The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) held its 27th annual gala on April 18, 2024, at the iconic 583 Park Avenue in New York City. The elegant event honoured distinguished individuals who contributed significantly in various fields, including governance, technology, law, business development, and community service.

Among the honorees were His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the ninth President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the current chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Mr. Don Christian, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP; Attorney Mr. Darren Skinner, recognised for his distinguished work in the legal field; Mr. Antony Mark Desnoes Hart, the executive chairman of Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd.; Ms. Michele Chow-Tai, the managing director of Business Development at Fairview Capital Partners; and Reverend Patrick Perrin, who received the UWI Alumni Association Chapter’s 2024 Pelican Award.

The article describes the implementation of rapid whole genome sequencing (WGS) at The UWI to monitor the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the Caribbean and the resulting emergence of new, easily spread variants. It also presents the successes and challenges encountered by UWI researchers and their regional and international counterparts, as well as lessons learned. It makes recommendations for sustainable genomic surveillance in resource-limited settings.