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.

Earl is an Information Communication and Technology professional, with over 30 years’ cumulative experience in the areas of Information Systems Strategic Planning and Information Systems Definition, Design and Implementation. He currently has overall responsibility for JPS’ Digital Services, System Operations, Grid Modernisation and Telecommunication portfolios.

Earl joined JPS in 2019 as the Director for Digital Services, and has played a leading role in the company’s Digital Transformation journey, digitising customers’ touch points and revamping internal processes to better respond to our customers’ demands and expectations.

Prior to joining the JPS Family, Earl was the Group Information Technology Director at Digicel Jamaica and later served as the Chief Information Officer at Guardian Life Insurance.

Earl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of the West Indies and a Master of Science Degree from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. He enjoys mentoring young IT professionals and is an avid golfer.

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.