AFUWI gala raises scholarship aid for Caribbean students

By AI, Created 11:26 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – AFUWI’s 29th annual gala in New York raised funds for scholarships and emergency aid for Caribbean students hit by Hurricane Melissa. The event also honored leaders in education, public service, healthcare, business and technology while highlighting the urgency of keeping UWI students enrolled.

Why it matters: - AFUWI’s fundraising supports Caribbean students who face financial barriers to higher education. - The need is sharper after Hurricane Melissa damaged homes, livelihoods and infrastructure across Jamaica. - Proceeds will help UWI students stay enrolled and complete their studies.

What happened: - AFUWI hosted its 29th annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala on Friday evening at 583 Park Avenue in New York. - The event brought together leaders, philanthropists and members of the Caribbean diaspora. - The gala raised funds for scholarships and financial assistance for academically talented Caribbean students facing economic hardship. - The program honored global leaders in education, public service, healthcare, business and digital innovation.

The details: - Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, received AFUWI’s Legacy Award, the Foundation’s highest honor. - Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim president of Howard University, was among the honorees. - Dr. Wayne J. Riley, president of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, was honored. - Camille Joseph-Goldman, group vice president of state government affairs at Charter Communications, was honored. - Dr. Jacky Wright, a global technology executive and board director, was honored. - Anthony Belinfanti and Gregory Belinfanti were recognized for generational commitment to educational philanthropy. - Dr. Kevon Rhiney received the UWI Alumni Associations NY Chapter Pelican Award as a distinguished alumnus in geography research. - Dr. A. Norman Sabga, chairman of ANSA Mc AL, was also honored. - Ann-Marie Grant, AFUWI executive director, said education is a pathway to recovery, resilience and national development. - Hurricane Melissa affected an estimated 1.6 million people across Jamaica, according to AFUWI’s remarks at the gala. - AFUWI said many UWI students were among those hardest hit. - The Foundation has prioritized emergency financial assistance alongside its scholarship program. - Over the past 10 years, AFUWI has awarded more than 700 scholarships. - AFUWI has also facilitated more than US$8 million in in-kind donations, including books, medical supplies and technology resources. - AFUWI invited individuals, corporations and partners to continue supporting its mission. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.

Between the lines: - The gala was more than a celebration. It functioned as a direct response to climate-related damage affecting students and families across the Caribbean. - The honoree list also showed AFUWI’s strategy: link Caribbean education with influence across academia, government, business and technology. - The event framed support for Caribbean education as a long-term investment in regional and global prosperity, not a one-time donation.

What’s next: - AFUWI will continue seeking support for scholarships and emergency aid. - Donations are expected to help students remain enrolled as the region recovers from storm damage. - The Foundation will keep mobilizing philanthropic and diaspora support for higher education across the Caribbean.

The bottom line: - AFUWI used its flagship gala to raise money, honor high-profile allies and reinforce a simple message: keeping Caribbean students in school is a recovery priority.