The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Friday night honored former Jamaica Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States and current Minister of Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Sen. Audrey Marks, among five other distinguished honorees during its 28th Annual Scholarship Awards Gala, The Legacy Continues, at 583 Park Ave., mid-town Manhattan.
Marks received the Trailblazer Award for Excellence in Diplomacy, Service to the Diaspora in the US, and nation-building.
She also received a proclamation from Caribbean-American U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn.
Other honorees were Althea Brown (Vice Chancellor’s Award); William Mahfood (Chancellor’s Award and Corporate Award); Dominican Olympian Thea La Fond-Gadson (Salute to Caribbean Gold Award); Cedric Gayle, Esq. (Pelican Award); and Half Moon Hotel (Pinnacle Award).
AFUWI’s Jamaican-born Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant, said Marks was honored for her “groundbreaking leadership in diplomacy, business, and education.
“As founder of Paymaster Jamaica, she revolutionized the region’s financial services and continues to champion economic empowerment and educational access,” Grant said.
Marks expressed profound gratitude for the honor: “It’s really a privilege to be offered this award.”
She, however, added: “The recognition is great, but the purpose is greater.
“I recognize all the friends who have come to celebrate with me tonight,” Marks continued. “I’m happy to be here. I want to encourage all the students.”
Grant said Brown received the Vice Chancellor’s Achievement Award for her “legal expertise, leadership in financial services, and contributions to community development as the managing director, chief legal officer, and corporate secretary of LPL Financial.
“With nearly one trillion dollars in assets under management and known as a leading investment and business solutions provider, it is the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States,” Grant said.
Brown gave a “huge thank you to AFUWI,” adding that she was “humbled” to receive the award.
“To all the donors and supporters, forever forward, backward never,” she declared.
Grant said Mahfood, chairman of WISYNCO Group, received the Chancellor’s Award for “excellence in global business leadership and philanthropy.”
Under his direction, she said WISYNCO has become “a regional industry leader and boasts the largest listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.”
Grant said the company received the AFUWI Corporate Award for its “outstanding commitment to corporate responsibility, setting the standards for many other industries to emulate.”
After receiving the awards, Mahfood said his company has “built hundreds of schools in Jamaica.
“As a community investor, we invest in communities,” he said.
Cedric Gayle, Esq., a proud UWI alumnus and founding member of its New York alumni chapter, was “celebrated for his distinguished legal career and dedication to community service,” Grant said.
Gayle said he was “honored to be the recipient of the prestigious Pelican Award.
“Congratulations to my fellow honorees,” he said. “I’m grateful to everyone who has been gracious to me.”
Olympic gold medalist LaFond Gadson, who won the women’s triple jump at the 2024 Paris Games, was celebrated for her “historic achievement and for inspiring pride throughout the Caribbean,” Grant said.
“This marks the first Olympic medal ever won by the island nation,” she said.
Dominica’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Dr. Philbert Aaron, told the ceremony that LaFord was being celebrated as “a world-class athlete whose extraordinary journey epitomizes the spirit of determination and excellence of the people of The Commonwealth of Dominica.
“Your passion for athletics ignited a career that led you to proudly represent Dominica on the global stage, where you secured the gold medal, marking Dominica’s first Olympic medal in history,” Dr. Aaron said. “On behalf of AFUWI, I am honored to present you with the 2025 Salute to Caribbean Gold Award.”
Grant said the iconic Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was recognized for “excellence in global hospitality and community service, including support for Cornwall Regional Hospital, SOS Children’s Village, and scholarships for underserved youth.”
In receiving the Pinnacle Award, Bill Pearce said tersely: “This award from AFUWI is greatly appreciated.”
Senior Leadership of the University of the West Indies attended the ceremony, including Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sir Hilary Beckles; Principal of the Mona Campus – Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof. Densil Williams; Dean of the Medical Science Faculty – Prof. Dean Thame; Executive Director of the Mona School of Business and Management, Dr. David Mc Bean; and Board Member, Mona School of Business and Management, Ms. Minna Israel.
Danya Harris, a 4th-year student in the faculty of Medical Sciences at the UWI Mona Campus in Jamaica and a proud recipient of the Hyacinth Peters Memorial Scholarship, funded by Dr. Janet Rolle, shared her insights on her educational journey.
Thomas Singh, a 3rd year student in mathematics at UWI Mona, also gave remarks.
Sir Hilary said: “All of us have been celebrated.
“We’re so honored this evening by your presence,” he told the gala ceremony. “I honor you for your continued support of our university.”
Dr. Cyrus McCalla, chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center in Brooklyn and chairman of the Board of AFUWI, said, “Despite many challenges, AFUWI is committed to UWI in these perilous times.
“We’re grateful to you to see this as a noble initiative,” he added.
In addressing patrons, New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged them to “make some more contributions tonight.
“I thank you for what you do here in New York,” he added.
Grant said the prestigious Awards Gala celebrated “individuals and organizations whose leadership and philanthropy have significantly impacted the Caribbean, the United States, and beyond.”
She said all proceeds from the Gala will support scholarships for “financially disadvantaged yet high-achieving students at the University of the West Indies.”
Since its founding, Grant said AFUWI has awarded about 650 scholarships and bursaries to students across the Caribbean.
“The annual Gala is a cornerstone fundraising event, generating vital support for the next generation of Caribbean leaders,” Grant said.
