President Ali, others to be honoured at American Foundation for UWI gala in NY

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is also Chairman of Caricom, is among the honourees at the 27th annual American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) fundraising gala, which is billed for Thursday, April 18 in New York City.
This year’s gala, presented under the theme “The Legacy Continues”, will build upon the history of providing hundreds of scholarships over the past decade. These scholarships have opened doors for Caribbean students from underprivileged backgrounds, allowing them to achieve their dreams of pursuing higher education.
“The AFUWI Annual Gala Awards has been a significant funding source for the scholarship programme, giving us the finances urgently needed to assist with tuition expenses for many young, talented and ambitious Caribbean nationals who would not be able to fulfil their aspirations of a college education because of their dire financial circumstances,” Executive Director of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, (AFUWI), Ann-Marie Grant, has said.
“We are so thankful to all our donors, who by contributing to this endeavour help to create their own impactful legacy.”
This Year’s Distinguished Honorees are:

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Ninth President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and current Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Mr Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with a 35-year career in technology, aerospace, defence, and more. He is also a trustee at Howard University and the McDonogh School, and is the founder of the Jamaica Howard University Affinity Network, (J-1 or JHUAN), which has raised over $250,000 for Jamaican students.
Mr. Anthony Mark Desnoes Hart, the Executive Chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd. and a key figure in its establishment. He previously served as CEO, and is also a founding shareholder of the company, which is currently listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE).
Attorney Darren Skinner, co-General Counsel of the Washington, D.C. office of Arnold & Porter, a law firm that provides sophisticated regulatory litigation and transactional representation to nearly half of the Fortune 100 and many other clients.
Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the Managing Director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners, where she spearheads strategic planning and client strategies to enhance the firm’s private equity and venture capital endeavours. Ms. Chow-Tai is also actively involved in several boards, including the National Association of Securities Professionals – New York Chapter, and the Greater New Haven Chambers of Commerce.
Rev. Patrick Perrin, who is from Jamaica to New York, has dedicated most of his life to guiding his congregation and youth. Rev Perrin recently retired as a United Methodist Elder, after serving St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, New York, ending 32 years of service to the United Methodist Church.