Several organisations and entrepreneurs whose resilience, innovation and leadership have helped shape the country’s economic recovery following Hurricane Melissa were celebrated at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce’s 41st Annual Awards at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on June 11.

The Awards ceremony, which was held under the theme “Building Forward: Recognising Excellence in Recovery, Resilience & Growth,” recognised businesses and individuals that have not only adapted to a rapidly changing environment but also emerged stronger, more competitive and better positioned for sustained growth.

Seven awards were presented for the Resilience In Action Honour, which recognise individuals and corporate entities whose leadership and service supported Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa.

The recipients were Jaimie Ogilvie, Vice President at Jamaica Broilers Group Limited; Lisa Bell, Management Consultant; Lisa Soares Lewis, Founder and CEO of Great People Solutions; Olive Downer Walsh, Special Advisor for Government and Industry Affairs at Hardware & Lumber; Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS); Digicel Jamaica; and FLOW Jamaica.

The Best of Chamber Awards, which recognise exceptional performance across the Micro, Small, Medium, Large and Extra-Large enterprise categories, were presented to Joan Latty Realty, EPIC Technologies, Allied Insurance Brokers, Chas E. Ramson Limited and Seprod Group, respectively.

The awards programme also recognised excellence in business performance and leadership. National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited received the JCC CARRERAS Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Award, Chef Brian Lumley of Foodie Focused Limited received the Entrepreneur Award, and Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited earned the JCC CG United Marketing Excellence Award.

The Chamber also presented its All-Star Award to Janine Chen, Vice President of the JCC and Chair of its Pharmaceutical Subcommittee and the Health Products Regulatory Advisory Committee with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and other private-sector organisations, in recognition of her outstanding service and contributions to the organisation.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s awards, JCC President Emile Leiba said in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, businesses across the country were required to make difficult decisions, adapt quickly and rethink how they operate.

He said Jamaica has since witnessed a remarkable commitment to strengthening systems, embracing innovation and building greater resilience.

Leiba noted that the awardees have demonstrated that recovery is not simply about returning to normal but about creating stronger, more sustainable organisations that are prepared for future opportunities and challenges.