HON. WILLIAM MCCONNELL, OJ, CD

Since its inception 31 years ago, the PSOJ has developed for itself an enviable reputation of service to country as well as to all its members. In its relatively short life, it is recognized in all quarters, both nationally and internationally, to be an organization that can be counted on to provide help and assistance to all its members, as well as to the Government of Jamaica and the Opposition. In short, the PSOJ has developed brand equity and it is now considered to be an important institution, as well as being an integral part of Jamaica’s national fabric.

In 1990, shortly after Wray & Nephew became a wholly owned subsidiary of Lascelles deMercado, I was called by Dennis Lalor, the then president of the PSOJ, to rejoin the Officers Corps of the PSOJ and here I have remained in differing positions, whether Vice President, Honourary Treasurer or Honourary Secretary, at all times enjoying a close working relationship with the PSOJ.

During this extended period, I was in a position to help and in a good position to witness many achievements which had and continue to have significant effects on the direction and the course that Jamaica has followed and is following. I recall the hours of meetings that the PSOJ had with the IMF in the early 1980’s. Years later, I was a member of the PSOJ team led by Past President Dennis Lalor that went to meet the IMF in Washington, a meeting that was most fruitful as the IMF could hear first hand what the Private Sector of Jamaica was recommending as their prescription for recovery. Incidentally, we were told whilst there that it was most uncommon for the Private Sector from any country to be invited to attend meetings with the IMF in Washington. Another PSOJ initiative ended up in the White House in Washington, which was another indication of the high esteem in which the PSOJ was held. I recall Past President Douglas Orane brokering peace between the political leadership of our two main parties. I was very proud of the work done by him and the PSOJ in the areas of electoral reform.

Mr. McConnell receives citation from Mrs. Beverley Lopez

I am also proud of the focus that the leadership of the PSOJ has given in keeping the spotlight on the necessity of dealing with crime and violence, none as bright as that shone by Past President Oliver Clarke who challenged us all to “Take Back Jamaica.” I recall too, the pivotal role played by Past President Peter Moses, who had been asked by the Government of the day to do everything possible to diffuse the social tensions, which had manifested themselves in civil disorder involving marches and roadblocks. I remember the PSOJ being mocked in Parliament because of our insistence on the need to control money supply, until some time later the Government conceded that such control was critical, at which time appropriate economic measures were put in place; these led eventually to a reduction in the rate of inflation which was then ruining our country. Much praise must be given to the Honourable Bev Lopez for the work done on the Partnership for Progress. However, during the period of my involvement in the PSOJ and from a business standpoint, I think the single biggest achievement or accomplishment was to persuade the Government of the merits of a liberalized Free Market. This caused more and more items to be taken off of the Price Control List; I don’t even think that a Prices Commission exists today. But the single act, as part of the liberalization programme, that in my view had the most profound impact was the abolition of Exchange Control. This happened under President Lalor’s watch and it irrevocably changed the economic and financial framework within which we all had to operate. It gave true expression to the PSOJ’s mantra, “Free Enterprise and watch Jamaica grow”.

All of these initiatives and the many more that I have not mentioned were achieved in a spirit of co-operation with the respective Governments of the day. This spirit of co-operation is encapsulated in Dennis Lalor’s truism “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” In crediting Dennis Lalor with this, may I quickly say while admiring the performance of our Presidents over the years, our Organization has always benefited from an approach of being firm but friendly in our dealings; we have always sought to get our point and our position across in an uncompromising but respectful and cooperative way so that the Government of the day always wanted to include us in their deliberations, thus providing us with a forum to influence the subject being deliberated. This spirit of co-operation is the prerequisite for the generation of CONFIDENCE, without which, we are going no where. I cannot over emphasize how important the generation and maintenance of CONFIDENCE is to building a reputation, an institution and a country.

Over the years, the PSOJ has striven to be an umbrella organization giving appropriate weight to maintaining the balance between its member associations, its member organizations and individuals and in maintaining itself as the foremost representative of the affairs of all members in the private sector. They have maintained this balance well.

Mr. McConnell with Hall of Fame Citation

The honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame is mine, but I fully well know that the achievement that I am being recognized for would not have been possible without the support of the management and staff of the Lascelles deMercado Group of companies. As I am being honoured, then the contribution of the Management and Staff of those companies including Wray & Nephew should be appropriately recognized, which I now so do. In accepting the invitation from the PSOJ to be inducted into their Hall of Fame, I do so as their leader and acknowledge with deep appreciation their contribution

I earlier observed how important the building and maintenance of confidence is in the well-being of a country and in the creation of its wealth. I implore us all to do everything in our power to maintain this spirit of trust and confidence, each with the other, and all with the Government of the Day.

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