NEW YORK – The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) paid tribute to a number of distinguished scholars and professional luminaries of Caribbean heritage, at its 11th annual benefit gala on Monday (Jan. 28) at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
Noted human rights activist, Dr. Harry Belafonte, who is best known for bringing Caribbean folklore to an international audience, was recognized for his commitment to the University of the West Indies (UWI) for the past 10 years.
Special awards were also presented to Professor Anthony Chen, Dr. John Agard and Dr. Leonard Nurse from the UWI and members of the Inter-Governmental Panel for Climate Change, who shared in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former Vice President of the United States, Al Gore.
The Foundation’s Luminary Award, given to Caribbean persons who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, was presented to Managing Director-designate of RBTT Jamaica Limited, Minna Israel; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TCL Group of Companies, Dr. Rollin Bertrand; Chief Financial Officer of the UWI, Winston Bayley; Managing Director of Altman Real Estate, Paul Altman; Founder/CEO of Caribbean Food Delights/Royal Caribbean Bakery, Vincent HoSang; and Vice President for Caribbean and Central America at the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS), Stephen Cozier.
The Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award, presented to persons of Caribbean heritage, who are considered ‘rising stars’ in their corporate and community organizations, went to President/CEO of the National Urban League, Marc Morial; First Vice President (VP) of HSBC Banking Corp, Reggie Canal; Senior VP of Moet Hennessy, Noel Hankin; Executive VP of Black Entertainment Television (BET), Ray Goldbourne; Chief Administrative Officer of Merrill Lynch, Colbert Narcisse; and Founder/President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CACCI), Inc, Roy Hastick.
The annual black tie gala also paid tribute to retired chairman of Foster Wheeler Incorporated and a former chairman of the AFUWI, Kenneth DeGhetto, for services to the foundation and the university, while Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of telecommunications company Digicel, Denis O’Brien, received special recognition.
Over 300 patrons attended the benefit gala, which has generous support from the Caribbean American community and corporate America.
