ORAL HEAVEN

Centre Director for Scotiabank Private Banking and Senior Manager, Wealth

Style Observer (SO): Describe Oral in a few sentences.

Oral Heaven (OH): I would say I’m a driven professional with a deep passion for service, strategy, and people. At my core, I’m family-oriented, purpose-driven, and committed to giving my best in everything I do. I approach leadership with discipline and integrity, but also with empathy because I believe people are at the heart of true success.

SO: Describe a typical 24 hours in your life.

OH: My day starts early in the morning, some exercise at home then getting ready to hit the road. Planning and quiet reflection before diving into meetings with clients and my team is necessary. I structure my day in blocks of time — client engagement, strategic planning, and mentorship — while ensuring I stay flexible for unexpected opportunities. Evenings are family time, which I guard as sacred, and I always make room for some phone time before retiring to bed.

SO: What are some of your favourite things to do in Kingston?

OH: Beyond business meetings, I enjoy connecting with colleagues and clients over good food. Kingston has a vibrant culinary and cultural scene, so I like to explore a nice restaurant or enjoy some domino time with friends.

SO: What are you drinking?

OH: Appleton 12 Fiasco made with: simple syrup, lime juice a splash of ginger ale, two drops of Angostura bitters, garnished with basil leaves and orange rind.

SO: On a drive out of town, what are you listening to?

OH: Music and catching up on what is happening are therapy for me on those drives. I usually listen to reggae or gospel, and catch up with news in between. The balance keeps me inspired and focused while enjoying the journey.

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

OH: Definitely Montego Bay’s beaches, the Rose Hall Great House for its history, Dunn’s River Falls in St Ann, and Sonia’s Homestyle Restaurant, and Mystic Thai in Kingston. I must ensure they get a taste of our cuisine — ackee and salt fish, jerk chicken or jerk pork, patties, and a good plate of real Jamaican curry goat. Jamaica is rich in culture and natural beauty, so there’s plenty to show off.

SO: Were you able to fix five things in Jamaica what would they be?

OH: Despite the improvements and the positive trend at this time, I’d still focus on (1) crime reduction (2) improving public health care (3) enhancing education opportunities (4) modernising infrastructure and (5) strengthening governance and accountability. These five areas are significantly important to the transformation of our nation.

SO: What, if anything, needs to be done to improve our banking and finance sector?

OH: Financial literacy has to be a priority — empowering more Jamaicans to understand wealth creation, not just transactions. Additionally, we need to keep pushing for innovation in digital banking and expanding access to financing for MSMEs, as they’re the backbone of our economy.

SO: How do you see Jamaica positioned as a territory for banking and its scope for growth?

OH: Jamaica is well-positioned as a financial hub in the Caribbean, especially with our strong regulatory framework. The opportunities lie in expanding wealth management services, leveraging fintech, and deepening investment products tailored to both locals and the diaspora. Growth will come from marrying innovation with trust.

SO: How fulfilling has your career in banking and finance been?

OH: Extremely fulfilling! Banking has given me the chance to impact lives, help families build wealth, and support businesses in their growth journey. On a personal level, it has sharpened my leadership skills and taught me the value of service above self.

SO: What advances in banking and finance technology or development in the industry has impressed you lately?

OH: The rise of digital transformation — especially mobile banking and the integration of AI into financial services. It has made banking more convenient, secure, and accessible for clients, and it pushes us to keep innovating.

SO: Who’s your favourite dancehall/reggae artiste?

OH: I enjoy a wide range, but I’d say Koffee for her positive messages in reggae, and Popcaan for his versatility in dancehall.

SO: Share with us a few of your creature comforts.

OH: A good cup of ginger and honey tea in the morning, a well-tailored suit, quality time with family, and the occasional getaway to recharge.

SO: Which cologne are you currently splashing?

OH: I’m currently enjoying Prada Ocean Luna Rossa — clean, invigorating, sophisticated and professional scent.

SO: Who’s your preferred fashion designer?

OH: I appreciate designers who balance elegance and practicality. Locally, I support Earl’s Fashion, and internationally, I lean toward Tom Ford.

SO: Share with us the title of the last book you read.

OH: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It’s a powerful reminder about servant leadership and building trust in teams.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

OH: My credo is: “Always give your best, operate with integrity, and leave people and places better than you found them.”

Appleton 12 Fiasco (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Linell McKenzie, head bartender, Half Moon Resort Jamaica, presents Appleton 12 Fiasco (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

A good read, says Heaven.

Dunn’s River Falls (Photo: https://www.sandals.com/blog/dunns-river-falls-guide)

Prada Ocean Luna Rossa is a current fave.

Jamaican singer/ songwriter Koffee (Photo: Yannick Reid)