Michael McMorris, chairman of Victoria Mutual Group, is the newly elected president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC).

McMorris replaces outgoing President Ian Neita, who heads the Yellow Media Group.

The JCC is now placing a greater focus on urban redevelopment and would like to see progress made in downtown Kingston.

In more recent times, the Chamber has seen the Jamaican economy buffeted by the impact of the COVID pandemic, quickly followed by rising inflation and higher interest rates.

McMorris has championed taking a sustainable approach to urban renewal and not letting it remain simply a policy directive.

He continues to be an advocate of what he terms a “virtuous cycle” which generates greater commercial activity in Jamaica’s cities driven by both the private and public sectors.

FOOD SECURITY A TOP PRIORITY FOR JCC

The JCC has also made food security a top priority, calling for a greater linkage between the tourism and agriculture sectors.

Last year, Jamaica’s food importation bill increased by US$97 million to US$1.12 billion.

McMorris heads the business management firm KRONOS Limited, which specialises in venture development and corporate management.

The company recently completed good work on the new ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston.

He also founded Knutsford Capital Merchant Bank and was an executive director of JAMPRO.