The 10 Richest People in Jamaica

Jamaica is a country that is blessed with talents. They are the sole owners of the reggae genre of music. With famous artists like Bob Marley, Shaggy, and Sean Paul you can expect to see millionaires here. But is there a Jamaican billionaire? Well, that’s the answer we will find out, as we explore the list of the 10 richest people in Jamaica. It might even baffle you that the top names you know, might not make the list. Let’s begin!

The 10 Richest People in Jamaica

Here are the top 10 richest people in Jamaica and their net worth.

10. Sean Paul – $25 Million

Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, OD, is a Jamaican rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born on January 9, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica. All over the world, he is regarded as one of the most influential and successful dancehall and reggae artists of all time.

At a young age, Paul was raised Catholic and attended the Jewish private school Hillel Academy. Interestingly, several members of his family were accomplished swimmers. Even his grandfather was on the first Sri Lankan men’s national water polo team. But Paul took a different path by choosing music.

Paul’s musical journey began in the late 1990s as a producer and singer for other reggae artists. He released his debut album, “Stage One,” in 2000. The album received moderate recognition within Jamaica. However, it was his 2002 album, “Dutty Rock,” that propelled him to international stardom. The album itself sold over six million copies worldwide and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2004.

Since “Dutty Rock,” Sean Paul has released six more studio albums. All of it has achieved commercial success. He has also collaborated with numerous popular artists across various genres. These collaborations have further solidified his place in the music industry and exposed his music to a wider audience. It has also amassed him a net worth of $25 million and the 10th spot on our list.

9. Levi Roots – $45 million

Levi Roots was born in 1958. He spent his early years in a small Jamaican village with his grandparents. It was at this time he learned the secrets of Caribbean flavors and spices from his grandmother. His parents worked hard in England to build a better life for their family. He was finally reunited with them in London at the age of 11.

Despite facing challenges adapting to a new life in London, Levi held onto his culinary passion.  He created his signature jerk barbecue sauce called the “Reggae Reggae Sauce.” A turning point came in 2007 when Levi appeared on the popular British TV show. Here he was able to seek investment for his sauce. He was given partial funding from one Dragon. The show also gave his sauce the popularity it needed.

However, Levi Roots has now become a successful entrepreneur. He has built a brand that extends beyond his signature sauce. He has hosted his cooking show and has made appearances in various television shows and films. With all of these put together, he has an estimated $45 million net worth according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

8. Rita Marley – $50 million

Rita Marley was born Alpharita Constantia Anderson on July 25, 1946, in Cuba. She was raised in Jamaica and got married to the reggae legend Bob Marley. But it wasn’t all about her husband’s fame,  her accomplishments and contributions deserve recognition.

Rita’s musical journey began in the early 1960s. She was part of the all-female singing group, The Soulettes. They performed alongside notable artists like The Four Tops and Johnny Nash. This gave them valuable experience in the music industry but it wasn’t enough.

However, fate intervened when Rita met Bob Marley in the mid-1960s. They married in 1966. As Marley’s wife,  Rita joined Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt to form The I-Threes. They were the backup singers for Bob Marley. Their soulful harmonies made fans love Bob Marley’s music the more.

While supporting her husband, Rita also pursued her musical career. She released her self-titled debut album in 1980. As if that was not enough, she released several successful solo albums, including “Who Feels It Knows It,” “Harambe,” and the Grammy-nominated “We Must Carry On.”

Furthermore, following Bob Marley’s death in 1981, Rita has dedicated herself to preserving his legacy. She transformed their home into the Bob Marley Museum and she has established Marley Foundation and the Bob Marley Group of Companies. She remains a revered figure in reggae music with a net worth of $50 million.

7. Usain Bolt – $90 million

Usain Bolt is the 7th millionaire on our list of the 10 richest people in Jamaica. He was born on August 21, 1986. Bolt is widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time. His achievements on the track and his charismatic personality have cemented his place in sporting history.

As a sports lover, Bolt started his pursuit on the cricket pitch. Due to his speed, his high school coach encouraged him to pursue athletics. He took the advice and soon after, he won the World Junior Championships in the 200 meters.  He was just at the tender age of 16 then.

Bolt nurtured his career and finally became a professional. In 2007, he became the world champion in the 100 meters with a new world record. The following year, at the Beijing Olympics, he secured a “triple-triple” by winning the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meters relay. They were all in record-breaking times. He repeated this feat at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. These achievements marked him as the king of sprints.

However, Bolt’s retirement from professional athletics came in 2017. But he has left behind a legacy that is likely to stand for generations to come. These pursuits have earned him global recognition as well as money over time. He has a well-deserved worth of $90 million.

6. Chris Blackwell – $300 million

Chris Blackwell is the 6th richest person in Jamaica with a net worth of $300 million. He was born on June 22, 1937. In Jamaica, he is most celebrated for founding Island Records. It is the label that nurtured the careers of countless artists in Reggae music.

