Lalor

Dennis Lalor, chairman of the Insurance Company of the West Indies (ICWI), says Jamaica must focus on its citizens' talents in order for the nation to be great.

Mr. Lalor made the comments Thursday night after he was inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame.

In his response after being inducted at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston, Mr. Lalor said 'politicking' must stop and energies should instead be concentrated on the business of the country.

"As business leaders we must support Bruce Golding and the new government in pursuit of making Jamaica the best place to live," Mr. Lalor told the gathering comprised of several business leaders.

Time to work together

"It is time that all Jamaicans work together, let us appeal for what is good, denouncing corruption and crime and violence," he said.

Mr. Lalor, member of the Order of Jamaica, founded the ICWI which subsequently grew into a group of companies. An avid horse racing fan, having served as chair of the Jamaica Racing Commission, Mr. Lalor is also a keen polo player.

Since 1992 the PSOJ each year inducts, into its Hall of Fame, a businessperson who has made significant contributions to the development of the private sector and the country.

PSOJ President Christopher Zacca said Mr. Lalor was honoured for his significant contribution to Jamaica's private sector.

"(He is) someone of the highest standard of character, integrity and commitment," Mr. Zacca said.

Other PSOJ Hall of Fame inductees are Dr. Carlton Alexander; Paul Geddes; Mayer Matalon; Rafael Diaz; Gordon 'Butch' Stewart; Raby Williams; Oliver Clarke; John Issa; Maurice Facey; Desmond Blades; Karl Hendrickson; Douglas Orane; Marshall Hall; and William McConnell.