Raises Funds for Caribbean Students
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and ANSA McAL conglomerate Chairman Dr Norman Sabga have been honored at the 29th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI). PM Holness received AFUWI’s prestigious Legacy Award and Mr Sabga was presented with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Global Business at the gala, held on April 17 in New York.
Leaders, philanthropists, and members of the Caribbean diaspora attended the gala, the AFUWI’s premier fundraising event to provide scholarships and financial assistance to academically talented Caribbean students facing economic hardship, many of whom have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Proceeds will directly support students of The UWI.
“At a time when thousands of students face uncertainty due to circumstances beyond their control, our collective responsibility is clear,” said AFUWI Executive Director Ms Ann-Marie Grant. “Education remains the most powerful and enduring pathway to recovery, resilience, and national development. This support ensures that the promise is not lost.”
A cohort of global leaders advancing education, public service, healthcare, business, and digital innovation were recognised on the evening. Other honourees included President of Howard University Dr Wayne AI Frederick; President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Dr Wayne J Riley; Group Vice President of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications Ms Camille Joseph-Goldman; global technology executive and board director Dr Jacky Wright; Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti, honoured for their generational commitment to educational philanthropy; and Dr Kevon Rhiney, recipient of the UWI Alumni Associations – NY Chapter Pelican Award for distinguished geography research.
For nearly three decades, AFUWI has mobilised philanthropic investment in Caribbean higher education. Over the past 10 years alone, they have awarded more than 700 scholarships and facilitated in-kind donations totalling over US$8 million, including books, medical supplies, and technology resources.
For more information on AFUWI, visit them at https://www.afuwi.org/.