At first, he began his career by selling imported records. He also ventured into running a jukebox company. But not of this was what he wanted to settle for. However, In 1958, he got a loan of $10,000 from his parents and co-founded Island Records in Jamaica. Their first release came from a chance encounter with a local band.

Furthermore, Blackwell’s achievements have been widely recognized. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Also, he has received the prestigious Polar Music Prize for Popular Music. He is a true titan of the industry, described by many people as one of the greatest record executives in history.

5. Paula Kerr-Jarrett – $1 billion 

Paula Kerr-Jarrett is a prominent businesswoman. She is one of the richest women in Jamaica with a net worth of $1 billion. Her popularity is from her contributions to various fields like business, community development, and education.

Paula Kerr-Jarrett obtained her early education in Jamaica before pursuing higher studies abroad. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of the West Indies. She also has a Master of Laws degree from the London School of Economics (LSE). These certifications have enabled her to work as a lawyer in years past.

However, due to her entrepreneurial spirit, she co-founded the Kingston-based law firm, Kerr-Jarrett & Company. The company focuses on corporate law, real estate, and transactions. In addition to her legal career, she has also invested in various sectors of the Jamaican economy. Today, these businesses are the sources of her net worth. She stands in the 5th spot on our list

4. Wayne Chen- $1 billion

Wayne Chen is the fourth richest man in Jamaica with a net worth of $1 billion. He is the CEO of surplus food stores. His older brother is the famous billionaire Michael Lee-Chen. They are a billionaire family in Jamaica.

When Wayne started his pursuit, he attended the University of West Indies. There he got his LL.B degree. After graduation, he started his own business. His business has achieved success and has earned recognition over the years. Notably, in 1998, he received the Business Leader of the Year award. Other awards have followed suit over the years.

Wayne Chen is a true leader and entrepreneur. He has chaired many companies including NCB Insurance Company Limited and West Indies Trust Company Limited. All of these are additional money he earns to add to his worth. But his major source is his business.

3. Blossom O’Meally-Nelson – $1 billion

Blossom O’Meally-Nelson is an influential individual and the richest woman in Jamaica. She holds the same net worth as Wayne Chen and Paula Kerra. Her success can be attributed to her contributions in different fields like education, management, sports, etc.

However, in her early days, she attended the University of West Indies. There she got a PhD in Education. She made her contribution to the field by serving in the University of Technology, Jamaica for 17 years as Pro-chancellor. She also went into business by becoming a member of the National Development Foundation in Jamaica. They were able to support businesses with small startups.

At a certain point, she was also involved in the team representing Jamaica in the Winter Olympics game. Blossom has served in different capacities as a citizen. She is an inspiration to the younger generations. Her spot as the 3rd  wealthiest person in Jamaica is well deserved.

2. Michael Lee-Chen – $1.8 billion 

Michael Lee-Chin is a Jamaican-Canadian businessman and billionaire. He was born in 1951 in Port Antonio, Jamaica. His net worth is $1.8 billion. Micheal was raised by his mother who was a bookkeeper and his grandfather. He attended Titchfield High School and subsequently moved to Canada in 1970 to pursue civil engineering at McMaster University.

While in school, Lee-Chin discovered his interest in finance during his postgraduate studies. He entered the financial services industry at the young age of 26. At first, he started as a financial advisor and quickly climbed the ranks to become a branch manager. In 1983, he took the bold step of borrowing money to purchase a stake in Mackenzie Financial. It proved highly successful. This gave him the capital for other businesses. He acquired the AIC Limited company.

Under his leadership, he transformed the company from a small firm with limited assets into a leading wealth management and mutual fund company managing over $10 billion by 2002. This success has solidified Lee-Chin’s reputation as a shrewd and visionary businessman. Also, he is the second richest person in Jamaica

1. Joseph M. Matalon  – $3.6 billion

Joseph is the richest man in Jamaica with a net worth of $3.6 billion. He was born on May 10, 1951  He is also the richest entrepreneur in the Caribbean. Of course, he’s a businessman and holds positions in 17 different establishments in Jamaica.

Notably, He serves as the Chairman of the ICD Group. The organization focuses on real estate development, finance, insurance, and other sectors. Again, he is the former President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ). Through his leadership and generosity, Matalon has made a meaningful impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities across Jamaica.

Furthermore, Matalon’s contributions to public service are also noteworthy. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including the board of directors of the Bank of Jamaica, the Planning Institute of Jamaica, and the Caribbean Policy Research Institute. He is a rare gem and has contributed significantly to the economic growth of Jamaica.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we’ve come to the end of our article on the 10 richest people in Jamaica. I’m certain there are names you expected on the list, which are not there. Well, don’t feel disappointed because wealth and fame are two different things entirely. However, your motive should be more on imitating these individuals, who have broken records in their career.

Get inspired and make them your role model for a better future. Who knows, your name might just be the next on the list.

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