NEW YORK – The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) has announced their 2019 International Humanitarian Award New York recipients: Dr. The Honorable Usain Bolt, 8 Times Olympic Gold Medalist & World Record Holder and Dr. The Honorable Glenford Christian, Founder & Chairman of Cari-Med Group of Companies.
The awards will be presented at the 2019 Hummingbird Gala on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Cipriani 42nd Street, NYC.
The honorees were nominated by the AFJ Board of Directors to highlight their impacts in philanthropy, successes and significant contributions to economic development in Jamaica.
The event showcases the AFJ’s work in Jamaica and is a time to celebrate the achievements of these two extraordinary philanthropists.
The evening will begin with cocktails, followed by a unique auction collection and a four-course dinner, culminating with exciting entertainment at this prestigious mid-town Manhattan venue.
Usain Bolt Achievements
Usain Bolt currently holds the world records in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m and the three fastest 100m times ever run at 9.58, 9.63 and 9.69 seconds. On the world all-time list, he holds five of the top ten times ever in the 200m. As part of the Jamaican 4x100m team, he broke three world and Jamaican team records, having seven fastest 4x100m times in history.
8x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Record Holder
The Usain Bolt Foundation Enhances the Character of Children
In 2011, The Usain Bolt Foundation was founded and is dedicated to a legacy for happy children; its goal is to enhance the character of children through educational and cultural development as they live their dreams.
The Usain Bolt Foundation supports the Jamaica Special Olympics, hosts an annual Christmas Treat in Sherwood Content, and has funded The Walkers Place of Safety and other worthwhile projects.
Entrepreneur Glen Christian
In 1986, Glen Christian started his own pharmaceutical distribution company, CariMed Limited, with just three employees.
Thirty-three years later, the Cari-Med Group is a formidable force in the Jamaican pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries, with a workforce of over 800 employees.
In addition, the Group is involved in manufacturing of consumer goods and over-the-counter drugs.
Founder and Chairman of Cari-Med Limited
Cari-Med Foundation Improves Childhood Education in Jamaica
Mr. Christian established the Cari-Med Foundation with its mandate to positively impact early childhood education, health care and community building.
In the area of healthcare, the Foundation has supported several initiatives at hospitals across Jamaica. These include refurbishing of a wing, and construction of a treatment room and pharmacy at the Hope Institute, an institution that offers palliative and curative care for cancer patients.
Another major project was the donation of a fully equipped neonatal unit to the Black River Hospital.
The Foundation’s major educational initiatives include construction of a state-of-the-art Infant School in a rural community: the Evelyn Mitchell Infant School and Centre of Excellence. It was designated the first early childhood centre of excellence by the Ministry of Education in Jamaica.
This template has been replicated in an inner-city community in Kingston with the construction of the Union Gardens Infant School, with support from a coalition of private and public sector organizations.
The annual New York Gala is an opportunity for the diaspora community, supporters and friends with an interest in Jamaica to give back to Jamaicans in the areas of education, healthcare and economic development.
The AFJ Galas have attracted a diverse and aware audience of friends of Jamaica.
American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) Past Honorees
Honorees have included Albert Dwoskin, A.J. Dwoskin & Associates, Patricia Chin, VP Records, Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia, Gary “Butch” Hendrickson, National Continental Baking Company, Dennis Lalor, ICWI, Kenny Benjamin, Guardsman Group, Denis O’Brien, Digicel, Ralph & Ricky Lauren, Harry Belafonte and numerous others.
To date, the AFJ has presented grants of over US $14M. The AFJ demonstrates the power of collaboration and support to help engage people from underserved communities.
“Change does not happen in silos – it requires all of us to raise our hands, roll up our sleeves and find meaningful collaboration to help those in need,” said AFJ Executive Director Caron S. Chung.
“AFJ is pleased to honor two deserving icons who are affecting and inspiring change.”
Click here for tickets and information on the 2019 Hummingbird Gala.
