The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) hosted its second annual ‘Kitchen Table Talk Forum’ last Saturday (September 25), for the benefit of at-risk final-year students at The University of the West Indies (The UWI).

This year, the forum featured former prime minister of Jamaica, PJ Patterson, who is a distinguished patron of The UWI Global Giving Programme; Angela Yee, US media personality and entrepreneur; and Oliver Samuels, comedian, actor and playwright.

In addition to sharing his views at The Table, entertainment was provided by Richie Stevens, international reggae artiste.

The Distinguished Patrons were CCH Pounder, actress, activist and artist and Lorraine Toussaint, actress, advocate and producer.

The conversation at The Table included past AFUWI scholarship awardees Joel Dunn, now a senior engineer, and Oshane Langley, a financial auditor. The discussion covered a variety of issues including the role of higher education in national and regional development as well as commentary on current social topical issues pertaining to culture, lifestyle and well-being. 

Ann-Marie Grant, executive director of the AFUWI, said the forum, which is a feature of the annual UWI Global Giving Programme under the theme ‘Donate to Educate’ is especially critical this year since the COVID-19 pandemic has created even greater financial challenges for many students.

Said Grant: “The pandemic has severely impacted the ability of many families who were already in difficult circumstances to earn and final-year students are especially anxious that having come this far, their education path would be derailed. We are inviting all alumni of The UWI, friends and benefactors to tune in to ‘Kitchen Table Talk’ and donate generously for the education of this very deserving cohort of students. Let’s get them graduated and ready to join the world of work and help to build our economy.”