THE American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) celebrated its inaugural Business and Civic Leadership Awards at the Jamaica Pegasus last week.

At the ceremony, AMCHAM honoured Jamaican corporate and civic leaders as part of a new yearly programme aimed at encouraging corporate social responsibility and philanthropy in Jamaica.

AMCHAM executive director Becky Stockhausen said the programme was formulated against the background of the recent civil unrest in Jamaica and subsquent enhanced law and order offensive that has “catupulted this island nation into an unexpected but welcome position in the fight against crime”. She said the development has presented a unique oppourtunity to “transform the Jamaican society” and move the country on a path towards economic development.

“Therefore, it is imperative that all of us, who have the wherewithal to make the dream of a new beginning a reality, not let this extraordinary opportunity pass us by,” she said, adding “In view of Jamaica’s current economic crisis, such a transformation will rely on well-directed assistance from the private sector through corporate social responsibility programmes, more private/public alliances, the activities of non-profit organisations and generous acts of individual philanthropy.”

The event saw Food for the Poor and founder of Students Expressing Truth, Kevin Wallen, recognised for civic leadership by an organisation and an individual respectively; National Dance Theatre Company win an award for art & culture, and Scotiabank Jamaica taking the top prize for corporate social responsibility.

Sunday Finance shares some of the highlights of the show.