Richard Byles wins RJRGLEANER Platinum Award at 2025 Honour Awards

Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard O. Byles was named the RJRGLEANER Honour Awards 2025 Platinum Award recipient as the annual programme marked its 46th staging on June 7, 2026, celebrating Jamaicans and institutions whose work has strengthened national life.

Byles, who also received the public service award, was cited for steady leadership of Jamaica’s economy, his role in advancing independent central bank operations, the Jam-Dex digital currency, financial inclusion and economic stability. In brief remarks, he said serving Jamaica through the Economic Programme Oversight Committee and the Bank of Jamaica had brought him his greatest professional satisfaction.

The awards recognised achievement across arts and culture, business, education, public service, sport and entertainment. The special award in arts and culture went to Marissa L. Benain for her work as an artist, advocate, attorney, educator and institution builder, including her leadership of Plié for the Arts, Jamaica Creative and the Little Theatre Movement Foundation.

Lifetime achievement awards in entertainment went to pianist Monty Alexander, reggae icon Winston “Burning Spear” Rodney and the late singer-songwriter Glenroy “Ernie” Smith. Alexander was honoured for carrying Jamaican musical identity into jazz over a career spanning more than seven decades. Burning Spear was recognised for roots reggae, Rastafari consciousness, Garveyite thought and global cultural influence. Smith, who died on April 16, 2026, was honoured for songs that captured everyday Jamaican life, including “Bend Down”, “Ride On Sammy”, “Duppy Gunman” and “Life Is Just for Living”.

Yasus Afari received the arts and culture award for dub poetry, Rastafari advocacy and literary work. Seprod Limited took the business award for manufacturing, distribution, export growth and food security, while the Alpha Institute was recognised in education for its work with vulnerable young men, vocational training and music education.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association received the sport award for guiding Jamaica’s athletics systems and protecting competitive standards. Dream Entertainment Limited was honoured in entertainment for building Dream Weekend, Exodus Carnival and related events into Jamaican festival brands with tourism and creative economy impact.

Selection committee chairman Douglas Orane said the committee reviewed 105 nominations and faced difficult choices. The ceremony also acknowledged Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica who assisted after Hurricane Melissa, although that recognition was not presented as a category award.