THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A1 SECTION C
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A4AC4 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD SING SLUN Chin was born the third of four children in Tai San, Canton, China on August 22, 1947, to Arthur George and Sem Kun Chin. He had an older sister Gloria (Moy), an older brother Sing Fong, and a younger brother Aston. Dad immigrated to Kingston, Jamaica, at the age of four with his mother and older brother Fong on a ship from Hong Kong. This trip took a few weeks across the Paci c and foreshadowed a life that was never easy yet culminated in success due to hard work, persistence and a drive that, to this day, I am and always will be, in awe of. Dad grew up the son of a shopkeeper which never left him with much free time outside of school at Mr Walker’s Preparatory School on Whit eld Avenue and then eventually Greenwich Town Primary School on Spanish Town Road. As the sun rose, there were chores to do, then off to school. As the last bell rang, it was back home to help tend to the shop and the customers. It was a hard upbringing, but one that moulded dad into the customer service-oriented shop owner he was and loved being. Many of you have asked me about my WhatsApp profile picture. That is my grandfather’s rst shop on Waltham Park Road that served as both home and work for dad, uncle Fong and my grandparents. Dad’s father and grandfather were both your stereotypical Chinese Jamaican shopkeepers who basically laid the foundation of a work ethic that has made its way to the current generation who will now carry the torch. I will keep that picture as a reminder of where things started and what hard work can do. In 1959, dad graduated primary school and began what would be some of his favourite years at Kingston College. He remained in contact with some of his old KC friends and supported the school throughout the years. He really enjoyed those years and the friendships he made, which made it very difficult for him when he decided to leave home and school in 1963 at the age of 15. For the next three years, dad would move around and stay with friends until he could rent a room on his own. He would have odd jobs which mostly centred around sales and customer service. Eventually he moved back home and got a job as a salesman at Hand Arnold Limited at the age of 19. Soon after, dad met my mother Beverly and their family and his career started to take shape. First came Michelle in 1967, followed by a career move to T. Geddes Grant in 1968. This is where he met Albert ‘Dockie’ Lym and they became good friends up until now. In 1970, I came along, followed by dad’s rst major acquisition of Havendale Store on Mannings Hill Road in 1971. From there, dad continued to sharpen his skills and continued his dream of being a successful shopkeeper. In 1972, dad continued his risk taking and acquired land which would be the future location of Super Valu Supermarket on Mannings Hill Road. By 1974, Stacy had now joined the family and the doors to Super Valu Supermarket were opened. But just as this dream was starting to take shape, the political unrest across the island forced dad to make the difficult decision to move his family overseas, as well as himself, for four years. Although away from home, dad still used the opportunity to learn something new and make himself a better and smarter person. In 1980, with the country under new leadership, dad returned home and picked up right where he left off, working hard and serving customers. Eventually, Super Valu Supermarket would become one of the most successful supermarkets on the island in the 1980s. This location DAD DID EVERYTHING THE WAY HE WANTED and knew what he was doing PLEASE SEE THE WAY HE WANTED, C6 In 1970, I came along, followed by dad’s first major acquisition of Havendale Store on Mannings Hill Road in 1971. From there, dad continued to sharpen his skills and continued his dream of being a successful shopkeeper. In 1972, dad continued his risk taking and acquired land which would be the future location of Super Valu Supermarket on Mannings Hill Road.
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A6 is where Michelle, Stacy and I began our training in our early teens during summer and winter holidays from studying overseas. I remember customers coming from as far as Negril weekly for items that you could not nd anywhere else on the island. Dad knew what he was doing. From here, the Sing Chin machine kept on rolling. Nicholas, the youngest of my siblings was born in 1985. Dad and Uncle Fong acquired Manor Park Pharmacy in 1988 and then started Shopper’s Mart in Ocho Rios with their brother Aston the following year. Super Valu Home Centre on Mannings Hill Road came next in the early 1990s which led to the eventual opening of Super Valu Home Centre in Liguanea in 1998. This was one of dad’s favourite stores at the time and he still had plans up until recently to open an even bigger one. So up to this point in his life, dad had proved that whatever he put his mind to, and whatever he gambled, paid off. He now set his sights on something bigger. With the help of three friends, Kenneth Loshusan, Albert ‘Dockie’ Lym, and Gladdy Loshusan, dad and Uncle Fong started Progressive Grocers of Jamaica Limited in 1999. Progressive started with one store, then eight, and now stands at a growing chain of 22 stores. I would say that this gamble also paid off. But, of course, he would not stop there. While the Super Valu Group of Companies were doing well, and Progressive Grocers of Jamaica was slowly taking hold across the island, dad wanted more. In 2006, he and Uncle Fong acquired land on Constant Spring Road and started what would be one of the most anticipated openings of a plaza in recent history. After breaking ground that year, dad took his time building Super Valu Towne Centre. We’ve had customers come in and tell us that when we rst broke ground, they were starting Immaculate prep, then they went to Immaculate High, and now graduating from UWI, and we still were not done. We even heard stories that Sing Chin had run out of money and couldn’t nish the project. Truth of the matter is, that dad just wanted to be involved in every detail of both the plaza and the eventual supermarket, Super Valu Fresh Foods. No matter how long it took, he was going to do it his way, but as usual, there had to be an obstacle. In March of 2020, our island, as well as the entire planet, was shook by the COVID pandemic. It was a crazy and scary time. We were nally ready to open Super Valu Fresh Foods but that would be unthinkable – to start a new venture during a pandemic with all of the curfew and restrictions. Stacy and I questioned his decision to open. You would have to be either crazy, or a visionary to open that door. But guess what, Super Valu Fresh Foods opened its doors in May of 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, and again, the gamble paid off. So here we are on a day that we all knew would eventually come but, obviously, not so soon. Dad did everything the way he wanted and prepared us all as he always does at home and at work. A testament to that is while my siblings and I were by his bedside, and Stacy and I away from the stores, a Category 5 hurricane struck our island home. The Super Valu family stepped up and managed the storm while we were not AC6 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD THE WAY HE WANTED CONTINUED FROM C4 Craig Chin with father Sing Slun Chin PLEASE SEE THE WAY HE WANTED, C11
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A8AC8 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD GOOD MORNING everyone. My name is Annalisa Rodriguez, I am Sing’s rstborn grandchild of his rstborn daughter Michelle. I am joined by my siblings and cousins: Gaby, Julian, Courtney, Sebastian, Emily, and Mila. Or, like Papa liked to call us: Firstborn, Gabs, Juj, Scooch, Bas, Poo, and Mimi. Papa liked to joke that we are “Chinriguezes”. He always wanted us to remember that even though our last name is Rodriguez, we are proud members of the Chin family. We are lucky to have so many fond memories of our Papa. Sunday mornings during our trips to Jamaica meant Jamaican breakfast at Papa’s house with plates full of ackee and salt sh, breadfruit, and callaloo. Then there were our grand pickney eld trips to TGI Fridays when all the grandkids would pile into Papa’s truck and eat lunch all together. He instilled our love for cutthroat kalooki games and we will carry those memories as we teach our families and children how to play. All of us get our competitive sides from Papa. Since my siblings and I grew up in Miami, there were fewer times that the grandkids were all together. However, HIS LEGACY LIVES ON IN EACH OF US Sing Slun Chin with granddaughter Annalisa Rodriguez
