Several outstanding Jamaicans were recognized this past weekend at the 28th Annual American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Scholarship Awards Gala, held under the theme “The Legacy Continues” in Manhattan, New York.
At the center of the celebration was Senator Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s former Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. She was honored with the Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Diplomacy, Service to the Diaspora, and Nation-building. Senator Marks, also the founder of Paymaster Jamaica, helped transform the region’s bill payment and financial services landscape. She also received a special proclamation from U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.
“The recognition is great, but the purpose is greater,” Marks said as she encouraged students in attendance.
Also receiving top honors was Althea Brown, Managing Director and Chief Legal Officer at LPL Financial—the largest independent broker-dealer in the U.S., managing nearly $1 trillion in assets. She received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Achievement for her leadership in law, finance, and community development.
Another honoree, William Mahfood, Chairman of WISYNCO Group, was presented with two prestigious awards: the Chancellor’s Award for Global Business Leadership and Philanthropy, and the AFUWI Corporate Award. Under his leadership, WISYNCO has grown into one of the most successful companies on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, known for brands like WATA, Bigga, and Boom Energy Drink.
“As a community investor, we invest in communities,” Mahfood said. He noted the company has built hundreds of schools across Jamaica.
Cedric Gayle, Esq., an attorney and founding member of UWI’s New York alumni chapter, received the Pelican Award for his distinguished legal career and service to the Jamaican diaspora. A proud UWI graduate, Gayle has remained deeply involved in supporting education initiatives in the region.
The iconic Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was awarded the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Global Hospitality and Community Service. The resort is known not only for luxury service but also for its support of Cornwall Regional Hospital and local youth through scholarships.
AFUWI Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant, herself Jamaican-born, described the event as a celebration of leadership and the power of education to change lives.
“AFUWI is committed to expanding access to higher education for bright students who face financial barriers,” she said. “Every scholarship we give helps shape a future Caribbean leader.”
Since its founding, AFUWI has awarded about 650 scholarships to students at the University of the West Indies, with additional donations of equipment, furnishings, and educational resources valued at over $8 million.
The gala was attended by UWI senior leadership, New York Mayor Eric Adams, and members of the Caribbean diplomatic corps. Proceeds from the event will support future scholarship recipients at UWI campuses across the region.
Other Caribbean Honorees
Honorees also included Dominican Olympic gold medalist Thea La Fond-Gadson, recognized for winning the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Games—Dominica’s first-ever Olympic medal.
