Tributes have begun pouring in as Jamaicans react to the death of prominent businessman Jimmy Moss-Solomon, who passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones.

“R.I.P. Jimmy Moss-Solomon, business executive, public commentator, mentor and friend to many,” said businessman Wayne Chen.

“A good man with a big heart who loved his country and worked hard to make it better. He touched many lives, including mine.”

Said Lisa Hanna, parliamentarian and former government minister: “Jamaica has lost another great business stalwart with the passing of Jimmy Moss-Solomon, who added significant value. wherever he went. I fondly recall working with him when he was Deputy Chair of the NYS [National Youth Service] board while I was Minister of Youth.”

Late last month, an appeal had been put out on social media by Moss-Solomon’s friends who had indicated that he was at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) for surgery and was in need of blood.

Moss-Solomon had served as chairman of the UHWI after giving decades of service to the GraceKennedy Group.

Moss-Solomon retired from GraceKennedy (GK) Limited in 2007 after working with the company for over 35 years.

According to GraceKennedy, he joined GK as a management trainee in 1971. During his tenure at GK he served as executive chairman of Hi-Lo and Medi-Grace Limited; divisional director, International Business; general manager – Grace, Kennedy (Merchandise); divisional director – Industrial Retail and Trading; and was appointed director responsible for Corporate Affairs in June 1998.

He later served as Executive-in-Residence to the Mona School of Business and Management (MSM).

Over the years, Moss-Solomon has made significant contributions to the development of the Jamaican business community. He has served as president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), president of the Caribbean Association of Industry & Commerce, director of the Pharmaceutical Council of Jamaica, and chairman of The Scientific Research Council (SRC) and Universal Access Fund.

He served as a board member of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation and was chairman of the Institute of Jamaica. 

In 2002, he was awarded Manager of the Year by the Jamaica Institute of Management. He is also a recipient of the S. Carlton Alexander Memorial Award for Excellence from the Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association. In 2012, he received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) from the Jamaican Government.

Moss-Solomon, as a sportsman, represented Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games and the Central America and Caribbean Games in swimming and water polo. He also held the national record for 100 and 200 metres – Butterfly – between 1966 and 1970 and was a band musician for more than 55 years.