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A9 CA9 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD when we were all together, nothing made Papa’s heart happier. In his last few weeks in the hospital, Papa would perk up the most when he knew his family, and speci cally his grandkids, were nearby. His eyes lighting up when we would walk in the room is something that will stay with me for a long time. For many of us here, Papa’s “good morning” inspirational messages were a near-everyday occurrence. Sometimes we were greeted with his bitmoji character that looked just like him. He would greet all of his “grand pickneys” and check to see what we were doing that day, always asking if work and school were going well and when we were going to come see him next. It was a blessed way to start each day and a heartwarming way to know that he was thinking about us. But if none of us replied, it was followed by a “HELLO? Unno deaf??” It is an unfortunate fact that when someone we love passes away, we learn so much more about their life after they are gone. There are so many new stories about our Papa, full of funny and exciting characters, that we never knew about until after he passed. These are the stories I wish I had asked about when he was still alive, holding onto his memories and carrying them with me to pass on to my children. Fortunately, there are so many people here that share in those stories and memories that will hopefully continue to spread the love and joy that Papa shared with us so we can stay close to him. There is an old idea about death I heard once after my grandmother Norma passed away. It is this: “When a person dies, they die twice. The rst time is when they physically die and leave this earth. The second time is when the last person who remembers them dies.” This idea may sound morbid to most, but it has always given me some peace and comfort. Papa may no longer be with us here in this life, but he lives on strong and proud in all of the hearts of those who care about him – in his family, his friends, his business, his community. His memory and love has seeped into the walls of his stores, his friends’ conversations, and in his family’s achievements and setbacks. His back pats are forever imprinted on the backs of our shoulders, his smile burned into our hearts. Finally, a word to my cousins, the ones present and the ones yet to come: Let us carry Papa Sing with us wherever we go and in whatever we do. Let his legacy live on in each of us, especially in our work ethic and how we carry ourselves. While Papa will not be with us physically for our engagements, weddings, graduations, birthdays, etc, he will accompany us in spirit as we celebrate together. I continue to see him every day in each of you: in Gaby’s spirit of helping others, in Juju’s love of classic cars, in Courtney’s mannerisms and sitting posture, in Sebastian’s passion for Bird Bush, in Emily’s affinity for business, and in Mila’s strong will. As for me, I think my family would agree that I get my “it’s my way or the highway” mentality straight from Papa himself. Papa, we thank you for all of these things. For all of your best qualities that you bestowed on us, the special moments spent together, and all the life lessons. Please continue to watch over us and help us to “walk good” in this life. God bless you, Papa. We love you. ANNALISA RODRIGUEZ Granddaughter Finally, a word to my cousins, the ones present and the ones yet to come: Let us carry Papa Sing with us wherever we go and in whatever we do. Let his legacy live on in each of us, especially in our work ethic and how we carry ourselves.
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A10 AC10 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD I WISH to express my deepest condolences to rst Sing’s grandchildren, Annalisa, Julian, Gabrielle, Courtney, Sebastian, Emily and baby Mila. I know that losing your Grandpa is one of the hardest moments in your life, but remember that he will always be with you and his lessons he taught you will carry you very far in life. You all have him in you in some way. To his four children, Michelle, Craig, Stacy and Nicholas, and their spouses, my heartfelt sympathies as well and, as he says in his book in the opening chapter and I quote, “Not a day goes by when I don’t want to teach you guys something new, show you a different point of view, or help shape you into the outstanding human beings you have all become”. You have all been taught by the master and today I want to speak about what an enlightened man Sing Slun Chin was and a man that I can say was a true friend Let me go back to the beginning when I rst met and really got to know Sing. In the mid to late 1990s, my uncle Sam, then chairman of Wisynco, was getting ready to retire and Sing was one of his best friends, so much so that after Sam passed, Sing put a picture of him in the office. So as many of you who knew Sam know, his love was of the outdoors and before he started the goat farm in Treasure Beach, he rented a house in Black River from Terry Lyn who owned the bakery there. He also became very close to her brother Eugene and his sidekick Elliot. If anyone wanted to nd this team of men on most weekends, they would be in Black River. Eugene was a fantastic cook and every weekend, especially during the shooting season, we would be there where he would be cooking up a storm. The crew almost always had Sing and Nicholas, who was a young teenager then. One Friday night, Andrew and I went to Black River with George Hugh and Metry Seaga. Eugene cooked a gourmet