Veteran banker calls for ‘saving habit’ culture

Speaking with JIS News, he says that a habit of saving is important in providing families with a safety net during tough times, better enabling them to navigate crises such as the coronavirus (COVID-19 pandemic.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the VM Group, who was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD), says financial entities must take the lead in promoting a much stronger savings culture so that it can become a norm among workers and small-business persons.

“The more we can offer opportunities to everyone, the better it is for the entire society. Regardless of how much you earn, you should set aside a percentage of your income for rainy days, your children’s education, for healthcare needs. It is very important for us to teach a saving habit,” Mr. Campbell says.

More entities need to take that message out to people, he contends, so that budgeting, saving and wise borrowing are fully understood by the population.

“Our job is to empower them with the appropriate information, so they can make the right choices,” Mr. Campbell adds.

The veteran banker, who was recognised with the national award for his contribution to the field of financial operations, is a former CEO of First Global Bank, First Global Holdings Limited, and GraceKennedy Financial Group Limited.

He also served as General Manager for Retail Banking at the National Commercial Bank (NCB), where he established several financial products.

The son of Clarendon is grateful for the national award, which was presented during the National Honors and Awards Ceremony on October 21.

“It is a great honour to be recognised by your nation, and I am grateful for all the opportunities that I have had to serve my country through the institutions that I have worked,” he says.

Mr. Campbell is a strong believer in service to country.

The UWI Corporate Champion award recipient says it was ingrained in him by his parents and as a youngster at Knox College, to serve his community and identify with causes that benefit others.

As such, he has served in several public institutions and voluntary organisations in positions such as Chairman of the National Education Trust (NET), Chairman of the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and Co-chair of Discipleship Ministry at the Webster Memorial United Church, where he mentors young adults and is Chairman of the Church’s Mission Enterprise.

Mr. Campbell has also contributed to philanthropic efforts through the Rotary Club, and the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, among others.

Earlier this year, he received the 2024 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) in recognition of his advocacy for financial inclusion.

“I have identified some areas that I can serve and it is part of my commitment to shine a light. There are various avenues for us to serve,” he states, noting that people can get involved in service clubs, community youth groups, among others.

Mr. Campbell says that successful people must always remember those who contributed to their accomplishment and “demonstrate gratitude by helping others”.

“It is important for people to find ways to express thanks to the wider society. Commit to spending the time and effort to making that difference,” he urges.

“Make a difference, as your gifts can be to the benefit of the community,” he appeals.

Mr. Campbell is leading an initiative at his church to develop a wellness manor, which he tells JIS News, will be the “Caribbean’s best equipped residential facility for seniors”.

“We are giving them a holistic environment to facilitate their ongoing nurturing,” he says, noting that when complete, the accommodation for 50 residents will help to “raise the bar on how we in Jamaica and the Caribbean can serve our seniors.”

Mr. Campbell also wants key leaders in various spheres of society to unite for Jamaica and work collaboratively for the interest of all.