My Kingston – Graham Jervis
Coastal Engineer — Smith Warner International Ltd
What are your earliest memories of Kingston?
Going to barbecues put on by Immaculate Conception High School… it was a big thing back in the day.
What do you miss when you’re not in Kingston?
I miss the familiar faces.
Who has been your inspiration?
Ralph Lauren. To me, he embodies longevity and quality of life. He exudes sophistication, class and timelessness and it also helps that he vacations in Jamaica.
What are your favourite home comforts?
My home comforts are my artwork.
What would you do if you were Mayor (of Kingston) for a day?
I would insitute a course on how to get rid of the ‘curry-goat-and-white-rum’ mentality that so plagues our society. Through this, I’d hope that our people learn self-sufficiency.
Share with us the title of the last book you read.
F Wall Street by Joe Ponzio.
What’s your middle name?
Alexander.
And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?
Deep Inside, a musical compilation by Charles Lazarus.
What was your last bit of retail therapy?
Two personalised Argentina and Netherlands polo shirts and a limited edition IWC Aquatimer watch.
Which cologne are you splashing?
Creed.
What is your preferred beverage?
Appleton Reserve on the rocks.
What’s your most memorable meal in Kingston?
Lionfish at Chez Maria.
What projects are you currently working on?
An Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) plan for Savannah-La-Mar, Black River and Ocho Rios. Also, an Environmental Impact Assessment for a road expansion in Trinidad and a marina development in Grenada.
What upsets you?
The ‘freeness’ mentality that some Jamaicans cling to.
Name the last three places you’ve visited on holiday.
Trinidad, Trinidad and Trinidad (he’s a self-professed carnival junkie).
Share some of the places in your black book.
Unique Rides, Fiction at The Marketplace, Friends on the Deck and Kingston Polo Club.
What’s your advice to a first-time visitor to Kingston?
Find someone who can take you around and show you a good time, but you must visit Strawberry Hill.
What’s your philosophy?
Work smart, not hard.