The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) will honour Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, with the Legacy Award, one of the organisation’s highest distinctions, during its 29th Annual ‘The Legacy Continues’ Awards Gala.

The event will take place on Friday, April 17 at 538 Park Avenue at 63rd Street in New York City, beginning 6:00 p.m.

The annual gala brings together leaders from business, academia, public service, and philanthropy in support of scholarships that expand access to higher education for outstanding Caribbean students at the UWI.

Proceeds from the event fund AFUWI scholarships, enabling talented students across the region to transform academic potential into university degrees and, ultimately, into productivity and development.

Prime Minister Holness is being recognised for his leadership and sustained commitment to education, economic resilience, and regional collaboration – pillars central to Jamaica’s national development.

His recognition reflects AFUWI’s tradition of honouring leaders whose work significantly advances the Caribbean and its global diaspora.

“The Legacy Continues Gala celebrates leaders whose vision and service help shape the future of our community and region,” AFUWI Chairman, Dr. Cyrus McCalla, said.

“Through their leadership and the generosity of those who support this event, we can open doors of opportunity for talented but financially disadvantaged Caribbean students whose aspirations for higher education deserve every chance to flourish,” he added.

The evening will also celebrate a distinguished group of leaders whose accomplishments and service to community and country stand as powerful examples for the next generation, especially students of the UWI.

Their recognition highlights the transformative power of education and leadership.

Each honoree embodies AFUWI’s core principle that when talent is supported by opportunity, the impact can uplift communities, strengthen nations, and inspire generations.

Father-and-son duo Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti will receive the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, in recognition of their shared dedication to expanding educational opportunities across generations.

Anthony Belinfanti is a retired educator and his son, Gregory Belinfanti, President of One Equity Partners – a middle market private equity firm.

The Pelican Award, UWI’s alumni peer honour, will be presented to Dr. Kevon Rhiney, whose scholarship and leadership exemplify the transformative power of Caribbean higher education.

Two distinguished leaders in academic medicine and institutional governance will also be honoured.

President of Howard University in Washington DC, Dr. Wayne Frederick, will be honoured with the Caribbean Luminary Award in recognition of his distinguished career and visionary leadership in higher education and healthcare.

President of Howard University in Washington DC., Dr. Wayne Frederick.

President of State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Science University, Dr. Wayne J. Riley, will be honoured with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact, applauding his outstanding contributions to academic medicine and institutional development.

Group Vice President at Charter Communications, Camille Joseph-Goldman, will receive the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact, in recognition of her steadfast commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities.

Recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Bath and Aston University, Jacky Wright, will be honoured with the Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership, in recognition of her influential contributions to global technology transformation.

Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies from the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. A. Norman Sabga, LLD (Hon.) UWI, will join the distinguished Honouree Class of 2026.

He will receive the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership, in recognition of his visionary leadership and the value-driven enterprise he has built.

AFUWI’s Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant, noted that The Legacy Continues is more than just a theme.

“It’s a declaration that investing in education today helps secure the Caribbean’s leadership, innovation, and resilience for future generations,” she stated.

American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant.

For information on tickets, tables, and sponsorships, please visit www.afuwi.org or contact Ann-Marie Grant at amgrant@afuwi.org, or by phone at 212 759 9345/ 917 863 2392.

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies advances the mission of the University of the West Indies by cultivating philanthropic support from the United States.

For more than 77 years, the UWI has played a pivotal role in Caribbean development, shaping leaders in hospitality, government, business, medicine, agriculture, science, and the arts.

Over the past decade, AFUWI has awarded more than 700 scholarships and mobilised over $8.5 million in resources, enabling talented Caribbean students to pursue higher education while supporting the region’s growth and resilience.