Glitz, glamour, purposeful elegance and sophistication, presented the ideal backdrop, for the Guardian Life Gala Awards, as the organisation applauded the excellent performances of its team members.

In impeccable décor, that aptly mirrored its theme, ‘Applauding Excellence,’ The Jamaica Pegasus Ballroom was transformed into a red-carpet affair, that saw over 400 team members in their business and formal attire enjoying a blissful evening. 

Employees and insurance advisors across all spectrums of the organization’s operations were recognised for their efforts; including community service awards, sportsman and sportswoman of the year awards, president’s awards, star performer awards, employees of the quarter, production club awardees, long-service awardees and individual awards for those insurance advisors that secured their seat at the 2025 ‘Million Dollar Round Table’. 

Meghon Miller-Brown, President of Guardian Life Limited congratulated the awardees and thanked them for their dedication, passion and hard work that has helped to define the organisation. 

“We honour the individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond to make this company what it is today, and in particular the outstanding achievers for the year 2024. These awards are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and commitment that define our organisation.

To our awardees, your contributions have been invaluable. You have set the standard for excellence, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements,” Miller-Brown said. 

The organisation she said continues to show true strength when it is needed most; and while the world is changing rapidly, they must look ahead to the future and show up for their clients when the need arises. 

“Over the past 25 years, we have grown from a new entrant to a trusted leader in Jamaica’s life insurance industry and in our first 15 months of operation Guardian Life Limited achieved profits of $464 Million with an asset base of $9.6 Billion,” Miller-Brown said.  

“We have weathered challenges, embraced opportunities, ensured financial strength and remained steadfast in our mission to protect and empower families and businesses across this beautiful island.  At the end of 2024, we achieved Net Profits of $8.83 Billion with an Asset base of $164 Billion and a Return on Capital employed of 20 per cent,” she added. 

However, the night belonged to Ava Nathan-Thomas of the Ocho Rios branch, who received the President’s Trophy for Insurance Advisor of the Year.  She was also recognised in other categories including Insurance Advisor of the Year for her branch, Apptivity Award, and Outstanding Sales Achievement in First Year Commission, Platinum Club Director, and Court of the Table; qualifying and securing her seat at the 2025 Million Dollar Round Table.

Nathan-Thomas who had a challenging year in 2023, said she had to go back to the drawing board, and revamped her strategy to ensure that she met her objectives for 2024.

“I felt quite accomplished and loved and I could feel the support of my team members. Every disappointment is for a greater appointment. You cannot lose when it’s your turn to win; be patient and trust Him in all seasons. The next season might just be your season,” Nathan-Morris said. 

First and second runners-up for the Insurance Advisor of the Year award were Kamille Knott-Marshall of the Trafalgar Financial Centre 3, and Laslene Topey of Trafalgar Financial Centre 1 respectively. 

Also among the top awardees was Devonte Hudson of the Mandeville branch, who not only secured his seat at the 2025 Million Dollar Round Table, but was also selected as the Vice President, Individual Life Trophy-winner, Rookie of the Year. 

Nisa Scott of the Ocho Rios branch was the runner-up in this category. 

Jacquel Kitson, of the Alterations Department, Customer Service, was selected as Employee of the Year, with Debra Guiness-Browne of the Employee Benefits Sales and Marketing Department as the runner-up. 

The Chairman’s Trophy, Branch of the Year went to the Montego Bay 1 branch for the third consecutive year, and the fifth time winning, for their all-around production, consistency, persistence and quality of business. 

Group President, Life Health and Pension, Eric Hosin, for whom a citation was presented in honour of his remarkable legacy of leading the organisation, and signalling his retirement at the end of this year; said having gone through many years of awards, the organisation continues to bless the lives of its employees and customers. 

“Thank you for all your support, as you continue to contribute significantly to the growth of the organisation. Work hard, and smart. Jobs are hard, but enjoy what you do in life; be of great success and excel in all that you do,” Hosin said.