2019 Jamaica Charity Gala Press Release

AFJ Announces its 2019 Jamaica Charity Gala in Miami, FL
2019 Jamaica Charity Gala honors Entrepreneur, Philanthropist the Honorable Mr. R. Danvers “Danny” Williams, OJ, CD. JP, Hon LL.D. (UTECH), Hon. LL.D. (UWI), a Marine Wildlife Artist, Conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey, PhD. (UWI) and the Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, Hazelle P. Rogers.
New York, NY (March 12, 2019)- The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) will hold the organization’s annual Jamaica Charity Gala in Miami, FL on Saturday, April 13th at InterContinental Hotel. The Honorable Mr. R. Danvers “Danny” Williams, former Chairman of Sagicor Group Jamaica and Dr. Guy Harvey, Owner and Founder of Guy Harvey Enterprises, and Chairman of Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation will be presented with the 2019 AFJ International Humanitarian Award. The Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, Hazelle will also be presented with Lignum Vitae award.
R. Danvers “Danny” Williams has contributed most of his life to insurance work. It has been a long journey for Williams, who started selling insurance some 66 years ago on April 1, 1953. He stated, “Most people roll out before 80 years old. In theory, I retired 21 years ago, but I am the sort of person who has to be occupied.” After he hung up the hat as Sagicor Chairman, he still works nine or ten hours a day, running his small office, helping raise funds for Jamaica College and leading a fundraising and investment initiative to the tune of half a billion dollars.
Guy Harvey has produced his authentic artwork on a range of merchandise to share his passion for ocean life with the world. As a marine wildlife artist, scientist, conservationist, he donates funds from his artwork and merchandise to marine protected organizations. He established the Guy Harvey Foundation to conserve the marine environment and set up the research institute to study the ecology, genetics, behavior, physiology, and evolution of fishes. Guy Harvey not only captures life under the sea, but also conserves extraordinary views for future generations.
Hazelle P. Rogers is the Mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida and is a former Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives. She is the first Jamaican
and the second person from the English-speaking Caribbean to be elected to the House. She has 20 years’ public service experience and cares about health, education and the whole community. She initiated the Caribbean Heritage Day Celebrations at the Capitol honoring the many contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the fabric of our nation.
Besides three incredible honorees, the Gala will present a highly coveted selection of items such a Cocktail Reception, four-course Dinner, Silent Auction and an excellent entertainment package.
“The event showcases the AFJ’s impact in Jamaica.” AFJ Executive Director, Caron Chung explains, “Alone we will do little. With the support of donors and partners, we stand a better chance of transforming more lives and helping to build Jamaica.”
About the American Friends of Jamaica, Inc.
Founded in 1982, the American Friends of Jamaica is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization built on the principles of service and philanthropy; and is established to render assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ works in a collaborative effort with Jamaican organizations and stakeholders to bring about change in the lives of Jamaicans in need. Amongst other initiatives, our partners assist us in providing shelter to the homeless, education to inner-city youth and healthcare to those in need. AFJ annual grant cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed at the end of the first quarter the following year. For more information and to attend the event: www.theafj.org.