Head of State, President Irfaan Ali, is among the list of ‘Honourees’ for this year’s 27th annual American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala is fast approaching, scheduled for Thursday, April 18th. Slated for Park Avenue venue in New York City. this year’s gala, themed “The Legacy Continues,” aims to build upon a rich history of providing scholarships to Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds, facilitating their pursuit of higher education dreams.
Ann-Marie Grant, Executive Director of AFUWI, emphasised the gala’s pivotal role in funding the scholarship program. She expressed gratitude to donors whose contributions enable the fulfilment of academic aspirations for numerous talented and ambitious Caribbean nationals facing financial constraints.
The is expected to honour distinguished individuals for their significant contributions including, President Ali, who also serves as current chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Other honorees include Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with extensive experience in technology, aerospace, defence, and philanthropy.
He founded the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network that supports Jamaican students. Others include Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, Executive Chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd., Attorney Darren Skinner, Co-General Counsel of Arnold & Porter, a leading law firm providing legal services to Fortune 100 companies and other clients.
Michele Chow-Tai, Managing Director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, actively involved in private equity and venture capital endeavors and various boards is also among the honorees, as is Reverend Patrick Perrin, a dedicated clergyman who served St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, New York, for 32 years before retiring as a United Methodist Elder.
