Jamaican News

2024 JMEA M&E Awards Gala: A Night of Celebration and Excellence in Manufacturing and Exporting

Kingston, Jamaica – The 2024 Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) M&E Awards Gala, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, reinforced its standing as Jamaica’s premier corporate awards event. With a record-breaking participation of 59 companies and 15 individuals across 28 competitive categories, the gala showcased the remarkable growth, innovation, and competitiveness within Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors.

In partnership with VM Group for the third consecutive year, the event drew over 600 esteemed guests, including His Excellency, Sir Patrick L. Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica; Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce; and N. Nickolas Perry, U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica. Their presence underscored the event’s significance to Jamaica’s economic landscape.

The gala, hosted by the vibrant Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, dazzled attendees with a black-tie atmosphere, featuring local designs that celebrated Jamaica’s rich culture. The theme, “Redefining Boundaries: Advancing the Future of Manufacturing and Exporting,” highlighted the significant investments and technological advancements shaping the future of Jamaica’s industrial sectors. Despite challenges such as labor shortages and rising interest rates, the sector remains resilient and poised for future growth.

Integrity in Judging

To maintain the integrity of the awards, most categories were evaluated by an external, independent panel of esteemed experts, enhancing the event’s credibility. Notable organizations, including the Jamaica Stock Exchange, Scientific Research Council, Yello Media, and the Development Bank of Jamaica, played pivotal roles in assessing entries, ensuring a fair and authoritative selection process.

“This year’s competition was intense, with companies pushing the envelope of excellence,” stated Kamesha Blake, JMEA Executive Director. “The independent panel of judges, many of whom are category sponsors, upheld the highest standards of fairness and credibility in selecting this year’s winners.”

Celebrating Excellence

The evening’s standout performer, Wisynco Group, took home four prestigious awards, including the Governor-General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year and the Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Vision 2030. This marked Wisynco’s continued success following a three-award win in 2023.

Seprod also had a remarkable night, winning three major awards, including the Governor-General’s Award for Exporter of the Year. Other notable winners included Dawson Trading and Red Stripe, who both secured two awards each. Individual accolades were presented to Sandra McLeish from Sankhard Company Limited for the Woman in Manufacturing & Export Award and Marcel James from National Rums of Jamaica Limited for the Consular Corps of Jamaica Next Generation Leadership Award. The prestigious JMEA Icon Award was presented to Doreen Frankson, Managing Director of EdgeChem, for her outstanding contributions to the industry.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 JMEA M&E Awards Gala was not only a celebration of Jamaica’s finest in manufacturing and exporting but also a testament to the innovation and resilience that continues to shape the industry. “As we look ahead to 2025, we eagerly anticipate more groundbreaking achievements and continued excellence from our member companies,” the organizers expressed.

This year’s gala was supported by a host of sponsors, including VM Group, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Red Stripe, and many others, showcasing the collective commitment to fostering growth in Jamaica’s manufacturing and export sectors.

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