Richard Byles takes RJRGLEANER Platinum Award as 2025 honourees celebrated

The RJRGLEANER Communications Group honoured its 2025 awardees at the 46th annual RJRGLEANER Honour Awards, recognising Jamaicans and Jamaican institutions whose work has contributed to national life in culture, business, education, public service, sport and entertainment.

Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard O. Byles received the Public Service Award and later the RJRGLEANER Platinum Award, the top honour among this year’s recipients. Byles was cited for leadership in economic stability, central bank reform, Jamdex, financial inclusion and Jamaica’s standing with international financial institutions.

In arts and culture, Marisa L. Benain received a special award for her work in creative-industry development, advocacy and institution building, including Plie for the Arts, Jamaica Creative and the Little Theatre Movement Foundation. Dub poet and cultural advocate Yasus Afari was honoured in the arts and culture category for advancing Rastafari philosophy, social consciousness and Jamaican literary arts.

Three Lifetime Achievement Awards in entertainment went to pianist Monty Alexander, reggae icon Winston “Burning Spear” Rodney and the late Glenroy “Ernie” Smith. Alexander was recognised for bringing Jamaican music and jazz together over a career spanning decades. Burning Spear was honoured for roots reggae, Garveyism, Pan-African identity and Rastafari consciousness. Smith, who died on April 16, 2026, was recognised for six decades of storytelling through song.

Seprod Limited received the Business Award for manufacturing leadership, regional expansion, food-security support and its wider national contribution through the Seprod Foundation. The Alpha Institute was honoured in education for its work with vulnerable young men, vocational training and music education, including an associate degree in music performance and technology.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association received the Sport Award for maintaining Jamaica’s athletics systems and global track-and-field legacy. Dream Entertainment Limited was honoured in entertainment for building Jamaican festival brands, including Dream Weekend and Xodus Carnival, and for its impact on entertainment tourism.

Selection committee chairman Douglas Orane said 105 nominations were reviewed by a seven-member panel. The ceremony also acknowledged Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica who volunteered after Hurricane Melissa, while no category awards were presented this year in health and wellness or science and technology.