to Argentina; North America, Central America, and the Caribbean,” Etienne informed. Dr Donette Chin-Loy Chang, co-patron of The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, explained in a release that they were mindful of the far-reaching effects of Caribbean descendants on other regions. “With this year’s selection of honourees, we are showcasing not only the influence and impact of the Caribbean on the world, but also that the island nations have ancestral connections to places such as Africa, South Asia and Asia,” she said. So for Chin, it was a manifestation of possibilities, especially sharing podium with stalwarts such as Jamaican sculptor Basil Watson, CD, who was the recipient of the Luminary Award. Watson was fresh from his European trip, where he unveiled his latest creation, the United Kingdom’s National Windrush Monument at London’sWaterloo Stadium. He is also the creator of the much-acclaimed statues of Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt, Merlene Ottey, Herb McKenley, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Asafa Powell and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce erected at Jamaica’s National Independence Park. “It’s a recognition I’ve always wanted, and I feel like I finally have a place that I fit in,”said Chin, who attended Cornwall College before leaving the island at age 17. “I was fully culturalised before I left Jamaica,”the 67-year-old divulged with a hearty laugh. Over the past 12 years, 650 scholarships have been granted and almost CDN$3 million has been raised by the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards, created by philanthropist and businessman G Raymond Chang, late husband of Chin-Loy Chang, and is the university’s largest fundraising event in Canada. Andrew Chang, Brigette Chang and Dr Wesley J. Hall are also UWI Toronto Benefit Awards co-patrons, who selflessly seek funds that help provide scholarships to empower students through education at the regional university. The higher-learning institution boasts almost 50,000 enrolled students and five campuses. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | JULY 7 - AUGUST 6, 2022 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 8 AWARDS CONTINUED FROM 6 Fashion and celebrity photographer Walter Chin (left) accepts the 2022 ViceChancellor Award at The University of the West Indies Toronto Benefit Awards from UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Chancellor Janice Fukakusa, OC, business leader and philanthropist, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), accepts her 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. FEATURE
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