JAMAICA’S engineering community celebrated its most accomplished members at the Jamaica Institution of Engineers (JIE) annual awards dinner and gala at Jamaica Pegasus hotel on November 23. The event highlighted the exceptional contributions of engineers to the nation’s progress while reflecting on milestones and honouring trailblazers in the field.

Showcasing excellence in engineering

The highly anticipated Engineering Project of the Year award was presented to Lydford Mining company for outstanding work on their engineered sustainability in limestone project, and engineer Hopeton Jones received the prestigious JIE award for Excellence in Engineering for his groundbreaking work in advancing engineering practices in Jamaica.

Recognising emerging and established talent

The evening celebrated the accomplishments of exceptional individuals and teams. Most Outstanding Jamaican Engineering Student awards were presented to Roxanne Daley, Faculty of Engineering, The University of the West Indies; Dario Beckford, School of Engineering, University of Technology, Jamaica; and Akila Bailey, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Technology, Caribbean Maritime University.

Scholarships and partner recognition

The PROVEN Properties/JIE student scholarship recipients were Gabrielle Levy, final-year industrial engineering student at the University of Technology, Jamaica and Tiffany Campbell, final-year electronics engineering student at The University of the West Indies. The PROVEN Properties/JIE Excellence Award honoured PROVEN Properties for its pivotal role in supporting the engineering profession and nurturing future talent.

Council and special awards

Outgoing President Oneil Josephs presented the Outstanding Graduate Member award to engineer Michael James; and Best Committee Award: Engineers’ Week Committee; the President’s Cup to engineer Shauna-Kay East Bevan. Special awards went to engineer Norman Tai for the Year of Engineering campaign and the late Marcia Erskine, posthumously recognised for her invaluable service to the JIE.

A tribute to Marcia Erskine

A poignant moment of the evening was the posthumous presentation of the JIE Lifetime Achievement Award and a recognition citation to the late Marcia Erskine. Her three-decade legacy of unwavering commitment to the growth and success of the JIE was celebrated in a heartfelt tribute.

“Marcia will live on in every fibre of the institution. Her legacy is not measured by the years she spent with us but by the love she shared and the lives she touched. Her maternal warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication were beacons of light in our darkest moments, guiding us through challenges with grace and professionalism,” JIE said. In her honour, the JIE modified its 2024 slogan to, “Awareness, Research, Development, and Business – emblazoned by the memory of Marcia Erskine.”

A vision for the future

Incoming JIE president Colin Porter delivered an inspiring address, thanking past presidents, sponsors, contributors, special guests, and attendees while congratulating all awardees. He outlined the framework for the JIE’s strategic objectives, emphasising the institution’s commitment to national development and sustainability.

“The Jamaica Institution of Engineers will continue to strengthen the role of engineers in national development through advocacy and policy influence,” he said. “We are dedicated to enhancing the professional development of engineers by providing continuous education, training, and mentorship. Expanding our membership, promoting sustainability and innovation in engineering practices across Jamaica, and fostering strong partnerships with academia, government, industry, and other stakeholders are integral to our mission. Together we will ensure the engineering profession remains a driving force in Jamaica’s progress and prosperity.”