THE MONTHLY GLEANER | JULY 7 - AUGUST 6, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 6 By Sophia Findlay WHEN SOFI Style caught up with renowned Jamaican fashion and celebrity photographer Walter Chin, the 2022 vice-chancellor honouree of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Toronto Benefit Awards, he expressed immense gratitude for the distinguished acknowledgement of his remarkable talent on a global platform. The New York-based creative artist, who was born in Montego Bay, St James, shone brightly at the prestigious event, themed ‘One Caribbean… Global Impact’, held on June 25 at the Ritz-Carton, Toronto. “Tonight is a very special evening for me, it’s like the epitome of my career to be honoured by my fellowWest Indians; I feel a sense of accomplishment now. I have been acknowledged by the fashion industry and have other accolades, but to be honoured among my other West Indian people, it’s very special,” said Chin. The awards gala was all that it promised, with pomp and pageantry as it highlighted inspiring individuals and organisations that internationally represent Jamaica and the Caribbean with excellence. Six other global ambassadors of prolific stature were also lauded among the 2022 honourees. They include: · Chancellor Janice Fukakusa, OC – Business leader and philanthropist, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University); Andre De Grasse – Six-time Olympic medallist and 200m Olympic champion; BasilWatson, CD -World-renowned sculptor; Dr Shakuntala Haraksingh-Thilsted - Global lead for nutrition and public health at WorldFish, 2021 World Food Prize; Dr Camille Wardrop-Alleyne - Aerospace engineer and space scientist; Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne, who came over fromWashington, DC, USA, stated that the award ties in perfectly with the health organisation’s celebration of 120 years of existence. “We have come through one of the most trying periods of our history with the pandemic, and were able to exercise our role as the premier public health agency working with all our member states, fromCanada way down Renowned Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson (fourth from left), CD, accepts the Luminary Award from Professor Hilary Beckles, along with lead sponsor Scotiabank’s Vice-President for the Caribbean, Central America & Uruguay, Anya Schnoor; Andrew Chang; Brigette Chang and her children; and Donnette Chin-Loy Chang. CONTRIBUTED …if you’re hot, I’m at your spot! Luminaries dazzle at UWI Toronto Benefit Awards gala PLEASE SEE AWARDS, 8 FEATURE
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