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James Camacho has been in the insurance industry for over 19 years and is currently Vice President, Operations at Sagicor Life Inc.
Q. What years did you attend Fatima?
A. 1971 to 1979
Q. Which part of your time at Fatima brings back the fondest and/or least fondest memories?
A. Going to 2B, probably the worst class ever in Fatima College, and then winning the first open scholarship for the College in 1979.
Q. How long were you on the FOBA committee before you ran for President? Did you hold any positions/Offices prior to being President?
A. I believe that I was an ordinary member for two years, Vice-President for four years, President for two years, Immediate Past President for one year and an ordinary member for one year (these being subject to the records for confirmation).
Q. What made you decide to run for FOBA President?
A. I was asked and it was an honour to accept.
Q. What years were you FOBA President?
A. (Subject to confirmation) I was president for two years between 2006 and 2008.
Q. What was your vision for FOBA while you were at the helm?
A. To continue the good work of the previous Presidents and leave the Association in a better position than when I became President.
Q. What was the most challenging aspect of being President of FOBA during your tenure?
A. Distributing tickets for the Carnival Fete was very challenging—because of the success of the Fete at that time.
Q. What were you most proud of during your tenure as President?
A. The success of fund-raising activities such as the Carnival Fete, Men Who Can Cook and the wall-signs, as well as the comradery built amongst the committee members and other Fatima boys at the various events.
Q. Is there anything you would have liked to have done during your presidency that you didn’t get a chance to do?
A. Not really. I was very happy with my Presidency. I believe I achieved my objectives ( as mentioned before).
Q. How has the experience of being FOBA President influenced you?
A. It made me realize how important it is to give back to your Alma Mater. It also made me even prouder to be a Fatima boy.
Q. If all your teachers were still there, who would you check first on visiting Fatima today?
A. Mr Sunderji (Mathematics Teacher in Form 6). He was instrumental in me winning my scholarship. I also have fond memories of Mr. Jaggernauth (Mathematics Teacher in the early forms), Mr. Glen Roach (Spanish Teacher in the early years) and Mr. Lee Ha (Additional Mathematics Teacher in Forms 4 and 5).
Q. Tell us about your career/family post-Fatima. Any highlights you wish to share?
A. I got married three years after leaving Fatima College and I have three children, a boy and two girls. I have been happily married for 37 years (13 more to reach the golden 50!). I have qualified as an Actuary and held senior positions at all the companies I worked for, the latest being Vice President of Operations at Sagicor Life Inc; and was President of ATTIC.
Q. Have you been able to maintain friendships with your classmates since school? Any class reunions?
A. I have maintained friendships with many classmates from Fatima College. I have also made friendships from the time I was on the FOBA committee. We did not have any class reunions since leaving Fatima College but those of us who remained friends have done a lot of liming and partying together over the years, including having special family occasions.
Q. What do you feel about Fatima and FOBA today and how they’ve progressed?
A. The Association continues to grow from strength to strength. In particular, the new Form 6 wing and the Grey Pocket Merchandise Store have been great achievements.
Q. If you were elected President of FOBA tomorrow, what would be your first order of business?
A. I would improve the Carnival Fete by reducing the number of music bands – I believe the number of bands has lessened the quality of the Fete.
Q. Any hobbies? How do you spend your free time?
A. I enjoy watching sports either live or on television. In particular, I am a Liverpool supporter. I watch their match every weekend. I also watch most of the other top sides every weekend.
Q. Any closing remarks?
A. I am very proud to have attended Fatima College. I enjoy singing the Fatima song whenever I get the opportunity to do so. It was a pleasure serving FOBA for 10 years and being President for two years. Strive on Fatima Boys! Strive on!