Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Directors of Red Stripe hold the Best of The Chamber award the company won at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Annual Dinner and 2005 Awards Ceremony, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, New Kingston on Thursday March 10, 2005. Celebrating are (from left) Grace Silvera, Global Marketing Director; Mark McKenzie, Managing Director; Hans van Lierop, Financial Director; Noel DaCosta, Corporate Relations Director and Karen Felicien-Brown, Sales Director.
THE JAMAICA Chamber of Commerce (JCC) lauded its members on Thursday night (March 10) at its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony.
Green and orange drapes of equal length provided a colourful backdrop. As guests dined, the soothing tones of Warm 'N' Easy provided a melodic contrast to the chatter reverberating through the packed Hilton ballroom. Guests warmly applauded the wonderful delivery of such ballads as Moon River, Sweet Caroline, So Nice To Be With You and Can't Help Falling In Love With You.
The audience was privileged to have one of the world's gurus on malt research as guest speaker. Professor Godfrey Palmer of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland was born and raised in Allman Town. The brilliant and incredibly witty gentleman didn't go into the details of his work, choosing instead to briefly chronicle his journey from humble beginnings. He has shared his expertise in grains and wheats all over the world and related that everywhere he went, persons marvelled at the country of his birth. His stories kept the audience captivated. As varied and as comical as his stories were, the message was the same.
"Jamaica has an incredible brand name and it should not be damaged," he said to rousing applause. "There is a legacy we must defend, and it is incumbent on us to keep it," he ended. As he moved to his seat, the applause and standing ovation were well deserved.
But to make the night even more special, another great Jamaican was honoured; none other than Edward Seaga. Mr. Seaga was presented with a citation for, among other things, his contribution to Jamaica's cultural, human and social development. Mr. Seaga was clearly moved by the gesture and lauded the JCC for its longevity and for providing a voice to aid Jamaica's growth.
So with these two Jamaicans receiving 'nuff respect', it was time for the awards. Red Stripe stood out, taking the coveted Best of the Chamber Award yet another famous trophy in their collection.
The St. Ann Chamber of Commerce was voted the Best Parish Chamber for the third consecutive year; Individual Chamber Member award to immediate past president Michael A. Ammar and Dr. Carolyn Gomes and Jamaicans For Justice took the Individual Community Services Award. The Entrepreneurial Awards separated into small, medium and large-sized companies went to Kingston Bookshop, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and Digicel respectively.
