12th Annual Joan Duncan Memorial Lecture to Explore the Cost of Development and Progress

This year’s Joan Duncan Memorial Lecture will spotlight the topic “At What Cost? Ethics, Development, and the Price of Progress” on Sunday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m. during a live broadcast on TVJ. The thought-provoking theme will explore the importance of reinforcing and promoting the fundamental values of trust, accountability and social cohesion amidst rising social complexities in society.  The annual event is organized by the Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL) at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Jamaica) in partnership with JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation.

Howard Mitchell, a renowned attorney-at-law and distinguished public service professional will deliver the lecture. He will set the stage for a critical discourse on ethics, good governance, and the power of shaping socially conscious, sustainable development; bringing his expansive experience to bear having held key leadership positions at the corporate and sectoral levels and serving in the public sector.

Mitchell has led an extensive career in commercial law, spanning over 35 years with concentration in mining law and taxation. Additionally, he serves as a director for several corporate entities as well as non-profits, such as: Mustard Seed Communities and Caribbean Research Institute (CAPRI). He has also held notable public service roles, including chairmanship of the National Housing Trust (NHT) and directorship at the Bank of Jamaica (BoJ). For his exemplary contributions to business and the public sector, in 2017, he was awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class).

Speaking of the relevance of this year’s lecture, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology (UTech, Jamaica), stated, “At a time when nations are striving to balance economic growth with social equity, this year’s lecture compels us to reflect on the vital role of ethical leadership and principled decision making as the foundation of meaningful progress. It challenges us to rethink how we define success, not just in economic terms, but also by the ethical impact of our actions. UTech, Jamaica is pleased to once again partner with the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation to foster this important national dialogue to inspire transformative change.”

Patricia Sutherland, chairman of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, underscored that ethics and good governance underpins sustainable development at all levels of society. Noting, “This lecture is timely as we are faced with global uncertainties such as climate change and shifts in our trade framework, while locally we are struggling with growth in our economy. Additionally we face major socio-economic challenges like  crime, inefficiencies, corruption, poor environmental practices, corruption and lack of ethics in government, business and the wider society, all of which will further impede our ability to grow. The legal framework is critical to address issues like corruption, with acts like Integrity Commission Act and the MOCA Act,  serving as a guide. This framework coupled with our own moral compass will enable us to make real progress in the space, however it all starts with a conversation. That’s why we are happy to partner with UTECH to keep this conversation on the table in Jamaica as part of our transformation process.”

Fittingly, as May 18^, marks the birthday of the late Joan Duncan, Sutherland paid tribute to her mother, saying, “Happy Birthday Mummy, we continue your journey of commitment to truth and integrity with this lecture in your honour.”

The annual Joan Duncan Memorial Lecture serves to immortalize the mission and vision of the late JMMB Co-founder, which was to improve lives through financial inclusion and access. The lecture also seeks to engage successful business leaders and professionals to present on topics that align with the key pillars of ethics, entrepreneurship and leadership.  

Kim Mair, CEO, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation stated, “Our late co-founder, Joan Duncan, who this lecture pays homage, demonstrated her commitment to ethical leadership in building a company on the Vision of Love, guided by the core values of love, integrity, honesty, care and openness. As such, the Foundation’s commitment to promoting ethics goes beyond the lecture, with ongoing support for transformational initiatives in communities, promoting ethics in businesses through our partnership with JDSEEL, and involvement in environmental sustainability projects.” Adding, “Our mandate is in keeping with Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of ethics and progress through its four strategic national goal.”

Prince Graham-Haynes, Head, Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship Ethics and Leadership noted  that “UTech, Jamaica is again pleased to partner with the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation to facilitate this edifying discourse, promoting fundamental values in business education and professionalism.” He added, “as the premiere school of entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership in the Caribbean, the JDSEEL is committed   to producing work-ready graduates who exemplify   integrity and are equipped to drive positive social change.

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Contact:

Michelle A. Beckford

Corporate Communications Manager

University of Technology, Jamaica

Tel: (876) 927-1680-8 Ext. 2299,

Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm