MONTEGO BAY, St James —Chief executive officer of Rainforest Caribbean Brian Jardim is the latest inductee into Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (MBCCI) Business Leader Wall of Fame.

Jardim was inducted during a glitzy awards banquet marking MBCCI’s 92nd anniversary at Montego Bay Convention Centre on Saturday night.

Jardim joined an esteemed list of Montego Bay business personalities, including his father, the late hotel mogul Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

Last year Mark Hart also joined his father Anthony “Tony” Hart on the MBCCIs prestigious Wall of Fame, which is rounded off by BD Dadlani, Joe Whitter, Ralph Smith, Lloyd B Smith, Winston Dear, Godfrey Dyer, Mark Kerr Jarrett, and Gloria Henry.

In the citation accompanying the induction, MBCCI noted that in 1997 Jardim founded Rainforest Caribbean, a company that has now grown to become the Caribbean’s largest vertically integrated seafood harvester, processor, and distributor.

“Headquartered in Jamaica, with operations spanning St Lucia, Belize, Barbados, and St Vincent, Rainforest Caribbean now employs more than 1,000 individuals. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and regional economic growth,” the citation read in part.

It said the chamber proudly recognises Jardim as “a visionary leader whose entrepreneurial spirit, transformative leadership, and profound dedication to the betterment of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean have earned him a well-deserved place on our Business Leader Wall of Fame”.

The MBCCI also saluted Jardim for his benevolence, recounting his donation of $10 million to Cornwall Regional Hospital, proceeds from a music festival he organised.

“His philanthropic endeavours have transformed lives, embodying the ethos of ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’,” the citation said.

The chamber noted that the donation to Cornwall Regional Hospital helped with direct funding of life-saving equipment, including incubators for maternity care and assistance for paediatric and anesthetic needs.

“His personal contribution of over $10 million in cash to Cornwall Regional, along with scholarships and other charitable initiatives in St James, underscore his deep commitment to building a healthier, more prosperous society,” the citation read.

“As a community leader, Mr Jardim has served with distinction on numerous boards, including the Jamaica Observer, Montego Freeport, and We Care for Cornwall Regional Hospital, where his advocacy for healthcare has been transformative. His leadership as vice-president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, and his directorship at organisations such as General Accident and the National Bakery Foundation, further exemplify his dedication to national development,” the citation further stated.

In his address, MBCCI President Oral Heaven hailed the Montego Bay businessman “for doing so much for the city”.

“We thank you, we appreciate what you have done for our city and our country and, by extension, the region. You have done so much for Montego Bay. You have employed… you are feeding so many families. It is not simple to start a business from scratch and going on 28 years and you continue to grow from strength to strength, providing for not just your family, but for the many families you attach to your business,” Heaven said.

“The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry chose to recognise this giant of a man who continues to contribute to our city,” added Heaven.

In his response, Jardim said it was an honour to be inducted into the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Wall of Fame.

“It’s with the deepest gratitude I accept this incredible recognition from my peers. I am honoured to be in the esteemed company of so many MoBay greats and it is particularly meaningful because Montego Bay is where it all started for me,” Jardim said.

“Montego Bay has always held a special place in my heart and it’s here that my entrepreneurial journey started. In 1995 my good friend, Ian Dear, and I bought an old waterfront restaurant on ‘Bottom Road’ and began our Margaritaville journey — 12 restaurants, bars and nightclubs in three islands and 15 years later, in 2010 I sold my piece of the business to focus on my other passion, Rainforest,” added Jardim.

He recounted that Rainforest began in 1997 in a 1,500 square foot storefront in a small plaza in Freeport.

“A tiny retail store and office on a rickety wooden mezzanine above, two freezer containers and one Nissan deportee delivery van — so began our excellent adventure,” he recalled.

“Today we operate in five countries with over 50 locations including plants, factories, distribution centres, farms, retail stores, restaurants and docks with over 1,000 team members. We export to more than 30 countries across the world; we are a MoBay company with a global reach; a true MoBay success story,” added Jardim.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, including his wife Shelagh, and his many friends for their unwavering support over the years.

“Rainforest was built by an incredibly loyal and talented team, many of whom are here this evening sharing in this award,” he said.

“My ‘Sheleebee’, I couldn’t have done this without you by my side,” he said to his wife.

“Most of all, I want to thank the incredible Rainforest dream team, past and present. Your dedication, hard work, and belief in our vision have been the backbone of everything we’ve achieved. Thank you again for this wonderful honour, I will cherish it always,” declared Jardim.