The ICWI Story

The Honourable Dennis Hugh Lalor O.J.

In a time of increasing nationalism, and on leaving school, Dennis Lalor entered the local insurance industry. Within three years he had been promoted to the position of Manager and appointed to the Board of Directors of Lister Mair (Insurance) Limited.

In 1958, he became one of the first two West Indians to qualify as an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (A.C.I.I.)

One year after national Independence, he had acquired from Lister Mair, the latter’s insurance agency and quickly added to the Company’s portfolio.

He was, however, long cognisant of the fact that the development of the local insurance Industry was being stifled by our dependence on the technical expertise of overseas insurers.

Equally, the continued remittance of premiums abroad prevented local firms from using these funds for reinvestment in our newly independent nation.

As early as 1967, he was in contact with potential shareholders, both locally and overseas, to determine the feasibility of creating a truly Jamaican insurance company. These manoeuvres continued throughout 1968 until, finally on May 21, 1969. The Insurance Company of the West Indies Limited was officially launched with offices located at 51 Duke Street.

The growth of The Insurance Company of the West Indies into one of region’s largest financial conglomerates is testimony to the drive and determination of this true Jamaican who continues to steer our family of companies into the next century.