Richard Byles wins Platinum Award at 2025 RJRGLEANER Honour Awards

The RJRGLEANER Honour Awards marked its 46th staging on June 7, 2026, recognising the 2025 recipients for contributions to Jamaican life across arts and culture, business, education, public service, sport, entertainment and voluntary service.

The night’s highest honour, the RG Platinum Award, went to Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard O. Byles, who was also named the public service awardee. He was recognised for leadership in Jamaica’s economic management, his work with the Economic Programme Oversight Committee, central bank reform, the JAM-DEX digital currency initiative and financial inclusion.

In accepting the Platinum Award, Byles said service to Jamaica had brought him deep fulfilment after nearly 30 years leading private-sector financial institutions. He said the country had already shown it could overcome major challenges through consensus and determination.

Special recognition in arts and culture went to Marissa L. Benain for her work in creative-sector development, advocacy and cultural institution building. Yasus Afari received the arts and culture category award for his contribution as a dub poet, author, performer and Rastafari cultural advocate.

Three lifetime achievement awards in entertainment honoured Monty Alexander, Burning Spear and the late Ernie Smith. Alexander was cited for more than six decades linking jazz and Jamaican music. Burning Spear, born Winston Rodney, was recognised for over 50 years of roots reggae, Rastafari consciousness, Pan-African identity and Garveyite themes. Smith, who died on April 16, 2026, was honoured for six decades of songwriting and storytelling, including songs that became part of Jamaica’s popular memory.

Seprod Limited received the business award for manufacturing leadership, regional expansion, food security and consumer value. The Alpha Institute won in education for its work with vulnerable youth, vocational training and music education.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association was honoured in sport for its role in developing and regulating Jamaica’s athletics system, while Dream Entertainment Limited received the entertainment award for building Jamaican festival brands, including Dream Weekend and Exodus Carnival, and strengthening entertainment tourism.