Hunt is on for 2008 Unsung Heroes

The hunt is on for another of this country’s selfless nation builders, who is making a difference in the lives of others, as the 2008 Unsung Heroes programme gets underway.{{more}}

With past national winners, along with the local selection panel on hand, the programme, an initiative of the First Caribbean International Bank, was launched on Tuesday at the Grenadine House in Kingstown Park.

The local selection panel, which is made up of three members of the community and four employees of the bank consists of George Bailey, Lennox Bowman, Artis Davis, Natalie Ollivierre, Maureen Innis, Jacintha Hinds and Aliethea Jackson.

Country Manager of FCIB Radcliffe Nurse indicated that his institution’s commitment to the programme, which seeks out low profile individuals who contribute to their communities, is as solid as it was when it first began.

He said that the bank is extremely proud of the programme, which highlights individuals who give of themselves on a daily basis.

“When First Caribbean International Bank first launched its Unsung Heroes programme in 2003, our aim was to be a strong corporate partner that recognizes the importance of celebrating the best of humanity. That is still our aim and we will not waiver in our commitment to say thanks to those who give tirelessly.”

“This year, First Caribbean Unsung Heroes will again seek out and acknowledge those persons in our communities who go about their work without consideration for award or acclaim. They play an invaluable role in improving their communities. They come from all walks of life. They are recognized as community builders and enablers.”

Meanwhile, Jackson, the local co-ordinator of the programme said that the Unsung Heroes programme represents one of the most unique and useful support initiatives in the Caribbean today.

“Year after year we uncover ordinary men and women who silently go about their work without reward or acclaim. Their causes are diverse; small, large, popular or esoteric. But they all share one commonality in their determination to help others.

Eligible nominees for the program must be, among other things, Caribbean nationals, who are dedicated beyond the ordinary towards social improvement. They must have low or no media profile, and their cause must benefit from the exposure of the programme.

Nominations to the programme end on June 31st, with the winner being announced in October. The regional judging begins on October 27th and the winner announced on November 11th.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines won the regional title in 2006 (Jestina Charles) and two runners up (Lucy Miguel in 2004 and Yolande Stewart in 2007).