When finance executive Ramon Small-Ferguson took his seat in Jamaica’s Senate, it signalled the quiet arrival of a private-sector leader in a chamber often defined by political calculation.

Known in business circles for his disciplined stewardship of Barita Investments Limited and his focus on market growth and innovation, Small-Ferguson enters not as a career politician but as a strategist whose financial expertise could help shape debates on economic development and national policy.

“This appointment is both a profound honour and a serious responsibility,” he reflects. “I think the Senate is a space for thoughtful debate, rigorous oversight, and courageous ideas. My goal is to use the benefit of my experience to ensure that every discussion that I am a part of reflects the best interests of Jamaicans and our future.”

As Chief Executive Officer of Barita Investments Limited and Managing Director of Barita Unit Trusts Management Company Limited, Small-Ferguson has distinguished himself as one of the most credible and disciplined leaders in the country’s financial sector. His professional life has been defined by technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a firm commitment to national development.

With over a decade of experience in finance, he brings a multidimensional perspective to his new role. His career has spanned several areas of financial services to include investment research, asset and treasury management, corporate finance, product distribution, strategy, and investment banking. Before joining Barita, he served as Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Research at the Jamaica National Group, where he led macroeconomic research and investment strategy for the investment banking subsidiary of one of Jamaica’s oldest and most diversified financial conglomerates. At JN, he broke various age-related ceilings, progressing from the entry level to executive leadership between the ages of 20 and 27. He was even appointed to the Board of Directors of the Jamaica National Group at age 25.

At Barita, his leadership has been transformational. Joining in 2019, as VP, Asset Management & Research, he collaborated early in relation to the establishment of the company’s investment banking and alternative investment divisions and helped lead the landmark capital-raising initiatives that significantly strengthened its capital base, making it the largest securities dealer by shareholders’ equity in Jamaica. These achievements have not only deepened Barita’s resilience but also expanded its ability to deliver innovative opportunities to clients across Jamaica and the region.

Small-Ferguson’s track record also extends to public service and governance. He is currently in his third term as President of the Jamaica Securities Dealers’ Association, where he has led engagement with his industry counterparts and regulators regarding reforms focused on deepening the capital markets, strengthening investor protection and improving the resilience of the securities dealers sector.

He has also contributed his expertise and given service through civic roles with service bodies, including the Salvation Army, the Council of Voluntary Social Services and the Global Shapers Community. Beyond this, he has served on several private sector Boards to include the JN Group, as stated before, Barita Unit Trusts Management Company Limited, Ecommerce Property Company Limited, Digita Global Marketing Limited, the Jamaica Stock Exchange Limited and the Board of Trustees of the JN Group Pension Fund. This blend of technical acumen, civic commitment, and governance experience has shaped his leadership philosophy: one that is transparent, disciplined, and results-driven. It is also the perspective he intends to bring to the Senate.

“Jamaica is at a pivotal moment,” he says. “The decisions we make now will determine the foundation for sustained growth, stronger institutions, and greater opportunities for our people. That’s why I believe in constructive dialogue across the aisle. Our challenges demand collaboration, not division.”

He is particularly passionate about legislation that has the potential to facilitate economic growth, expand financial inclusion, and empower young Jamaicans through education. “Sound policy can change lives,” he adds, “and I see this role as an opportunity to help shape policies that make opportunity real for more Jamaicans.”

Despite his growing list of accolades, Small-Ferguson remains grounded. He credits his family, mentors, colleagues, and community for inspiring him and keeping him focused. “Their encouragement strengthens my resolve to serve with integrity, humility, and purpose,” he says.

He adds, “I want to extend heartfelt thanks to the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, for selecting me to serve, my colleagues at Cornerstone and Barita, and especially to our Group’s Founder and CEO, Paul Simpson, whose leadership has had a defining impact on my career. Paul recognised my potential early on and gave me the chance to operate on a platform of real scale and significance within the financial services sector. I can’t thank him enough as this has certainly helped prepare me for this new phase of public service.”

As he takes his seat in the Senate, Small-Ferguson makes it clear that he intends to bring the same values that have guided his career in finance: discipline, transparency, and a relentless focus on results.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to bring my experience in finance and national development to the Senate, where we can work across the aisle to create policies that uplift all Jamaicans,” he concludes.

Small-Ferguson steps into the Senate at a moment when Jamaica’s choices on growth and governance will shape the country for years to come. His test will be turning deep financial experience into practical ideas that matter to everyday Jamaicans, and his success will depend less on titles than on the clarity and balance he brings to debate. His appointment offers the prospect of steady, informed leadership at a time when careful, constructive voices are needed most.