Eddy Grant, Elisa Hamilton among winners at inaugural African Business Awards

International recording artiste Eddy Grant was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Inaugural African Business Awards dinner, which was recently hosted at the Herdmanston Lodge in honour of persons of African descent.

According to an African Business Expo press release, the dinner was held in tribute to outstanding accomplishments.

The evening’s proceedings included a presentation to the top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) student Elisa Hamilton, who was named Outstanding Youth of the Year. Hamilton received cash awards from Eric Phillips of the African Business Expo and Nigel Hughes of the AFC. In addition, she received a week’s trip to Miami, Florida to visit the Disney World Epcot Center and several pledges of support to make her dream of becoming a doctor a reality.

The night’s surprise, according to the release, was Hamilton presenting Grant with the lifetime achievement award. Grant, renowned internationally for his contributions to the music industry, was the keynote speaker at the evening’s festivities. He recently celebrated his 50th year in the music industry.

Youth of the Year awardee Elisa Hamilton with Lifetime Achievement awardee Eddie Grant. (African Business Expo photo)
Youth of the Year awardee Elisa Hamilton with Lifetime Achievement awardee Eddy Grant. (African Business Expo photo)

Seven were the recipients of the Heritage Business Award: Victoria Village – 175th anniversary; Nigel Johnson, of Nigel’s Supermarket; Rockcliff Christie, of Little Rock, Berbice; Asafa George, of W&T George; Wilfred Bransford, of Car Care; Lennox John, of Ashmins; and Lloyd Austin of Austin’s Book Store.

The award for Outstanding Business of the year was given to two recipients: Terrence Campbell, of CAMEX Restaurants and Shawn Hopkinson, of Hopkinson Mining.

The award for Male Business Executive of 2014 was shared by Derrick Williams and Clinton Williams, while the award for Female Business Executive of 2014 was shared by Tracey Lewis and Violet Smith. The Professional of the Year award went to Charles Ceres.