NEW YORK – Earl Jarrett, General Manager of Jamaica National Building Society was among four corporate executives honoured by the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) last Thursday (Jan 28) at its 13th Annual Fundraising Gala in Manhattan, New York, USA, as recipients of the 2010 Caribbean Luminary Award.
“This award has heightened my pride in being a graduate of The University of the West Indies,” Mr. Jarrett said, “and strengthened my resolve to continue to give back to this noble institution that has helped to shape my life.”
This year’s Luminary awardees include Lowell Hawthorne, Lesly Kernisant, MD and the Hon. R. ‘Danny’ Williams, OJ.
The Foundation is the principal link between the University of the West Indies, and its support groups in the United States of America. And, Caribbean Luminaries are identified as those who have left an indelible mark on the region and the world, as well as whose work represents some of the significant contributions made in the Caribbean Diaspora.
At the event, Olympic and World Athletic Champion, Usain Bolt, was presented with a special award by the Foundation in honour of his record-breaking performance in the 2009 Olympics and World Championships; and Air Jamaica received the AFUWI Corporate Award.
Four Caribbean Prime Ministers were honoured with AFUWI Legacy Award for outstanding achievement by notable individuals; they were Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago; David Thompson of Barbados, Dr. Dean Barrow of Belize and Tillman Thomas of Grenada.
Renowned American film director Spike Lee was presented with the University of the West Indies Bob Marley Award for his contribution to arts and culture.
Mr. Jarrett said he was “humbled” to be named among outstanding past Luminaries such author, Malcolm Gladwell, US Congressman Charles Rangel, Bermuda Premier Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown and media magnate, Dr. the Hon. Oliver Clarke.
“The University of the West Indies is a repository of talent and knowledge,” Mr. Jarrett said. “I commend the AFUWI for the supportive role that it has been playing… which fosters the continued development of UWI.”
The Annual Gala is the AFUWI’s premier fund-raising event in the United States. Patron of the event was Dr. the Hon. Harry Belafonte OJ.
Proudly displaying their Caribbean Luminary Awards are (Left to Right) Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society; Dr Lesly Kernisant, President and Chairman, Preferred Health Partners; Lowell Hawthorne, President and CEO, Golden Krust; and Hon. R ‘Danny’ Williams – CEO, Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited. The awards were presented in recognition of the work of outstanding Caribbean business persons.
