PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

 

FOR THE first time since its inception in 1968, the Portland Chamber of Commerce is headed by a woman.

 

Daney-Ann Thomas ,  a freelance writer and founder of a non-profit organisation, Daughters of Society in Portland, defeated businessman Hugh Perry by 11 votes to eight.

 

"I am happy for the support and confidence. I am passionate about my parish, and this is something I have always wanted to do. I have always wanted to galvanise support and lobby for changes. I have long realised that Portland is the forgotten parish, and I really want to see us branding ourselves so as to make the parish better. A lot of people come to Jamaica and use the Jamaica and the Portland brand, and the business community is not represented there."

 

According to Thomas, the chamber should be able to equip various businesses with strength, power, and marketing skills to brand Portland and their own products.

 

Thomas replaces Vice-president Regald Reid, who assumed duties as interim president in early December, following the resignation of Fred DeTroy. DeTroy.

 

Nine new directors were also appointed to the Portland Chamber of Commerce during the internal election, which was coordinated by Vincent Holgate.