NOTED businessman Prakash Vaswani was on Tuesday praised for his contribution to Jamaica, particularly in the areas of manufacturing, export, and commerce.

Vaswani, who served as Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA) president from 1978 to 1981 and 1986 to 1989, passed away on Monday. He was 69.

Reacting to Vaswani’s passing, former opposition leader and People’s National Party (PNP) President Dr Peter Phillips said that although the late businessman was born in India, he had “made Jamaica his home and contributed greatly to our nation’s well-being in manufacturing and exports, and commerce generally”.

Phillips also said that Vaswani was a loyal member of the PNP, heading its election fund-raising committee, and that he personally benefited from Vaswani’s views on financial policy.

“His sudden passing leaves us all bereft,” said Phillips.

In addition to serving the JEA, Vaswani was chairman of the National Water Commission and was a member of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica’s Council of Presidents.

Vaswani, who also served as Jamaica Mortgage Bank chairman, was co-chairman of Learner Shops, director of Juliet Brassiere, founder of Knutsford Capital Merchant Bank, and was the exclusive importer of Tata vehicles in 1989.

On Tuesday, Vaswani’s elder son Krishna told the Jamaica Observer that his father was instrumental in having his children follow in his footsteps in manufacturing and export.

“He was also a very straight businessman, very honest, and caring. Anything he touched he did so with the notion that you never disrespect people and you give them support where you can,” he said.

He also recalled his father being an avid philanthropist who never sought the limelight.

Vaswani attended St Mary’s College and Wolmer’s Boys’ School.

He is survived by his wife, Anita, daughter Reshma sons Krishna and Sudhama, daughter-in-law Leah and two grandchildren.