THREE of the five sponsors of this year’s Observer Business Leader Awards have expressed their commitment to the growth and development of Jamaica for the next 50 years, and have commended the newspaper for recognising firms that have been, and continue to be, major contributors to the economy of post-Independence Jamaica.

“As we reflect on our many achievements over our past 50 years, our vision for the future is clear — to continue building upon the strong foundation laid during our first 50 years, while maintaining our role in the social and economic development of our great nation,” said Christopher Brown, head of corporate and regulatory affairs at Carreras Ltd.

Brown noted that the business landscape, over the past 50 years, has been marked with much dynamism, which has created several opportunities as well as challenges for Carreras, which, like Jamaica, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“The growth of business in Jamaica and the ever increasing consumer-centric focus of businesses have given impetus to the company’s passion for innovation and we proudly boast our position as qualitative leaders in our industry since 1962,” he said.

“The challenges which have been presented and which lie ahead as a result of this increasingly dynamic marketplace, in addition to challenging economic conditions, have no doubt driven the company’s mandate to continue implementing strategies that will enable sustainable growth.”

Ashleigh Robotham, Carreras’ corporate and regulatory affairs executive, noted that this year’s Observer Business Leader Awards aptly recognises companies which have been making significant contributions to Jamaica’s growth and development over the past 50 years.

Therefore, “as the first company to establish a manufacturing plant in post-Independent Jamaica, Carreras shares this special place in our country’s history and as such, is proud to partner with the Observer in commending and celebrating these outstanding business leaders”, said Robotham.

MegaMart chairman and CEO Gassan Azan noted that over the last 50 years in Jamaica business has been constantly evolving as it relates to the retail sector.

“We have seen the economy go from a closed protection market to being one that is open to imports from around the world as globalisation has taken place,” he said.

“In our view, what this has done is two-fold; it has exposed the Jamaican consumer to a wide variety of world standard offerings while also raising the quality standards of locally manufactured goods as the local manufacturers have had to compete with the rest of the world.”

Azan, a former Business Leader nominee and currently a director of the Observer, said his hope for the next 50 years is to see much more offered in the way of goods and services from local manufacturers and service providers at reduced prices.

“This would be attainable through sustained growth and long-term planning strategies developed between the public and private sectors,” he said.

For him, the decision to sponsor the Business Leader Awards was quite simple: “It is the premier event annually to celebrate success in the business sector and it is worthwhile to do so in the year of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary.”

Supreme Ventures Ltd said its sponsorship decision was driven by its appreciation for any initiative to showcase and promote Jamaica’s achievements as the country celebrates its 50th year of Independence.

“The significant feature of this year’s awards criteria fits tremendously in line with the Jamaica 50 celebrations and companies that have been successful in their operations for at least 50 years will be recognised by the Jamaica Observer,” Supreme Ventures said.

The company said it applauded any institution, whether public or private, that has weathered the various challenges over the years and remains successful in business after 50 years.

“These beacons in industry have certainly provided the inspiration for Supreme Ventures to continue finding ways to move forward, despite the current economic climate and fiscal challenges,” the company said.

“Our vision is to continue forging successful partnerships that will keep us in the unique position of enjoying a sophisticated operating environment to showcase our potential for further growth and expansion in the gaming industry,” Supreme Ventures said.