Marlene Street Forest has made an exceptional contribution to the development of Jamaica’s capital markets for the last 15 years through her tireless and innovative work at the Jamaica Stock Exchange. She has been a champion for the causes of strengthened investor protection, improved financial literacy, enhanced funding for small and medium-sized businesses and improved regional cooperation as a means of channelling foreign direct investments into the Caribbean and while doing so, she has exemplified all the best characteristics of inspired leadership, showing foresight, integrity and an unwavering determination to make a difference.

As a result of her pioneering work in the establishment of the JSE’s Junior Market in 2009, billions of dollars have been raised to fund Jamaica’s small and medium-sized enterprises, resulting in the employment of hundreds of persons, thereby providing a stimulus to the economy. She has also championed and established: An annual regional conference on investments and capital markets; A competition to hone the skill of market analysts; A stock market game for high school students to increase the financial acumen and investment discipline of students; and Financial literacy and continuing professional education opportunities through the JSE’s e-Campus, National investor education week and numerous outreach programmes. Perhaps the culmination of these efforts and others has been the acclamation of the JSE, under her leadership, as the #1 performing stock exchange in the world for 2015.

In addition to these impressive corporate achievements, Mrs. Street Forrest is an active philanthropist who is committed to the principles of volunteerism and community service. She serves as a Justice of the Peace in Kingston; as a Director of the Good Samaritan Inn; as Chairman of her local church’s Kindergarten school; as a member and past treasurer of the Rotary Club of Kingston East and Port Royal; as a member of the National Library Service HR Committee; and as a member of the Adventist layman service and industries.

Through her corporate and community services, Mrs. Street Forrest has contributed in advancing Jamaica towards at least two of its Vision 2030 goals: that of making Jamaica’s economy prosperous; and that of empowering Jamaicans to achieve their fullest potential.

For her outstanding and continuing leadership in the growth and development of the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and by extension Jamaica’s financial service industry and economy, Mrs. Marlene Jennifer Street Forrest has been conferred with the Order of Distinction – Commander Class and is presented with this Citation on behalf of a grateful Nation.