The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) will honor Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness at its Twenty-Ninth Annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala, scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at 583 Park Avenue in New York City.
The black-tie event, which begins at 6:00 p.m., is one of the Foundation’s flagship fundraisers and serves as a major platform to celebrate Caribbean excellence while supporting access to higher education at University of the West Indies(The UWI).
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Holness, who has served as Jamaica’s prime minister since 2016 and previously from 2011 to 2012, will receive the Legacy Award, AFUWI’s highest distinction. The award recognizes leaders whose public service and impact have shaped national and regional development. Under his administration, Jamaica has pursued fiscal reforms, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation initiatives, and crime-reduction strategies, while maintaining a focus on economic stability and youth empowerment.
Distinguished Honorees Across Sectors
In addition to Holness, the gala will recognize several leaders for contributions spanning education, public service, global business and digital innovation.
Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti will receive the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, acknowledging sustained philanthropic and leadership support for academic advancement.
Kevon C. Rhiney, PhD, will be presented with the Pelican Award, while Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA, FACS, will receive the Caribbean Luminary Award for his impact in higher education and medicine.
Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, is slated to receive the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact, and Camille Joseph-Goldman will be honored with the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact.
Technology executive Jacky Wright will be presented with the Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership. Meanwhile, A. Norman Sabga and the ANSA McAL Group will receive the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership.
Supporting Access to Higher Education
At its core, the gala underscores AFUWI’s mission to expand educational access for Caribbean students attending The UWI, the region’s premier tertiary institution, with campuses in Mona (Jamaica), St. Augustine (Trinidad and Tobago), Cave Hill (Barbados), Five Islands (Antigua and Barbuda), and an Open Campus serving multiple territories.
Since its establishment, AFUWI has awarded approximately 700 scholarships and provided more than US$8.5 million in financial support to students across the Caribbean. This year, the Foundation aims to raise US$500,000 to fund 100 additional tuition scholarships for academically qualified students facing financial hardship.
Organizers say the evening represents more than recognition of individual achievement; it is a reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to investing in its human capital.
As Caribbean leaders, diaspora supporters, and corporate partners gather in Manhattan for the annual celebration, the focus remains on ensuring that talented students, regardless of economic circumstance, can access quality higher education and contribute meaningfully to regional and global development.
