Mon | Jan 26, 2026

COBA Awards to honour Oblique Seville

Part proceeds to support Hurricane Melissa relief for Westwood High

Published:Saturday | November 8, 2025 | 12:07 AM
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World 100m Champion Oblique Seville will be honoured by the Calabar Old Boys’ Association on November 22.
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World 100m Champion Oblique Seville will be honoured by the Calabar Old Boys’ Association on November 22.
The auditorium at Westwood High suffered extensive damage.
Ian Allen
The auditorium at Westwood High suffered extensive damage.
Part proceeds from the Calabar Old Boys’ Association Awards event will go to Calabar High’s sister institution, the all-girls boarding school Westwood High in Trelawny, which was heavily impacted by the passing of Hurricane Melissa.
Ian Allen
Part proceeds from the Calabar Old Boys’ Association Awards event will go to Calabar High’s sister institution, the all-girls boarding school Westwood High in Trelawny, which was heavily impacted by the passing of Hurricane Melissa.
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The Calabar Old Boys’ Association (COBA) will celebrate 14 distinguished awardees, including World 100m Champion Oblique Seville and Dr Wayne Henry, director general of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), at its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, November 22, at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St Andrew. In light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a portion of the event’s proceeds will be allocated towards relief efforts for Calabar’s sister school, Westwood High, in Trelawny, which suffered extensive damage during the storm.

Hosted under the patronage of Dr Vincent Lawrence, the cocktail party and awards ceremony will unite generations of Calabar men for an evening of celebration, reflection, and service – honouring alumni achievement while extending the school’s legacy of nation-building beyond its own gates.

Major Desmon Brown, president of COBA, described this year’s event as especially meaningful. “This awards ceremony represents the very best of what Calabar stands for – discipline, leadership, and service to others. Our alumni continue to inspire national development, whether through their professional endeavours, mentorship, or commitment to community building. In light of recent events, our commitment to supporting our extended school community through this relief effort is a powerful reminder that the Calabar spirit is one of brotherhood and compassion,” he said.

The 2025 honourees include Henry, physician and COBA (Atlanta) president Dr David Anderson, veteran track and field coach Fitzalbert Coleman, and Calabar High guidance counsellor Jennifer Jarrett. All are being recognised for their outstanding professional and community contributions.

President’s awardees, celebrated for leadership and excellence, include World Championship 110m hurdles silver medallist Orlando Bennett, Seville, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr Joseph Blidgen, UWI Lecturer Michael Roofe, Media Practitioner Dervan Malcolm, COBA (Toronto) President Eugene Chang, and COBA (Atlanta) Vice-president Geddes Alexander.

In keeping with its tradition of nurturing future leaders, COBA will also recognise top-performing students for the 2024/25 academic year: Jaiden Thompson, for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination, Tajavaughn Salkey for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) Unit 1, and Ronald Powell for CAPE Unit 2.

Delivering the keynote address is Bruce James, president and authorised athlete’s representative of the MVP Track Club, whose message on mentorship and excellence is expected to resonate with both alumni and students. The evening will be guided by master of ceremonies and orator George Roper, known for his long-standing service to Calabar.

Adding to the night’s distinction will be appearances by track and field stars such as Fedrick Dacres and Malik James-King.

goodheart@gleanerjm.com