The Jamaica National Group is mourning the loss of its Deputy Chairman, Dr Dhiru Tanna, who has been remembered as an influential force behind the organisation’s steady growth over more than four decades of service.
Dr Tanna passed away on April 14, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Dr Laura Tanna.
The tribute came from the JN Board of Directors, where Dr Tanna served for four and a half decades, contributing to strategic decision-making and the organisation’s expansion across multiple sectors.
“His sudden passing is a significant loss to The Jamaica National Group. His insightful contributions, sound advice, measured tone, and calm demeanour will be missed. His service to Jamaica in academia, government and the private sector has helped to shape the landscape of Jamaica and his influence in the development of the country will long be remembered,” said Earl Jarrett, deputy chairman and chief executive officer of the JN Group.
Jarrett noted that Dr Tanna, regarded as the “elder statesman” of the organisation, provided leadership across several member companies during his tenure.
“As the ‘elder statesman’ of the JN Group, Dr Tanna’s more than four decades of service extended across several member companies, including as director of the Jamaica National Building Society, JN Fund Managers Limited which he served as Chairman from 2005 and 2015, director of JN Finance Limited, and the National Building Society of Cayman, now renamed JN Cayman,” Mr Jarrett outlined.
Following the restructuring of the JN Group in 2017, Dr Tanna retained his role as deputy chairman of The Jamaica National Group’s board. He also served as a founding director of JN Financial Group Limited and JN Bank Limited, and chairman of MCS Group Limited.
An economist by profession, Dr Tanna also contributed to numerous public and private sector organisations throughout his career. He was the founding chairman and a director of Blue Power Group, a listed Jamaican manufacturer, and served as a director of the Development Bank of Jamaica from 2007 to 2016.
Other entities benefiting from his expertise included Neal & Massy Holdings Limited, The University of the West Indies, Jamaica National Investment Company Limited, and the Capital Development Fund.
Dr Tanna’s professional assignments spanned several countries, including his native Uganda, the United States, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and other CARICOM nations.
“We extend condolences to his wife, Laura, other members of his family and close friends. We pray for their comfort and strength during this very difficult time,” Mr Jarrett stated.
