Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, will be honoured in New York this April when the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) presents him with its prestigious Legacy Award at the organisation’s 29th Annual ‘The Legacy Continues’ Awards Gala. The high-profile event, scheduled for April 17 at 538 Park Avenue in New York City, recognises Holness for his leadership and sustained commitment to education, economic resilience and regional cooperation across the Caribbean.
The annual gala supports scholarships for outstanding Caribbean students attending the University of the West Indies (UWI), with proceeds helping talented but financially disadvantaged students pursue higher education. According to AFUWI Chairman Cyrus McCalla, the event celebrates leaders whose vision and service shape the future of the region and its diaspora. The recognition of Holness reflects AFUWI’s tradition of honouring individuals whose work strengthens Caribbean development both locally and globally.
The evening will also spotlight several other influential figures across education, business and global leadership. Among them are father-and-son duo Anthony Belinfanti and Gregory Belinfanti, who will receive the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education. Kevon Rhiney will be presented with the Pelican Award for his scholarship and leadership, while Wayne Frederick, president of Howard University, will receive the Caribbean Luminary Award for his contributions to higher education and healthcare.
Other honourees include Wayne J. Riley of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Camille Joseph-Goldman of Charter Communications, global technology leader Jacky Wright, and business executive A. Norman Sabga of ANSA McAL Group. AFUWI Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant noted that the gala represents more than a celebration, calling it a declaration that investing in education today secures the Caribbean’s leadership, innovation and resilience for generations to come.
For more than seven decades, UWI has played a critical role in shaping Caribbean leaders across fields such as business, government, medicine and the arts. Over the past ten years alone, AFUWI has awarded more than 700 scholarships and mobilised over US$8.5 million to support Caribbean students. With Holness now joining the foundation’s distinguished list of honourees, the upcoming gala promises to highlight the continued power of education to transform the region’s future.
