The New York-based American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) says it teed up a winning combination of philanthropy, sport, and Caribbean culture at its Gaming for Good Charity Golf Tournament on June 20, raising critical funds to support scholarships for financially-challenged students pursuing tertiary education at The University of the West Indies (UWI).

Ann-Marie Grant, AFUWI’s Jamaican-born executive director, told Caribbean Life on Wednesday, Jul. 2, that the tournament, held at Brooklyn’s scenic Marine Park Golf Course, brought together 62 golfers and numerous board game enthusiasts for “an afternoon of lively competition and community involvement.

“The event promotes AFUWI’s mission to increase access to higher education across the Caribbean by funding tuition scholarships for academically talented students who lack the financial means,” Grant said.

She said the foursome of Duane Nicholson, Emile and Orville Sudlow, and Mesco Joseph clinched first place with a commanding 10-under-par score, narrowly edging out runners-up James Gant, Terry Jackson, Charles Wilson, and Jessie Perkins at 8-under.

Grant said “lighthearted honors” included the Honest Golfer Award, claimed by Patrick Lespinasse, Robert Atkinson, Clive Williams, and Edison Bramble, “who embraced the spirit of the game with good humor and a +2 finish.”

Standout performances included: Stacy Rose – Ladies Closest to the Pin, Hole #5 (43 inches); Charles Wilson – Men’s Closest to the Pin, Hole #17 (7 feet, 7 inches); and Emile Sudlow and Sharon Bailey – Longest Drive winners.

Beyond the fairways, Grant said guests enjoyed friendly games of dominoes, Ludo, and Scrabble — a nod to beloved Caribbean pastimes — and sampled culinary delights from major sponsors, including Caribbean Food Delights (lunch) and The Door Restaurant (dinner), as well as beverages from sponsors Grace Foods and Natural Fountain Juices.

Grant said OnCore Golf, the official tournament ball sponsor, was represented by Nasser Sutherland, who helped with the awards presentation. 

Kyra Cox, a longtime Vincentian-American friend of the Open and the current Metropolitan PGA Communications manager, also presented awards.

Grant said a highlight of the event was “the warm welcome” from Danielle Brown, a Jamaican-born final-year medical student at UWI Mona Campus in Jamaica and AFUWI scholarship recipient, who personally greeted participants and shared her story.

She offered heartfelt thanks to George Crooks, principal of Jammins Events, whose sponsorship has helped make her education possible.

Grant said former US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry, his wife, Joyce, and AFUWI Board member and Executive Director at Morgan Stanley, Wayne Melbourne, Esq., were among the eager participants in the board games.

AFUWI Board Chairman and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Brookdale University Medical Center in Brooklyn, Dr. Cyrus McCalla, underscored the event’s purpose.

“Educating the next generation of leaders is one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger societies and uplift entire communities,” said the Jamaican-born native in addressing the reception.  

“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, players, and supporters who are investing in that vision,” he added.

Grant said AFUWI has provided nearly 650 tuition scholarships over the past decade and continues to advocate for educational equity across the Caribbean.

“The Gaming for Good tournament exemplifies its commitment to merging community spirit with transformational impact — one student, one scholarship at a time,” she added.