February 2009


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Actor Danny Glover, Bermuda Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and Macy’s were among the list of honorees for the 12th Annual Fundraising Gala of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI). This event, under the honorary patronage of Harry Belafonte, was held on Thursday 29th January, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at The Pierre hotel in New York City, USA.

This year’s recipient of The University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award was UN Ambassador Danny Glover. This honor is granted to individuals whose contribution to the advancement of arts and culture transcends boundaries of race, color, creed and geographies, uniting people throughout the world in a spirit that embodies the essence of the music and lyrics of the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, O.M.

Sir Courtney Blackman, founding Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados and vice-chairman of the Stanford International Bank, was presented with the Foundation’s Special Award. Sir Courtney, who is also a former Chairman of the AFUWI, was honored for his outstanding contribution to the Foundation as well as to the growth and development of the financial industry of the Caribbean region.

Department store Macy’s received the Corporate Award at this event, while the 2009 Luminary Award recipients included Dr. Answorth Allen, Dr. Ewart Brown, Hon. Helen Marshall, Dr. Muriel Petioni and Dr. Lamuel Stanislaus. The Vice Chancellor Achievement awardees were Joi Gordon, Andrew Gray, Jerome Maxwell, Dr. Bert Petersen and Voza Rivers. Veronica Campbell-Brown, 2008 double Olympic Gold medalist, was also on hand to receive the Foundation’s tribute to the superb performance of Caribbean athletes at the recent Summer Olympics in Beijing.

My9 Co Anchor Brenda Blackmon, CNN Anchor Soledad O’Brien and WCBS News Anchor Maurice Dubois, all of whom generously donated their talent in support of the Foundation’s effort to secure funds for scholarships and grants for needy students of The University of the West Indies, will host the black tie gala. A silent auction was included in the evening’s program and featured items donated by local businesses and members of the public.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization, with a mission to raise funds in the United States to enhance higher education at The University of the West Indies (UWI). The AFUWI is a registered US charity and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of state and federal laws. In supporting the UWI, the AFUWI continues to enhance the University’s ability to play a pivotal role in preparing individuals for continued Caribbean and global thought leadership.

The Annual Gala is the AFUWI’s premier fundraising event in the United States. At this Gala the prestigious Legacy Awards are conferred on notable individuals who represent high levels of achievement within their respective fields of industry and enterprise. There are three award categories: Caribbean Luminary, The Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award and The University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award.