“Our theme this year, ‘Bridging the Gap”, reflects our unwavering promise to these students and their communities. This event does more than just bridge gaps; it builds and strengthens communities, uniting us in a shared vision of education, empowerment, and recognition of leaders and mentors who guide the way forward,” shared Donnette Chin-Loy Chang, co-patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025.

Now in its 16th iteration, the Awards, held at the Ritz- Carlton, Toronto, on Saturday, April 26, not only attracts Canada’s movers and shakers — no better opportunity to bridge the gap (interpret this to mean network) — but too, secure a seat in a room brimming with excellence, hope, and possibilities. It’s impossible to leave uninspired by the stories of the evening’s honorees. Year after year, the committee has the unenviable task of spotlighting exceptional personalities. Those who have, challenges notwithstanding, but armed with Caribbean audacity, created their own space where none existed. “Each year, a distinguished group of honorees is identified who represent a remarkable cache of talent and service to their disciplines and communities. My warmest congratulations to each of them and I thank them for allowing us to bask in their wonderful light. Myron and Berna Garron have provided stellar support to paediatric health and Canadian health-care institutions and embody the humanitarian tenets of the G Raymond Chang Award. Artiste, producer and philanthropist Jason Drew Harrow is a most deserving recipient of the Luminary Award. The Vice-Chancellor’s awardees Mark Beckles, Patricia DeGuire and Leslie Woo are advocates for human rights and community development. Onyx initiative which promises diversity and inclusivity will receive the Chancellor’s Award. We salute them for all that they do,” acknowledged Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor, The University of The West Indies.

From esteemed members of the legal, business, entertainment and medical fraternity, to student volunteers; the ballroom was abuzz with activity. Little wonder that the event is sold-out within days of its announcement. The promise remains one of noblesse oblige to benefactor, The University of the West Indies. “The University has always been a symbol of opportunity by nurturing talent and building resilience throughout the region and abroad, it “Bridges The Gap” especially for the most marginalised. Many students face profound financial challenges and need both support and encouragement to realise their dreams. Each of us has the power to spark hope and ignite potential,” explained co-patrons, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025 Kevin and Ann-Marie Hibbert.

Audrey Tugwell-Henry, SVP, Caribbean North & Central & President and CEO Scotiabank Jamaica, shared the following on behalf of lead sponsor Scotiabank who have held the title since the awards’ inception. Scotiabank has served the rich and vibrant Caribbean region for the past 135 years and has supported The University of the West Indies Toronto Gala for the past 16 years as its lead sponsor. Throughout this time we have collectively raised over C$3 million and over 1,000 scholarships have been awarded to our inspiring students. As an organisation, we believe our success is inherently tied to the success of the communities we serve…. We are passionate about building their resilience and changing lives through social impact programmes… We are honoured to have the opportunity to support Caribbean students as they go on to make their mark in the world.”

The theme Bridging The Gap was expertly woven throughout the evening from the braised oxtail and butter beans with sides of rice and peas and roti or Bajan seared snapper, to the musical styling of Eddie Bullen, Thunder Dome Sounds, performances by Belinda Brady, and Tessanne Chin. The live auction allowed the opportunity to bid on coveted items like an Ultimate Dining Experience at the Toca Restaurant, at the Ritz-Carlton hotel; exotic racetrack experience for four; luxury stays at Harbour Club, St Lucia and Round Hill Villas, Jamaica; business class tickets on Air Canada. The door prize compliments of Sandals Resorts afforded a four night stay for two at Sandals Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios or Sandals South Coast, Westmoreland.

Glitz, glamour, and bonhomie aside it was the presence of scholarship recipients Christina Williams and Lianne Williams who in heartfelt deliveries left many glassy-eyed but proud of their collective growth and success.

As patrons enjoyed the Air Canada lyme after-party with DJ Justin Barkie at the console, toasts were raised to the UWI Gala Committee as they chart a course for 2026.

Almost half-a-million has already been raised!

The evening’s awardees (from left) Mark Garron, who accepted the G Raymond Chang Award on behalf of his parents Myron and Berna Garron; Wayne and Nigela Purboo, recipients of the Chancellor’s Award; Leslie Woo, recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award; Dr Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall), recipient of the Luminary Award; Barbara Taylor, recipient of The Volunteer Award; Patricia DeGuire, recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award; and Dr Mark Beckles, recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award. (Garfield Robinson)

Recipient of the Luminary Award Dr Jason Drew Harrow aka Kardinal Offishall (left) accepted his award from Kevin Hibbert, co-patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards. Garfield Robinson

Global music icon Kardinal Offishall, who has collaborated with the world’s biggest artistes, such as Rihanna, Drake, Lady Gaga, Akon, and many others and whose monster classic Dangerous soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making him the first rapper from Canada to do so in history. He gave a special shout-out to his beloved Jamaican mum Donna Harrow. (Garfield Robinson)

Mark Garron (left) accepted the G Raymond Chang award from co-patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025 Kevin Hibbert, on behalf of his parents Myron and Berna Garron who have contributed millions to paediatric health and Canadian healthcare institutions Garfield Robinson

Chancellor of The University of the West Indies Dr Dodridge Miller (centre) presented the Chancellor’s Award to Wayne and Nigela Purboo, founders of Onyx Initiative, a non-profit organisation designed to expand the recruitment pipeline and close the systemic gap in the hiring, retention and promotion of black college and university students, and recent graduates, for roles in corporate Canada. Garfield Robinson

Professor Justin Robinson presented the Vice- Chancellor’s Award to Leslie Woo, CEO, CivicAction and founder of She Builds Cities. Garfield Robinson

Dr Tomlin Paul, deputy principal of the UWI, presented the Vice Chancellor’s Award to Patricia DeGuire, chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, co-founder of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers and the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada. Garfield Robinson

There were wide smiles all around as Professor Clive Landis (right), principal of The UWI Cave Hill campus, presented the Vice Chancellor’s Award to Dr Mark Beckles, chair, Atlantic Dominion. Garfield Robinson

Mark Garron (fifth left), flanked by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles (fifth right); The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025 co-patrons Kevin and Ann-Marie Hibbert (right), G Raymond Chang family members, daughter Brigette (third right), wife Donette (fourth right); grandchildren Lucas (third left) and Savanna (fourth left); and representing lead sponsor Scotiabank Audrey Tugwell Henry (left) and Anya Schnoor, accepted the G Raymond Chang Award on behalf of parents Myron and Berna Garron (Garfield Robinson)

Donette Chin-Loy Chang (left), co-patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025, welcomed recipient of the Luminary Award Dr Jason Drew Harrow (Kardinal Offishall) and his mum Donna Harrow. Garfield Robinson

Dwight Drummond, host of CBC News Toronto and the evening’s host, with his fashion model wife Janice (Garfield Robinson)

Donette Chin-Loy Chang, co-patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2025, is flanked by UWI scholarship recipients Lianne Williams (left) and Christina Williams. Garfield Robinson

Cutting an elegant dash were NCB Jamaica CEO Bruce Bowen and his wife Suzanne. (Garfield Robinson)