10 things you didn't know about Tony Hart

He's credited as being one of the business giants from western Jamaica, responsible for placing the city of Montego Bay on the business map - nationally, regionally, and internationally.

He is responsible for the modernisation of the Montego Bay industrial hub, known as the Montego Bay Freeport, which became the engine and centrepiece that diversified the economy of western Jamaica's tourism-based economy to a more competitive one, offering wider business and networking opportunities, for the region.

He is Anthony Hart, known and celebrated as 'Tony Hart', the icon who spearheaded the massive transformation project in 1967. The transformation included dredging the sea to facilitate the creation of 350 acres of land and four ship berths; a booming industrial estate and freezone; and what was the residential pride and joy of the city then, an upscale residential complex; the Montego Bay Yacht Club; and the parish's largest port.

Dubbed 'Mr Montego Bay' by many, and a 'Gentle Giant' by others, the legendary Tony Hart and his vision are in constant demand. As such, he has served on many corporate boards, service and civic organisations, as well as mentoring many young professional.

Hart was recently inducted into the Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame, for his pioneering and sustained contribution to the development of private industry.

Married to Sheila Hart for 53 years, the couple has four children and eight grandchildren. They are avid poker and bridge players, playing poker twice weekly; and bridge whenever there's a quorum!

Today, Outlook shares 10 things not previously known about Hart - the pioneering tycoon, philanthropist, and family man, who has dedicated his adult working life, to the improvement and promotion of Montego Bay, as a preferred destination for commerce, a tourist mecca, and of course, a preferred residential community!

- CFJ

1. He attended Munro College, and was an active student who competed in field events and placed second in the pole vault in Class Three. Was also the goalkeeper for Munro in the 1949 daCosta Cup final against Cornwall College.

2. Hart attended Queens University, but only for three months. His first winter was so bitter that when he returned home for the holidays, he decided not to go back!

3. He worked as a houseman and a fly-fishing guide in Lake Louise in 1951, and found the experience quite rewarding. It taught him to appreciate the role of others in making the whole.

4. Thirty years ago, Hart had six heart bypass surgeries, but has maintained an active lifestyle since then.

5. He is a serial entrepreneur who has started more than 50 companies. He is now retired, but has had businesses in commerce, construction, agriculture, and tourism.

6. Hart created a five-acre bird sanctuary, populated with bird-feeding trees, as his part in nurturing the environment.

7. He is an avid lover of the sport of kings and was once part of a syndicate that owned a horse that lost the Jamaica Derby, twice - once by a nose and another by a head!

8. His signature style is shorts (Bermudian) and crocks.

9. He lists his favourite dish as oxtail and rice and peas. When he was recently inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Hall of Fame, the more than 400 guests who attended the gala affair were treated to oxtail as the preferred meal!

10. Hart is the cook in the family, especially when travelling, as his wife does not cook at all.

- C. F. J