At a recent launch event for the memoir of the late businessman Sameer Younis, titled The Lion of King Street: Sameer Younis – A Portrait of Service, leaders from across Jamaica’s business community came together to celebrate his unparalleled contributions to both business and society. Sydney Thwaites, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), emphasized the need for companies to renew their commitment to supporting Jamaica’s most disadvantaged communities.
In his address, Thwaites reflected on the significance of Younis’ work, noting that a thriving private sector cannot exist without flourishing communities. He said, “The growth of business is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our people. Sameer understood that better than anyone.”
Thwaites also highlighted Younis’ diverse philanthropic efforts that ranged from advocating for environmental cleanliness to promoting road safety, tackling crime, and enhancing education—issues that directly impact both businesses and the Jamaican populace at large. His legacy, Thwaites pointed out, serves as a reminder that corporate responsibility extends beyond profits; it encompasses a dedication to the social fabric that supports all business operations.
Milton Samuda, former President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), also praised Younis for his humanitarian approach. Samuda described Younis as a visionary whose efforts to empower marginalized groups and foster collaboration between inner-city communities and law enforcement were groundbreaking. These initiatives not only improved lives but also brought joy to Younis, who found fulfillment in seeing tangible changes.
The event, aptly titled The Return of the Lion, was a fitting tribute to Younis, a man who led both the JCC and JMEA with distinction. His memoir, written by longtime communications consultant Elaine Commissiong, chronicles his remarkable life journey—from his educational years to his career in business and civil engagement. The book also offers insights into his personal life, including his marriage to Leila, a Lebanese woman he met during a trip to her homeland.
Commissiong shared touching excerpts from the memoir, which highlighted Younis’ legacy in founding programs under the JCC Civic Affairs Committee that promoted cleaner cities, empathy for the homeless, and road safety. These initiatives, such as the anti-litter and seatbelt laws, remain part of his enduring influence through the Sameer Younis Foundation.
The memoir launch, which took place at the S Hotel in New Kingston, was attended by an array of dignitaries from the business and government sectors, all of whom had been impacted by Younis’ visionary leadership. The location was also symbolic, as it was home to Younis’ first Fabrics de Younis store, a business he founded in 1970.
The Lion of King Street: Sameer Younis – A Portrait of Service is now available in local bookstores, offering an inspiring look at the life of a man whose commitment to service and nation-building continues to shape Jamaica’s business and civic landscape.
