PORT ANTONIO, Portland — It came as a total surprise to Raymond Grant when he was named Portland’s Boss of the Year. He was even more shocked when he was voted the country’s best boss by the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals.

“When I was advised by the president that I was selected for the parish of Portland, I was humbled by the confidence that the selection committee placed in me and for those who thought I was the best person to be nominated for such a position,” Grant told the Jamaica Observer.

“I soon had to refocus on contesting for the national championship of being crowned the All-Island Boss of the Year. I competed against other stalwarts from varying working environments and institutions across the country. It was fun, engaging, and rewarding,” he added.

Grant is a justice of the peace, superintendent of road and works for the Portland Municipal Corporation, vice-president of Jamaica Football Federation, and president of Portland Football Association.

As Boss of the Year for 2025-26, he joins a long list of impressive Jamaicans, among them banking executive Peter Moses representing the Kingston chapter; the late attorney Ernest Smith representing St Ann chapter; and academician Dr Paul Ivey representing Portland chapter.

As pointed out by Althea Cole-Martin, National Public Relations Officer 2024-25 for the Jamaica Association of Administrative Professionals Limited, contest winners tend to leave their mark at the national level.

“Winners of the Administrative Professional of the Year competition have gone on to lead their respective chapters to major milestones or have been promoted to managerial capacities within their organisations. One major standout is Ms Gloria Henry, who represented the St James chapter. Gloria is currently vice-president of the Port Authority of Jamaica and president of Global Services Association,” said Cole-Martin.

The last week of April is celebrated globally as Administrative Professionals Week with a number of activities staged to highlight members’ significant contributions to their respective organisations and the wider society. The selection of the All-Island Administrative Professional and All-Island Boss of the Year is one of the major events planned.

“This event features select administrative professionals and managers competing against their counterparts from other parishes for the respective titles. The winners will then represent the association at various activities throughout the celebration period and the subsequent year,” explained Cole-Martin.

Jamaica’s observance of the global celebration dates back to the 1970s.

“This event was first held in April 1976, and the St Ann chapter emerged as double winners with adjudged All-Island Boss of the Year, Mr Kirby Harrison and All-Island Secretary of the Year, Ms Ida Martini. In 2010, the title was renamed All-Island Administrative Professional of the Year in keeping with the name change of the career to encompass all administrative roles and responsibilities within the organisations,” Cole-Martin noted.

For Boss of the Year 2025-26 Raymond Grant, he is mulling over plans for his time in the role. He is still getting used to taking the top spot.

“My plans are still being discussed. I am humbled and reflective on my contribution to the workspace. It came as a total surprise, so no thought was given to the receipt of this or any other awards,” he told the Observer.