UWI – Toronto Benefit Gala Announces 2026 Award Nominees

2026-01-25 - 21:07

The University of the West Indies (UWI) will celebrate its 17th annual Toronto Benefit Awards on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the prestigious gala returns with a renewed focus on supporting scholarships for Caribbean students and strengthening educational opportunities across the region. According to the organizers, the event will be staged at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, located at 181 Wellington Street West in Toronto, and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Presented by The University of the West Indies under the theme “Unlocking Brilliance,” the 2026 staging is intended to spotlight UWI’s long-standing commitment to cultivating talent, leadership, and opportunity throughout the Caribbean and across its global diaspora. “This is a powerful night of purpose and pride,” said Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, Patron of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, as she reflected on the legacy of the initiative and its impact over the past 16 years. “For 16 years, Canadians have supported the cause of ensuring that students in the Caribbean are afforded the chance to fulfil their dreams of education. We have met the moment, built bridges of hope, and lit the way,” she said. “This year, with great fervour, we will unlock the brilliance of students whilst celebrating once again leaders who, by their works, have demonstrated the results of how unlocking potential transforms communities.” She also emphasized that, amid global uncertainty and rising challenges, unity and investment in education remain critical. “Now more than ever, with several existential threats worldwide, we must stand firm in unity in the belief that education will change the world,” Chin-Loy Chang added. The annual UWI Toronto Benefit Awards typically attracts a wide cross-section of corporate executives, cultural influencers, public leaders, and community advocates, many of whom share a common commitment to giving back and strengthening pathways for Caribbean students to access higher education. 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards Honourees Organizers have announced the following slate of 2026 award recipients: Luminary Award Mrs Ayesha Curry Recognised as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and health advocate, Curry is being honoured for her contributions to community development, cultural empowerment, and purposeful leadership. Luminary Award Ms Tonya Williams, O.C. The award-winning actress and producer is being recognised for her work promoting diversity in film and media, along with her continued advocacy for inclusion and cultural representation. G Raymond Chang Award Mr Sam Ibrahim A respected business executive and philanthropist, Ibrahim is being honoured for his commitment to community development and social impact initiatives. Chancellor’s Award Black Opportunity Fund Recognised as a transformative organisation supporting economic, educational, and leadership advancement for Black communities. Lifelong Leadership Institute Honoured for its leadership training, ongoing education, and innovation in professional development. Vice-Chancellor’s Award The Honourable Marci Ien Former Member of Parliament and acclaimed broadcaster, recognised for public service, advocacy, and leadership within communities. The Honourable Justice Donald F McLeod Honoured for decades of service in advancing justice, equity, and civic responsibility. Patron’s Award Sagicor Recognised for its sustained commitment to education, scholarship funding, and community engagement. Proceeds to Support Scholarships and Hurricane Melissa Recovery Mrs Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, Chair of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, noted that the gala’s mission remains firmly rooted in scholarship funding, but that the 2026 staging will also carry an additional humanitarian focus. “In addition to its core mission of funding scholarships for Caribbean students, a portion of the proceeds from the 2026 UWI Toronto Benefit Awards will be directed toward Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, supporting recovery and rebuilding initiatives in affected Jamaican communities,” Buchanan-Hind said. To date, the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to students across the Caribbean, reinforcing the event’s role as a key platform for improving access to higher education while responding to the region’s evolving needs. Event Schedule Organizers released a detailed schedule for the evening: Media Session: 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Red Carpet Cocktail Hour: 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Entertainment: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Post-Event Celebration: 10:00 p.m. to Midnight