Our Leadership

Vernon Douglas has overall responsibility for JPS’ Finance portfolio, which includes: Corporate Finance, Corporate Accounting, Logistics & Inventory Management, Regulatory & Strategy Administration, and Government and Regulatory Affairs. He has over fifteen (15) years’ experience in financial leadership, business development, process and systems improvement, in countries across the Caribbean, Central America and Europe. He was most recently with the Digicel Group as CFO of Mergers and Acquisitions (Caribbean and Central America). Vernon has a consistent record of delivering results in business performance, helping companies to deliver corporate and operational growth via organic and inorganic methods. He is skilled in tackling a diverse array of business opportunities, including Telecoms, Retail and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs).

Charmaine Heslop-Dacosta has over 15 years’ experience as an Executive with a focus on maximum service delivery and improving critical business outcomes. She has extensive experience in transformation, integration and organization development. Charmaine is recognized as a strategic business partner with the ability to assess situations, craft solutions, build teams, create, organize and implement efficiencies.

Before joining JPS in April 2018, Charmaine was Regional Director Human Resources at Digicel Jamaica Ltd. Prior to that, she was General Manager & Group HRD of Solaris Global Energy, and spent over a decade in the airline industry as VP Human Resources at Jamaica, Air Jamaica Ltd, and Caribbean Airlines Ltd, respectively.

Charmaine is an engaging, stimulating communicator, poised and capable of projecting enthusiasm and warmth, and of motivating other people. She has a strong sense of urgency, initiative and competitive drive to get things done, with emphasis on working with and through people in the process. She understands people well and uses that understanding effectively in influencing and persuading others to act.

Miss Melanie A. Gilchrist, Attorney-at-Law, worked with the Government of Jamaica through the Attorney General’s Chambers for 10 years. She was Deputy Solicitor General for the Commercial Affairs Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers and represented the Government at the CARICOM level and at the International Civil Aviation Authority.

Melanie holds a Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School, a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies (“UWI”) Cave Hill, Barbados, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree (Hons) in History & Political Science UWI, Mona, Jamaica. She also holds a Teachers’ Diploma from the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, specializing in English and History and is a former tutor at the Faculty of Law, UWI. She has been a director of the Transport Authority of Jamaica and the Jamaica International Financial Services Authority. She is currently a member of the Jamaican Bar Association, the Commercial Law Sub-Committee and has training as a Mediator through the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica. Melanie is from the second city of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Pia Baker is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record in the customer experience space. With her extensive expertise and a passion for enhancing customer journeys, she will lead JPS’ strategy to improve customer satisfaction and streamline commercial operations, while maintaining oversight of the Corporate Communications and Foundation portfolios.

Known as a strong and dynamic leader, Pia has worked in both private and public sectors, building an impressive track record of transforming customer service operations and fostering strong relationships between businesses, teams and clientele. She solidified her reputation as a leader in the field of customer experience during her tenure as Director of Customer Experience as well as Director of Network Experience for the Digicel Group.

Pia is dedicated to her family, and finds inspiration in her family experiences, which heavily influence her leadership style and values. Her special interests extend to travel, sports, philanthropy and promoting education among at-risk youth – bridging the socio-economic divide and preparing the next generation for the challenges of a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.

Sameer is a dynamic and strategic leader who has made a significant impact across JPS during his 8 year career through his work in energy operations, business strategy, and financial analysis. 

As Director – Generation Operations, Planning, and Performance, he led initiatives that generated over US$1.3 million in business value and unlocked investment opportunities exceeding US$30 million. Sameer’s sharp analytical skills, combined with his commitment to collaboration, innovation, and developing others, have strengthened our Generation Division and enhanced our regulatory partnerships. 

He holds a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and Physics as well a Masters in Physics from UWI. He also has professional certifications in Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) and Financial Modeling and Valuation (FMVA).