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‘A Man For All Seasons’

James ‘Jimmy’ Moss-Solomon hailed at book launch

Published:Wednesday | April 10, 2024 | 12:05 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
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Jeffery Moss-Solomon (left) and his wife Gail (centre) with their children (from left) Mika, Noa and Sierra, share a moment at the launch of the book on his father’s life – James Moss-Solomon – by Glynis Salmon Publishers, at the Karl Hendrickson Aud
Rudolph Brown
Jeffery Moss-Solomon (left) and his wife Gail (centre) with their children (from left) Mika, Noa and Sierra, share a moment at the launch of the book on his father’s life – James Moss-Solomon – by Glynis Salmon Publishers, at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at JC College at Wednesday, April 3.
The late James Moss-Solomon
Rudolph Brown
The late James Moss-Solomon
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Former businessman, the late James ‘Jimmy’ Moss-Solomon, who for decades served GraceKennedy group in various positions, has been hailed as “a man for all seasons” by executive of the company, Catherine Kennedy.

Speaking at the launch of the book at the Jamaica College auditorium, Jimmy Moss-Solomon: His Thoughts, Ideas and Perspectives, Kennedy said the book itself will serve as a fitting and lasting tribute to Moss-Solomon’s service, value, and impact.The book was compiled by Glynis Salmon and published by Bala Press Publishers.

At the time of his passing on January 4, at 70 years old, Moss-Solomon was chairman of GraceKennedy Foundation, and the Grace and Staff Community Development Foundation, of which he was founding director.

Kennedy reminded the audience of the exploits of the businessman and philanthropist, outlining some of his several achievements over the years.

According to Kennedy: “He was an outstanding swimmer, being the youngest ever to compete in the ‘Cross the Harbour’ race at age 10; he held the national record for the 100m and 200m butterfly stroke, described as the most perfectly executed, between 1966 and 1970. He also played polo.

“He was a talented musician, proficient on keyboard, guitar and bass, and with a good singing voice; he was a member of the popular 50/50 Band, he was a prolific contributor to national newspapers, more so to the online newspaper Public Opinion ( publicopinion.news), on national and regional affairs. The Public Opinion articles included in this collection were written by Jimmy between 2017 and 2021.

“He was a superb master of ceremonies for company events. Most of all, he was warm and sociable, with an outstanding sense of humour and he was a loyal friend, willing to help with any task needed.”

In 2012, Moss-Solomon presented the GraceKennedy Foundation’s annual lecture, titled ‘Jamaica and GraceKennedy: Dreams Converging, Roads Diverging’, which served to mark Jamaica’s 50th year of independence. According to Kennedy, the lecture marked Moss-Solomon’s understanding of the nation’s and GraceKennedy’s history and development.

In business, Moss-Solomon served as president of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce from 2004 to 2009 and also volunteered as adviser to the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery for the Free Trade of the Americas (FTAA) and CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.

“At the level of the Foundation, it is with great pride that we acknowledge the outstanding role that he played as Executive in Residence at the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), up to his final illness and passing. During his time at the MSBM, Jimmy was adviser and confidant to students and lecturers alike. It was no wonder that The University chose to honour his contribution by instituting an Annual Lecture Series in his name. The inaugural lecture was held on November 30, 2022, with Senator Don Wehby, GraceKennedy CEO, as the keynote speaker.”