Jamaican Women Shine at Historic Pinnacle Awards Gala 

It was a night of a triumph as Jamaican Women Shine at Historic Pinnacle Awards Gala.

The Hilton Rose Hall Resort in Montego Bay was transformed into a sanctuary of empowerment on the evening of March 29, 2025, as the first-ever Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala unfolded in spectacular fashion. The brainchild of Lyndon Taylor, Founder & CEO of Lyndon Taylor & Associates, the event was a resounding declaration that the contributions of Jamaican women—often overlooked—deserve not just applause, but a grand stage.

With 26 phenomenal honorees spanning industries from politics to entertainment, healthcare to sports, the gala was more than an awards ceremony; it was a cultural milestone, a long-overdue homage to many unsung heroes from Jamaica and the Diaspora. 

The timing was no coincidence. Held at the tail end of Women’s History Month, the gala carried an added layer of significance, reinforcing the idea that Jamaican women are not merely participants in history but its driving force. Marcia Griffiths, the reggae legend whose voice has soundtracked generations, was bestowed with the Icon Award for her six decades of shaping music. Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport, received the Leadership Award for her relentless advocacy in public service and women’s rights. Meanwhile, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman elected to New York City’s legislature, was honored for her groundbreaking political career—a testament to the global influence of Jamaican women. 

The evening’s keynote speaker, Donaree Muirhead, a transformational speaker known as The Cross-Over Guru, delivered a stirring address that resonated deeply. “Do not be crown shy,” she urged the honorees, her voice echoing through the ballroom. “Your crowns were earned, not given. Wear them boldly, and as you rise, pull others up with you.” Her words set the tone for the night, weaving a thread of sisterhood and collective upliftment through every speech and performance. 

Entertainment was masterfully provided by multi-instrumentalist Andrene Brown, whose opening rendition of “Strength of a Woman” on the alto saxophone was both a tribute and a call to action. The song’s soaring notes seemed to encapsulate the evening’s spirit—resilient, triumphant, and unapologetically bold. 

What set the Pinnacle Awards apart was its deliberate inclusivity. The honorees were not just celebrities or politicians but educators, community organizers, healthcare pioneers, and athletes. Yolande Geddes-Hall, one of only two Jamaican women to represent the nation in four different sports globally, stood as a symbol of perseverance. Her counterpart, Simone Forbes, was unable to attend and will be presented with her award later.  Meanwhile, figures like Julia Gordon of sponsors, the Jamaica Public Service Company highlighted corporate leadership, proving that excellence thrives in every sector. 

The awards themselves were works of art, designed by Paul Hamilton and brought to life by Jamaican sculptor Robert Campbell. Each piece was a tactile reminder of the creativity and craftsmanship that Jamaican women inspire. 

A unique aspect of the gala was the involvement of final-year journalism and PR students from the University of Technology Jamaica (Utech), who handled PR duties under the guidance of Davion Coombs, social media manager/project manager. For these young media professionals, the event was more like experiential learning where they see planning and execution of a top-quality event.

Behind every great event is strong sponsorship, and the Awards found a steadfast partner in JPSCo, Jamaica’s light and power company. Their commitment underscored the importance of private-sector investment in female empowerment. With JPSCo already pledging support for next year’s gala—slated for Kingston on March 14, 2026—the future of the awards looks brighter than ever. 

As the evening wound down, one thing was clear: this was only the beginning. Plans are already underway to establish a Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Committee, ensuring that future honorees are selected through a transparent and meticulous process. The hope, as Lyndon Taylor emphasized, is to expand the gala’s reach, potentially turning it into a global platform celebrating not just Jamaican women but Caribbean women across the Diaspora. 

For now, the 2025 honorees stand as beacons of possibility. Their stories—of breaking barriers, defying odds, and lifting others—will inspire generations to come. And with that, the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala didn’t just make history—it set the stage for a brighter and bolder future. 

More News Stories