THE GLEANER’S FLAIR MAGAZINE • TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022 I {FLAIR CHERYL DONNAMarie Lewis rose to the position of the first female deputy director general of the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) in 2019 after a sterling career in law and utilities regulation, spanning some 24 years. She is widely viewed as one of the foremost authorities in legal and technical matters pertaining to utilities regulation in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, a reputation which has seen her receiving many requests to provide advice, make presentations and participate on panels on such matters, both locally and overseas. Lewis’ foray into utilities regulation started in the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers, where she worked as legal counsel for 15 years. Her various positions there included her appointment as the director of commercial affairs, where she represented the Government in matters such as the privatisations of Air Jamaica and the sugar industry, Jamaica’s first debt exchange, the creation of the Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market and the introduction of ethanol in Jamaica (‘85 and ‘90). Lewis states, “Upon reflection, I am grateful for my years at the AG’s Chambers as it exposed me to so many areas. It was perhaps because of the multifaceted experiences why I did not feel daunted to join the OUR, which deals with highly specialised matters. I always love to challenge myself, and I saw the opportunity to take another step in my career, while at the same time serving my country.” Lewis joined the OUR in October 2010 as deputy general counsel and became general counsel two years later. She held this position for six years, having responsibility for providing legal and strategic advice on regulatory and legislative matters regarding the OUR’s statutory mandate. During her tenure at the OUR, she has provided effective representation locally and internationally. Notably, Lewis has played an integral part in the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the electricity sector and the development of the associated infrastructure in Jamaica, the first such in the Caribbean at the time. She has delivered special lectures internationally, relating to Jamaica’s experience with LNG. Lewis is currently one of three deputy directors-general at the OUR – the only woman in its 25-year history – and has oversight for the legal and consumer and public affairs departments. She is also a member of the office’s legal affairs subcommittee. A British Chevening Scholar, Lewis holds a Masters of Laws (Distinction) in International Business Law from the University of Manchester in England and a legal education certificate from the Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica where she graduated in the top five of her graduating class. She holds many other professional and academic qualifications, but remains humble in her success. An ardent Christian, Lewis is a firm believer in ‘paying it forward’. As such, she mentors teenagers, young adults and adults from various walks of life, guiding and motivating them to realise and release their God-given potential. She is a past student of the Montego Bay High School for Girls and Holy Childhood High School and is a member of the Jamaican Bar Association. Cheryl Lewis making her mark The first female deputy director-general of the Office of Utilities Regulation, Cheryl Lewis continues to make her mark. OUR’s first female deputy director general breaking bias, blazing a trail 10 F.ADVERTORIAL
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