The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AmCham) hosted its inaugural Business Leader and Civic Leadership Awards and Fund-raising Gala, where two awards were made, at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston on Monday. Here, Wayne Chen receives the award on behalf of brother Michael Lee Chin from AmCham executive director Becky Stockhausen. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The American Chamber of Commerce in its inaugural business and civic leadership awards Monday night honoured billionaire Michael Lee Chin and the Stewart Automotive Group.

Lee Chin, who was cited for philanthropy and as a humanitarian, could not personally attend the awards due to influenza or the flu, but half-brother Wayne Chen, mother Hyacinth Chen and stepfather Vincent Chen accepted on his behalf.

Recognition is not unfamiliar to the Jamaican who has adopted Canada as his home, but has acquired several businesses here, among them National Commercial Bank, Medical Associates, Advantage General and CVM-TV.

Just this May, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Canadian Youth Business Foundation in Toronto, Canada.

Humanitarian pursuits

Here in Jamaica, his humanitarian pursuits include the NCB foundation's Jamaica Education Initiative (JEI), which has earmarked over $200 million and contributed $99 million to Jamaican education projects in the past five years.

He also financed a $250 million state of the art nursing school at the Northern Caribbean University.

Like Lee Chin, Stewart Automo-tive group was given the business civic leadership awards.

Stewart's Auto which has been operating in Jamaica for the last 70 years has contributed to approximately 78 projects in the last 35 years valued at just under $1 billion.

The company received accolades for its contribution to the development of the Grants Pen community in which just about $30 million was spent. AmCham, established some 22 years ago to promote investment and cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, has led in the development of a model police station sited in the low income community.

Stewart's has also earmarked $8 million to $9 million as sponsorship for the Olympic association, to be delivered by January 2009.

The awardees were chosen based on their history of philanthropy and involvement in the socio-economic development of Jamaica.

"We will continue to recognise these companies that are quietly doing and giving service," said Audrey Marks, AmCham president.

AmCham says the awards will become a regular feature on its calendar, in recognition of businesses involved in nation building projects and programmes.

sabrina.gordon@gleanerjm.com

The Stewart family accepted the award for the Stewart Automotive Group at the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica inaugural Business Leader and Civic Leadership Awards and Fund-raising Gala, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston, on Monday. From left are Diana Stewart, Richard Stewart, Jackie Stewart-Lechle; and Duncan Stewart. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer