JMMB gives $81.7m to UTech leadership school

The university's School of Entrepreneurship was this past May rebranded in honour of Joan Duncan - the entrepreneur stalwart who founded JMMB in 1992 - in a move to develop leaders who appreciate and choose to advocate principled standards in business, reduce corruption in Jamaica, and foster socio-economic development.

lasting legacy

Guided by high personal and professional ethical standards, Duncan founded JMMB, now one of the Caribbean's leading financial services company, on similar values-based leadership and the spirit of entrepreneurship, twin components, which have contributed to its corporate successes and it being valued as an employer of choice for the emphasis placed on creating a work environment built on mutual respect and love.

The $81.7 million investment will help to advance teaching and research in entrepreneurship, economic growth, and moral considerations in business decision making and values-based leadership to produce globally conscious transformational leaders.

The fund will also facilitate the award of scholarships; intellectually rigorous and practical research; and course development on leadership, ethics and financing economic growth.

It will also allow for an annual public lecture on matters related to the disciplines that will advance Jamaica's direction towards the outcomes identified in the National Vision 2030 Plan, as well as short professional courses, seminars, conferences and publications which focus on ethics and leadership.

UTech president, Professor Errol Morrison, noted that the school plays an integral role in shaping entrepreneurs for the business world, and JMMB's generous contribution would further greatly impact its ability to prepare work-ready graduates equipped with practical, hands-on competencies.

"JMMB's partnership with us at this level will help transform ethical principles in business leadership and boost the cadre of entrepreneurs with the capacity to spawn social and economic development," Morrison stated.

Donna Duncan-Scott, JMMB's group executive director, culture and leadership development, highlighted JMMB's proud association with the school and emphasised the company's commitment to building a strong reserve of principled business leaders.

"We are delighted to honour Joan Duncan's memory and legacy by making this endowment to UTech, the proceeds of which will be used to engage in activities that advance the principles for which she stood and lived, expand her legacy, and further her life's work for the benefit of Jamaica."