The Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) recently honoured three industry stalwarts at its Peerless Awards Ceremony for their integral roles in developing the local insurance environment.

The awards ceremony was held under the theme “Celebrating Service Excellence”. 

Dennis Lalor, founder, chief executive officer and chairman of ICWI Group Limited, and Neville Henry, managing director of Nationwide Insurance Agents & Consultants Ltd, were honoured as Industry Icons.

The late R. Danny Williams, founder and former president of Life of Jamaica, which later transitioned to Sagicor Life, was also celebrated.

Outgoing president of the IAJ Sharon Donaldson said, “As I prepare to demit office as IAJ president, I am happy that we were able to honour the leadership of these men. They have been role models for me in my own career and I thank them for their vision and their example.” 

The ceremony culminated the association’s inaugural conference, which brought together professionals and business leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the insurance sector.

Dennis Lalor

A chartered insurer, Lalor built the ICWI Group into one of the largest full-service financial institutions in the Caribbean. His business career spans over five decades – he has chaired many boards including Life of Jamaica (now Sagicor), the  Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and  Air Jamaica.

A member of the Private Sector of Jamaica’s Hall of Fame, Lalor served in many public and charitable capacities, including chairman of the Casino Gaming Commission, chair of the Advisory Council on Justice Reform in Jamaica, deputy chairman of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, and chairman of the Lister Mair/Gilbey School for the Deaf.

In accepting the award on behalf of his father, Paul Lalor, president of ICWI, said, “The insurance industry was his passion…he spent almost all of his working life. He was the first chairman of the Jamaica Insurance Advisory Council in 1963, which later became the Jamaica Association of General Insurance Companies, which then joined forces with the life insurance companies to become the IAJ. I know my father feels being chosen as one of the IAJ’s first icons is coming full circle.”  

Neville Henry

After joining the industry as a trainee with NEM Insurance Jamaica Ltd in 1967, Henry worked up the corporate ladder to become general manager and director of the company.

After retiring from NEM (now JN General Insurance) in 2000, he established Nationwide Insurance Agents & Consultants Ltd where he serves as managing director. Henry is also chairman of Sure Insurance Premium Loans Ltd, a director and past chairman of the College of Insurance & Professional Studies, president/chairman of the Insurance Institute of Jamaica, and president of Jamaica General Insurance Agents Association.

He is also an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) ACII, fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII) UK; and a chartered insurer (CI) UK.

Henry said he felt ‘well out of place’ being in the icon category along with Lalor and Williams, noting, “I am contented to be recognised as a ‘servant’ of the industry with a special passion for the educational and professional development of those who work there.”

Dr R Danny Williams

Williams’ vision for Jamaicans being positioned to take commanding heights in the insurance industry was the impetus for many of his colleagues to follow suit. This strengthened local ownership of several life and general insurance outfits.

He was also recognised for his outstanding leadership and business acumen.  These include the president of Life Insurance Companies Association (now IAJ), chairman of Sagicor Life, former minister of industry and commerce, and a member of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Hall of Fame.

As a philanthropist, Williams served as chairman of Jamaica Association in Aid of the Deaf and Capital Fund for the Handicapped; and a director for Jamaica College, the Fund-Raising Programmes for the Construction of the Tony Thwaites Wing at the University Hospital of the West Indies, and the Jamaica College Auditorium. 

Chris Zacca, CEO of Sagicor Life, who accepted the award on behalf of Williams, said, “Danny was a visionary leader whose legacy of excellence, dedication, and commitment left an indelible mark on the industry. His passion and foresight continue to inspire us, and it is our duty to uphold the high standards he set. Thank you to the IAJ for recognising his enduring contributions to our industry and our nation.”