SOLD OUT 16th Annual UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Celebrates Excellence and Caribbean Resilience
TORONTO — The 16th annual University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards lit up the Ritz-Carlton this past Sunday, April 27, 2025, with an unforgettable evening of elegance, entertainment, and purpose. The sold-out event raised critical scholarship funds for Caribbean students and honoured a stellar group of individuals and organizations dedicated to uplifting communities across Canada and the Caribbean.
Hosted by CBC News anchor Dwight Drummond, the night was themed “Bridging the Gap”, emphasizing UWI’s longstanding commitment to supporting Caribbean students and their access to higher education.
Star Power Meets Cultural Excellence
Headlining the night’s entertainment was Jamaican songstress Tessanne Chin, winner of The Voice Season 5 and a 2014 UWI Luminary Honouree. She was joined by Thunder Dome Sounds featuring the powerhouse Bullen family—Eddie, Quincy, and Tré-Michael Bullen—alongside vocalist Belinda Brady and saxophonist Jesse Ryan, delivering a rich blend of Caribbean jazz, soul, and reggae.
Honouring Leaders Who Give Back
This year’s honourees reflect a dynamic cross-section of Afro-Caribbean excellence:
-
Luminary Award: Dr. Jason Drew Harrow — better known as Kardinal Offishall, the multi-platinum rapper, Def Jam Global A&R executive, and Canada’s Got Talent judge.
-
G. Raymond Chang Award: Myron and Berna Garron — Canadian philanthropists whose contributions to pediatric healthcare have transformed lives.
-
Chancellor’s Award: The Onyx Initiative — a nonprofit helping close the systemic employment gap for Black graduates in corporate Canada.
-
Vice Chancellor’s Award:
-
Dr. Mark Beckles – Former RBC Community Investment lead, now President & CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (Canada)
-
Ms. Patricia DeGuire – Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission
-
Ms. Leslie Woo – CEO of CivicAction and founder of shebuildscities.org
-
A Night of Purpose and Legacy
“This event is needed more than ever,” said Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Co-Patron. “In these uncertain times, students in the Caribbean are at greater risk. This year’s theme reflects our unwavering commitment to helping them move from poverty to opportunity through education.”
For over 75 years, The University of the West Indies has produced leaders across sectors, shaping Caribbean development and global diasporas. With more than 1,000 scholarships awarded to date, the Toronto Benefit Awards continues to be a pillar of support for the region’s next generation.
Sponsored by Legacy and Vision
The 2025 event was led once again by Scotiabank as presenting sponsor for the 16th consecutive year, with major support from Sprott Inc., the Dottori-Attanasio Family, and BDO. Patrons include Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Mr. Kevin Hibbert, and Mrs. Ann-Marie Hibbert—all long-time champions of Caribbean education.
From the red carpet cocktail hour to the Air Canada Lyme afterparty, the evening stood as a bold affirmation of Afro-Caribbean resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of education.
Uplifting Black voices from coast to coast – this is the Afro-Canadian heartbeat. Only in Vision Newspaper.
