Past President Kenneth Lewis Is ICAJ's 2007 Distinguished Member Awardee

ICAJ Past President and Chairman of the Investigations Committee, Kenneth Lewis, CD, FCA, FCCA, is the recipient of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica's Distinguished Member Award for 2007.

Mr. Lewis along with two other Past Presidents, Eric Crawford and Raphael Gordon, were the nominees for this year's award. The ICAJ Distinguished Member Award, which is presented annually, seeks to recognise a member, who, through his/her achievements, has made significant contributions to the development of the Institute and the accountancy profession.

The 2007 award was presented during the ICAJ's Annual Awards Dinner, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, December 6, 2007.

The longest serving Chairman of the Investigations Committee, Mr. Lewis was awarded the National Honour - the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander, for his outstanding contribution to the field of Accountancy in 2006.

Currently, the Senior Partner of Mair Russell Grant Thornton, he served as President of the ICAJ during the period 1983-1985 and spearheaded, among other things, discussions with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), which resulted in the signing of a Joint Examination Scheme Agreement between the ICAJ and the ACCA in 1984.

He has served the Institute in a number of capacities including, Chairman of the ICAJ's Accounting Standards, Audit Practice and Taxation Committees. He is also a member of the Public Accountancy Board.

At the national level, Mr. Lewis has given service as:

• Member of the Government of Jamaica Tax Reform Committee (1984 - 1985)
• Member of the Government's General Consumption Tax Committee (1989 & 1991)
• Sole Commissioner for the Government of Jamaica Commission of Enquiry into Flour and Bread Prices (1993)
• Chairman of the Bus Fares Review Committee (1989 - 1991)

In April 2004, he was appointed Chairman of the Parliament Integrity of Members Commission and continues to serve in this capacity.

In his response, Mr. Lewis expressed appreciation to the ICAJ for the award, which he stated, would serve to strengthen his commitment to the principles of excellence, integrity and professionalism.

He also expressed gratitude to the ICAJ for the opportunity to serve on the respective Committees over the years, to the business community who gave him the opportunity to serve in various capacities and to his business associates, partners, staff, family and friends who have contributed to his success.

"It is with a deep sense of humility that I accept this prestigious award this evening, especially, when I consider the other distinguished nominees. I am particularly proud this evening as the award is being made from the Institute of my noble profession and to which I have been a member since 1972."

"The profession throughout the world is currently facing numerous challenges with the plethora of accounting standards and their fleeting changes with which the accountant must keep up to date. Nonetheless, I am proud to be part of an Institute that has taken the bull by the horn and is providing the requisite guidance to face these challenges."

Other highlights of the dinner included the presentation of membership pins and certificates to new members admitted to the ICAJ between December 2006 and November 2007, and the presentation of plaques to retired ICAJ members in recognition of their long and invaluable service to the Institute.



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