Adam Stewart, Rita Marley head list of 2025 Ja Independence honourees in NY
Published:Tuesday | April 22, 2025 | 12:12 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
Female reggae icon Rita Marley and the executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Adam Stewart, head a list of eight persons to be honoured at this year’s Jamaica Independence gala to be held in New York.
The gala will be held on August 23 at the New York Marriott Marquis. It is being put on but the Jamaican Consulate in New York in conjunction with non-profit organisation, Jamaica Promise.
Alfarita Constantia ‘Rita’ Marley will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A legendary reggae matriarch and humanitarian, she is being honoured for her unparalleled contributions to Jamaican music, culture, and community development. As a founding member of the I-Threes and matriarch of the Marley musical legacy, her influence has helped bring Jamaican reggae and philanthropy to the global stage.
Stewart is being honoured for business leadership as an entrepreneur and tourism industry leader, to celebrate his exemplary contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development. As executive chairman of SRIl and a driving force in Caribbean hospitality, Stewart has spurred growth and investment that benefit Jamaica’s economy.
Last year there was no official Jamaica Independence Gala held in New York.
At the time, the consulate said in a statement that it was with deep regret that it announced that the Jamaica Independence Gala would not be held, due to competing priorities.
The Jamaica Independence Gala is an event held in New York City that celebrates Jamaica’s culture, heritage and Independence. The gala brings together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the diaspora for an evening of unity, reflection, and festivity.
The gala also serves to support charitable causes in Jamaica. Proceeds from the 2025 Gala will benefit initiatives in Jamaica, focusing on areas such as education, healthcare, and community development. Slated to benefit from this year’s gala are students who will be provided with scholarships to tertiary institutions, the Jamaica Cancer Society and the Rita Marley Girl’s Center.
Proceeds from the Gala in 2023 went to scholarships totalling some US$40,000 were awarded to 16 students in Jamaica and the United States.
A breakown of the scholarships shows that eight went to students attending The University of the West Indies; six went to students attending the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE); two went to students at the University of Technology and one went to a student in the United States.
Other awards
This year’s other honourees James Alston, who is being given the award for Community Development & Philanthropy.
Patricia Chin will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as a Reggae music pioneer and co-founder of VP Records. She is being honoured for her contribution to Jamaican music.
Henry ‘Larry’ Duffus will get the Entrepreneurship Award. Duffus is founder of a successful New York bicycle enterprise, and has used his platform to mentor youth and promote healthy lifestyles, exemplifying community leadership.
Gregory Fisher will receive the award for National Development. Recognised for his long-standing and ongoing support for Jamaica’s national development, both in the financial sector and through private charitable donations.
Dr Anthony Munroe, president of Munroe University, gets an award for Educational Leadership.
Audrey Tugwell Henry, president and CEO of Scotia Group Jamaica, will receive the award for Business Leadership. An esteemed banking executive, she is being honoured for her exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s financial sector and overall economic growth.
Consul General Alsion Wilson said the consulate is proud to honour the eight distinguished individuals who will receive awards at this year’s Independence Gala,
“Each honouree has made a profound impact in their field and in the lives of others, exemplifying the very best of Jamaica and the best of friends of Jamaica. Their achievements – from pioneering Jamaican music on the world stage to transforming educational institutions and empowering communities – inspire Jamaicans everywhere. It will be a privilege to recognise their contributions as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” said the consul general.
She said each honouree represents the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields, and their collective achievements reflect the strength and vibrancy of Jamaica’s heritage, from the arts and business to education and community service.