Businessman Elias Lee Issa will be among the distinguished recipients of Jamaican National Honours on Monday, October 20, Heroes Day. Issa is set to receive the award of Commander of the Order of Distinction (C.D.), one of the highest accolades within Jamaica’s National Honours system, recognizing citizens who have rendered outstanding and impactful service to the country.
Issa is best known as the chairman of Couples Resorts, overseeing four acclaimed properties across Jamaica, including the flagship Couples Hotel in Tower Isle, St. Mary. Under his leadership, Couples Resorts has become a benchmark for luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only hospitality, attracting visitors worldwide and reinforcing Jamaica’s position as a premier tourist destination. The company operates over 900 rooms and employs more than 1,600 Jamaicans, providing stable employment and professional growth in the tourism sector.
“People are at the heart of everything we do,” Issa has often emphasized, prioritizing employee welfare through training programs, healthcare benefits, and career advancement opportunities. Many staff members have built lifelong careers with the company, reflecting the strong culture and supportive environment fostered under his leadership.
Issa has also championed sustainable tourism, implementing eco-friendly practices to reduce waste, save energy, and protect Jamaica’s natural environment, ensuring future generations can enjoy the island’s beauty.
Beyond hospitality, Issa has influenced other sectors of the Jamaican economy. He heads Lee’s 5th Avenue Apparel Stores, a retail operation supporting local suppliers and creating jobs. He also plays a pivotal role in the Richmond Estate Project in St. Ann, which has delivered over 1,100 homes while prioritizing green spaces, recreational areas, and community development.
His philanthropic and civic contributions are extensive, spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and cultural preservation. Through scholarships, school improvements, health clinics, and community centers, Issa has fostered opportunities and hope for countless Jamaicans.
Lee Issa’s recognition as a Commander of the Order of Distinction reflects both his business acumen and his enduring commitment to social responsibility, community development, and sustainable growth across Jamaica.
