The S Hotel in New Kingston buzzed with energy earlier this week as family, friends, and prominent figures from Jamaica’s business and civic communities gathered to honor the late Sameer Younis. The occasion was the launch of his memoir, The Lion of King Street: Sameer Younis – A Portrait of Service, an intimate chronicle of his life penned by Elaine Commissiong, his long-time communications consultant.
The event, aptly themed “The Return of the Lion”, celebrated Younis’ profound contributions to Jamaican society, particularly his unwavering commitment to community development and nation-building. Once the President of both the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Younis was remembered not just as a businessman but as a visionary who seamlessly wove philanthropy into enterprise.
A Call for Renewed Commitment
Sydney Thwaites, current President of the JMEA, set the tone of the evening by challenging Jamaican businesses to follow Younis’ example. “We can’t grow the private sector without growing our people,” Thwaites declared, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between business success and societal well-being. He called for companies to recommit to disadvantaged communities, emphasizing that Younis’ work in areas such as environmental cleanliness, education, and crime prevention had lasting impacts not just on neighborhoods but on the overall business environment.
The Complexity of Service
Former JCC President Milton Samuda offered a moving tribute, reflecting on the humanity that defined Younis’ leadership. “He understood the importance of creating opportunities for ordinary people to escape difficult circumstances,” Samuda noted. Younis’ groundbreaking initiatives, such as fostering collaboration between inner-city residents and law enforcement, left indelible marks on Jamaica’s social fabric.
Samuda also highlighted Younis’ innovative approach to civic issues, from championing anti-litter laws to advocating for road safety. These efforts led to the implementation of seatbelt laws and the establishment of inner-city training programs—many of which continue today under the stewardship of the JCC Sameer Younis Foundation.
A Life Worth Chronicling
Commissiong shared excerpts from the memoir, painting a vivid picture of Younis’ journey—from his formative years in high school and college to his groundbreaking work in the private sector and civic organizations. The memoir delves into his personal life, including his marriage to Leila, whom he met on a transformative trip to Lebanon, his parents’ homeland. The book offers a heartfelt tribute to Younis’ ability to balance family life with his relentless pursuit of progress for Jamaica.
Enduring Impact
The S Hotel, the site of Younis’ first Fabrics de Younis store, proved a fitting venue for the event. It underscored his enduring influence on Kingston’s commercial landscape and his legacy as a trailblazer in Jamaica’s private sector.
The Lion of King Street: Sameer Younis – A Portrait of Service is now available at local bookstores, offering an inspiring exploration of a life devoted to service, leadership, and innovation. As the book takes its place on shelves, it serves as a powerful reminder of Younis’ vision for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous Jamaica—one in which businesses thrive hand-in-hand with their communities.
