The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies on Monday presented Digicel founder and Chairman Denis O'Brien with the AFUWI Corporate Leadership Award at its 11th annual benefit gala at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, New York. O'Brien, who owns the largest mobile phone company in the region with a workforce of 4,000, was recognised for contribution to Caribbean life. Pictured here (from left) are Tom Moran, president and CEO of Mutual of America, Dr Karl Rodney of AFUWI, Denis O'Brien, and Professor E. Nigel Harris, vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies. - Contributed

The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) on Monday night paid tribute to a number of outstanding Caribbean leaders for their contribution to the region's development.

The list includes: Harry Belafonte, Denis O'Brien, Dr John Agard, Professor Anthony Chen, Dr Leonard Nurse, Kenneth DeGhetto, Pau Winston Bayley, Dr Rollin Bertrand, Stephen Cozier, Vincent Hosang and Minna Israel.

Also present was a large contingent of Jamaican/UWI heads led by Chancellor, Sir George Alleyne, and Lady Alleyne; Vice-Chancellor E. Nigel Harris and his wife Yvette, and Professor Emeritus Rex Nettleford. The lavish gala was held at New York's prestigious Waldorf Astoria hotel on Monday night.

Transitioning

Harry Belafonte, activist/ actor/singer/producer, who won the AFUWI special award, was absent because he broke his foot, but Essence magazine's Susan Taylor accepted the award on his behalf. She later told The Gleaner, "I'm transitioning from Essence to concentrate fully on my ESSENCE CARES initiative." She launched the mentoring campaign in 2006.

Professor Nettleford read the UWI's tribute to Belafonte, describing him as "... this phenomenal Jamerican, numbered among the millions of the Caribbean diaspora. Harry Belafonte came back first to the music of his people and, more recently, to the UWI, which he has served gallantly for a decade as faithful servant, wise, trusty guide and devoted friend."

Digicel founder and chairman Denis O'Brien was awarded the AFUWI Corporate Leadership Award for contribution to the development of the Caribbean region. In accepting the award, Mr O'Brien said he did so on behalf of Digicel's 4,000 employees. He said the company's phenomenal success over the seven-year period was due to the talented and committed Caribbean individuals who helped build the company. "I am proud to call Digicel a Caribbean home-grown multinational company."

For its part, the AFUWI lauded the hard work and genuine dedication of Digicel, making it the Caribbean's number one GSM cellular service. The group's outstanding philanthropic efforts across the region were also noted.

The guest list included: former Mayor of New York David Dinkens, Lorna Alleyne, Winston and Marjorie Bayley; Kim Foster, John and Nicole Gideon; Sonia Elliott, Ian Kelly; Colm Delves, Jeanette Hosang, Sabrina Hosang, Wayne Hosang, and Damian Klosoki.

Left: Kelly Magnus makes a pretty picture at the AFUWI gala held at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel on Monday night. Right: Paulette Willoughby is glowing in her fabulous gown.

Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind (left) of the AFUWI with Maureen Rabbit of Digicel. - Photos by Barbara Ellington