J Wray & Nephew Limited through its flagship brand Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is very proud to once again partner with the Jamaica Observer to present the Business Leader Awards.

This award continues to honour the vision, the dedication and excellence of Jamaica business men and women and is a celebration of what we, as Jamaicans can be proud of.

This year we honour foreign investors who have had a transformational impact on the Jamaica business environment over the past several years. Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum is honoured to be counted in the company of these outstanding investors who have invested in our country and, by doing so, have had a significant impact on our economy and the lives of the many Jamaicans that they employ or who otherwise benefit from their business operations. They are outstanding leaders and we are inspired by them.

We are also proud to present the Appleton Estate Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr Karl Hendrickson, and to take this opportunity to congratulate this outstanding entrepreneur whose lifetime work has made a significant contribution to Jamaica.

A humble son of Jamaica, Mr Hendrickson and his family developed his parent’s modest bakery into one of Jamaica’s leading manufacturing and hospitality corporations. His multifaceted group of companies produces Jamaican products and services of the highest quality and employs over 3,000 workers.

A producer who believes that if Jamaica is to progress we must manufacture and produce, Mr Hendrickson is one of Jamaica’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and an inspiration to everyone.

For the Jamaican economy to grow and prosper we need more investors of like mind such as our Business Leader Nominees and Lifetime Achievement awardees.

We raise our glasses in a toast to all of Jamaica’s outstanding business men and women, and especially to those being honoured at this year’s Jamaica Observer Business Leader Awards. Your vision, dedication, and success continues to inspire us every day.

– David McConnell, Managing Director