THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MARCH 12 - APRIL 11, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 12 TWO JAMAICAN philanthropists, accounting professional George Willie and corporate director Wayne Hewett, have been recognised for their contributions to education and community development by the Washington-based David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship Foundation. Willie and Hewett were presented with the 2026 David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation Award for their service to Jamaican communities at home and abroad during the 12th annual red carpet gala held on February 21 at the National Education Association Building in Washington, DC. Willie, managing partner at Bert Smith & Company, has more than four decades of experience in accounting and public service, mentoring generations of professionals. Hewett serves on the boards of Home Depot, Wells Fargo, and UPS, and previously held senior leadership roles at General Electric and in private equity advisory. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, who serves as patron of the gala, delivered the feature address. He highlighted the role of diaspora organisations in advancing Jamaica’s development and strengthening ties between the island and its overseas communities. The ambassador commended the foundation for promoting discipline, service, and shared responsibility. Since 2009, the foundation has disbursed approximately J$40 million (US$256,720) in scholarships. He noted that, beyond financial support, the foundation contributes to Jamaica’s development by strengthening human capital through education and mentorship, particularly for young men at critical stages of development. Referencing Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, Anderson stated that resilience requires not only rebuilding infrastructure but also strengthening systems, partnerships, and citizens. He acknowledged the foundation’s expansion from two scholarships annually to 24, as well as its additional assistance to Munro College and Cornwall College following the hurricane. EVOLVING ROLE The ambassador also underscored the evolving role of the Jamaican diaspora, noting the significance of remittance-based support as well as structured partnerships that provide expertise, networks, and global standards. He reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to continued engagement with diaspora members in support of national development. Christopher Hunt, chairman of the foundation, reminded attendees that scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need, consistent with David ‘Wagga’ Hunt’s belief in developing well-rounded young men. In addition to local scholarships, the foundation supports Jamaican students attending Howard University through mentorship and transition assistance. This year, the foundation also pledged US$10,000 toward Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. The foundation was established in honour of David ‘Wagga’ Hunt, a sports administrator and coach who made significant contributions to Jamaican football and track and field. The gala also paid tribute to the late James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers. In her tribute, Justine Henzell noted that, through songs such as Many Rivers to Cross, Sitting Here in Limbo, Wonderful World Beautiful People, and Reggae Night, as well as the film The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff helped introduce Jamaican music to global audiences. Dave Myrie, principal of Kingston College, reflected on the foundation’s 17-year impact, noting that more than 50 students have benefited from the programme. Kingston College 2025 scholarship recipient Khaliel Woodhouse thanked the foundation for providing him with the opportunity to pursue his education. The gala reaffirmed the foundation’s sustained commitment to expanding educational opportunity and supporting Jamaica’s long-term development through investment in its youth. Honouring excellence SEVERAL NEWCOMERS have been elected to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), according to the results of the recently held election for council and youth council members. In the United States (US), there will be two newcomers – one in the Southern region and the other in the West/Midwest region. The new council members in the US are Janice McIntosh in the Southern region and Dr Z. Roy Davidson in the West/Midwest region. McIntosh replaces Peter Gracey in the Southern region who did not seek re-election after serving one term while Davidson replaces Shauna Chin who was term limited and could not seek re-election. The youth council members are Solangre Sinclair for the West/Midwest region and Zoe Chin Loy in the Southern region. The Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC) member for the Northeast US is Amanda Francis. In the US Northeast region, Michelle Tulloch-Neil was re-elected to her position as council member. For the United Kingdom (UK) South region, the GJDC member is Patrick Vernon and the Youth Council member is Abigail Brady Rhoden. In the UK North, the GJDC member is Marcus Humphrey. No Youth Council member has been announced. Over in Canada, the new GJDC members are Leo Campbell and Lisa Rutty. The new Youth Council members are Ramon Stultz and Steven Getten. The newly elected council members and youth council members will join appointed representatives to form the 29-member council which is chaired by Terrelonge. editorial@gleanerjm.com Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (centre) shares lens with the 2026 David Wagga Hunt Foundation awardees George Wille (second left) and Wayne Hewett (second right). Looking on from left are; committee member Michael McPherson and Chairman Christopher Hunt (far right) . Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, delivers the feature address at the Dave Wagga Hunt Foundation’s 12th annual red-carpet gala at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC on February 21. PHOTO BY DERRICK SCOTT Several first-time candidates elected to Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Michelle Tulloch-Reid Janice McIntosh Professor Patrick Vernon OBE, GJDC UK South representative. Lisa RuttyLisa Rutty
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