Kingston, Jamaica — A new chapter has opened at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) as attorney and DunnCox managing partner, Emile Leiba, assumes the presidency for the 2025/2026 term. His election signals both continuity and change for one of the island’s most influential private-sector organizations.
Leiba, a seasoned corporate lawyer with a career spanning more than 20 years, has advised on complex mergers, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. That expertise, members believe, positions him well to steer the chamber through ongoing debates around taxation, procurement access for SMEs, and Jamaica’s accelerated digital transformation.
During the annual general meeting, elections chair Warren McDonald confirmed Leiba’s appointment, noting his status as the sole nominee. Alongside him, the chamber ratified a new team of vice-presidents:
- Martha Miller, CEO of National Rums of Jamaica (First Vice-President)
- Jonathan Swire, Deputy Chairman of Delta Supply Company (Second Vice-President)
- Colonel (Ret’d) Jamie Ogilvie, Vice-President at Jamaica Broilers (Third Vice-President)
- Janine Chin, senior pharmaceutical executive (Fourth Vice-President)
Financial oversight falls to John Butler, Executive Director at EY Jamaica, elected as honorary treasurer.
The new board of directors reflects a broad cross-section of Jamaica’s commercial backbone, with representatives from shipping, banking, manufacturing, law, and consultancy. Notable names include Steven Bell of Seaboard Maritime, Olive Downer-Walsh of Hardware & Lumber, Andre Gooden of the JSE, Wesley Hughes of HighStar Consulting, Alexander Marston of Musson Group, Shaniel May Brown of Myers Fletcher & Gordon, Morris Nelson of Scotiabank Jamaica, and Marcia Woon Choy of Action Coach Jamaica.
Outgoing president Phillip Ramson, who served two consecutive terms, used his final remarks to emphasize progress made in advocacy and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. “This has been a journey built on resilience and collaboration,” he said, while expressing confidence in the chamber’s future under Leiba’s stewardship.
For Leiba, the task ahead is clear: balance the chamber’s traditional role as a voice for enterprise with the evolving needs of a business community contending with new regulatory, digital, and global realities.
