My Kingston – Gerard Fontaine
What are your earliest memories of Kingston?
My earliest memories are of my family. As the Christmas season approaches, the memory of my family being together, enjoying each other’s company, telling old stories, jokes and laughter resonates with me.
What would you do if you were mayor of Kingston for a day?
Advocating to improve health care, safety, waste management, and brand building would be on the top of my list. But to get the most impact in a day, I would run an anti-litter and clean-up campaign for the day and subsequently advocate for a change in the current anti-litter laws.
What would be your recommendations to a first-time visitor to Kingston?
What would be your recommendations to a first-time visitor to Kingston?
Don’t be afraid to explore. Seize every opportunity to try out our restaurants and food. Take a tour of the downtown and New Kingston business areas, the University of the West Indies, Mona, the National Gallery of Jamaica, and the Bob Marley Museum to experience various dimensions of our society and culture. And, interact with the people to get a good understanding of the Jamaican perspective. A stop at Devon House to savour our ice-cream, one of the best in the world, is a must. Kingston truly has many gems.
Are risk-takers ultimately happier people?
Are risk-takers ultimately happier people?
Life is about the pursuit of happiness. With risk there comes both failure and success; but most importantly, growth takes place either way. However, risks need to be calculated as it is important to know if the ‘juice is worth the squeeze’.
Between instant and delayed gratification, is the latter always the smarter approach?
Between instant and delayed gratification, is the latter always the smarter approach?
In business, they say money in hand today is surer than money tomorrow, but I have found that everything is relative and what has served me well is patience.
Are business models that incorporate an investment in philanthropy better poised for the long haul?
Are business models that incorporate an investment in philanthropy better poised for the long haul?
I would think so, whether through donations or direct involvement in a charity. I think, for those who can afford to give back it is their duty to help others.
Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2016 is ‘post-truth’. What’s yours?
Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year 2016 is ‘post-truth’. What’s yours?
My word for 2016 is value. Customers, people, and relationships need to be valued. In business, one must remember that we are here to bring value to the customers through our offerings. We must treat people in the way we want to be treated. In our relationships we must value each other for who they are, and not for who we want them to be.
Red cars are…
Red cars are…
Not more expensive to insure.