dinner which usually included some corned sh he made himself from Snook caught right in the Black River. Everyone was nishing up sitting in the yard relaxing after dinner which that night included mutton with lime leaf as a joke. Sing and my uncle later in the evening, when a yard dog walked through the house, said shoo mutton. But let me tell you about Sing and why he was such an enlightened man and leader. His career started at the tender age of 15 after he dropped out of high school and started working for Joseph’s at Orange Street; funnily he had also applied to work at Mahfood and Sons at Harbour Street which is where Sam would have already been working alongside his brothers in 1963, as their father had died the year before. Sing had a drive to be independent and create… a true enlightened visionary. He worked for Joseph’s for four years then went to work for Hand Arnold and nally, the last company he worked for was Geddes Grant as a salesman where he got to know the Lyns who owned the store in Havendale that he would eventually buy at the age of 24 years old... in 1971. Imagine being married with two children and a mortgage and trying to nd the money to buy a business. Sing was an enlightened and bold visionary. That move started him on his retail journey from the small shop at Mannings Hill Road. Alongside his brother Fong, in 1974, they started SuperValu at Mannings Hill Road to years later, building the largest retail empire in Jamaica. With close to 30 total retail businesses today, Sing has created one of the best-run retail business empires in Jamaica. He was an enlightened visionary. In 1999 Sing, Gladdy, Ken and Docky came to Wisynco. Sing was driving a white Ford F150, I recall, and the four of them were piled into it. They had just acquired Welcome Supermarket from the Lees at Old Hope Road and were about to nalise the purchase of Shoppers Fair’s seven stores. They came to Wisynco to see how we could assist them. They had just left another distribution company where they were not treated the way they had expected, then they arrived at our White Marl location where Sam, Joe and Andrew and I were. They started with seven stores; today they have 22 and ve more in the works. Sing had his dream team: they are Camille Lim Sang, William Reid, and Pat Bravo... together they worked assiduously to build each new store and upgrade the ones that needed it. Sing was an enlightened competitor and customer. Stacy tells the story of Don Wehby calling him for retail advice and he happily shared with him anything he needed to know when Grace were expanding Hi Lo. Sing knew that Progressive and Shoppers Fair would always have enough business and, as he told Stacy, “There’s more than enough to go around”. His relationships with the main distributors, banks, contractors, etc, allowed the group to always have an edge. In his book, he tells the story of how Bill Clarke, then heading Scotiabank, didn’t ask any questions when they were buying the Shoppers Fair business and lent them the money. In the early days of Shoppers Fair, lunches were at Northside every Thursday. Included in those lunches would be Bill Clarke, then when he left Scotia, it was Barry Chisholm, Warrington (Flash) Williams, Halcott Holness and myself. With Ken, Gladdy, Sing and Docky, the food was always fantastic and Daniel, who owned the restaurant then, always took good care of us. There was always an eating contest between Hal and Flash, but Flash was the steady one and would still be eating when we were all nished. I then recall Sing telling me one day that he had bought the land at Constant Spring Road from Howard Mackenzie, the adjoining piece he bought from his sister, and that location is where today stands Kingston’s premier supermarket in Fresh Foods. He took his sweet time building that store. I remember the days going to his site office in the container and he had a big display table with all of the projects he was working on for Progressive; their work always took precedence. Fresh Foods took almost 10 years to build and I remember all the time people calling me and asking if Sing had run out of money. But I knew he was doing it in his own time and that he wanted to ensure that his partners in Progressive got the focus for their businesses that they were due. Fresh Foods opened during COVID and, in the short time the store has been open, it has become one of the best supermarkets in Jamaica. Sing would love to sit at the front of the store and chat to every customer coming in… he was an enlightened businessman Before he passed, he was working on ve major projects to include Drax Hall, the New Westgate refurbish, Harbour View refurbish, Negril and Greater Portmore refurbish. The workload that he left is enough for an entire team for the next few years, and I know that in Stacy and Craig will manage, along with the dream team. Ken was a huge loss to the entire group but moreso to Sing, and he says so in the book. They were both very much the glue that held the group together in the early days and two true visionaries. I remember the late 1990s at Northside Plaza as I saw these men who were all