For the past 12 years, The University of the West Indies (UWI) has hosted a black tie gala in New York City.  The gala has become a signature event on the New York social calendar and is strongly supported by the private and public sectors of New York as well as the Caribbean-American communities. 

The University is spreading its wings to Canada and will next year host a similar event in Toronto at the Four Seasons Hotel on February 27, 2010. The Patron of the event will be Mr. G. Raymond Chang, Chancellor of Ryerson and Chair, CI Financials. Dr. the Hon. Harry Belafonte, entertainer, philanthropist and activist, will be the Honoree.