Message from
As the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica brings to a close its year-long 50th Anniversary celebrations, our Golden Gala Awards Banquet provided a wonderful opportunity to honour our 2015 Distinguished Member Awardee, Mr. Don Wehby, salute our 2015 retirees and recognise our new members for this year.
The 50th Anniversary celebrations comprised several events which enabled the Institute to pay tribute to its Founding Fathers and Past Presidents, all of whom laid a firm foundation for the Institute through their visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. They focused on providing avenues for Jamaicans to qualify as Chartered Accountants through the Joint Examination Scheme with the ACCA, followed by their efforts in support of the Bachelor of Science (Accounting) and the Master of Science offered at the University of the West Indies. In addition, they went on to provide a solid framework for the profession as evidenced by the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards and the invaluable role played by members of the profession in the private and public sectors.
The celebrations during our Golden Jubilee year spanned the island and included church services and luncheons, visits to service organisations and schools, the first Chartered Accountants Week in Jamaica to recognise the profession as well as our successful Business Conference.
With this heritage, the Institute is committed to ensuring that our accomplishments over the next 50 years will shine as brightly. Our strategic goals for coming years include continuing to see to the Institute’s financial and organisational health, as well as the establishment of a “Professional Accountants in Business” committee to enhance our members’ role in the wider society and to continue to act as an advocate on critical issues in the public domain. More importantly, the Institute will continue to enhance its standing as a leading professional organisation acting and speaking on behalf of its members, while upholding its distinguished presence in local, regional and global arenas.
Let me use this opportunity to thank ICAJ’s Council, the general membership, students, staff, sponsors and other stakeholders for their indefatigable support during the year and in ensuring we successfully met our objectives.
In closing, in this Season of goodwill let us remember the less fortunate among us and provide tangible support where we can. On behalf of Council, allow me to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2016!