similar in age to my parents talking about expansion, growing, led by Ken and Sing with the desire to keep investing and growing. I used to say to them all the time that they needed to start bringing the younger generation into the meetings and business in order to plan for proper succession. Ken passed in 2011 and it seemed as if that was the catalyst that got the younger generation into the business. Bruce, Laura, Craig, Tim and now Stacy, as the reins are being handed over to you with Progressive, be enlightened, continue to be visionary. Sing was an enlightened leader and if you ever have a chance to speak with any of the team members of any of his businesses they were treated like family. The most important quote from Sing’s book that I want to read today is this: “When Michelle was born, instilled in me was a belief that I have lived by since the moment I rst held her in my arms: no matter what lay ahead, no matter what my accomplishments, being a father was going to be my most important job and the deepest source of pride and joy in my life” May his soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine upon him. WILLIAM MAHFOOD AN ENLIGHTENED VISIONARY Sing was an enlightened leader and if you ever have a chance to speak with any of the team members of any of his businesses they were treated like family. William Mahfood, chairman of the Wisynco Group
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A11 CA11 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD there. In a similar fashion, three of the top operational persons for Progressive Grocers were also not there and, again, business carried on. Dad always knew what he wanted to do. It was 1994 and I had just graduated university in the States and went to work for a hotel chain in the US. It was hard work with long hours but I was prepared. Dad and I would have talks maybe once a month, as there were no cellphones at that time. On one talk he said that maybe I should consider coming home to work. It was just Super Valu Supermarket, Manor Park Pharmacy and the rst Super Valu Home Centre at the time. He said he was tired of the late supermarket hours, and if I came home, it would be me, him and Uncle Fong and we could open up another hardware store with the easier hours and sell the supermarket. Well, I took the bait and came home. If my 24-year-old self had known this is what was in store for me, I may have had second thoughts. Dad knew what he was doing. It was a similar situation in our Progressive Grocers boardroom. I’m not sure if the other directors gured it out as yet, but Dad always had a plan. If he wanted us to have a presence in a particular town, he would come to the board for us to vote. However, he would always present it in a way that we would be foolish to vote against it. Little did we know, but handshakes had already taken place and documents were being drafted before we could all say yea or nay, which most times was yea. As many of you have so kindly expressed your condolences, two words kept repeating in your messages – leader and visionary. The only word that I would include and put even before those two would be father. He cared for every one of his staff as if they were his children. No matter what they needed or what they needed to say to him, he was always available. This became even more so over the last maybe 15 years when dad was rst introduced to WhatsApp.This was the fastest way for him to tell almost everyone, whether family, friend or staff, good morning. Most of you realised that something had to be wrong when a few days passed and you did not get a message from him more than six weeks ago. Dad fought hard for those three weeks in the ICU at Baptist Hospital in Miami. As usual, obstacles presented themselves, but Dad refused to give up. During one of his few lucid days when he was not still heavily sedated, I was able to speak to him. In order to see if he was understanding me, I asked him about details for a particular project. Not only was he able to give me exact details, he repeated speci c square footages and costings. To show what a true businessman he was, one of the last few words we had together, Dad said to always negotiate. So to all of his friends who are also business associates, be warned that I will hold true to my father’s last request and negotiate. In closing, I would like to say to the Progressive Grocers of Jamaica family, we will continue. To the Super Valu family, we will continue. To all of Dad’s friends, we will continue. And to the family that Dad cared so much for from the bottom of his heart, we will continue. He was very proud of all of his children and all of his grandchildren. Watching them grow and remain close over the years was all that he truly cared about and made him smile. Dad, you lived a long and productive life lled with respect, courage and love. It’s now time for you to rest peacefully and watch over us from above. We love you, Dad. CRAIG CHIN Son THE WAY HE WANTED CONTINUED FROM C6 Dad, you lived a long and productive life filled with respect, courage and love. It’s now time for you to rest peacefully and watch over us from above.
