The JMMB Group on Wednesday November 2 cemented its commitment to tertiary education and business development practices with the presentation of an J$80million cheque to the University of Technology’s (UTECH) Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JD SEEL).

The university’s School of Entrepreneurship was this past May rebranded in honour of Joan Duncan, the entrepreneur stalwart who founded JMMB in 1992, in a move to promote ethical standards in business, reduce corruption in Jamaica and foster socio-economic development.

Guided by high personal and professional ethical standards, Duncan founded the leading financial services company on similar values-based leadership and the spirit of entrepreneurship, twin components which have contributed to its corporate successes and it being valued as an employer of choice largely for the emphasis placed on creating a work environment built on mutual respect and love.

The J$80million investment will help to advance teaching and research in entrepreneurship, economic growth and moral considerations in business decision-making and human rights to produce globally conscious leaders. The fund will also facilitate the award of scholarships; intellectually rigorous and practical research and course development on leadership, ethics and financing economic growth; an annual public lecture on matters related to the disciplines that will advance Jamaica’s direction towards the values expounded in the National Vision 2030 Plan as well as short professional courses, seminars, conferences and publications that focus on ethics and leadership.

UTech President, Professor, the Hon. Errol Morrison, OJ, noted that the School plays an integral role in shaping entrepreneurs for the business world and JMMB’s generous contribution will further greatly impact its ability to prepare work-ready graduates equipped with practical, hands-on competencies.

“JMMB’s partnership with us at this level will help transform ethical principles in business leadership and boost the cadre of entrepreneurs with the capacity to spawn social and economic development.”

JMMB Group Executive Director, Culture and Leadership Development, Donna Duncan-Scott, highlighted JMMB’s proud association with the School and emphasised the company’s commitment to building a strong reserve of principled business leaders.

“We are delighted to honor Joan Duncan’s memory and legacy by making this endowment to UTECH, the proceeds of which will be used to engage in activities that advance the principles for which she stood and lived true to, expand her legacy and further her life’s work, for the benefit of our country Jamaica.”