The novel coronavirus pandemic’s impact on global banking sectors has been significant. Regardless, Sagicor’s Jamaican and Caymanian teams remained #SagicorStrong and thrived because the company tapped into innovation. On Wednesday, April 20, at the Sagicor Corporate Awards, these distinguishing characteristics were celebrated and re-enshrined as company traditions.

The World Bank, Deloitte and KPMG all produced white papers discussing COVID’s initial and future impact on the industry, societies and global markets. According to the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, “The pandemic has challenged traditional banking models… and served as a catalyst for digitisation.” Sagicor has always been forward-looking and at the forefront of innovation. “Our reputation as market leaders, trendsetters, and disruptors in financial services is because of your dedication to providing the ultimate and utmost best-in-class service for our clients and stakeholders,” said Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited President and CEO Christopher Zacca.

Close to 350 Sagicor employees and stakeholders gathered in the Grand Jamaica Suite at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel for Wednesday evening’s ceremony. The rest of the company’s team members across its life insurance, investments, bank, and property services units joined via Zoom and Sagicor’s online streaming content platform — SAGE Network.

The company’s 2022 mission is “peak everything”. According to Zacca, it’s “about charting a new course, climbing a new mountain and getting to higher heights”. And this was on glorious display as the company handed out approximately 85 awards Wednesday evening.

In addition to new awards, notably The Albert Lyon Trophy, in honour of the company’s and industry icon who passed away, and the Michael Fraser Award, the most anticipated awards of the evening included Team Member of the Year, Branch of the Year, Best Performing Team, Philanthropic, Production Club Chairman (aka advisor of the year), and the R Danny Williams, Pansy Ennevor and President’s trophies.

Each of the event’s touchpoints was thoughtful, polished, and memorable. The event reflected the soul of the brand and a corporation that used the pandemic’s lessons to accelerate. Looking ahead, the company’s president and CEO is assured that the team members will channel their energy and passion toward “smashing new goals”.

Sagicor is and will continue to be a torchbearer for the local financial services sector. “I am sure and confident that, as a group, we will continue to experience sustainable growth upheld by your force of passion, determination, resilience, focus and of course, hard work,” Zacca said.