Heffes

Businessman Laurence Heffes was returned unopposed as president of the Jamaica Racehorse Owners' Association (JROA) at the annual general meeting at the Terra Nova Hotel, Waterloo Road, last Sunday. In a fresh approach, all previous directors were asked to step down to pave the way for new elections. From a list of 30 prospective nominations, 15 were eligible and in the end nine were nominated and seconded to fill the posts.

They are Heffes, Franz Jobson, Edgar Llewelyn, Paul Chen, Donald Williams, Jack DeLisser, Dave Girod, George Lowe and Arthur Richards.

From the new slate of directors, the president was returned unopposed, while Jobson replaced Louis Phillips as vice-president. According to Heffes, the posts of secretary and treasurer will be appointed from the other seven directors by next week. A paid secretariat will be put in place and an Owners' Association website established as well.

One of the proposals put forward at the meeting was to extend the term of the current administration to two instead of one year before the next AGM.

Heffes said efforts will be made to communicate with owners more effectively so as to put forward meaningful proposals and recommendations for the development of racing. He would also be working to establish a Horsemen

Association, among other things.

- O.C.