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B1 SECTION D August 1947 - October 2025 Sing Chin, CD, died on October 23, 2025. FROM CANTON TO KINGSTON Born August 22, 1947, in Tai San, Canton, China, Mr Sing Chin embodied the Jamaican spirit of perseverance and gratitude. His father, Arthur Chin, born in Highgate, St Mary, was sent to China as a child to learn the family culture – where he met his future wife. As a result, Sing and his two older siblings came to be born in China. His father returned to Jamaica the year Sing was born and sent for the rest of the family a few years later. The People’s Republic of China was established in October 1949. The country was still recovering from wartime devastation and, in 1950, Mao Zedong’s government began implementing land reforms – con scating land from landlords and redistributing it to peasants. It was against this backdrop that his mother managed to escape under cover of darkness with her young sons from the mainland to British Hong Kong. From there, they travelled by ship to Kingston and rejoined Arthur. They arrived in Jamaica in 1951 only to be greeted by Hurricane Charlie, one of the Atlantic’s deadliest hurricanes of all time. His father opened his rst business by renting a shop on Waltham Park Road after working for several years at Lion’s Bakery. Sing and his siblings would learn to work at an early age. They had shop duties after school: wrapping goods, stocking shelves, serving customers and whatever else their parents told them to do. In 1959, young Sing became a ‘KC boy.’ “I still break into a smile when I think back to my high-school days,” he recalled fondly. He vividly remembers Headmaster Douglas Forrest, Deputy Headmaster James Crick, and FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NATIONAL HONOUR THIS KINGSTON COLLEGE OLD BOY UPLIFTED HIS ALMA MATER AND HIS COUNTRY PLEASE SEE FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NATIONAL HONOUR, D2
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B2 remarkable teachers like Professor Eddie Baugh (English), Carlyle Dunkley (religion), and Marcus Garvey III (mathematics). “Garvey had the kind of voice that could read the Yellow Pages and have us listening in rapt attention,” he said. “Not once did he mention his famous father – such humility earned our respect.” THE MAKING OF AN ENTREPRENEUR Even as a student, Sing showed ashes of leadership and enterprise. As Class Planner, he organised trips to Hope Gardens and the beach, coordinating every detail “like a professional tour guide”. He soon turned that energy into enterprise, producing and selling purple-and-white KC buttons during Champs season. “Those were life lessons disguised as fun,” he said. “I learned early that I could make things happen.” A JOURNEY THROUGH BUSINESS Leaving KC at 15, Sing’s rst job was at Joseph’s Department Store on Orange Street – earning a promotion his very rst week. He later joined Hand Arnold Ltd and T. Geddes Grant, mastering sales and customer relations. His career-de ning achievement came when he won the approval of Carl Chang, a major client known for his exacting standards. By 1970, Sing leased a small shop in Havendale and stepped into business ownership. From there, he built a formidable retail group: 1974: Founded Super Valu Supermarket 1988: Established Manor Park Pharmacy 1998: Opened Super Valu Home Centre 2020: Launched Fresh Foods, expanding the Super Valu Group of Companies Through discipline, integrity, and innovation, Mr Chin transformed a single store into one of Jamaica’s most trusted retail enterprises. QUIET PHILANTHROPIST, PROUD FORTIS A man of few words but generous deeds, Mr Chin has consistently supported his alma mater. He has contributed to major projects such as the Douglas Forrest Building and the PA/audio system in the school chapel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Valu Fresh Foods donated gift baskets to KC teachers. Principal Dave Myrie remarked, “Mr Sing Chin is one of those old boys who has been quietly supporting the school over the years. His deep love for KC is not displayed by words but by actions. Reynold Scott, chairman of the Kingston College Development Fund, said, “He was a good man and a faithful and signi cant contributor to our alma mater. He will be missed.” Sing partnered with community organisations, including The University of the West Indies Dialysis Centre, extending his generosity beyond North Street. The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr Andrew Holness, said Sing was “a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and dedicated Jamaican who devoted his life to building both business and community …”. The