Lorna Myers is a phenomenal entrepreneur, who is most well-known for a decision she made 43 years ago.

All those decades ago, Myers went in pursuit of the Jamaica franchise for the world-famous KFC. Today, Restaurants of Jamaica Limited operates both the local KFC and Pizza Hut franchises, which accounts for a collective, 46 locations and 2,000 Jamaican jobs.

Myers’ mission was to provide a conducive work environment for staff development and personal growth, with emphasis on human resource development. Where her workers are concerned, she is very hands-on and tries to interact with them as best and as often as possible. She maintains that "It has been a joy to watch the young people develop under our care and improve their lives to become homeowners, managers and family leaders. I get great pleasure in knowing that we have played a role in that process."

After significant contributions to the restaurant sector and to nation building through job creation, Myers retired, bequeathing the reins of her businesses to her children. Those children have proven just as dedicated to Myers’ vision for the businesses and for the young people it provides an avenue for advancement.

It is for the strides she has made with this vision in mind that Myers was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for her contribution to entrepreneurship in Jamaica.

She has indicated immense gratitude that her principles and contribution to society could be recognised in the way it has. "This was so unexpected and a great surprise. I worked very hard but loved what I did. I just wanted to set a good example for my team members and family. There was never the thought that I would have been awarded for it," Myers had said upon the occasion of the honour.

It is Myers’ conviction that the future of Jamaica lies in the hands of the youth, the next generation. She believes that for that future to be a bright one, those youth need to be guided by business leaders through the practice of facilitating good work ethics and high corporate standards.

Facilitating those two things among young people, Myers believes, will lend itself to the creation of an environment that is attractive to international investors, one where there is outstanding customer service and high productivity. “That is my vision for Jamaica.”