Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Lord Hastings (left) eyeballs Alvaro Casserly (right) as they speak at the KPMG reception in honour of His Lordship on his two-day visit to Jamaica. Gregory Shirley listens in.

Lord Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick C.B.E. made a two-day visit to the island from September 13 to 14 in his capacity as the newly-appointed International Director for Corporate Citizenship for KPMG, one of the world's largest global networks of professional firms, providing audit, tax and advisory services in 144 countries.

Jamaican roots

The Lord is no stranger to the island as his family has strong Jamaican roots, but KPMG Jamaica hosted a reception on Wednesday evening at Devon House to honour his first visit to Jamaica in his new capacity as Global Director for KPMG's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

The Palm Hall of Devon House saw a small gathering of prominent business persons, KPMG executives and dignitaries, with whom Lord Hastings gladly laughed and chatted, before the onset of the formalities, which opened with the welcoming remarks delivered by Mr. Linroy Marshall, a partner in KPMG Jamaica. "This is an important evening," said Mr. Marshall, "as it gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the critical role that business must play in helping to improve the wider society," he continued.

Managing Partner at KPGM Jamaica, Raphael Gordon, gave an outline of the Lord's distinguished and interesting career, telling of his recent appointment to independent cross bench peerage in the House or Lords, and his being awarded the honour of a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2003 in recognition of his services to crime reduction, among many other accomplishments. "These achievements speak to Lord Hastings' individual grit and determination to use his skills to help those with voices who are often silenced," explained Mr. Gordon. "With this track record of achievement and service, we look forward to his work with KPMG," he added.

Tremendous opportunity

With that he prompted Lord Hastings to take the stage. He proceeded to tell anecdotes of his experiences in Jamaica on this his most recent visit. He also commented on the social, political and, of course, the business climate here before tackling the issue of CSR taking a primary role in community development. "I see this as a tremendous opportunity to use my experience in an organisation which is already highly recognised for its achievements in CSR globally," he said.

He pointed out that KPMG's reputation as an organisation that is dedicated to aiding community development in all the places it does business partly motivated him to join the company. After that, Lord Hastings resumed his light-hearted banter with the other guests, while enjoying the delightful fare prepared by the Norma's on the Terrace.

Among those in attendance were: British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Jeremy Cresswell with Dr. Barbara Munske; Ryland Campbell; Dr. Carolyn Gomes; Alvaro Casserly; Peter Bovell; Tony Ray; Hilary Phillips; Ray Barrett; Becky Stockhausen; Denise Kitson; and Dorothy Pine-McLarty.