The legal fraternity brought silver-screen elegance to the Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom on Friday, July 31 for the 2026 Jamaican Bar Association Annual Awards Banquet. Channelling Old Hollywood, guests arrived in their vintage best to celebrate the stars of the evening, Paula Llewellyn, KC, and Ian Wilkinson, KC, who were recognised as this year’s honorees.

Distinguished Company Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) and Jamaican Bar Association President Tenneshia Watkins (second left) joined honorees Ian Wilkinson, KC and Paula Llewellyn, KC to celebrate their special recognition. Joseph Wellington

The evening also paid tribute to veteran legal practitioners marking 50 years at the Bar, together with a posthumous award honouring Sasha-Marie Ashley, senior parish court judge for Hanover, who passed away last March.

Centre Stage Attorney-at-law and Jamaican Bar Association 2026 honoree Ian Wilkinson, KC celebrated the occasion with his wife, attorney-at-law and radio host Khadine “Miss Kitty” Wilkinson, who upped the glam quotient in a gown from Kayture Stylings.Joseph Wellington

Bringing greetings, Prime Minister Andrew Holness lauded Llewellyn and Wilkinson for their steadfast commitment to Jamaica’s legal profession across decades of stewardship, their strength of character, and their sterling contributions to shaping Jamaica’s legal institutions.

Leading Ladies Scotiabank Jamaica President and CEO Audrey Tugwell Henry (right) joined her attorney-at-law daughter Peter-Kaye Henry for a photo.Leo Hudson

“Through their distinguished service, they have contributed to the development of Jamaican jurisprudence and to the strength and standing of the legal profession. They have demonstrated that excellence at the Bar requires much more than technical knowledge. It demands discipline, preparation, courage, integrity, and an abiding respect for institutions,” Holness said.

Forever Cherished Business executive Andrew Ashley accepted an award in honour of his late wife Sasha-Marie Ashley from Jamaican Bar Association President Tenneshia Watkins.Joseph Wellington

Page 2 brings highlights.

.

Photos: Joseph Wellington