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Caribbean Life, April 21-27, 2022
AFUWI to honor Antigua and Barbuda at Silver
The leader of the Caribbean’s A&B islands
will be front and center this week to accept
the Legacy Award from the American Foundation
for the University of the West Indies
(AFUWI) when they celebrate 25 years of
fundraising benefits to aid needy and worthy
students.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister
Gaston A. Browne is expected to travel north
to collect the prestigious honor from the Caribbean’s
most acclaimed learning institution
reputed for its mission in advancing education
throughout the region.
This year he will share the prize with neighbour
and fellow twin-island Prime Minister
Timothy J. Harris, of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Together the eastern Caribbean statesmen
will claim the Legacy prize and also fulfil a
promise AFUWI is committed in ensuring
“the legacy continues.”
A separate presentation will also be made
to Premiere Mark A. Brantley of Nevis who
will be honoured with the Vice Chancellor’s
Award.
Five more individuals will be regaled during
the April 21 gala which from 6 pm will
acknowledge excellence in politics, sports,
culture, finance, business and entertainment.
In addition to the Legacy and Vice Chancellor’s
award, the Caribbean Luminary
award names Graham Robinson of Stanley
Industrial.
The Chancellor’s Award for excellence in
global business leadership will go to Don
Wehby, group chief executive, Grace Kennedy
Group. His affiliated company also snags the
Corporate Award for global business excellence.
Ambassador Ralph S. Thomas will receive
the Pelican Award and Wayne Berson, chief
executive officer of, BDO USA — the Pinnacle
Award for excellence in financial advisory
services.
California’s Grammy winning songwriter
Dawn Lewis will travel cross-country to
accept the Bob Marley Award. Best known
as an actress for her role on television’s “A
Different World,” Lewis is an accomplished
producer.
“The 2022 awardees are indeed a distinguished
group deserving of acknowledgement
at the 25th anniversary of the AFUWI
Awards gala,” Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor
of UWI explained.
“This is a time too, when we must pay
homage to the many sponsors of the event
and the persons who annually attend the gala
thus contributing to the raising of scholarship
funds for hundreds of worthy students.”
A press release further emphasized:
‘The AFUWI Awards are conferred annually
on notable individuals and companies which
represent high levels of achievement within
their respective fields of industry, enterprise
and in service in their communities, by the
US – based AFUWI which partners with UWI
alumni, the Caribbean Community in the
USA, American foundations and corporations
to raise funds for projects, scholarships and
academic programs on the university’s four
physical and one virtual campuses.’
This year the anticipated fundraiser/award
returns with live presentations following last
year’s virtual celebration which was restricted
due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although organizers plan to roll out a red
carpet welcome to patrons and honorees this
week, AFUWI spokesperson Ann Marie Grant
said all COVID-19 protocols will be in place to
safeguard guests attending the black tie affair
at 583 Park Avenue.
Throughout the three-year pandemic crisis,
Grant has been relentless in her efforts
to inform the diaspora on issues pertinent to
UWI and the Caribbean community. Through
regular advisories she maintains “together
through our resilience and determination, we
can conquer any adversity.’
Preparations for next year’s milestone calendar
are already underway, according to Sir
Beckles, “the UWI is preparing to celebrate its
75th anniversary.”
Catch You On The Inside!
Don Wehby, group chief executive,
Grace Kennedy Group. AFUWI/Adrian
Creary
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
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