Jazz for a cause

The event was staged jointly by the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), and the University of the West Indies Alumni Association of Washington DC (UWIAA-DC).

The concert was held to raise funds for the scholarship programme for needy students at UWI. It was staged under the patronage of the Chancellor of the UWI , Sir George Alleyne. The Caribbean musical duo took the audience on a musical ride rendering hit after hit that had the crowd applauding and shouting loud "Encores!".

In his brief remarks, Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of St Kitts and Nevis commended the organisers for staging what he described as a Caribbean musical treat. "The UWI is an outstanding institution. It has produced some of our finest scholars, doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, along with several prime ministers who now lead some of our Caribbean countries. The university needs your support and I urge you all in whatever way you can to support this outstanding Caribbean institution."

Primary mission

AFUWI's chief executive officer, Ann Marie Grant, said the primary mission of the organisation is to aid the development of the UWI. This was the second fund-raiser to be held jointly by the organisations to benefit the growing number of students who are at risk because of challenging economic circumstances. She revealed that five tuition scholarships have been awarded to students from the proceeds of last year's event. This year, they are hoping to do more.

Among the other guests present were: Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir George and his wife Lady Alleyne, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency, Audrey Marks, Ambassador Richard Bernal and his wife Margaret, Ambassador of Barbados, His Excellency John Beale, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Brenda Mae Lovell, Ambassador of St Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Jacinth Martin-Henry, Director of Alumni Relations - UWI, Celia Davidson Francis and, from the office of the Mayor of Baltimore, Erica Blake.

Master of ceremonies was Jamaican musicologist, Dermot Hussey.