Commercial success in Jamaica is often met with suspicions and whispers of impropriety.

“Jamaica may be small in size and young in nationhood, but few countries boast such a rich history of extraordinary individuals. The leadership of Paul Bogle, Marcus Garvey and Samuel Sharpe helped bring about the country’s independence. The nation-building work of Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley still holds valuable lessons for countries where labour and political rights are limited.

Bob Marley’s legend only grows with each passing year. More recently, the electrifying performances of Veronica Campbell and Usain Bolt brought the entire world to its feet. In fact, Jamaica has more track and field gold medallists per capita than any other country in the world.

Most countries would consider themselves blessed to have even one of the above individuals as part of their national heritage; however, if you take a closer look at Jamaica’s “hall of fame” there’s something – or someone – missing. The fields of politics and academia are well represented. Culture and sport are replete with national icons. But what about the world of business?

Can it really be true that in its 46 years of nationhood Jamaica has produced

not one single businessman or businesswoman worthy of admission to the ranks of national hero? Is it a dearth of talent or is it the world of business itself that leaves people indifferent?

Commercial success in Jamaica is often met with suspicions and whispers of impropriety.

Many would argue that not only has the business community in Jamaica been neglected, there is an active bias against it. Commercial success in Jamaica is often met with suspicions and whispers of impropriety. Contrast the weary eye Jamaicans cast upon business leaders with that of Americans.

American schoolchildren come to learn and admire the likes of Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Warren Buffet. It’s not simply their wealth that inspires people. It’s their ideas, perseverance and focus. Bill Gates developed much of the know-how that went into Windows in his high school computer lab. The computer was only available from 2:00 am to 5:00 am, so that’s when he would go to the lab.

Donald Trump built an empire, lost it all, and then built it back up again. Warren Buffett is a multi-billionaire but he still lives in the same modest home in Omaha, Nebraska, and packs a lunch each day. Even amidst the current financial crisis, Americans look to their business heroes for guidance and leadership.”

So where are the Jamaican business heroes? and are we correct to view commercial success in Jamaica with suspicions and whispers of impropriety.

Extracted from Jamaica needs a new hero By Kenneth Hynes managing director at ontheFRONTIER. He can be reached at ideas@otfgroup.com. Published Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in the Jamaica Observer