Kingston, Jamaica, October 10, 2024 The Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) honoured three industry stalwarts for their foundational roles at its Peerless Awards Ceremony held under the theme “Celebrating Service Excellence” recently in Kingston. Hon. Dennis Lalor, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ICWI Group Limited, and Neville Henry, Managing Director of Nationwide Insurance Agents & Consultants Ltd were honoured as Industry Icons. The late Dr. The Hon. Ravers Danny Williams founder of Life of Jamaica and former President of the Company which later transitioned to Sagicor Life was also recognized.

Hon. Dennis Lalor

Dennis Lalor, a Chartered Insurer, built the ICWI Group into one of the largest full-service financial institutions in the Caribbean. Lalor’s stellar business career spans over five decades – he has chaired many Boards of Directors, including Life of Jamaica (now Sagicor), the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, and Air Jamaica. He is a member of the Private Sector of Jamaica’s Hall of Fame and has also served in many public and charitable capacities, including Chairman of the Casino Gaming Commission, Chair of the Advisory Council on Justice Reform in Jamaica, Deputy Chairman of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, and Chairman of the Lister Mair/Gilbey School for the Deaf.

In accepting the award on behalf of his father, Paul Lalor, President of ICWI said, “The insurance industry was his passion where he spent almost all of his working life. He was the first Chairman of the Jamaica Insurance Advisory Council in 1963, which later became the Jamaica Association of General Insurance Companies, which then joined forces with the life insurance companies to become the IAJ. I know my father feels being chosen as one of the IAJ’s first icons is coming full circle.”

Neville Henry

Upon joining the industry as a trainee with NEM Insurance Jamaica Ltd in 1967, Neville Henry worked himself up the corporate ladder to become General Manager and Director of the Company. After his retirement from NEM, (now JNGI), in 2000 he established Nationwide Insurance Agents & Consultants Ltd where he serves as Managing Director. He is also Chairman, Sure Insurance Premium Loans Ltd, a Director & Past Chairman of the College of Insurance & Professional Studies. President/ Chairman of the Insurance Institute of Jamaica and President, Jamaica General Insurance Agents Association. Henry is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK) ACII , Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII) UK And a Chartered Insurer (CI) UK.

Henry said he felt ‘well out of place’ to be in the icon category along with the Hon. Dennis Lalor and the late R. Danny Williams. “I am contented to be recognized as a ‘servant’ of the industry with a special passion for the educational and professional development of those who work there.”

Dr. The Hon. Ravers Danny Williams

Danny Williams’ burning desire to see Jamaicans being positioned to take commanding heights in the insurance industry served as a rallying cry for many others to follow suit which strengthened local ownership of several Life and General Insurance ownership activities. He was also recognized for his outstanding leadership, business acumen and philanthropic activities. These included President Life Insurance Companies Association (now IAJ), Chairman, Sagicor Life, Former Government Minister of Industry and Commerce, Member of the Hall of Fame of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Williams also served as Chairman, Jamaica Association in Aid of the Deaf, Capital Fund for the Handicapped, Board of Directors, Jamaica College, and the Fund-Raising Programmes for the Construction of the Tony Thwaites Wing at the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Jamaica College Auditorium.

Chris Zacca, CEO of Sagicor Life who accepted the award on behalf of Williams said, “Danny was a visionary leader whose legacy of excellence, dedication, and commitment left an indelible mark on the industry. His passion and foresight continue to inspire us, and it is our duty to uphold the high standards he set. Thank you to the IAJ for recognising his enduring contributions to our industry and our nation.”

Outgoing President of the IAJ, Sharon Donaldson said, “As I prepare to demit office as IAJ President, I am happy that we were able to honour the leadership of these men. They have been role models for me in my own career and I thank them for their vision and their example.”

The ceremony culminated the Association’s inaugural conference which brought together industry professionals and business leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

About the Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ)

The Insurance Association of Jamaica (IAJ) is an amalgamation of the Life Insurance Companies Association (LICA) and the Jamaica General Insurance Companies Association (JAGIC) which took place in 2005 The Association comprises sixteen companies, ten General Insurance Companies and six Life and Health Insurance Companies. The Jamaican Insurance Industry is integrated with the Caribbean Industry with many of the member companies having their footprint across the region.

Photos of presentations to industry icons –

  • Paul Lalor, President of ICWI proudly accepts the award on behalf of his Dad, Hon Dennis Lalor from Karen Bhoorasingh, President, Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Ltd
  • Chris Zacca, President, and CEO Sagicor Life happily accepts the award on behalf of the late Dr. the Hon Danny Williams
  • A jovial Neville Henry receives his award from Sharon Donaldson, President IAJ while Karen Bhoorasingh, President Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Ltd (r) shares his joy
  • (Photos of Hon Dennis Lalor and Dr. the Hon Danny Williams)

Contact: Alison Christie Binger

International Communications Consultant

Email: Alisonchristie12@gmail.com; Tel: 876-330-1155