Samuda resigns

He said as president of the business group his position has become untenable after recently accepting the opportunity to enter representational politics.

In a formal notice to the membership, Samuda said: “I am writing to tell you that I am resigning from my position as the president of the Old Harbour Chamber of Commerce.

“As you know, I have recently accepted the candidacy for the People’s National Party councillor candidate for Old Harbour North Division. To prevent political alignment of the chamber which must remain as a non-political organization, I have made the decision to resign.”

In 2015, the head honcho of Kaluga Kafe took up the reigns as interim president of the fledgling business body from Mahalia Watson, director of Global Laboratories and Health Services.

Under his watch the OHCC played an important role in successfully lobbying the TransJamaica Highway to make accessible its east-bound off ramp at Old Harbour which was having a negative impact on road users coming from May Pen, Clarendon.

In light of his decision to step down, Samuda said: “I would be happy to devote some time over the next two weeks to transferring my responsibilities over to a replacement president.

The 36-year-old businessman described his time at the helm as a “great experience and I am happy to have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people representing the business community of Old Harbour”.

There has been no indication from other members of the chamber to take up the vacancy being left by Samuda. 

Treacha Reid-McCalla, founder of Shades of Elegance is the current vice president, while notable figures such as social activist Randy Finnikin and Jamaica Bedding supremo Errol Lewin also serve on the committee.