Board of Directors
Dr. Lawrence Nicholson
Board MemberDr Lawrence Nicholson is a senior lecturer and head of the Decision Science and Information Systems Unit, at the Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), UWI. He has conducted research on family-owned and women-owned businesses in the Caribbean, and co-authored the book: “Understanding the Caribbean Enterprise: Insights from MSMEs and Family Owned Businesses”. Dr. Nicholson is the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Poverty Reduction Programme (PRP), the Chairman of Television Jamaica (TVJ) and Deputy Chairman of the RJR Gleaner Communications Group. He is a committed Christian and elder at Bethany Fellowship.
Mr. Howard James
Board MemberHoward James is a director of the business consultancy firm, Capacity Concepts Limited. A trained Chartered Accountant, he has spent over 25 years in strategic business management, and has built a solid reputation for assisting organisations implement holistic solutions for complex business challenges. Howard’s passion for business development, mentorship and nation building are critical elements of his life’s mission.
Robert Scott, CITP, JP
Board MemberRobert Scott is an International Business Development specialist and a Certified International Trade Professional. The Managing Director of Hilda Transportation, a member of the ARC group of companies and is the former Vice President of Export and Market Development at Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO). He serves also as the Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica, the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Latvia in Jamaica and is a director of the Jamaica Olympic Association.
Ian ‘Ity’ Ellis
Board MemberBorn and raised in Trench Town, Ian ‘Ity’ Ellis is an actor, comedian and successful businessman.
A trained accountant and savvy businessman, he holds an MBA degree from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. He is one part of the popular Jamaican comedy duo ‘Ity and Fancy Cat’. he has established an enviable reputation, as an endearing and enduring entertainment professional, leaving a trail of laughter in performances at major venues all over Jamaica, the Caribbean, North America and UK.
Having conquered the live stage locally and globally and having stamped his mark on television as performer and executive producer in the Jamaica’s longest running sketch comedy ‘The Ity and Fancy Cat Show’, and memorable on-screen appearances as an actor in two Jamaican feature films “Destiny’ and ‘It’s a Family Affair’ as well as recent Jamaican sitcom ‘Bigger Boss?’.
Ellis, manages a very hectic schedule, capably juggling the demands of his frenetic and high visibility work in entertainment – as administrator, producer and performer, with his serious commitment to church and family.
Sydney Thwaites
Board MemberSydney Thwaites is an accomplished business leader with over 30 years of
international experience across financial services, petrochemical and consulting
industries. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively in the United
States, Canada, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and the
Caribbean, building a reputation for strategic leadership, sound governance and
delivering sustainable business growth.
Mr. Thwaites has held senior executive roles including Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lubricating
Specialties Company, one of the largest independent lubricant manufacturers in
the western United States. In 2015, he co-founded Lubricating Specialties
Company Jamaica, re-establishing lubricant manufacturing in Jamaica after a 15-
year.
A Chartered Accountant by training, Mr. Thwaites began his career with Ernst &
Young LLP in Los Angeles. He has also served on the Advisory Committee of the
Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Advisory Board of the Petroleum
Quality Institute of America.
Mr. Thwaites currently serves on the boards of several Jamaican companies and
most recently served as President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters
Association (2023–2025), reflecting his continued commitment to advancing
Jamaica’s private sector and economic development.