The New York-based American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) says it will honor Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness with the Legacy Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, at its 29th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Awards Gala on April 17, 2026, at 538 Park Ave. at 63rd St. in New York City.
“The annual gala unites leaders from business, academia, public service, and philanthropy to support scholarships that increase access to higher education for outstanding Caribbean students at The University of the West Indies (UWI),” AFUWI Jamaican-born Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant told Caribbean Life on Saturday, March 7.
“Proceeds from the event fund AFUWI scholarships, helping talented students from across the Caribbean turn academic potential into university degrees and, ultimately, into productivity and development,” she added.
Grant said Holness is being recognized for his leadership and ongoing commitment to education, economic resilience, and regional collaboration as fundamental pillars of Jamaica’s national development.
“His recognition reflects AFUWI’s tradition of honoring leaders whose work significantly advances the Caribbean and its global Diaspora,” she said.
Dr. Cyrus McCalla, the Jamaican-born chairman of AFUWI, said the “Legacy Continues Gala celebrates leaders whose vision and service help shape the future of our community and region.
Dr. Cyrus McCalla, the Jamaican-born chairman of AFUWI, said the “Legacy Continues Gala celebrates leaders whose vision and service help shape the future of our community and region.
“Through their leadership—and the generosity of those who support this event — we can open doors of opportunity for talented but financially disadvantaged Caribbean students whose aspirations for higher education deserve every chance to flourish, he added.
Grant said the evening will honor a distinguished group of leaders whose accomplishments and service to community and country serve as “a strong example for the next generation—especially the students of The University of the West Indies—highlighting the transformative power of education and leadership.
“Each honoree embodies the core principle AFUWI represents—that, when talent is supported by opportunity, the impact can change communities, nations, and even generations,” she added.
The honorees include Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti, a father-and-son duo, who will receive the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, acknowledging their combined dedication to enhancing educational opportunities across generations. Anthony is a retired educator, while Gregory Belinfanti is the president of One Equity Partners, a middle-market private equity firm.
Grant said The Pelican Award — a UWI alumni peer award — will be presented to Dr. Kevon Rhiney, Ph. D, whose scholarship and leadership exemplify the transformative power of Caribbean higher education.
She said two distinguished leaders in academic medicine and institutional governance will also be honored. Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA, president of Howard University, will receive the Caribbean Luminary Award. This award recognizes his notable career and visionary leadership in higher education and healthcare.
Dr. Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, president of SUNY Downstate Health Science University, will be awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact. This award applauds his exceptional contributions to academic medicine and institutional development, Grant said.
Dr. Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, president of SUNY Downstate Health Science University, will be awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact. This award applauds his exceptional contributions to academic medicine and institutional development, Grant said.
Grant said Camille Joseph-Goldman, group vice president at Charter Communications, will receive the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact. This award recognizes her commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities.
In recognition of global leadership and innovation, Jacky Wright will receive the Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership. She is a recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Bath and Aston University. This award recognizes her influential work in global technology transformation, Grant said.
She said the distinguished Honoree Class of 2026 also includes Dr. A. Norman Sabga, LL. D (Hon.) UWI, the executive chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies from the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Grant said he will receive the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership. These awards recognize his visionary leadership and the value-driven enterprise he has built.
“The Legacy Continues is more than just a theme,” Grant said. “It’s a declaration that investing in education today helps secure the Caribbean’s leadership, innovation, and resilience for future generations.”
