AFUWI names Lyenda Delp as board chair

The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies has installed new board leadership to expand scholarships, partnerships and career pathways for Caribbean students. Lyenda Delp becomes the first UWI alumna and first woman to chair the foundation as AFUWI seeks broader fundraising and deeper alumni engagement.

Why it matters: - AFUWI is entering a leadership transition aimed at expanding access to higher education for Caribbean students. - The new board is focused on scholarships, partnerships and career pathways that can improve student outcomes and regional competitiveness. - AFUWI says it has funded scholarships for more than 700 students over the past decade.

What happened: - AFUWI announced a new Board leadership team on July 29, 2026. - Lyenda Delp was elected Chair of the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies. - Delp is the first UWI alumna and the first woman to serve as AFUWI chair. - Dr. Ron Chase will serve as Deputy Chair. - Wayne Melbourne, Esq., will serve as Board Secretary. - Andrea McNish will serve as Treasurer.

The details: - Delp is Head of Global Insurance and Institutional Asset Solutions at Franklin Templeton. - Delp leads engagement with some of the world’s largest institutional investors in that role. - Her prior experience includes senior leadership positions at BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Deloitte Consulting. - The new leadership team will focus on broadening AFUWI’s national presence. - The board also plans to deepen donor engagement and expand alumni participation. - AFUWI will increase investment in scholarships and career pathways. - The officers bring professional experience in medicine, finance, compliance and university administration. - Dr. Ron Chase is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. - Wayne Melbourne is Executive Director and Senior Advisory Compliance Officer at Morgan Stanley. - Andrea McNish is Chief Financial Officer of The University of the West Indies. - AFUWI is a U.S.-based nonprofit that raises funds for scholarships and educational initiatives at The University of the West Indies. - More information is available at the foundation’s website.

Between the lines: - The board change signals a push to pair fundraising with stronger institutional ties to UWI and its alumni network. - Delp’s background in global investing suggests AFUWI wants more sophisticated partnership-building and donor reach. - The outgoing leadership framed the transition as a handoff after a period that included the COVID-19 pandemic and hurricane relief efforts. - Dr. Cyrus McCalla led AFUWI for nearly a decade before stepping down. - The foundation says the new structure should help it respond more effectively to student needs and regional shocks.

What's next: - The incoming board will work with Executive Director Ann-Marie Grant and AFUWI staff. - AFUWI plans to grow scholarship support and expand pathways into careers. - The organization will continue efforts to strengthen its U.S. presence, donor base and alumni involvement. - The foundation will use its next phase to support Caribbean students preparing for a global economy.

The bottom line: - AFUWI is betting that new leadership and deeper partnerships will translate into more money for students and more long-term impact across the Caribbean.