desmond blades


Desmond Blades, chairman of Musson (Jamaica) Ltd, was last night inducted into the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica's (PSOJ) Hall of Fame.

Desmond Blades was born in Barbados in 1928. After high school, and just after World War II, he got his first job as a clerk at the Royal Bank of Canada in Barbados, but three and a half years later, he decided to make a dramatic career move and delve into the world of business. It was a decision that was to change the rest of his life. He first worked as a sales representative before moving to Trinidad to manage Mussons Sons and Company Ltd. It was his dynamic leadership that led to the overwhelming success of the Trinidad company, and, therefore, it came as no surprise when he was called upon to help the Jamaican operations of Mussons, which was losing money, on the understanding that he could buy shares in the business.

Arriving in Jamaica on the eve of the nation's Independence at the start of 1961, he was immediately enamoured by the charm and beauty of the island and in that very instant, decided this was the place he wanted to live. Over 40 years later, the love affair between Jamaica and Desmond Blades continues, and his outstanding entrepreneurial acumen and business savvy have made an indelible mark on the island's development.

Desmond Blades has been a very active member of the Jamaican society. His list of memberships include the Kiwanis Club, Royal Jamaica Yacht Club, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Council of the Bureau of Standards, United Way, Kingston Restoration Committee, Board of Kings House Restoration and Century Club of the University of the West Indies. He is chairman of the Jamaica Conference Board, Seprod Group of Companies, Musson (Jamaica) Ltd., T. Geddes Grant, Facey Commodity, Industrial Sales, Stanley Motta, C.D. Alexander, General Accident Insurance Co, and Cosmetics International, Director of National Commercial Bank, Hon. Consul General of Bangladesh and a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Blades has been described by his friends as a "believer in his word, as his bond, consequently a gentleman of few words and great assurance."

The PSOJ Hall of Fame is designed to honour Jamaican businessmen who have made significant contributions to the development of the private sector, and our country. The nominees should have served in Jamaica's private sector for at least 25 years and should also have in-depth knowledge of and commitment to his or her field and be of sound character and unquestionable integrity. High ethical standards should be the trademark of his or her business deals and practices. In addition, the nominees' companies must be successful with above average growth.

Mr. Blades was honoured at the PSOJ's annual Hall of Fame Banquet, held at the Hilton Hotel, New Kingston, where chairman of Digicel Ireland, Denis O'Brien, delivered the keynote address. Mr. Blade's induction follows that of Maurice Facey, chairman of the Pan Jam Group of Companies, in 2001 to the PSOJ Hall of Fame.


DESMOND BLADES CONFERRED WITH “ORDER OF JAMAICA”

Desmond Blades Saw Opportunity in Adversity… Says PM

May 13, 2009 {Jamaica Observer}

Prime Minister Bruce Golding {Jamaica} has hailed businessman, Desmond Blades as an icon and champion of industry who richly deserved to be recognized with a high award of the nation.

Mr. Golding expressed these sentiments during the conferment of the Order of Jamaica by Governor General, Patrick Allen on Mr. Blades at a brief ceremony at Kings House this morning, May 12.

The Prime Minister said of Mr. Blades: that “When companies, much larger than his own could not survive the onslaught of forces of one kind or of another, he was able not only to survive, but was able to grow and expand. He saw opportunities in adversity and knew how to turn them into triumph.”

A native of Barbados, Mr. Blades and Peggy his wife of 60 years, have lived and raised their family in Jamaica for nearly 50 years. The octogenarian, who is a cancer survivor, stood throughout his conferment in the upstairs drawing room of Kings House with family members including his wife, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Colleague and close friend, education activist, writer and businessman, Ralph Thompson, recalled that Mr. Blades believed in Jamaica during trying times in the country’s history.

“When things got tough, he never moved; he stayed. He is a very brave fellow and a fighter.”

Recipients of the Order of Jamaica, which has as its motto “For a Covenant of the People”, have a high level of achievement in their chosen field and have demonstrated an optimistic outlook for Jamaica.

{Hon. DESMOND BLADES O.J. passes away}

Jamaica Observer, Friday, September 11, 2009

BUSINESSMAN Desmond Blades, former chairman of the Musson Group of companies, is dead. He was 80 years old.

The Barbados-born Blades, who had made Jamaica his home, died Wednesday {September 9} night in the United Kingdom where he was on vacation.

In May this year, Blades, whose business career in Jamaica spanned 50 years, was presented with the Order of Jamaica (honorary) for his outstanding contributions to the Jamaican economy.

Blades' family yesterday described the late businessman as "a man of supreme discipline and self-control who was never daunted by life's challenges".

Paul Scott, the business magnate's grandson and CEO of the Musson Group of Companies, said those who knew Blades were aware of the indomitable spirit and strength of character which defined his core being. He said it was these elements which accounted for his unparalleled success.

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) President Milton Samuda said the iconic businessman's distinguished career should serve as an example for many years to come.

He said Blades, who served two terms as JCC president, would be remembered for his eagerness to share his know-how with others, both in business and in a philanthropic context, as was demonstrated in the support he gave to the many organizations he served.

Hotel mogul and chairman of the ATL Group, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, described Blades as an incredible businessman with an admirable track record.

"He leaves an enormous business behind him", said Stewart. "His example will last for a very long time. I wish his grandson every luck in the world. If there's anything we can do, it's there for the asking. I'm so happy that wonderful story done by Desmond Allen on Desmond Blades' business and family history gave people a chance to look into his incredible life. People will remember him from that great story."

Respected for his significant business contributions in the areas of food processing and distribution, Blades is best known for the success of Facey Commodity and the Seprod group of companies, both of which he served as chairman.

Among the organizations which he served were the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, as a council member; the National Food and Nutrition Co-ordinating Committee, patron; United Way of Jamaica, chairman; Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, director; the JCC's Tourism and Environment Committee, chairman; and the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club, commodore.

He also served on the boards of several committees, including that of the Kingston Restoration Committee and the Century Club of the University of the West Indies.

Born in Barbados on November 3, 1928, Blades migrated to Jamaica in 1961. He got his first job as a clerk at the Royal Bank of Canada in Barbados, working mainly as a cashier.

He was recruited by S P Musson Son & Company Limited to take over their Trinidad operation, which he joined as manager in March 1955.

Blades' decision to relocate to Jamaica came after he was assigned to resolve Musson's local loss-making subsidiary. He acquired the Jamaican operation in 1963, which he subsequently transformed from a small base of 10 employees into a thriving, profitable enterprise.

In June 2000, Facey Commodity Limited, one of Jamaica's largest retail and distribution enterprises, was acquired by Blades' companies Seprod Ltd and Musson Jamaica Ltd - two of the largest and most successful manufacturers and distributors in Jamaica.

Blades is survived by his widow Peggy, daughter Susan, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.