THE MONTHLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 5 - NOVEMBER 4, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer A HIGH-LEVEL delegation from Jamaica, led by Senator Aubyn Hill, the country’s minister of industry, investment and commerce, recently held investment discussions in New York with several private and governmental organisations, aimed at boosting investments in Jamaica. Coordinated by the Jamaican Consulate in New York, in collaboration with JAMPRO New York’s office, the 39-member delegation, representing some 29 companies from various sectors, aimed to expand Jamaica’s presence on the global stage and, in turn, bolster the Jamaican economy. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Hill said Jamaica was not looking for loans, but investments to grow the economy “We had to go through very tough and bitter doses of medicine, fiscal medicine, to get our house back in order. Now, everything seems to be going well and it’s not because we do believe in providence, but it’s also because of a great deal of good and serious management,” he told the news outlet. He said the country wants to be in a position where the market is looking for new ‘paper’ from Jamaica with anticipation. “It is a very good place to be. We worked hard at it,” he said. The events in New York were aimed at showcasing the commitment of both the Jamaican Government and its business community to stimulate economic growth. All members of the delegation said they were driven by a common goal to enhance their footprint and, by extension, contribute to Jamaica’s economic prosperity. The Consulate General of Jamaica served as the venue for several crucial events during the delegation’s visit. On September 25, a high-profile business networking event was held, attracting a diverse array of local business leaders keen on forging meaningful connections with their Jamaican counterparts On September 26, the delegation engaged in pivotal meetings with representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. These discussions were aimed at fostering opportunities for cross-border investments and partnerships, aligning the interests of both regions for mutual growth. An equally significant event was the ‘Doing Business with Jamaica Luncheon’. The delegation had the chance to interact with potential investors and partners, showcasing the diverse range of opportunities available in Jamaica’s thriving business landscape. The luncheon not only facilitated networking but also underscored the attractiveness of Jamaica as a strategic destination for business expansion. The Jamaican team also included Shullette Cox, president of JAMPRO, and Kellie-Dawn Hamilton, interim CEO of the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA). Following the New York engagements, the delegation set its sights on London, continuing their mission to promote Jamaica as a thriving hub for business and investment. editorial@gleanerjm.com NEW YORK: AN ICONIC Bronx-based institution, the Wembley Athletic Sports Club, has closed its doors after more than 50 years of operation. President of the facility, Addiambo Balewa confirmed the closure but offered no explanation for the shutdown which took place last Friday. “The club is not open at this time but I have no authority to say anything about it at this time,” the president told The Gleaner. It is understood that the club was forced to close due to financial problems and that the property is up for sale or has already been sold. Founded in the 1950s by a group of Jamaicans looking to engage in sporting activities especially cricket, football and table tennis, it eventually evolved into a space that also catered to civic functions. Starting as a members’ only club, it has played host to several Jamaican sporting personalities and elected officials. The Wembley Club acquired its own property on East 239 Street in the Bronx, after years of tenancy on White Plains Road in the Brown. POOR MANAGEMENT Several community leaders expressed disappointment but no surprise at the latest development. Immigration consultant, Irwine Clare said: “We have a legacy of losing assets in our community.” He sees the closure as diminishing the presence of Jamaican communitybased organisations, but reasoned that it was inevitable as organisations in general were not attracting new and younger members, and received little community support. “We sing the praises of young Jamaicans making good but they do not show up joining our organisations and I have to wonder why this is so.” He says the community most often loses prized assets as it does not unite in support of its organisations. Jeff Barnes, attorney and radio show host, a long time member of the club agreed that the club’s main issues included an aged membership, and lack of interest among new people, but also poor leadership. “It is a combination of poor management, lack of attracting new members and reduced financial support. It is disappointing that we are nowhere near where we should be and where we want to be,” he said. “It was poorly run and did not attract the necessary talent that could turn it around,” he said. Leslie Clarke, a lifetime member of Wembley, says there had been a steady decline. He said the club had been lacking in financial support, and good management with nothing being done to turn around the fortunes of the facility. “Wembley was a great source for community unity and my hope is that it could have turned around but the management seems to have deteriorated,” he said. Former Jamaica Diaspora Council Member, Dr. Karren Dunkley said that Wembley’s closure represents not just a loss of a venerable institution but a devastating blow to the social and athletic community. “For decades Wembley served as a pivotal lever for sports access, offering programmes that nurtured local talent and fostered a sense of unity and achievement among its participants. Its dissolution eradicates a critical legacy, leaving a void that reverberates beyond the absence of a sports facilities and threatens to marginalise under served populations relying on Wembley’s social engagement and upward mobility initiatives,” she said. She called on the community to demonstrate a more concerted effort to support and preserve legacy organisations. Wembley’s closure follows on the loss of the Jamaica Police Officers headquarters that was located on Tilden Avenue in Brooklyn and the recent sale of the radio station WVIP which knocked Jamaican and Caribbean programming off the air. –L.H Jamaican delegation holds high-level investment meetings in New York Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce. FILE Pat Chin was an honouree at The Serica Initiative AAPI Next Gen Trailblazers Award held at the China Institute in New York City recently. Pictured from left are: Randy Chin, Kecia Chin, Pat Chin, Velta Lyn, Christopher Chin Jr. and Christopher Chin Sr. PHOTO BY LEONARD MCKENZIE Wembley Athletic Sports Club closed
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