In a year filled with milestones, the Jamaicans.com Annual Best of Jamaica Awards celebrates 25 remarkable years of recognising excellence. This year’s Person of the Year title is awarded to none other than the extraordinary Sheryl Lee Ralph, OJ. A trailblazer in the arts, a passionate advocate, and a proud ambassador of Jamaican heritage, Ralph epitomises the spirit of this prestigious honour.
Born into a legacy of brilliance, Sheryl Lee Ralph is the daughter of Ivy Ralph, the legendary Jamaican fashion designer behind the iconic Kariba suit, and Stanley Ralph, a distinguished American professor. Growing up between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York, Ralph’s dual heritage laid the foundation for her stellar career. With unparalleled grace, she has seamlessly infused her Jamaican roots into decades of groundbreaking work across film, television, and theatre.
Ralph’s influence extends far beyond her impressive résumé. From her Emmy-winning performance in Abbott Elementary to her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and HIV/AIDS awareness, she serves as a beacon of inspiration to countless fans worldwide. Her achievements reflect the resilience, talent, and pride of the Jamaican diaspora, making her the perfect honouree for such a momentous year.
A Milestone Year for the Best of Jamaica Awards
This year’s Best of Jamaica Awards promises to be the most spectacular yet. For a quarter of a century, the awards have celebrated the best in Jamaican culture, food, business, entertainment, and tourism, with nominees spanning the USA, UK, Canada, and Jamaica.
The 2024 event also introduces two exciting new categories:
- Judges’ Pick – honouring individuals whose impact deserves special recognition.
- Merit Recognition – celebrating remarkable contributions that may not always make headlines but are deeply valued by the community.
The celebration will culminate in a glamorous private soirée at the Miramar Cultural Centre Gardens, hosted by Miramar Commissioner Yvette Colbourne. Guests will enjoy a dazzling evening of red-carpet arrivals, live entertainment, and the awards presentation. For the global audience, the event will be streamed live on Jamaicans.com’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms, ensuring everyone can join in celebrating this year’s winners.
Honouring Excellence Across Categories
From Best Jamaican Restaurant to Best Tourist Attraction, and from Best Online Personality to Change Maker of the Year, the awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and innovation that define the Jamaican spirit.
“As we celebrate 25 years of recognising greatness within the Jamaican diaspora, we could not think of a more fitting honouree than Sheryl Lee Ralph,” said Xavier Murphy, founder of Jamaicans.com. “Her artistry, activism, and unwavering pride in her Jamaican heritage make her a true icon and an inspiration to all.”
Join the Celebration
The full list of winners will be unveiled during the live broadcast on 12 December 2024 and posted on Jamaicans.com immediately following the event. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening celebrating 25 years of Jamaican excellence!
For updates and a behind-the-scenes look at the event, follow Jamaicans.com on social media. Let’s come together to honour the people, places, and businesses that make Jamaica shine, both at home and across the globe.
Cover photo of Sheryl Lee Ralph by Emily Shur for aarp.org
