Prominent Local Entrepreneur James Moss Solomon Dies

Prominent local entrepreneur James ‘Jimmy’ Moss Solomon has died. The businessman passed away at hospital early Tuesday morning in the presence of his loved ones. Several tributes have since poured in from the prime minister, opposition leader and the local business community. The man of many talents was also remembered by the culture minister for his musical contributions. He was far from ordinary; Moss-Solomon was inducted into the order of distinction commander class and held many senior posts as a businessman and philanthropist.

He loved his family, his country and life. That’s how the late business leader was remembered by Grace Kennedy Group CEO, Don Wehby who deemed Moss Solomon a GK stalwart dedicated to the wellbeing of others. Senator Wehby notes jimmy as he was affectionately called, used his gift of storytelling and empathy to inspire those who knew him. Wehby says jimmy was not only his uncle and friend but also a mentor who will be deeply missed. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on his social media page expressed condolences to Moss-Solomon’s family. He notes the late Moss-Solomon was a former president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and former chairman of the board of directors of the University Hospital of the West Indies, UHWI.

The opposition also opened up about the business leader, describing his death as a great loss to the Jamaican society. Opposition spokesman on investment and industry Anthony Hylton recalls sage advice from the late great, adding  Moss-Solomon was one of a handful of independent thinkers that was not afraid to critically examine conventional wisdom and unafraid to articulate path-breaking ideas, while giving yeoman service.

Jimmy was also chairman of the council of the Institute of Jamaica, and exhibited musical talents that struck a note with the culture and gender ministry. Minister Olivia Grange in a statement Tuesday, she says he was one of our great business leaders, and was recently appointed to chair the council. She says, jimmy started a process to make the IOJ more nimble and responsive to the people of Jamaica. The minister says the IOJ and the ministry will miss his leadership, but will continue the necessary transformational work that he started.  She hails him as an excellent bass guitarist and keyboard player who once led a band that included Dr. Aggrey Irons.

Tributes also poured in from the Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce noting his tremendous leadership and dedication to economic development.

James Moss Solomon was also a member of the CVM Board of Directors.