Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and Member of Parliament for St Andrew North Central, Delano Seiveright is serving as patron of the Calabar Old Boys’ Association (COBA) 2026 Cocktail Party and Awards Ceremony, scheduled for Saturday evening at The University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters.

The event, beginning at 6:00 pm, will recognise distinguished Calabar alumni, outstanding students and individuals who have made significant contributions to the 114-year-old institution.

Calabar has produced several prominent Jamaicans across politics, business, academia, sports and culture, including former Prime Minister PJ Patterson; Ministers of State Donovan Williams and Delroy Williams; former Cabinet Minister Derrick Smith; Seprod Group CEO Richard Pandohie; distinguished economist Professor Norman Girvan; Reverend Hugh Sherlock, who wrote the words of Jamaica’s National Anthem; Olympic champions Herb McKenley and Arthur Wint; renowned singer John Holt; and former Commissioner of Police Francis Forbes, among others.

Prominent obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Michael Abrahams will deliver the keynote address, while renowned sports administrator Michael Fennell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. COBA President Major Desmon Brown will deliver the welcome address.

Among those receiving the Reverend Ernest Price Award are businessman and former Member of Parliament Hugh Graham, academic Dr Jermaine McCalpin and Fair Trading Commission Executive Director David Miller.

Long-serving educator Loris Fox will receive the Reverend David Davis Award, while Deanall Barnes, Howard James, Wayne Strachan and Sonia “Dawn” Broderick-Brown will receive the President’s Award for their service to the Calabar community.

Four students will also be recognised for outstanding academic performance: Alex Edwards, Omarc Gordon, Justin Wallace and Ras-Elijah Beckford.

Seiveright, a Calabar Old Boy, welcomed the recognition of alumni achievements and the Association’s continued support for the school.

“Calabar has produced generations of Jamaicans who have made substantial contributions across business, public service, education, sports and other fields. We have a strong alumni network, and it is important that we use those relationships and resources to support the institution and the young men coming through,” Seiveright said.

He also commended the Association’s leadership, headed by Major Brown, for its continued work in supporting students and strengthening the institution.

The ceremony will highlight three fundraising priorities: the Dervan Malcolm Journalism Scholarship, established in honour of the late broadcaster and Calabar Old Boy; the PTA-led Breakfast Programme, which provides meals to students three days weekly; and the establishment of a Calabar Endowment Fund to support long-term development and student welfare.

“These are practical initiatives that deserve support. Not every student has the same financial resources or opportunities, and alumni associations can make a meaningful difference through scholarships, mentorship and direct assistance,” Seiveright added.

The programme will also feature entertainment by Owen “Blakka” Ellis, with George Roper serving as orator for the awards presentations.