at Project STAR, encouraged the graduates to be respectful and work hard when negotiating the workplace environment.

“When you enter the workplace, you are going to have a social contract between yourself and the employers. Their side of the obligation is to provide a working environment in which you can grow and thrive and to create the condition for you to do well, but you have to give them value because you are important to the success of their company,” he pointed out.

Among those who stood out during the ceremony was Davian Williams, a 21-year-old student from Rose Garden, who was voted Top Boy of the programme by his peers.

“It was an honour, not a shock, but a surprise,” Williams said with a smile. “To know that my peers voted for me, that means they saw something valuable in me.”

Williams, a student at the University of Technology pursuing a degree in communication arts and technology, said the program gave him a new outlook on professionalism and self-presentation.

“They taught us how to maximise our work experience, manage our time, and carry ourselves with purpose. But most importantly, I learnt that I am my own brand. My name and reputation will precede me wherever I go,” he explained.

Nicolette Williams, 18, also from Rose Gardens and a former Immaculate Conception High School student, was named top female graduate. She said the experience has helped her mature in her outlook on life and career preparation.

“This programme taught me to date myself before entering the work world—meaning I need to prepare myself emotionally and mentally,” she explained. “You don’t want to enter a workplace miserable or stressed. I learnt how to present myself well, draft my résumé and cover letter, and take everything they teach us seriously, because it will help in the long run.”

She encouraged other young people to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that “opportunities like this don’t come knocking every day.”

Both top graduates were among the 35 graduates from cohort seven from Parde Gardens and Rose Gardens.