prime minister also added, “Beyond his business achievements, Mr Sing Chin will be remembered for his generous spirit and his commitment to national service. During the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl last year, he worked tirelessly to assist with the relief efforts, ensuring that essential supplies reached those most affected. His compassion and readiness to serve embodied the best of the Jamaican spirit.” HONOURED AT HOME In 2019, the KC family surprised him with a symbolic ‘graduation ceremony,’ presenting an honorary diploma in recognition of his decades of support. Four years later, Jamaica itself bestowed a tting tribute – the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2023, for contributions to the business and economic development of Jamaica. “My success reflects this country’s determination to succeed,” he said. “Being awarded the Order of Distinction affirms those same beliefs.” A LIFE SHAPED BY KC Even after building an empire, the late Mr Sing Chin remained grounded in the Fortis values of discipline, service, and faith. He would often smile when reminded that he once rode a motorcycle to school – an early sign of his daring independence. Though he has passed on, Mr Sing Chin, CD, is fondly remembered as a national honouree and respected businessman who exempli ed the Kingston College motto: “The brave may fall but never yield.” His life stands as a lasting testament to the enduring power of a Fortis education and the generous heart of a true KC old boy. BD2 MR. SING SLUN CHIN We honn his memny, his legacy will be remembered with deep respect Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO NATIONAL HONOUR CONTINUED FROM D1
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B4BD4 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD MR SING Chin, often referred to as Sir Sing, exempli ed the true spirit of philanthropy. His generosity was not limited to financial contributions; he freely gave his time and resources to support and uplift those around him. Dedicated and purpose-driven, he was guided by a genuine love for people and a desire to make a difference in their lives. Mr Sing’s unwavering commitment to giving touched countless lives and transformed many circumstances. His charitable acts extended to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), where the haemodialysis unit, its staff, and patients were profoundly blessed by his presence and support. After more than a decade since his kidney transplant, Sir Sing returned to us as a patient. Despite the passage of time and the fact that most of us were new faces to him, he immediately felt like part of the family once again – a beloved member who had simply been away for a while and had now come home. Sir Sing quickly embraced the cherished morning fritters ritual on the ward. Each morning, patients – and sometimes staff – looked forward to enjoying crisply fried fritters purchased from the breakfast vendors on the hospital compound. It was during these moments that Sir Sing could be found engaging in lively conversations with everyone, young or old, patient or staff. His warmth and humility made these interactions memorable and meaningful for all who participated. The privilege of having such a humble soul among us has left an enduring legacy. Sir Sing’s presence fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie, reminding us all of the impact one individual can have through kindness and genuine connection. His presence brought warmth and camaraderie to the unit, making each day a little brighter for everyone. The simple joys he shared – be it a kind word, a hearty laugh, or a thoughtful gesture – reminded us of the importance of human connection. Though his time with us was all too brief, Sir Sing taught us to cherish the bonds we form and the memories we create together. As we re ect on his enduring impact, we are reminded that true generosity lies in the everyday moments of kindness and friendship he so readily offered. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr Sing Chin’s family. We hope that you nd comfort in knowing that his abundant love positively impacted so many. His sel ess spirit and generosity will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. Thank you. HAEMODIALYSIS UNIT FAMILY A quiet philanthropist The privilege of having such a humble soul among us has left an enduring legacy. Sir Sing’s presence fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie, reminding us all of the impact one individual can have through kindness and genuine connection. His presence brought warmth and camaraderie to the unit, making each day a little brighter for everyone.
