What are your earliest memories of Kingston?
The Jonkonnu from my house at 2 Worthington Avenue... As a child, watching the Jonkonnu march with my father was very exciting.
What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?
I left Jamaica in 1966 to go to the US and then to Canada, and to tell you the truth, I miss the heat here.
What are your favourite home comforts?
Just coming home, watching the news and surfing the net. I'm an information junkie.
What would you do if you were mayor of Kingston for a day?
It would probably be better if I was dictator (laughs). One day won't do it. Maybe it's my background, but I go through life and business with a long-term view. With that said, my focus would definitely be on education.
As a philanthropist, why do you think it is so important to give back?
Everybody needs help. I can go back three generations. My grandfather, when he came to Jamaica from China, up until he died, couldn't speak a word of English. How did he survive? How did he raise a family? People in the Chinese community helped him. In the days when there was no free education and it was in the middle of the depression, my grandfather could not afford to send my father to school. The priests at St George's at the time said: "Send him to school and pay when you can." Everybody needs help along the way and we have to help. Whether it is money or otherwise, we just have to help and we cannot leave it to the Government.
In light of that, do you think successful Jamaican businesspersons have done enough?
I can always look at people and say 'Yes, he should be doing more' or look at someone else and say 'Yes, he's very generous', but I won't judge. A number of the people I know have been very giving. Somebody asked me what legacy I'd like to leave for my children and grandchildren. It's to get them to be a part of the community in more than one way. Yes, you earn from the community, but you must give back to the community as well.
What's the last bit of music that stirred your soul?
I enjoy all different kinds of music, actually. However, I grew up with Motown music and that's still a part of me. Gets me all the time.
What was your last bit of retail therapy?
I just got a Mercedes S-Class. It has more legroom for me and it's a four-wheel drive, too.
Which cologne are you currently splashing?
Soap and water (laughs). I'm serious, though. I really don't use cologne.
What is your preferred beverage?
Warm water. Especially after meals.
What's the name of the last book you read?
Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, whose mother is also Jamaican.
What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?
There was this place on Whitehall Avenue off Red Hills Road a long time ago, where a little Chinese man would roast pork. I loved it. I also loved the breaded sea crabs on old-time Barry Street, downtown.
What upsets you?
When people don't think. I hate when people make excuses; if there is a problem, solve it. Don't tell me it's somebody else's fault.
What's your advice to a first-time visitor to Kingston?
Know where not to go and when not to go where. However, try to get to know the different parts of Kingston because the city has a lot to offer.
What's your philosophy?
Make the world a little better than it is today.