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AFUWI presents US $75,000 For UWI Scholarships

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWl) presented a cheque for US$75,000 to sponsor scholarships for needy students of The University of the West Indies (The UWI). The presentation was made on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Jamaica Golf Association (JGA) and the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Golf Tournament at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Montego Bay, held in celebration of The University of the West Indies' 75th anniversary Diamond Jubilee. 

Themed "Jamaica Open Celebrates UWI 75" the tournament featured "The UWI Break 75 Challenge," an open event on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the Cinnamon Hill Golf Course Montego Bay. The title sponsor of this event was Deloitte, a leading global firm. Other sponsors included EnCore Golf Official Ball Sponsor, Associate Sponsors
Wisynco, ATL Automotive, and Caribbean producers by the JGA under the expert management of Peter Chin, the Immediate Past President.

In-kind sponsors were The Kimberly Hotel, New York, The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, JetBlue, Grace Foods, Jamaica Nice and Emirates Dental Wayne Seaton. Volunteer Support was provided by staff and students of The UWI Western Jannica Campus (WJC) led by Dr. Patrick Prendergast, Campus Director. Dr. David McBean, Executive Director - Mona School of Business and Management, who was in attendance, represented the leadership of the Mona Campus.

Dr. Cyrus McCalla, Chairman of the New York based AFUWI, a designated IRS 501 (c) 3 charitable non-profit organization, noted "The AFUWI is fully committed to supporting The UWI and the funds raised by the event as well as other fundraising events hosted by the AFUWI in the USA, will boost our annual scholarship programme, providing expanded opportunities for gifted students of modest means."

The AFUWI's fundraising events, including black-tie awards gala in New York, annually provide funds for scholarships to the UW in various disciplines to students across The UWI's landed and virtual campuses. Proceeding the golf tournament, Dr. McCalla George Willie, Vice Chairman. Janet Rolle, former CEO of the American Ballet Theatre and honorary UWI Mona graduand and Colin Duncan, Managing Director of Deloitte, participated in the "Masterclass" at the UWI Western Jamaica campus where the student body enthusiastically received them.

Campus Executive Director Dr. Patrick Prendergast said, "It is well-timed as The UWI is intensely focused on student success and positive student experiences and wants to ensure that our students are given maximum exposure to real world situations." Deloitte, title sponsor of the golf tournament and a longtime supporter of the UWI campuses and regional initiatives, thrives on focusing on capacity building and community development.

The company's involvement was evidenced by its branding on the golf carts, golf balls and golf course. Their sponsorship also covered the delicious meals provided by Renford Lawrence Catering and a full one-year academic scholarship for a student studying Business Management at The UWI, Colin Duncan, Deloitte Managing Director shared. "Deloitte was pleased to participate in an extraordinary event to benefit students.

In particular, I was inspired while engaging with the UWI Mona Western Jamaica students during the Master Class sessions." He also referenced the firm's long history of collaborating with UWI and its intent to foster similar initiatives in the Jamaica market. "We hope to explore avenues to support und contribute to student development and share our experiences and knowledge. The JGA has an established track record of hosting top title tournaments, and we look forward to doing our part to support more students having the opportunity to achieve academic excellence at The UWI"

Approximately 40 golfers participated in the Open, with first place going to Winston Watson for the Men's Super senior; Cedric Blair won the first-place award for the men's seniors while the ladies title was won by Diane Hudson.