MONTEGO BAY, St James— Freshly re-elected president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) Oral Heaven believes some newly elected individuals added to the business grouping’s board of directors will provide a level of diversity that is needed for the continued growth and development of the western city.

Heaven was re-elected unopposed during Wednesday evening’s annual general meeting.

“The board is more diverse and can deliver more for the city. We have individuals involved in a variety of areas to include representatives from the fields of education, security, among others,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“George Overton from Guardsman Group is new to the board and we need persons like that with the expertise in security and crime management. Naturally, we are going to ask him to lead the crime and collective security committee,” Heaven said.

Also joining Heaven on the team is businessman and former director Yangsen Li, who was elected first vice-president, becoming the first Chinese on the chamber’s executive. Heaven hailed this milestone, given the important role that the Chinese play within the local economy.

“When you find a small business person, we have mentors who can guide them to become successful business people as well,” he asserted.

“It’s about integration and creating a board that can work to create a platform to advocate for businesses, so businesses can grow in Montego Bay,” Heaven added.

Another former director, Sonia Clarke-Bowen, was elevated to second vice-president, while Karlene Maye was returned to the post of third vice-president.

Nine new individuals were made directors of the organisation, joining seven already-serving members.

“This is a mix of individuals who can help to guide the chamber and to guide the businesses,” Heaven highlighted.

“People see Montego Bay as the template for growth and development throughout Jamaica and we want the chamber to take the charge where that is concerned,” he said.

Integral to this push is a slate of plans that the organisation is looking to continue as it works to advance the interests of the western city.

Areas of focus include the development of a small business unit to provide support for smaller players.

Heaven also revealed that the chamber is mulling over setting up a permanent home. It now rents space.

“As a chamber we need to have our own home and we want something that has meeting space, a conference centre type of thing that we can earn from to run the chamber,” he explained.

However, he noted that there are some big-ticket items that require continued focus.

“We need that perimeter road because it will impact productivity and efficiency,” he said.

Construction is expected to begin in August.

Pushing for completion of work being done on the Cornwall Regional Hospital will also be a big part of the chamber’s advocacy.

“We have a committee for that and the committee will remain because it’s not just about getting it completed but it’s about the services it offers. We can help, as a chamber, to make that hospital the Type A hospital that it is supposed to be,” he stated.

In terms of its financial health, the chamber turned a profit of more than $6 million over the last year, $2 million more than the year before. Heaven also noted that the organisation attracted 72 new sign-ups, ending the year with a high of 128 paid-up members — the highest it has ever been.