Mayer Michael Matalon, Oj - A man of keen intellect, unquestioned integrity

The Private Sector Association of Jamaica has paid tribute to the late Mayer Matalon OJ, prominent businessman, who died on Friday. He was 89. Matalon is survived by widow Sarita, daugters Diana, Jacqueline, Gail, Rebecca and son, Joseph. His thanksgiving service will take place today at Shaare Shalom Synagogue, Duke Street, Kingston, starting at 3 p.m.

The officers and members of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) extend deep condolences to the family of our president, Joseph M. Matalon, CD, on the passing of the patriarch of the well-known Matalon family, the Honourable Mayer Michael Matalon, OJ.

Inducted into the PSOJ's Hall of Fame in 1994, the Hon Mayer Matalon, OJ, was widely recognised in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean as a brilliant businessman, financier and negotiator. His sharp business acumen and keen entrepreneurial instincts led him to successfully negotiate several important deals for the family-owned business - Industrial Commercial Developments Limited (ICD). When his family ventured into the housing sector, his negotiating skills again came to the fore as he arranged the financing for Jamaica's first mass housing project at Mona. This became the platform for the success of West Indies Home Contractors Limited with such developments as Harbour View and the Greater Portmore Housing Project, the largest housing solution in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Work as negotiator

His acumen as negotiator was not limited to the ICD Group and associated companies, since, as a true patriot, he served as a special ambassador for successive Jamaican governments on important overseas assignments for many decades and on several boards of directors. His expert handling of bauxite negotiations with major international companies in the mid-70s was recognised by the then Government when he was awarded the prestigious national honour, the Order of Jamaica, in 1976.

The PSOJ pays tribute to the late Hon Mayer Michael Matalon, OJ, a man of keen intellect and unquestioned integrity. As we bid farewell to this talented businessman, patriot and family man, may his memory live on the hearts of his loved ones and the many Jamaicans with whom he came in contact. May his soul rest in peace.