Acclaimed Ocho Rios Businessman, civic leader and philanthropist Joe Issa, who never misses an occasion to praise things Jamaican, has more reasons to remember and honour the country’s Independence and those who fought for it, as he urges citizens to distinguish themselves through service to the country.
For it was on this day last year that Issa received Jamaica’s sixth highest award, with the motto “Distinction through Service”, which he says is the highest honour he has ever received for anything he has done.
“As I sit here today I remember last year when my name was called to receive the award for doing what I enjoy most.
“I still feel humbled and privileged to have experienced that moment when I stood in front of the Governor-General to receive the medal and words of encouragement to continue to serve my country.
“Although I had received other awards before, from private sector organisations, nothing prepared me for the thrill of Independence 2016, on the lawns of King’s House, being honoured by my country.
“I am not taking anything away from my other awards, as I am quite appreciative of the recognition; but being honoured by your country takes on new meaning…It redefines you as a citizen,” Issa said in an interview.
Issa was reflecting on the receipt last year of Jamaica’s sixth highest honour, Member of the Order of Distinction – in the rank of Commander (CD) – for outstanding contribution to business development and philanthropy.
Among the other awards, which he said pale in comparison, is the prestigious “Young Hotelier of the World 1994 by the International Hotels Association in Australia, and Travel Agents Magazine’s 100 Rising Stars, which he copped not once, but three times, consecutively, in the United States.
The award of CD was conferred on Issa on the occasion of the 54th Anniversary of Independence, by His Excellency The Governor-General, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Linton Allen ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, acting in accordance with the Regulations made under Section 7 of the National Honours and Awards Act, and on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP.
Issa’s appointment to the Orders of the Societies of Honour took effect from Independence Day, Saturday, the 6th August 2016. A high-ranking employee of his Cool Group of companies said at the time that the award was “long in coming” and “fitting” due to his “huge contribution to business and philanthropy in the parish and the country.”
According to newspaper reports, Issa headed the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce for two years before resigning in 1999 and leaving a legacy of strong leadership and advocacy. However, his involvement continued to this day – as a member of the chamber’s Past Presidents Advisory Committee (PPAC) – advocating for a more business-friendly environment, among other issues affecting the parish.
A multi-award winner locally and internationally for his business principles and strategies, Issa has played a meaningful role as a board member of several large companies including Supreme Ventures and First Global Bank.
Through Cool Charities, a subsidiary of his Cool Corporation headquartered in Ocho Rios, Issa continues to give back to the education of underprivileged Jamaican children.
Among the numerous plaques on his office walls, one shows the latest Corporate Award to Cool Corporation by the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce for his “outstanding service in good corporate principles and his involvement and support for civic and community activities.”
Jacks Blogs 