The Rock’s business titans convened at the Grand Jamaica Suite of the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Wednesday for the 38th Annual Gala Awards of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC).

Under the theme “Resilience: A Key Benchmark of Success,” the event aimed at commemorating the remarkable contributions made by private sector companies to the nation’s economy.

The evening’s compère Dania Beckford gracefully steered the proceedings, leading the way for president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Michael McMorris’s opening remarks. “I wish to emphasise the significance of this occasion and express my gratitude to all the companies that have contributed tremendously to our nation. It took great resilience to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment, and commerce, also said a few words. “It’s an honour to be surrounded by the companies that have shown their resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. I take this opportunity to thank you for your invaluable contributions to the exponential growth of the Jamaican economy,” he said.

The ‘Best of Chambers’ awards were the highlight of the evening, recognising outstanding member companies in six categories: Sanmerna Paper Products Limited received the small enterprise award; Jamaica Stock Exchange, the medium enterprise award; Massy Distribution Jamaica Limited, the large enterprise award; Seprod Limited, the extra-large enterprise award; SimSpeak Communication Services Limited, the entrepreneur award; and the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the JCC Yello Marketing excellence award.

To ensure the evening was a multisensory experience, guests were fêted with a five-course dinner complemented by the melodies of virtuoso violinist Dr Dayna Palmer and stirring performances by The Ashe Company.

Page 2 takes you inside the event.