PM Holness Urges UWI to Drive Jamaica’s Future Through Innovation and Resilience

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has urged the University of the West Indies (UWI) to assume a more critical and expanded role in shaping Jamaica’s future, stressing that in a rapidly changing and uncertain global environment, the institution must serve as a driving force for economic growth, innovation, and national resilience.

Addressing an audience of more than 300 attendees, including Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, along with members of the diplomatic, business, and academic communities, at the American Foundation of the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) 29th Annual Awards Gala, dubbed ‘The Legacy Continues’, at The Park in Manhattan, New York, on April 17, where he was honoured, Prime Minister Holness affirmed that the institution has long been central to nation building.

He noted that generations of economists, engineers, administrators, lawyers, technocrats, and scientists have contributed significantly to Jamaica’s progress, while underscoring that the challenges of the present era demand an even broader mission from the region’s premier tertiary institution.

“We are living in changing times where disruption has become the norm,” the Prime Minister noted, highlighting growing global instability, recurring crises, and a shifting world order that is “less forgiving” and demands that nations stand firmly on their own and exercise true independence.

Dr. Holness argued that the mindset that guided Jamaica over past decades is no longer sufficient to carry the nation forward and called for the emergence of a “new mindset” to meet the demands of modern realities.

According to the Prime Minister, universities must move beyond their traditional role and become instrumental partners in supporting governments to foster growth, manage risk, and develop new technologies.

He emphasised the need for Jamaica to cultivate a stronger growth culture, underpinned by efficient bureaucracy, innovation driven thinking, and deliberate policies aimed at economic transformation.

Dr. Holness noted that the UWI, which played a pivotal role in shaping political thought and supporting the Caribbean’s journey to independence, must now help secure economic independence for Jamaica and the wider region.

“The University must play a pivotal role in helping our people navigate these difficult and different times,” he said, adding that academia must drive the cultural transformation needed to position Jamaica for long term prosperity.

In accepting the AFUWI Legacy Award, the Prime Minister described the recognition not as a signal of arrival but as an acknowledgment of the hard work and policy efforts that have produced tangible results. He noted, however, that much more remains to be done in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean.

“I accept this award not as the completion of a mission but as recognition of work in progress,” Dr. Holness declared.

The Prime Minister, who noted that he has dedicated more than half his life to public service, reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the people of Jamaica and the wider region.

He also paid tribute to those who came before him, acknowledging their service and sacrifice, and said he stands “on the shoulders” of many who helped shape the nation.

While praising Jamaica’s achievements and global contributions, Dr. Holness acknowledged that an honest assessment reveals the country has yet to fully realise its vast potential.

“This journey is about turning ambitions into achievements. It is about realising our true potential as a people and as a nation,” he further stated.

Presenting the award to Dr. Holness, UWI Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, highlighted the Prime Minister’s leadership and his ongoing commitment to education, economic resilience, and regional collaboration as fundamental pillars of Jamaica’s national development.

He noted that the recognition reflects AFUWI’s tradition of honouring leaders whose work significantly advances the Caribbean and its global diaspora.

Sir Hilary noted that The Legacy Continues Gala celebrates leaders whose vision and service help shape the future of the community and the region.

He emphasised that through their leadership, and the generosity of those who support the event, doors of opportunity can be opened for talented but financially disadvantaged Caribbean students whose aspirations for higher education deserve every chance to flourish.

The evening honoured a distinguished group of leaders whose accomplishments and service to community and country stand as powerful examples for the next generation, particularly students at the UWI, underscoring the transformative power of education and leadership.

Each honouree embodies AFUWI’s core principle that when talent is supported by opportunity, the impact can transform communities, nations, and even generations.

Anthony and Gregory Belinfanti, a father and son duo, received the Pathfinder Award for Generational Impact in Education, in recognition of their combined dedication to expanding educational opportunities across generations.

Anthony Belinfanti is a retired educator, while Gregory Belinfanti is President of One Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm.

The Pelican Award, a UWI alumni peer honour, was presented to Dr. Kevon Rhiney in recognition of his scholarship and leadership, which exemplify the transformative power of Caribbean higher education.

Two distinguished leaders in academic medicine and institutional governance were also honoured. Interim president of Howard University in Washington DC, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, received the Caribbean Luminary Award in recognition of his notable career and visionary leadership in higher education and healthcare.

President of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Dr. Wayne J. Riley, was presented with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Institutional Impact, applauding his exceptional contributions to academic medicine and institutional development.

Group Vice President at Charter Communications, Camille Joseph-Goldman, received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service and Community Impact, in recognition of her commitment to strengthening communities and expanding opportunities.

Recipient of honorary doctorates from the University of Bath and Aston University, Jacky Wright, was presented with the Phoenix Award for Global Digital Leadership in recognition of her influential work in driving global technology transformation.

Executive Chairman of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. A. Norman Sabga, received the Chancellor’s and Corporate Awards for Excellence in Global Business Leadership, in recognition of his visionary leadership and the value driven enterprise he has built.

Speaking at the event, AFUWI Executive Director, Ann Marie Grant, stated that “The Legacy Continues is more than just a theme; it is a declaration that investing in education today helps secure the Caribbean’s leadership, innovation, and resilience for future generations”.

For more than 77 years, the University of the West Indies has played a pivotal role in Caribbean development, shaping leaders in hospitality, government, business, medicine, agriculture, science, and the arts.

Over the past decade, AFUWI has awarded more than 700 scholarships and mobilised over $8.5 million in resources, enabling talented Caribbean students to pursue higher education and strengthening the region’s growth and resilience.