AFUWI Gala Honours Prime Minister Holness and Norman Sabga, Raising Critical Funds for Caribbean Students

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica, W.I., Friday, 24 April 2026—The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) hosted its 29th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala on Friday evening at 583 Park Avenue, NY. The Foundation honoured Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, recipient of AFUWI’s prestigious Legacy Award, and Dr. Norman Sabga, Chairman of the ANSA McAL conglomerate, recipient of Chancellor’s Award Excellence in Global Business Leadership Award among it 2026 laureates. The Gala united leaders, philanthropists, and members of the Caribbean diaspora to expand access to higher education across the region.

AFUWI’s premier fundraising event raised funds to provide scholarships and financial assistance to academically talented Caribbean students facing severe economic hardship. This year, many of whom have been impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Proceeds will directly support students at The University of the West Indies (The UWI), ensuring financial barriers do not derail their academic aspirations.

The evening recognised an exceptional cohort of global leaders advancing education, public service, healthcare, business, and digital innovation. Other honourees included Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, President of Howard University; Dr. Wayne J. Riley, President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University; Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group Vice President of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications; Jacky Wright, global technology executive and board director; Anthony Belinfanti 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.

Ann-Marie Grant, Executive Director of AFUWI, underscored the urgency of the Foundation’s mission, stating, “At a time when thousands of students face uncertainty due to circumstances beyond their control, our collective responsibility is clear. Education remains the most powerful and enduring pathway to recovery, resilience, and national development. This support ensures that the promise is not lost.”

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, reinforced this message, noting, “Our numbers have dropped across our five campuses, from 50,000 students to 48,000 students. This is of concern to us. Our analysis has shown that the primary cause of this is poverty—an existential threat. Many students have not been able to complete their degrees. The campuses have reported that some students have had to withdraw from their programmes because they could not afford to continue…And this is why this Gala has been so important to all of us.”

The Gala also highlighted the ongoing impact of Hurricane Melissa, which affected an estimated 1.6 million people across Jamaica, damaging homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure. With many UWI students among those hardest hit, AFUWI has prioritised emergency financial assistance alongside its core scholarship program to help students remain enrolled and complete their studies.

For nearly three decades, AFUWI has mobilised philanthropic investment in Caribbean higher education. Over the past 10 years alone, the Foundation has awarded more than 700 scholarships and facilitated in-kind donations totalling over US$8 million, including books, medical supplies, and technology resources.

The evening was a powerful demonstration of diaspora engagement, with leaders from the corporate, academic, diplomatic, and community sectors investing in the region’s future. Guests were reminded that supporting Caribbean education is not philanthropy at a distance, but a strategic investment in shared global prosperity.

AFUWI invites individuals, corporations, and partners to continue supporting its mission to expand access to higher education and strengthen communities across the Caribbean.

For more information or to make a contribution, please visit www.afuwi.org.