by Basil Roman
The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies held its 27th Annual Gala on Thursday evening April 18, 2024 in New York City. The event was organized to provide support for the University of the West Indies and was well attended by the stakeholders in the Caribbean diaspora and the business community; the event was clearly a success.
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There were testimonials from recipients of AFUWI Scholarships that came at critical times to help them in achieving their goal and they attested to the value of the effort of AFUWI in their career.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Legacy Award to the President of Guyana. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, he himself an alumni of UWI.
The presentation was made to President Ali by award-winning actress of Guyanese descent, CCH Pounder, Vice-Chancellor of the University Sir Hilary Beckles and Dr. Chase. In his acceptance speech the President made a strong commitment for collaboration with UWI in establishing a medical college, free tertiary education for the use of Guyana with full collaboration with UWI. Dr. Ali pledged Guyana’s newfound wealth in oil would benefit the regional community. He said- “I want to assure every member of our regional community that the prosperity of Guyana must and will lead to the prosperity of the region.”
President Ali addressed the plight of the people of Gaza and the crisis of the people of Haiti with an appeal for action and points to the charitable effort of Guyana and the people of Guyana in these two areas. President Ali commended Sir Hilary on the fight for reparations and expressed his full support for full reparatory justice. Guyana, he said will be a full partner in this matter.
Also honored at the Gala were: Don Christian, Partner Price Waterhouse Cooper LLP., with the Caribbean Luminary Award, known for his professional and philanthropic achievement in many areas; Michele Chow Tai, Managing Director Business Development, Fairview Capital Partners, with the Vice Chancellor Achievement Award – very active in professional and philanthropic activities in the community.
Darren Skinner Esq. partner Arnold & Porter, with the Pinnacle Award; Rev. Patrick G. Perrin with the Pelican Award, and Mark Hart, Capital Award for Business Excellence.
Miss Ann-Marie Grant, Executive Director of AFUWI, and Dr. Cyrus McCalla Chairman of the Board expressed their appreciation to all those attending.
