Christopher Zacca, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, was last night (May 4) awarded the American Friends of Jamaica’s prestigious International Award together with president and CEO of the  VM Group, Courtney Campbell at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Miami.

Below is his address: 

“At this point let me pause to add my own words of condolence on the recent passing of Ambassador Glen Holden, and Ambassador General Gary Cooper who both served the AFJ, their country, and indeed Jamaica in such an impactful way. May they rest in peace.

To the AFJ board, Caron, and the AFJ team, thank you for driving sustainable impact by strategically linking US resources to meaningful causes in Jamaica. The US$600,000 in grants, awarded to 24 organisations in 2023 for education, healthcare, and economic development, is a significant contribution; and on behalf of a grateful nation, we thank you.

In that vein, I must add how immensely proud I am of the remarkable achievements of Sagicor Foundation over the past decades. This includes the record-breaking J$109 million raised by this year’s Sagicor Sigma Corporate Run, aptly dubbed the “Honour Run” in memory of our founder and my predecessor chairman of the foundation, the late Danny Williams. 

The foundation has been dedicated to funding social impact causes in health and education that have benefitted many, many thousands of Jamaicans.

Receiving the AFJ International Achievement Award, along with Courtney Campbell, president and CEO of the VM Group {Congratulations, my friend}, is a profound honour—one that extends beyond personal recognition.

It also encompasses the collective efforts of the Sagicor Team and the many individuals who have been instrumental throughout my life. I am deeply appreciative of this acknowledgement on an international platform.

Winning an award, however, serves as more than just recognition; it becomes a significant occasion for introspection. In the quiet moments leading up to this event, I’ve found myself immersed in reflection.

I’ve revisited cherished memories, shared with remarkable individuals, such as the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart and the late R. Danny Williams. Their influence has profoundly shaped my professional and personal journey, which is rooted in core values of integrity, transparency, and selflessness. These values have not only been integral to my business practices but have also guided my personal decision-making.

And the example set by these two great Jamaicans has guided my view that as leaders of today, we must actively drive the change needed to shape our organisations and communities into beacons of progress and excellence. Together, we must push the boundaries of potential, inspiring those around us to dare greatly and to leave enduring legacies of transformation.

Speaking of transformation, I believe that prudent fiscal management and concerted efforts toward social and economic progress can effectively bridge income disparities and foster a more equitable society. This collaboration can generate opportunities to drive substantial growth, benefiting both our economy and communities, and most importantly, the people of Jamaica. 

And as such I am very optimistic about Jamaica’s future given that prudent and enlightened fiscal management and the economic and social progress it engenders, has for the past 11 years no longer been a political football at home.

And so, as I close, my message to you tonight is to invest in Jamaica.

Investment is the cornerstone of economic growth, and now more than ever, US investors and, in particular, the Jamaican diaspora have a vital role to play in driving prosperity back home. 

Indeed, when Jamaicans, at home and abroad, work together, we are an unstoppable force.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am humbled by this prestigious award. On behalf of my team here with me tonight and across the Caribbean, I look forward to continuing our journey towards a brighter future, with a shared vision for national progress.”