There are countless stories of Kenny Benjamin’s mentorship and generosity, which is why not one empty chair could be found at last Thursday’s Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s (PSOJ) banquet when he was inducted into the organisation’s hall of fame. Both Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding gave congratulatory messages. There was also a video recording featuring Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, former Prime Minister P J Patterson, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, PSOJ President Patrick Hylton, fellow business leaders, family members, and colleagues.

Son and Guardsman Group Vice-Chairman Nicholas Benjamin gave a moving account of Kenny Benjamin as father, grandfather, boss, and mentor. He noted that his father is respectful of everyone, whatever their station in life, and always finds time to meet and speak with them.

Pamela Neita-Lawson, Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) managing director, related his devotion to the care and protection of animals.

Former managing director of the Guardsman Group Valerie Juggan-Brown noted his dedication to the environment, investing heavily in the expansion of Hope Zoo, and its conservation projects which have drawn scientists worldwide to observe their success stories.

The citation noted, “Born in Jabalpur, India, Kenneth Benjamin arrived in Jamaica in 1970. Although not his birthplace, Jamaica quickly became his chosen home — a country to which he has devoted more than five decades of unwavering commitment, entrepreneurial excellence, and patriotic service. Through his leadership, philanthropy, and deep affection for the Jamaican people, he has become one of our nation’s most respected private sector leaders.

“In 1977, with vision, determination, and an uncompromising commitment to integrity, Kenneth Benjamin founded the Guardsman Group. From modest beginnings, the enterprise has grown into the Caribbean’s largest private security conglomerate, employing more than 8,000 people across Jamaica, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Puerto Rico, and The Bahamas.

“What began as a security company evolved under his leadership into a diversified regional enterprise providing integrated security services, cash management, aviation support, advanced security technologies, and renewable energy solutions. His foresight transformed Guardsman from a traditional security provider into a technology-driven organisation delivering sophisticated risk management and business solutions throughout the Caribbean.”

Kenny Benjamin has exemplified the highest ideals of corporate citizenship, humanitarian engagement, and servant leadership. We salute him.

Author Christine Craig (left) with daughter Rachael Craig-Dunn at the launch of her latest book Before the Rain.

CRAIG HENDRICKSON TAKES THE REINS

Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, executive chairman of National Baking Company and also a PSOJ hall of famer, heralded the 75th anniversary of the company last week, by announcing that he is handing over the reins to his son Craig Hendrickson.

This calm and resourceful successor, with a striking resemblance to his legendary grandfather Karl Hendrickson, has big shoes to fill. His father has expanded National Baking and completed steps for the opening a bread plant in St James next year. Their strict quality control has made their variety of breads, cookies, and snacks favourites of the Caribbean Diaspora.

With the creation of the National Baking Company Foundation, Butch Hendrickson placed himself in a league of his own for philanthropy. The multimillion Bold Ones of Manufacturing project empowered awardees to become world-famous brands. His educational programmes include an early childhood project that supported every infant school in Jamaica, the UWI STEM programme, and the scholarships including full scholarships to UWI Medical School for twin sisters Brianna La-Thaniel Capleton and Rianna La-Manda Capleton.

Butch Hendrickson is confident in his son’s readiness for the top position, noting, “Craig has spent years working in different areas of National and developing an understanding of our operations, our people, and the challenges of running a manufacturing company. He has his own ideas and approach to leadership, and that is how it should be. I did not lead National exactly as my father did, and I don’t expect Craig to lead exactly as I have. Each generation must find ways to improve the business and respond to the opportunities and challenges of its time.”

Four generations of Hendricksons have written the series on succession planning. No doubt, this episode augers well for the National Baking Company.

ONE YEAR AFTER MELISSA

When we arrived in style for last year’s National Dance Theatre Company’s (NDTC) benefit concert for CCRP outreach, little did we know that, a few months later, the funds raised would fill urgent needs of elderly survivors of Hurricane Melissa. As our convoy arrived at the western parishes with the guidance of officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, we saw the scorched landscape, Holland Bamboo in tatters, and rubble where buildings once stood. At the Petersfield School shelter, emotional elders spoke of their homes falling apart around them.

Food for the Poor (FFP) Jamaica was tireless in its response. In the year since the storm, the charitable organisation has reached more than 255,000 people with food, water, and shelter; helped more than 1,150 families return to safe and secure homes; and provided 23 families who lost everything with new or rebuilt homes. The organisation has also supported 211 recovery projects across affected communities, including the restoration of schools and water points, as well as assistance for fishing boats, beehives, farms, and other livelihoods.

Gary “Butch” Hendrickson (left) shakes hands with his son Craig, who has now succeeded him as National Baking Company chief executive officer, while Craig’s son, Blake, looks on during the launch of the company’s 75th anniversay at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

This response was supported by generous donations and powered by an extensive network of volunteers and community partners. More than 3,800 volunteers packed and delivered relief supplies, working alongside more than 80 church and community partners to reach families in need.

Despite the progress made, significant needs remain. As FFP enters the second year of Hurricane Melissa recovery, the organisation will focus on households and communities with the fewest resources, while continuing to support long-term rebuilding and restoration.

CHRISTINE CRAIG’S NEW BOOK

Jamaica’s celebrated author Christine Craig launched her new collection of poems and short stories, Before the Rain, last Sunday. The readings were moving, the discussion led by Professor Emerita Beth Harry was animated.

Peepal Press, her publishers, note that her poetry is “exact in sensuous description of sound, taste, and smell, catches and celebrates the particularities of different life stages”. Her stories are set in Jamaica, the American South, and London. Attraction sometimes butts up against differences of class, race, and politics, as in the “scuttled romance” between a Jamaican lecturer and an American Peace Corps worker.

In her review, Harry notes: “Christine Craig writes with bold, clean strokes in this collection of poems and short stories which presents a landscape of widely varying experience and affiliation.”

Before the Rain is a wonderful read. Congratulations, Christine!

Jean Lowrie-Chin is an author and executive chair of PROComm, PRODEV and CCRP. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lowriechin@aim.com.