For the first time since the introduction of its BRAVO Business Awards 18 years ago, Latin Trade has named a Jamaican, Douglas Orane, chairman of GraceKennedy Limited, as the winner of one of its awards.

The award for Social Sustainability Leader of the Year 2012 will be presented to Orane at a gala on Friday, October 26, in Miami, Florida.

In a letter advising Orane of the award, Latin Trade's executive team noted that he had been selected in recognition of "his dedication and contribution to social progress in Jamaica," on top of the enormous corporate success of GraceKennedy Limited.

According to the letter, Orane was selected by a team of editorial judges at Latin Trade from nominations submitted by its readers and participants in the BRAVO Councils.

It stated that the award acknowledged Orane's role not only in making GraceKennedy one of the world's premier Caribbean food and drink companies, but also his efforts in establishing GraceKennedy's operations as a model of ethical and social responsibility and sustainability.

In commenting on the award, Orane said that it came as a surprise to him as he did not know he was being considered.

He added that he was humbled to have been the first Jamaican to be selected by Latin Trade, noting that the other recipients of BRAVO awards include some of Latin American and Caribbean region's most outstanding leaders.

Among the other recipients of BRAVO awards are CEO of the Year Juan Benavides, CEO of Falabella, one of Chile's largest companies and the second-largest retail operator in Latin America; and Investor of the Year Carlos Slim Domit, co-chairman of American Movil.

Latin Trade BRAVO Business Awards recognise excellence and achievement in government, business, finance, and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean.