GUESTS at the Jamaica Observer Business Leader luncheon yesterday shared stories of challenges faced by Jamaican entrepreneurs abroad, especially when they try to invest back home.

Recognition must be given to the Jamaicans who represent us overseas, said Adam Stewart, deputy chairman of the Jamaica Observer. Too often, the nation fails to realise how valuable they are.

This latest Business Leader Awards tries to address that problem by adopting the theme “Celebrating Diaspora Investors”.

Nominees and other industry leaders said operating inefficiencies, bureaucracy and poor standards have been hindering foreign investments and denying the country jobs. Added to that are the high costs of production and unavailability of goods when needed.

But Sancia Bennett Templer, president of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro), said her organisation was addressing those difficulties.

“There are bureaucratic problems but we are trying to intervene,” she said.

The Jamaica Observer Business Leader Awards began in 1996 to highlight achievements of local entrepreneurs. Since then, over 100 entrepreneurs have been nominated. Past winners include Denis O’Brien, chairman of telecommunications giant Digicel, and Ryland Campbell, chairman and chief executive officer of Capital and Credit Merchant Bank.

The 2010 Jamaica Observer Business Leader winner will be announced today.