Honouring excellence
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Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (centre) shares the spotlight with members of the David ‘Wagga Hunt’ Gala organising committee at its 12th annual red carpet gala at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC on February 21.
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Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson congratulates Kingston College’s David Wagga Hunt 2025 scholarship recipient Khaliel Woodhouse at its 12th annual red-carpet gala at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC on February 21.
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Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, delivers the feature address during the Dave ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation’s 12th annual red carpet gala at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC on February 21.
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Justine Henzell, daughter of Perry Henzell, Jamaican director of the first Jamaican feature film, ‘The Harder They Come’, pays tribute to the late reggae icon James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers during the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation’s 12th annual red carpet gala at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC on February 21.
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Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (centre) with 2026 David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation awardees George Wille (second left) and Wayne Hewett (second right) after they received their awards at the 12th annual red carpet gala held February 21 at the National Education Association Atrium Building downtown Washington DC. Looking on are organising committee members Michael McPherson (left) and Chairman Christopher Hunt .
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.