Michael McMorris, chairman of the board of directors at Victoria Mutual Group, on November 15 became the new president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC). The only nominee for the post, he was declared the head of chamber for administrative period 2023-2024.

McMorris replaces JCC President Ian Neita, group executive director of Yello Media Group, a publishing and digital marketing company which operates in 20 territories across Latin America and the Caribbean.

In his remarks, McMorris said it is a national imperative to have a strong national chamber. Congratulating the new executive, he stated, “We can’t promise you fame and fortune, but we can promise you hard work.”

He thanked Neita for the work completed in the past year — on which he promised to build — adding that 2023 promises to be a hard year for Jamaica.

“The Government will have a difficult job, as will the private sector. Business leaders must participate and support these deliberations,” McMorris said, noting that debt reduction remains a central consideration and that the chamber will seek to deepen contribution by making a strong advocacy through the economy and taxation committee of the JCC and others.

Established in 1919, the JCC offers its members business connectivity, trade, and commerce facilitation through lobbying, advocacy and business support for the local and global market.

McMorris has been chairman of VM Group since 2011. He is also principal of the business management firm KRONOS Limited and works with local and international investors in the area of new venture development and strategic management.

McMorris’s career background is in both the private and public sectors. He was previously an executive director of Jamaica Promotions Corporation and prior to that, held the post of CEO with Trafalgar Commercial Bank (now First Global) and Knutsford Capital Merchant Bank, which he helped found.

McMorris holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and politics and public affairs from the University of Miami, as well as advanced finance training from Citibank’s School of Banking where he started his career.

McMorris also serves as chairman of VM Wealth Management Limited and VMBS Money Transfer Services Limited.

In the year ended he was first vice-president of the JCC and director of other commercial enterprises. Previously, he also served as president of the Merchant Bankers Association, chairman of the finance committee of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, and a member of the board of the National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica.

Other vice-president positions were filled by sole nominees including Phillip Ramson, managing director of Chas E Ramson Limited (first vice-president); Emile Leiber, managing director of Dunn Cox (second vice-president); Peter Graham, managing director of Industrial Gases Limited (third vice-president); and Martha Miller, CEO, National Rums of Jamaica, who was sole nominee for fourth vice-president and so declared elected in the post.

Sole nominee for the post of honorary treasurer was Soan Madden, the senior manager of internal audit at Jamaica National, who was also declared elected.

Elected as directors for the new administrative period were Nicola Madden-Greig, group director, sales and marketing, Courtleigh Hospitality Group; Stephen Bell, regional vice-president of Seaboard Marine; Dr Wesley Hughes, partner, High Star Consulting Limited; Jason Clarke, CEO, Optimum Trading Limited; and Jason Younis, director, Younis Investment.

Wilburne Spence, the honorary treasurer for the previous administration, in his review of the chamber’s financial statements noted that restrictions on special events and physical gatherings affected collections and challenged revenue generation. It resulted in a loss of $3.2 million compared to a surplus of $4.3 million for the year prior. Rental income also decreased by $1.3 million.

Neita, in his remarks as outgoing president, said the year in review was characterised by COVID, conflict in Europe and conservative economics. He also highlighted the strong role played by the JCC in assisting the health sector and in developing the agenda for reopening the Jamaican economy.