The Tribune

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was honoured on Wednesday by the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) for exemplary professional achievements.

The award honours graduates of the University of the West Indies who have excelled in their chosen fields and made significant national, regional or international impact.

Dr Minnis obtained his MBBs degree in medicine from UWI in 1980 and in 1985 completed specialised studies in Jamaica in obstetrics and gynaecology. He was one of two heads of government honourees to be presented with the Legacy Award at the 22nd annual Legacy Awards Gala held at The Pierre Hotel.

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, was also a recipient of the Legacy Award.

In accepting the award, Dr Minnis said the honour has inspired him to continue his administration’s fight against poverty with a renewed energy.

“It is essential to use all of the energy and resources that we have to eradicate poverty, so that each and every person in the Caribbean territory will have the same opportunities to attain the same level of achievement that I have achieved,” he said.

Dr Minnis thanked UWI, the entire Caribbean community and The Bahamas for the special honour. He also paid special tribute to his late mother “who is responsible for me obtaining this position today.”

Dr Minnis was presented the Legacy Award by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, UWI vice chancellor, and Doug E Fresh, chair of the Legacy Awards Gala.

The AFUWI, a registered US charity, annually hosts the Legacy Awards and other events in New York to raise funds for scholarships to UWI.