Business
JAM | Jun 15, 2025

JCC recognises business trailblazers at 40th awards ceremony

/ Our Today

administrator
Reading Time: 5 minutes
At the 2025 JCC Annual Awards Banquet,  awardees gather for a group photo with JCC president, Phillip Ramson (far right). Also pictured (L-R) are: Charles O’Connor, founder and CEO of Charles O’Connor Consulting Network Limited, Gail Moss-Solomon, general counsel and chief corporate secretary at GraceKennedy Group, Chaluk Richards, general manager at GK General Insurance Limited, Stefano Furini, marketing director at J. Wray & Nephew Limited, Gina Gray, general manager at BIOregeneration Integrated Medical Centre Limited, Dr. Sara Lawrence, founder of Charis Women’s Wellness Centre, Daniel Caron, managing director at J. Wray & Nephew Limited and Morris Nelson, senior vice president, corporate and commercial banking at Scotiabank Jamaica.(Photo: Contributed)

From micro-enterprises to major corporations, award recipients left inspired and empowered, proud of their achievements and ready to shape the future with renewed purpose following the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce’s (JCC) 40th annual awards.

This year’s awards, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston last Thursday (June 12), marked a historic milestone in honouring the trailblazers and changemakers shaping Jamaica’s economic future.

The landmark ceremony brought together Jamaica’s leading businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and public and private sector stakeholders to celebrate the best in business performance, sustainability, marketing, and entrepreneurial impact. The event highlighted the resilience and dynamism of Jamaican enterprises, celebrating those who are redefining excellence in their industries.

Guest speaker Senator Audrey Marks captivated and inspired attendees with a compelling call to champion equity and drive productivity and lauded the night’s awardees.

Ambassador, Minister and Senator Audrey Marks delivers the keynote address on the theme, ‘Shaping the future: Driving Productivity, Championing Equity, Inspiring Entrepreneurship’ at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce 40th Annual Awards held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus in St Andrew. (OUR TODAY photo/Dennis Brown)

Among the most anticipated accolades of the evening were the Best of Chamber Awards, which spotlight excellence across five enterprise tiers. This year’s winners stood out for their impressive growth, operational innovation, and contributions to both local and regional markets. 

Five Star Quality and Justice Associates was named Best of Chamber (micro enterprise), while Charles O’Connor Consulting Network Limited took the top spot in the small enterprise category.

Lloyd Distant (right), JCC past president accepts award on behalf of Five Star Quality and Justice Associates, who was named the recipient of the JCC’s Best of Chamber Award in the micro enterprise category for 2025. Making the presentation is Deja-Nae Black (left), business development manager, BluePrint Events. (Photo: Contributed)

The medium enterprise award went to BIOregeneration Integrated Medical Centre Limited, with GK General Insurance and Scotiabank Jamaica earning top honours in the large and extra-large enterprise categories, respectively. 

Christopher Chinapoo, JCC director, was also honoured with the all-star award as the individual chamber member making valuable contributions to JCC programmes.

The JCC CARRERAS environmental, social & governance (ESG) award was presented to GraceKennedy Limited, recognising exemplary leadership in corporate responsibility, sustainability, and governance — hallmarks of long-term business resilience.

The JCC Carreras environmental, social & governance (ESG) award recognises organisations shaping the future through sustainability, corporate responsibility, and governance practices. GraceKennedy Group has again been named as this year’s awardee. On stage to accept the award are Suzanne Nam (right), head of corporate communications at GraceKennedy Limited and Gail Moss-Solomon (left), general counsel and chief corporate secretary. The award was presented by Franklin Murillo (centre), managing director at CARRERAS Limited. (Photo: Contributed)

Making a significant mark on the entrepreneurial landscape, Charis Women’s Wellness Centre’s, Dr Sara Lawrence earned the 2025 entrepreneur award, selected for their disruptive business model, impact-driven leadership, and measurable contributions to job creation and sectoral development.

Brand leadership was also in focus, as J. Wray & Nephew Ltd received the JCC Barita marketing excellence award, highlighting their creative strategy, digital innovation, and sustained consumer engagement.

J. Wray & Nephew Limited received the Bicentennial Award for its remarkable 200-year legacy of excellence, growth, and contribution to Jamaica’s business and cultural landscape. Collecting the award are Daniel Caron (right), managing director at J. Wray & Nephew Limited and Samara South (centre), public affairs and government relations manager alongside other executive members from J. Wray & Nephew Limited. Making the presentation is Derrick Wilks (left), programmes manager and quality control officer at Radio Jamaica Limited. (Photo: Contributed)

J. Wray & Nephew Limited was honoured for its remarkable 200-year legacy of excellence, growth, and contribution to Jamaica’s business and cultural landscape. MJS Industrial & Technology Park received special recognition for visionary leadership in building the Technology and Innovation Park, boosting Spanish Town’s economic transformation. 

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce has highlighted Dr. Sara Lawrence- Charis Women’s Wellness Centre as this year’s recipient of the Entrepreneur Award, for making significant grassroots impact. Pictured are Dr Sara Lawrence Lewis (right), Founder of the Charis Women’s Wellness Centre and Christopher Ramson (left), director of operations, Chas. E. Ramson. (Photo: Contributed)

Reflecting on the evening’s celebrations, president of the JCC, Phillip Ramson, shared, “Over the past 40 years, the JCC Awards have chronicled the evolution of Jamaican business, ranging from bold startups to household names. Tonight, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and celebrating the companies that move Jamaica forward. These awardees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, and innovation.”

As the JCC celebrates this 40-year milestone, the organisation remains committed to championing Jamaican businesses that demonstrate excellence, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership.

Phillip Ramson, president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, greets awardees and other attendees at the 40th JCC Annual Awards held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on June 12, 2025. (Photo: Contributed)

The chamber extends congratulations to all nominees and awardees whose achievements continue to elevate Jamaica’s economic standing.

With each success story, the JCC reaffirms its vision for a more competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven business landscape, powered by the companies and entrepreneurs shaping Jamaica’s future.

Scotiabank Jamaica emerges as the 2025 winner in the JCC Best of Chamber extra-large enterprise category. Morris Nelson (centre right), senior vice president, corporate and commercial banking supported by team members at Scotiabank receives the award on behalf of the company. Presenting the award is Winsome Gibbs (centre left), country manager, CG United Insurance. (Photo: Contributed)

Comments

What To Read Next