Holness awarded AFUWI’s prestigious Legacy prize

The New York-based American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) honored Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness with its Legacy Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, on Friday night, April 17.

Dr. Cyrus McCalla, the Jamaican-born chairman of AFUWI, flanked by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Chancellor Dr. Dodridge D. Miller and Vice Chancellor Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles presented Holness with the award.

The Jamaican leader was among several distinguished honorees at AFUWI’s 29th Annual “The Legacy Continues” Black-Tie Awards Gala. The gala was held at 538 Park Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

In introducing Prime Minister Holness, Sir Hilary said: “This is not an ordinary prime minister, because this is a prime minister who has won the support of his people not just once, not just twice, but three times.”

In accepting the honor almost at the end of the 3 ½-hour, Holness said that “when a legacy award is given to a sitting politician, it signals the end is near.
“Let me dispel such a view,” he said. “I accept the award of recognition for hard work in progress.

“Legacy is not what you receive but what you build,” Holness said, calling Jamaica’s journey confounding.
He continued, “We’re a country that has contributed so much to the world. This leg of our journey is about our potential and realizing our true potential.”

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness gives his acceptance speech during the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies event on Friday, April 17, 2026. Photo by Nelson A. King

The Prime Minister said UWI must play a critical role in today’s global context.
“The thinking in the last half century cannot carry us to the next half century,” he said. “I believe another side of the university must show a function for growth. We need a new pro-growth function.”

“We need a new culture of efficiency,” Holness added. “We need a new culture of innovation. The university must play a role.
“So, I decided to accept this award to be able to deliver this message from this platform,” he continued.

AFUWI Jamaican-born Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant said Holness was 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. “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.

“Proceeds fund AFUWI scholarships, helping talented Caribbean students turn academic promise into degrees and, ultimately, development,” Grant said.
Dr. McCalla said, “The Legacy Continues Gala celebrates leaders whose vision helps shape our community’s future.”

“Through their leadership — and the generosity of those who support this event—we can open doors of opportunity,” he said. “Talented but financially disadvantaged Caribbean students deserve every chance to flourish.”

Grant said the ceremony honored “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. This highlights 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.

Besides, Prime Minister Holness, the other honorees included Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti, a father-and-son duo, who received the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, acknowledging their combined dedication to enhancing educational opportunities across generations.
Anthony is a retired educator, and Gregory is president of One Equity Partners.

Kevon Rhiney, Ph. D, center, receives the Pelican Award.Photo by Nelson A. King

The Pelican Award, a UWI alumni peer award, was presented to Dr. Kevon Rhiney, Ph.D., “whose scholarship and leadership exemplify the transformative power of Caribbean higher education,” Grant said.

Two distinguished leaders in academic medicine and institutional governance were also honored: Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, MD, MBA, the Trinidadian-born president of Howard University in Washington, received the Caribbean Luminary Award, “recognizing his notable career and visionary leadership in higher education and healthcare,” Grant said.

Dr. Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP, is the president of SUNY Downstate Health Science University in Brooklyn. He received the UWI Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact. The award applauds his exceptional contributions to academic medicine and institutional development, Grant said.

Camille Joseph-Goldman, group vice president at Charter Communications, whose mother hailed from Jamaica and father from Haiti, second from left, receives the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact, flanked by, among others, Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles. Photo by Nelson A. King

Camille Joseph-Goldman, group vice president at Charter Communications, is of Jamaican and Haitian descent. She received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact. The award recognizes her commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities.

Looking toward global leadership and innovation, Jacky Wright has received honorary doctorates from the University of Bath and Aston University. She received the

Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership in recognition of her influential work in global technology transformation.

In addition, the distinguished Honoree Class of 2026 included Dr. A. Norman Sabga, LL.D (Hon.) UWI. He is the executive chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Sabga received the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership. The awards recognize his visionary leadership and the value-driven enterprise he has built, Grant said.
“I accept this award on behalf of the 6,000 employees across six countries in the Caribbean,” Sagba said. “I want to say ANSA McAL’s days are yet to come.”

SUNY Downstate Health Services University Nursing Scholarship Recipient Kayla Newman addresses the award ceremony. Photo by Nelson A. King

Kayla Newman, 22, a 2026 graduating nursing student at UWI Mona Campus in Kingston, Jamaica, and SUNY Downstate Health Services University Scholarship Recipient, also addressed the ceremony.
“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me,” she said. “Because of your generosity, I’m learning how to make a difference one patient at a time.”

The Gala also featured a live auction, offering attendees another way to contribute to the cause.

“The Legacy Continues is more than a theme — it declares that investing in education secures Caribbean leadership, innovation, and resilience for the future,” Grant said.