UWI London Benefit Dinner

The historic Lincoln’s Inn in London was the setting for a night of Caribbean brilliance on November 7, as The University of the West Indies (UWI) hosted its annual London Benefit Dinner. The event, themed ‘Elevate to Educate,’ brought together distinguished Caribbean-British figures, including Baroness Patricia Scotland, the first female Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Sir Trevor McDonald, a renowned journalist; and Ambassador Theresa Roberts, a philanthropist and entrepreneur. The black-tie gala also saw the presence of Diane Abbott, the UK’s longest-serving female MP, and high commissioners from Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. Baroness Floella Benjamin and Professor Shirley Thompson served as patrons, while actress Nathalie Emmanuel hosted the evening. The event highlighted UWI’s mission to integrate research, innovation, and advocacy, particularly in climate action, with proceeds funding postgraduate scholarships focused on environmental and social governance (ESG) themes. Awards were presented to notable institutions and individuals, including the VM Group, the University of Glasgow, and luminaries like Sonita Alleyne and Sir Trevor McDonald, celebrating their contributions to Caribbean and global progress.