McConnell hailed for his inspiration as a trailblazer, nation builder

William 'Billy' McConnell, former managing director at Lascelles deMercado & Company and Wray & Nephew Group, died yesterday after battling cancer.

McConnell retired from Lascelles in June 2011 but since then, served on a number of private- and public-sector boards. The well-known business leader was inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's (PSOJ) Hall of Fame in 2006.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed McConnell as a trailblazer, nation builder, and inspiration to a generation of industry professionals and innovators.

"His efforts at encouraging a liberalised free market as well as his championing the removal of foreign exchange controls created the environment where private business could prosper and enhanced the ability of entrepreneurs to develop competitive enterprises," said Holness.

"The entire Government and the people of Jamaica owe a debt of gratitude to Mr McConnell for his vision and dedication to the development of Jamaica and its people."

INSTRUMENTAL TO OTHER SECTORS

Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips said McConnell's remarkable contribution to the development of the nation's business sector is well recognised and that he gave outstanding service to the country through the private sector, in particular, through companies such as Lascelles De Mercado Ltd and J. Wray & Nephew.

Phillips said at the leadership level of the PSOJ, McConnell was instrumental in several major initiatives that promoted the interests of not only the membership, but assisted many other sectors towards national advancement.

"Jamaica has lost a stalwart of industries and a good and faithful son in the passing of Mr McConnell," said the opposition leader.