CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS have been challenged to play an active role in the human development of the country.

Leighton McKnight, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) past president, made the charge to members at the organisation's annual awards dinner held Thursday night at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

"I know what the requirements are to becoming a chartered accountant and anybody who meets those requirements can be able to correct the ills of the country," said McKnight.

Crippled by crime

The past president said with Jamaica being crippled by crime and violence and many communities poverty-stricken, accountants must deliver assistance to humanity.

At the glitzy awards dinner, attended by top executives of the profession, Raphael Gordon was recipient of the 2008 ICAJ Distinguished Member Award.

Gordon retired full-time from the profession after some 35 years of practice. He was managing partner at KPMG in Jamaica, an international business executive firm. Gordon is also known as the first chairman of KPMG Caricom.

Some five persons were also inducted into the institute. Eight retired members, ranging in years of service from 16 to 48 years, were given citations.