Jamaicans.com have announced the launch of the ‘Best of Jamaica 2024’ Awards, celebrating the 25th anniversary of this prestigious event.
Since its debut in 1999, the "Best of Jamaica" has become a vital platform for showcasing the richness and vibrancy of Jamaican culture, both on the island and within diaspora communities. For over two decades, Jamaicans.com has been dedicated to connecting Jamaicans worldwide and those who appreciate Jamaican culture.
The annual ‘Best of Jamaica’ awards celebrate the people, places, and things that epitomise Jamaican culture globally. What sets these awards apart is their people-driven nature.
It is the everyday Jamaicans who, through their experiences at home and abroad, get to decide who best represents Jamaica in our communities. By participating in the nomination process, you help us identify, spotlight, and reward these outstanding contributions.
Reflecting on the 25 years of the Best of Jamaica Awards, Xavier Murphy, founder of Jamaicans.com, remarked: “Jamaica is a brand. Our food, culture, people, and beautiful island are known worldwide.
“The 'Best of Jamaica' showcases the best of the brand.” The awards highlight the finest representations of the nation’s culture within both local and diaspora communities.
In addition to recognising everyday Jamaicans who have made significant contributions to Jamaica and Jamaicans locally and internationally, the awards have also recognised many notable Jamaican figures in entertainment, sports and culture.
Some of the notable figures celebrated include:
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Olympic gold medalist and sprinting legend
- Khadine Hylton-Wilkinson (Miss Kitty): Popular media personality and advocate
- Beres Hammond: Legendary reggae singer
- Dahlia Harris: Acclaimed actress and media personality
- Spice: Influential dancehall artist
- Julie Mango: Beloved social media comedian
- Neville Bell: Renowned sports commentator
- Glen Campbell: Iconic actor and comedian
- Damian Marley: Grammy-winning reggae artist and son of Bob Marley
The "Best of Jamaica 2024" awards begin with online nominations, available across 20 locations: Washington DC, Oakland, New Jersey, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta, Hartford, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, London, and Jamaica.
Nominations are open across five main categories: entertainment, food, sports, travel, and people. There are also sub-categories, such as best jerk or patty location. Individuals who feel they deserve recognition are also encouraged to nominate themselves.
Nominations will remain open for eight weeks. After this period, nominees will be shortlisted, and the public will be invited to participate in a vote-off.
The official announcement of the 2024 honourees will be made at the Awards Gala & Dinner in December, which will take place simultaneously in Jamaica and South Florida. This glamorous event will bring together the best of Jamaican talent and culture for a night of celebration and recognition.
