Introducing the honourees

The annual Gleaner Honour Awards recognises persons and organisations that have made the greatest contribution to Jamaica throughout the course of the year. The selection committee, led by Douglas Orane, identified the 2016 winners from the pool of nominees submitted by readers in nine categories. Here are the winners in five of these categories.

Sports: Usain Bolt

Bolt has continued to dominate international athletics, culminating in a remarkable Olympic triple treble in 2016.

Sports - Special Award: Elaine Thompson

She is the first woman to complete the Olympic sprint double since Florence Griffith-Joyner at the 1988 Seoul Games. Thompson receives the Gleaner Honour Special Award in Sports for her gold-medal performances in the 100m and 200m sprints at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Health and Wellness: Running Events

Race management-company Running Events has contributed to the emergence of a culture of running and healthy lifestyles in Jamaica.

Entertainment: Fun in the Son

For 14 years, Fun in the Son has contributed to the entertainment landscape in Jamaica through the provision of a free annual music festival. Special recognition is given to Jamaica Broilers Limited for its lead sponsorship support.

Entertainment - Special Award: Sean Paul Henriques

Sean Paul has contributed to Jamaica's reputation for excellence in entertainment through the production of a series of global hits.

Public Service: Dorothy Pine-McLarty

Dorothy Pine-McLarty's leadership of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica has resulted in the improvement in the conduct of national elections.

Education: The National Commercial Bank

The National Commercial Bank in Jamaica continues to support the education sector in Jamaica through its payment of examination fees for specific subject areas.