Others making their way to the podium included: Sam Ibrahim, recipient of the G Raymond Chang Award, honoured for his leadership in business and philanthropic commitment to strengthening communities and supporting social impact initiatives. In his remarks, Ibrahim reflected on the profound influence of the late G Raymond Chang. Ibrahim duplicated that legacy by investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, including a transformative gift to his alma mater, the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, where a building has been named in his honour.

Black Opportunity Fund and Lifelong Leadership Institute, recipient of the Chancellor’s Award, was recognised for its transformative work in expanding access to opportunity, advancing leadership development, and addressing systemic barriers.

Former TV personality and politician Marci Ien and Justice Donald F McLeod, recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for their distinguished public service, leadership, and contributions to equity, justice, and community advancement, stirred the room as they acknowledged the importance of community, family and legacy.

Sagicor, recipient of the Patron’s Award, was recognised for its long-standing commitment to education, scholarship support, and community investment.

“The event not only celebrated excellence but also reinforced the vital partnership between The UWI and our Canadian friends,” noted Elizabeth Buchanan-Hind, chair of the UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2026. “Every contribution made will help students overcome barriers, and facilitate their journey toward academic and professional success.”

Indeed, the indomitable Buchanan-Hind was herself surprised with heartfelt words from both Dr Siyabulela Mandela and Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles and was gifted by Mandela a copy of his great-great-grandfather’s tome The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela.

Between the formidable suite of entertainment, the lively auction handled with requisite smarts by Benefit Auctioneer Frances Fripp and the Ritz-Carlton’s nod to the Caribbean with menu offerings of mango jicama salad, jackfruit curry stew and braised Jamaican oxtail with a side of roti plans are already in train for 2027. Naturally, the plan is to top this year’s impressive amount of C$450K.

The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships to Caribbean students since its inception. It continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Recipient of the G Raymond Chang Award entrepreneur Sam Ibrahim (second right) is flanked by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, vice chancellor, The University of the West Indies; Gayle Pazos (right), senior vice-president and head of Caribbean South & East, Scotiabank; and Donette Chin-Loy Chang, patron, The UWI Toronto Benefit Awards 2026. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Recipient of the G Raymond Chang Award Sam Ibrahim and his film producer fiancée Melissa Chung share a warm embrace. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Accepting the Patron’s Award on behalf of Sagicor from Event Patron Donette Chin-Loy Chang; Gayle Pazos, for lead sponsor Scotiabank; and The UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles, is David Noel, executive vice-president and COO, Caribbean at Sagicor Financial Company Limited.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Canadian actress and producer and recipient of The Luminary Award Tonya Lee Williams (centre) is flanked by UWI faculty members; Jared Attanasio (fourth right), representing the Dottori-Attanasio Family Foundation, premier sponsors of the event and Event Patron Donette Chin-Loy Chang (front, left).(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Tonya Lee Williams (centre), Canadian actress and film producer and recipient of the Luminary Award, is flanked by Event Patron Donette Chin-Loy Chang and Sir Hilary Beckles, vice-chancellor, The UWI.(Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles (right), vice-chancellor, The University of the West Indies, shares the frame with members of the Sagicor team (from left) David Noel, executive VP & COO, Caribbean; Lynda Gauthier, group chief risk officer and chief sustainability officer; and Kathy Jenkins, CFO, Sagicor Financial Ltd.

(Photo: Garfield Robinson)