The ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston set the stage for an evening of recognition and reflection as the 2nd Annual Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala unfolded on March 14, 2026. Held during Women’s History Month, the event brought together guests from Jamaica and across the diaspora to honour fifteen women whose contributions continue to shape the nation and its global influence.
Among the headline honourees was The Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister, whose award was accepted on her behalf by Angela Brown-Burke. The evening, marked by elegance and cultural pride, was anchored in a simple but powerful theme—gratitude—for the women whose work has often gone unrecognised.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lyndon Taylor (@lyndontaylorja)
About the Awards
The Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards is the brainchild of Lyndon Taylor, Founder and CEO of Lyndon Taylor & Associates. First staged in 2024 at the Hilton Rose Hall in Montego Bay, the initiative was created to ensure that women are recognised for their contributions while they are still here to receive their flowers.
Now in its second year, the awards continue to build momentum as a platform dedicated to celebrating Jamaican women across sectors, from politics and academia to culture, business and sport. Honourees are selected by a seven-member committee alongside the executive team, with plans to introduce public nominations in future stagings.
“We are extremely pleased with the level of support shown for the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards Gala, now in its second year,” said Executive Producer Lyndon Taylor. “It is inspiring to see how the event continues to grow and resonate within our community. Our honourees were deeply appreciative of the recognition, underscoring the importance of celebrating the remarkable contributions of Jamaican women. I also extend heartfelt thanks to our committee, production team and sponsors whose collaboration made this year’s staging a success.”
Honouring Trailblazers Across Sectors
This year’s cohort represented a dynamic cross-section of Jamaican excellence, with many of the honourees recognised for breaking barriers and achieving historic firsts.
Among them were Professor Minerva Thame, the first female dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies, and Althea Laing, who made history as the first Black Jamaican model to appear on the cover of Essence magazine.
Ionie Ramsay-Nelson, a retired Superintendent of Police, was recognised for her pioneering role as the first female police motorcyclist in the Western Hemisphere, while Nancy McLean was honoured for her trailblazing career in hospitality leadership.
The evening also celebrated influential figures across media, culture and business, including Cedella Marley, Fae Ellington, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Carla Moore, and Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, among others.
Special awards were presented to individuals whose impact has shaped Jamaica’s national and cultural landscape. Ambassador Aloun N’dombet-Assamba was recognised for her leadership in law and public service, Dr. L’Antoinette Stines for her enduring contributions to the arts, and Dr. Lilith Fuller for her work in education, entrepreneurship and community development.
Moments from the Evening
The programme featured a blend of performances, tributes and reflections, with audience members responding strongly to the message delivered by guest speaker Rev. Dr. Sheila McKeithen. Her remarks, centred on purpose, resilience and gratitude, resonated deeply, with many attendees later requesting copies of her address.
One of the most notable moments of the evening was the presentation of the award to Portia Simpson-Miller, a symbolic recognition of her enduring legacy in Jamaican political life. The event also showcased emerging and established talent, adding a cultural dimension that complemented the night’s central theme.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Majestic Productions (@majesticproductionsja)
Building Legacy and Looking Ahead
Beyond the accolades, organisers hope the awards will serve as a catalyst for connection and mentorship among Jamaican women leaders. Many of the honourees are already making significant contributions in their respective fields, and the initiative aims to strengthen those networks into a lasting sisterhood.
With plans to expand the awards across the Caribbean and the wider diaspora, the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards is positioning itself as more than a gala event—it is an evolving platform for recognition, inspiration and legacy-building.
As the evening came to a close, the significance of the moment was clear. In celebrating women not just for what they have achieved, but for the paths they have paved, the Jamaican Women Pinnacle Awards continues to affirm the importance of recognising excellence in real time.
In doing so, it not only honours the present, but helps to shape the future—ensuring that the stories of Jamaica’s women are seen, valued and remembered.