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B8 I CAME to Jamaica in the early 1980s, not knowing anyone on the island. I arrived with only a letter of introduction to JNIP (now JAMPRO), unaware that I would soon meet a lifelong friend. After running out of sugar for a candy factory I had just started in Golden Spring, Caribbean Gum & Candy Ltd, I went to the nearest supermarket I could obtain to purchase just enough to keep production going, worried that there wouldn’t be much left for Mr Chin’s other customers.After meeting him and explaining why I was there, he immediately asked how much sugar I needed overall and, to my surprise, invited me to the back of the store, where he gave me more than enough for the day’s batches. Astonished by his warm heart and genuine desire to serve, I made Super Valu supermarket my place of choice for groceries and supplies for myself and my family. Mr Chin always had a kind word, and it was a pleasure to reason together about how things were going in business whenever our paths crossed. There is truly no limit to what someone with a sincere heart for service can do, and Mr Chin was no exception. I will never forget the time when vehicles were not prevalent in Jamaica and my attempts to source a brand-new truck I desperately needed for distribution seemed futile. Unknown to me, he had the exact model delivered to his store and called me one day to take a look at it. I was in complete awe and was not willing to take no for an answer when I insisted on paying him for it. He was a blessing to humanity, an icon in his own right, never seeing himself as different from anyone and valuing his customers to the highest degree. I will always cherish the last time seeing him on my birthday; beaming with light as always, he paused to check in with me. We never got the chance to talk and laugh again, but I will always remember my friend. He will forever be missed. May the legacy he has left continue through many generations. CECIL BEHARRY He was a blessing to humanity BD8 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD I will never forget the time when vehicles were not prevalent in Jamaica and my attempts to source a brand-new truck I desperately needed for distribution seemed futile. Unknown to me, he had the exact model delivered to his store and called me one day to take a look at it. I was in complete awe and was not willing to take no for an answer when I insisted on paying him for it. He was a blessing to humanity, an icon in his own right, never seeing himself as different from anyone and valuing his customers to the highest degree.
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THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B10 Mr. STinrigbuStleuntoChin From LASCO Affiliated Companies We extend our heartfelt gratitude and respect to Mr. Sing Slun Chin, a visionary Jamaican businessman and founder of the Super Valu Group, whose unwavering support for the LASCO brand has spanned decades. Mr. Chin’s strong commitment to customer service and community development transformed the Progressive brand into a household name synonymous with quality products, affordability, and local investment. Under his exceptional leadership, the group expanded to include major supermarket chains such as Shoppers Fair and Progressive Foods, contributing significantly to Jamaica’s retail and distribution sector. His dedication not only strengthened the foundation of Jamaican commerce but also upliﬞ ed communities through sustainable growth and opportunities. Mr. Chin’s legacy is one of vision, integrity, and service, and we are proud to have shared in his journey of excellence. Thank you, Mr. Chin, for your decades of partnership and for shaping a brighter future for Jamaica. D10 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD Published February 23, 1999 WESTERN BUREAU: SHOPPERS DRUG Mart and Supermarket, like Island Plaza, is celebrating 10 years of existence on Shopping Complex. After a decade of offering service as a supermarket, there are plans to open the doors to offer prescription services. Mr Sing Chin, a director of the company, told The Gleaner that the opening of a pharmacy was always on the cards since it tted in with the goods and services Shoppers Drug Mart and Supermarket offered. “There is a doctors office adjoining our store and part of our business, so it was natural for us to go into providing pharmaceutical needs,” Mr Sing Chin said. Mr Sing Chin is proud of the Island Plaza environment. He said the place is clean and that “we are happy here”. He, however, would like to have more patronage from tourists. According to him, “There is a factor of our Jamaica society that has prevented this happening.” He blames tourist harassment for the increase in tourists going to allinclusive properties.With very little need for tourists to go on the outside to satisfy their needs, the result is that sales in many of the shops have suffered. Mr Sing Chin said he hopes that tourist harassment will soon be controlled in the near future. Mr Sing Chin’s hopes for the controlling of tourist harassment comes not only from a business consideration, but also from the point of making Jamaica a safe place for tourists. In the meantime, his shop will continue to be in Island Plaza providing whatever service is necessary and at a very high quality, he said. SHOPPERS SUPERMARKET PLANS EXTENSION Flashback
THE GLEANER, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | B11 DB11 Tribute to MR SING SLUN CHIN, CD Super Valu Fresh Foods Super Valu Home Centre
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