Caribbean News

Outstanding Jamaicans Honoured

Published

8 years ago

October 19, 2017

#Jamaica, October 19, 2017 – Kingston – Two hundred and fifty-seven outstanding Jamaicans who have made significant contributions to nation building, were formally recognized at the ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, on Monday (October 16), at King’s House. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, and his wife, Mrs. Juliet Holness, headed the list of dignitaries and other guests who attended the annual event to witness the awards being handed out by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

Heading the list of recipients this year was musical icon, the Hon. Neville O’Reilly Livingston, popularly known as “Bunny Wailer”, who was awarded the Order of Merit.

“It’s an honour to be awarded. I have been contributing over these years with Bob (Marley) and Peter (Tosh). It feels good to be recognised for the great things which happened for me in music,” he told JIS News at the ceremony.

Following his award, five persons – Mr. Vincent Francis, Mr. Phillip Gore, Mr. Anthony Hart, Professor Archibald McDonald and Ambassador Clifton Stone were presented with the Order of Jamaica.

Forty-two persons were awarded with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander [CD]. They were The Reverend Dr. Ronald Blair, Dr. Ellen Grizzle, Senior Superintendent Vance Carter, Mrs. Heather Cooke, Mrs. Laleta Davis-Mattis, Mr. Herrick Dear, Sister Mary Figueroa, Professor Fletcher, Mr. Ian Forbes, Dr. Marcia Forbes, Colonel (Rtd.) Samuel Francis, Mr. Christopher Gayle, Dr. Gladys Gordon-Veitch, Mr. Alexander Hamilton, Mr. Kevin Hendrickson, Mr. Paul Hoo, Mr. Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence, Mr. John Lynch, Dr. Noel Lynch and The Hon. Mrs. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop.

Others given the CD were Ambassador Vilma McNish, Major General Rocky Meade, Mr. Howard Mitchell, Professor Keith Morrison, Dr. Donald Phillibert, Dr. Fritz Pinnock, Mr. George Quallo, Mr. John Robinson, Mr. Robert Russell, Mr. Paul Scott, Mr. Lyttleton Shirley, Mr. Edward Shoucair, Mr. George Soutar, Mrs. Joy Spence, Hon. Ms. Justice Jennifer Straw, Hon. Mr. Justice Bryan Sykes, Dr. Cleo Taylor, Mr. Sylvester Tulloch, Dr. Kenneth Vaughn, Mr. Albert Webb, Senator Donald Wehby, Mr. Noel Whyte and Mr. Clifton Yap.

Dr. Marcia Forbes, co-owner and Executive Chairperson of Phase Three Productions Limited, who was awarded in this category for her sterling contribution to multimedia television production, public service and volunteerism, said she “felt fantastic”.

“I don’t work to get any recognition or award, but when you get it, it’s amazing, especially when you’re alive and young enough to appreciate it as I am. It’s really a good feeling. I thank all who have nominated me,” she told JIS News.

Sixty-six persons were awarded with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer [OD]. They were Mrs. Sonia Abrahams, Captain (Rtd.) Christopher Annamunthodo, Mr. Khaleel Azan, Mr. Carl Bradshaw, Mr. Patrick Brown, Mr. John Breese, Mr. Isbert Clarke, Mr. Robert Clarke, Mrs. Pearline Cooper Sharpe, The Right Reverend Harold Daniel, Mr. Alston Douglas, Mr. Michael Drakulich, Ms. Simone Edwards, Mr. Copeland Forbes, Mr. Alvin Francis, Mr. Ferdinand Gaynair, Mrs. Mabel Grandison, Mrs. Antonica Gunter Gayle, Mr. Courtney Barrington and Ms. Joyce Harris.

Also receiving the OD were Mr. George Ho Sang, Mr. Indru Khemlani, Mr. Ramesh Lakhwani, Mr. Leroy Lindsay, Ms. Eslyn Lynch, Mr. Carlos Malcolm, Dr. Donna McFarlane, The Reverend Cannon McIntyre, Mr. Clyde McKenzie, Professor Collie Miller, Mrs. Gloria Millwood, Mrs. Rosina Moder, Mr. Earl Moore, Mr. Kenneth Neale, Mrs. Delores O’Connor, Mr. Hugh Osborne, Mr. Paul Pennicook, Mr. Lloyd Pommells, Ms. Sandra Levy-Ramsay, Mr. Carl Rhoden, Mr. Gary Sadler, Ms. Hermine Salmon, Pastor Glen Samuels, Mrs. Methelina Scarlet-Jones, Mr. Richard Simpson, Dr. Iris Soutar, Mr. Lloyd Stanbury, Mr. Joseph Sterling, Ms. Stafanie Taylor, Dr. Ian Titus, Mrs. Maxine Walters, Mr. Theodore Whitmore, Mr. Joel Williams, Mr. Maurice Wilson, Mr. Dennis Wright, Ms. Joyce Young and Mrs. Margaret Steuart.

Mr. Ho Sang, a retired jockey, who was awarded the OD for his contribution to the horse racing industry in Jamaica, said he “feels great to have been awarded by his country”.

“I thank the people who nominated me for this award. I am so grateful to receive it while I am still alive to enjoy it,” he said in an interview with JIS News.

