Flair Distinguished Awards makes grand return
Published:Tuesday | April 5, 2022 | 12:10 AM
After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Distinguished, a notable event hosted by The Gleaner’s Flair to celebrate women making bold moves and who positively impact the lives of others, made its comeback yesterday with an awards luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
Joining the ranks of outstanding women who have shown significant commitment, skill, talent, and leadership, the 35 recipients of the fourth staging of The Distinguished were chosen from 14 categories that include arts, business, fashion, law, and volunteerism.
On arrival, guests were greeted by a Mercedes-Benz Jamaica GLC Coupe and mingled while simply being happy to be “outside” at the cocktail reception while sipping Aperol Spritz before entering the grand ballroom decorated by Everything Events for the award ceremony to begin.
With opening remarks by masters of ceremonies Dania Beckford and Damion Mitchell, the luncheon got underway with a welcome by RJRGLEANER Communications Group CEO Gary Allen who lauded the ladies for their accomplishments saying, “Respect due to all the awardees today.”
Presentations for the Pioneer Awards were made to Dr Glenda Simms for nation building (posthumously) and Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce for sports. Both Ophlin ‘Sister Nancy’ Russell and renowned actress Leonie Forbes received nods for entertainment, and former Creative Cooking host Mazie Miller was awarded for food.
With greetings by Mastercard head of marketing in the English-speaking Caribbean Nicole Campbell Robinson concluded, guests dined on sumptuous fare while violinist Kamoy Gordon treated attendees to melodious tunes.
It was then time for The Distinguished to receive their awards. Recognising the exceptional achievements of each lady from the 14 categories, a presentation was then made to the Social Media Personality of the Year, Kerry-Ann ‘Chiney-K’ Collins, which was collected by her father.
Concluding the award ceremony, the Excellence Award was presented to the first female Chief of Defence Staff in the Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, who is currently off the island. Her award was collected by Commander Judy-Ann Neil.
With closing remarks out of the way, talk had already begun about who will be next year’s Distinguished recipients. We’ll just have to wait and see.
The Distinguished was sponsored by Mastercard, FLOW, Nestlé, Aperol Spritz, Hardware and Lumber, Sagicor, Stewart’s Automotive Group, Roast by Bresheh, Ettenio and Frame Art.