Exciting news is on the horizon for supporters of education in the Caribbean! The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) is gearing up to honor Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, with the prestigious Legacy Award. This recognition will take place during the 29th annual gala, themed “The Legacy Continues,” set for Friday, April 17, 2026, in New York City. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM at 538 Park Avenue, 63rd Street. This gala is not just a celebration; it’s a gathering of leaders from various sectors—business, academia, public service, and philanthropy—all united to support scholarships for Caribbean students at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
The funds raised during this gala will fuel AFUWI scholarships, opening doors to higher education for talented students. Dr. Holness is being honored for his exemplary leadership and commitment to education, economic resilience, and regional cooperation. But he won’t be the only one receiving accolades that evening; several other distinguished leaders will also be recognized for their impactful contributions.
A Night of Recognition
Among the honorees, Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti will receive the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, while Dr. Kevon Rhiney will be presented with the Pelican Award, a UWI Alumni Peer Award. Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University, will be awarded the Caribbean Luminary Award, and Dr. Wayne J. Riley, President of SUNY Downstate Health Science University, will receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact. Additionally, Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group Vice President at Charter Communications, will be honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact. Jacky Wright will be recognized with the Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership, and Dr. A. Norman Sabga will receive both the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership.
AFUWI has made significant strides over the past decade, awarding over 700 scholarships and mobilizing more than $8.5 million to support students. The gala is a crucial fundraising event, helping to address the dire educational needs in the Caribbean. A 2020 World Bank report highlighted that the Caribbean has the lowest higher education enrollment rate in the hemisphere, with less than 25% of students pursuing higher education, compared to nearly 60% in North America.
Supporting Future Generations
The demand for educational support has surged, especially following the global pandemic, as many students face financial hardships. In response, AFUWI is actively encouraging public contributions through its #donatetoeducate campaign, reinforcing the importance of community support in enabling students to continue their studies.
This gala is not just an event; it represents a vital lifeline for many aspiring academics. For those interested in attending or supporting this noble cause, tickets and tables can be purchased through the AFUWI website at www.afuwi.org or by contacting Ann-Marie Grant directly.
As we look forward to this extraordinary evening, let us remember the power of education in transforming lives and communities. The AFUWI Gala promises to be a night filled with inspiration and commitment to a brighter future for Caribbean students.