Seven Jamaicans who risked their lives to save others were awarded with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry [BH(G)] by the Governor-General. They were Mr. Howard Garcia, Ms. Anna Kay Martin, Mr. Ramone Peart, Mr. Jamwno Riley, Mr. Jermaine Riley, Ms. Davia Tucker and Mr. Tremayne Brown, who was recently added to the list for his act of bravery on September 10, after he jumped into a gully to save 12-year-old Renaldo Reynolds in Trench Town from being washed away.

Speaking with JIS News after collecting his award, Mr. Brown said he felt good about being publicly awarded. “It feels good. It feels really good,” Mr. Brown, who was overwhelmed, simply said.

Twenty-four persons were awarded with The Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service [BH(M)]. They were Dr. Winsome Christie, Ms. Opal Davis, Mr. Easton Daley, Mrs. Daphne Dennis, Mrs. Alice Downer, Mr. Baldwin Dulston, Mr. Clive Edwards, Ms. Quindell Ferguson, Mrs. Helen Gauron, Mrs. Melody Haughton-Adams, Mrs. Murleen Kelly Henry, The Reverend Uriah Lawrence, Mrs. Sonia Lee, Mrs. Hilda McAnuff, Mrs. Marjorie Monteith, Mrs. Bernice Moore, Mr. Barrington Parsons, Dr. Michelle Russell, Ms. Maudlyn Roach, Mrs. June Torey-Scott, Mrs. Constance Witter, Mr. Elphyn Wright, Father Marek Bzinkowski, Mrs. Diane Pollard and Mr. Peter Rose.

Some 37 persons were awarded with the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service [BH(L)]. They were Mrs. Elaine Barker, Mr. Hebron Barrett, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown-James, Mrs. Roseline Brown-Moore, Mrs. Eumeda Byfield, Mrs. Jacqueline Champagnie, Mr. Anthony Colquhoun, Mrs. Sandra Daley Peart, Mrs. Carolm Dyer-Archer, Ms. Paulette Green, Mr. Phillip Hutchinson, Mrs. Beverley Ingram, Mr. Winston Jackson, Ms. Grace Johns, Mrs. Millicent Kerridge, Mrs. Sybil Leslie, Mrs. Nellie Lewis, Mrs. Patricia Linton-Khanni, Mrs. Linda Maragh, Ms. Lois McGregor, Ms. Marlene McGregor, Mrs. Sylvia McKenzie, Dr. Stewart McKoy, Mr. Felix Mitchell, Mrs. Yvonne Mitchell, Mrs. Matilda Morgan, Mr. Michael Nicholson, Ms. Juliet O’Sullivan, Ms. Marjorie Parkin, Mrs. Evelyn Richards, Mrs. Paula Rouse-McFarlane and Mrs. Ivet Russell. Others were Ms. Yvette Smith, Ms. Yvonne Vassell, Ms. Leith Watson, Mr. Robert White and Mr. Howard Williams.

Mr. Brandon Freeman collected an award in this category on behalf of his grandfather, Mr. Horace Vickers Freeman, who died one month prior to the ceremony.

Speaking with JIS News, Brandon said it was a bittersweet feeling both sitting in the seat and collecting the award on behalf of his grandfather.

“My grandfather was a great man and I’m glad I was able to collect what he rightfully earned. It’s sad that he was not here today to receive it himself, but I believe his legacy has been passed on through my generation, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to collect my own reward for my own legacy,” he said.

Two persons from the Department of Correctional Services were awarded with the Medal of Honour for Gallantry. They were Corporal Vincent Allen for rendering quick and alert assistance to Corporal Ivey who requested emergency medical assistance while suffering a heart attack; and Corporal Jermaine Stewart for demonstrating the act of bravery, courage and a keen sense of alertness to have discharged his firearm at two armed robbers who boarded the Department’s vehicle and attempted to rob staff members on Friday, November 25, 2016.

In the category of the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service, 12 persons from the Jamaica Defence Force were awarded, 24 from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 27 from the Department of Correctional Services and 11 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Release: JIS

Caribbean News

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

Published

2 days ago

October 8, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

Caribbean News

Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

4 days ago

October 6, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23^rd to 26^th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

Caribbean News

Guyanese Scholar and Olympian Arrested in Iowa ICE Crackdown

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

September 27, 2025 – In a shocking breach of public trust and institutional oversight, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is a citizen of Guyana, was arrested on September 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a string of serious offenses that raise troubling questions about hiring practices, accountability, and public safety.

Roberts, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a former Olympian and accomplished scholar. According to online reports, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University after transferring from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he played soccer. He holds two master’s degrees—from St. John’s University and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business—attended an Executive MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management and earned a doctorate in education with a focus on urban educational leadership from Trident University.

Despite these accomplishments, Roberts was living and working without legal authorization. ICE reported that he fled a traffic stop and abandoned his school-issued vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He also has a prior weapons-related charge.

ICE officials questioned how Roberts could hold such a prominent role while subject to a final deportation order issued in May 2024. The school district said they were unaware of his immigration status, noting that he had undergone background checks and completed an I-9 form confirming work authorization. Roberts was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case highlights vulnerabilities in systems meant to safeguard public institutions and underscores the challenges ICE faces in identifying individuals operating outside U.S. immigration laws while in positions of authority.

For many, Roberts has become a near-literal poster child for these enforcement gaps.