Jamaican philanthropists and business leaders Wayne Hewett and George Samuel Willie OD will take center stage at the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship Foundation’s 12th annual red-carpet gala on February 21, celebrating their outstanding contributions to Jamaican communities both at home and abroad.
Hewett, a seasoned executive and director on the boards of Home Depot, Wells Fargo, and UPS, brings decades of leadership experience from General Electric and private equity advisory. Willie, a respected accountant and managing partner at Bert Smith and Company, has spent over 40 years advancing public and private sector excellence while mentoring future professionals.
The gala will also pay tribute to the late Hon. James “Jimmy Cliff” Chambers OM, Jamaica’s reggae legend, whose music spread the island’s spirit worldwide. His posthumous recognition adds a poignant layer to an evening dedicated to service and excellence, reflecting the foundation’s guiding principles.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, serves as patron of the gala and will deliver the feature address, highlighting the crucial role of diaspora organizations in strengthening connections between Jamaica and its far-flung communities.
Since its founding, the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholarship Foundation has awarded over J$40 million in scholarships to students at Kingston College and Calabar High School, schools close to the heart of the late Hunt, who passed away in 2007. Known for his astute coaching and analytical approach to football and track and field, Hunt’s legacy lives on through generations of students benefiting from his namesake scholarship. This year, individual scholarships have increased by 50 percent to J$150,000 per student, covering Grades 8 through 13, and recipients are selected based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, and financial need—a reflection of Hunt’s vision for nurturing well-rounded young people.
The foundation also extends support to Jamaican students attending Howard University, offering mentoring, career guidance, and care packages to help students thrive in a foreign city. Responding to recent events, the foundation has pledged US$10,000 toward Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, demonstrating its commitment to Jamaica beyond the classroom.
“Seventeen years of service have deepened our bond with the community,” said foundation chairman Christopher Hunt. “Through scholarships, mentoring, and quiet acts of support, we continue to make a meaningful difference in young Jamaicans’ lives.”
The gala, set for 7:30 p.m. at 1527 M Street NW, Washington, DC, promises an evening of recognition and celebration for Hewett, Willie, and the enduring legacy of Jimmy Cliff, while reaffirming the foundation’s role in shaping the next generation of Jamaican leaders.
