JAMAICA Observer CEO Adam Stewart was among the 50 private sector leaders honoured at last week’s 50UnderFifty Awards hosted by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and The Gleaner.

The awards ceremony recognised Jamaican business leaders under 50-years-old who, based on their current contributions to the business community and the country, are expected to make a significant impact on Jamaica’s civic and business landscape in the foreseeable future, said organisers.

Stewart, who is also the CEO and deputy chairman of Sandals Resorts International, was noted for being a leading figure in the tourism sector, one of the country’s main foreign exchange earners. Sharing recognition with Stewart in the “Leisure Tycoons” group of awardees were Gregory Burrowes, director at Dolphin Cove; Jason Henzell, chairman of Jakes Hotel; Noel Sloley Jnr, head of sales and marketing at Jamaica Tours; and Jacqueline Sinclair, CEO of Juicy Chef.

There were 10 groups of awardees, across a wide cross section of disciplines enhancing business development.

National Commercial Bank’s managing director, Patrick Hylton, recognised for being a top financier, said he was honoured to have been selected among the 50 under 50 persons playing an important role in Jamaica’s development.

“Even as I humbly accept this recognition it is my fervent hope that this initiative of recognising us will inspire many more young Jamaicans to pursue their dreams and in so doing make a positive impact on society,” said Hylton.

“The awards recognised persons operating in several disciplines and from varying backgrounds. This for me underscores at least two important points, firstly there is opportunity to make a meaningful impact in almost everything, and secondly your antecedents are not a constraint on your ability to distinguish yourself,” he added, noting that the last principle applies to both the more fortunate as well as the less fortunate among us.

“Put another way, it doesn’t matter where you’re coming from, all that matters is where you’re going and how you get there,” he said.

Other financiers recognised were Phillip Armstrong, managing director of Pan Caribbean Bank; Imani Duncan, JMMB Group strategy manager; Marcus James, CEO of Access Financial Services; and Rezworth Burchenson, managing director of Prime Asset Management.

Tyrone Wilson, 26, president and CEO of eMedia Interactive, said the strong list of honourees underscores that the country is on the right track for the future. He attributed his own recognition — as a “Shot Caller” in the film and production sectors — to the guidance he has received from more senior business minds.

“It pays homage to everybody who has been a part of our development over the years,” said Wilson, whose company launched Jamaica’s first online television network, iVu tv, earlier this year.

Richard Forbes Jr, Storm Saulter, Justine Henzell and Kimala Bennett were the other film directors and producers honoured last Thursday at the Wyndham Kingston hotel.

Keynote speaker of the night was Dr Freeman Hrabowski III, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Hrabowski urged Jamaicans to focus more on innovation through science and engineering.

“What makes the difference in any society beyond our understanding the context through the arts and humanities will always be the strength in science and engineering to create the jobs. And that’s where you need to go in your culture,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hylton said one of his major concerns is the persistent low levels of labour productivity we have been experiencing as a nation.

“We need to tackle this issue head on as I am convinced that significantly improved levels of productivity will be a prerequisite for our sustained economic growth and development,” said Hylton.

“The process should begin by engaging in a national dialogue on the issue involving, government, private sector, labor, institutions of higher learning, and civil society,” he continued. “This needs to be supported by an appropriate institutional framework for collaboration, decision-making and effective implementation.”

Wilson added that stifling red tape and lack of a good credit rating system were other issues affecting business that need to be addressed urgently.