DENIS O’BRIEN of Digicel became the recipient of the Jamaica Observer Business Leader 2009 Award at a ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston moments ago.

According to O’Brien’s citation, he was awarded: “For investing hundreds of millions of dollars that have introduced competition to Jamaica’s telecommunications industry; and by opening up telecoms access to all through pricing and marketing, thus serving as a game-changing enabler of social and cultural interactions that have benefited individuals, families, and businesses.”

Digicel broke the telecommunications monopoly in Jamaica just more than nine-and-a-half years ago when the company paid US$47 million for a cell license following an auction. Digicel, which is now the leading cell provider in Jamaica, has 11 million customers across its 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific.Related stories:Denis O’Brien — opening up communication to allBusiness Leader 2009 Awards (full coverage)

The other nominees were: Michael Lee Chin, AIC; Brendan Paddick, Flow; Carlos Del Rio, Albertis; Luis and Carmen Riu, RIU; and Arthur Lok Jak.

Karl Hendrickson and Sameer Younis took home the lifetime achievement awards.