Roy Collister Honoured with O.J

Financial expert and businessman, Roy Collister, was conferred with the Order of Jamaica (O.J.) on Friday (March 19).
The stalwart financier expressed his gratitude to the Government of Jamaica for the honour, describing the moment as a “great pleasure.”
Mr. Collister, an enthusiastic participant in the formulation of national policies which have influenced foreign exchange rates, tax reform and regional trade for many years, was conferred with the country’s fourth highest honour at a special ceremony at his home, Temple Meads, Kingston.

Businessman Roy Collister and his wife, Sylvia, celebrate his conferment with the Order of Jamaica during a special ceremony at their home in Kingston on Friday (March 19).

The ceremony was presided over by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen. His family, friends, business colleagues and other well-wishers, including his sons, Paul and Keith, and his wife, Sylvia, were on hand for the occasion.
Mr. Collister’s involvement in the introduction of measures to improve Jamaica’s foreign exchange rate dates back to the 1970s, when he participated in the joint Government/private sector negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
His advocacy continued in the 1980s, when he accompanied then Prime Minister of Jamaica, Most Hon Edward Seaga, to Washington as part of the Jamaican team which negotiated with the IMF.

Her Excellency the Most Hon Lady Patricia Allen, speaking with Sylvia Collister, following the conferment of the Order of Jamaica (O.J.) on her husband, Roy Collister, on Friday (March 19) at their home in Kingston.

In 1981, as President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, he made his mark pushing for the abolition of foreign exchange controls, and for the introduction of the floating Jamaican dollar regime.
Mr. Collister has been a resident of Jamaica for the past 48 years, having moved to the island from England in the early 1960s.
The Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding, in his remarks, said Mr. Collister was a remarkable businessman, and that the award was in recognition and appreciation of his tremendous contribution to Jamaica.
“The award specifically refers to his significant contribution to business and to the business community. But, his services to Jamaica go far beyond that. He has been a leader within the private sector that has provided sterling leadership to this country, as a senior member of the private sector for many years,” Mr. Golding said.