THE American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM) is to honour several Jamaican corporate and civic leaders at its prestigious Business and Civic Leadership Awards and Banquet 2015 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in October.

AMCHAM President Ron Mckay said that this year’s banquet will feature Wesley Robert Edens, head of Fortress Investment Group LLC (USA), as the keynote speaker.

Edens’ company recently entered a deal with the JPS to bring to Jamaica its first natural gas supply, thereby supporting the conversion of the JPS power plants to cleaner, more flexible fuels.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award to an outstanding civic leader, there will also be awards in the categories of: Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility; and Excellence in Civic Leadership.

McKay said that the banquet, which is being presented in association with GB ENERGY (Texaco), was launched in 2010 and recognises and celebrates businesses, individuals and non-profit organsations “that have been driving and achieving the economic and social progress in Jamaica through ethical leadership, stewardship, and community building activities”.

The programme which is now in its sixth year fully supports individuals, companies and non-profit organisations that are for the enhancement and development of Jamaica. This awards ceremony seeks to celebrate, highlight and encourage those who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement.

The American chambers outside the territorial United States are non-profit, independent associations formed by US business people and nationals who do business with the United States .

AMCHAM is affiliated to the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America in Washington, DC , the largest federated business organisation in the world, with offices in 65 countries. AMCHAMs work closely with the government of the host country to facilitate investment and trade.