Loop Lens: Fierce competition marks JMEA awards with record entries

 A record-breaking 59 companies and 15 individuals competed across 28 fiercely contested categories at the 2024 Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) M&E Awards Gala, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.

In partnership with VM Group for the third consecutive year, the gala brought together over 600 esteemed guests, including Sir Patrick L. Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, and His Excellency N. Nickolas Perry, US Ambassador to Jamaica. The presence of such prominent figures underscores the event’s importance to Jamaica’s economic landscape.

Hosted by the vibrant Dr Terri-Karelle Johnson, the black-tie affair dazzled with local designs proudly showcased by attendees, reinforcing its status as the largest corporate black-tie event in the country. 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, including labour shortages and rising interest rates, the sector remains resilient and poised for future growth.

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

The evening’s top winner, Wisynco Group, claimed four awards, including the prestigious Governor-General’s Award for Manufacturer of the Year, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Vision 2030, the NCBJ Award for Quality and Standards (Large Company), and the Best Digital Ad Campaign Award. This marked Wisynco’s continued success, building on their three-award win in 2023.

Seprod also had a standout evening, taking home three major awards: the Prime Minister’s Award for Large Champion Exporter in Manufacturing, the Governor-General’s Award for Exporter of the Year, and the Charles Henderson Award for Breakthrough Product/Service of the Year.

Underdogs Dawson Trading and industry leader Red Stripe tied for third place with two awards each. Dawson Trading captured the Ray Hadeed Award for Best Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and won the JAMPRO Award for Small Champion Exporter Manufacturing.

Red Stripe won the newly introduced Inclusivity Champion Award, which promotes fairness and inclusivity in the workplace, alongside the Jamaica Productivity Centre Award for Productivity and Competitiveness – Super Large category.

In the individual categories, Sandra McLeish of Sankhard Company Limited was honored with the Woman in Manufacturing & Export Award, while Marcel James of National Rums of Jamaica Limited received the Consular Corps of Jamaica Next Generation Leadership Award. The coveted JMEA Icon Award went to Doreen Frankson, Managing Director of EdgeChem, for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Outside of the competitive spirit, Stephen Dawkins of Wisynco Group and Clover Moodie of Kingston Wharves Limited were honored with Outstanding Director Long Service Awards for their exceptional contributions to the JMEA.

Other standout winners included Grace Food Processors, which earned the inaugural ESG - Most Sustainable Manufacturer Award, and GraceKennedy Limited, which received the Nicola Gordon Rowe Buy Jamaican Award. Lydford Mining and Smith's Rum Cream were recognised with the Jamaica Productivity Centre Award for Productivity and Competitiveness – Large category and the Jamaica Manufacturer and Services (JEMS) of the Year Award, respectively.