Regional Unsung Hero back with a cause

2009 Regional Unsung Hero John Roache is not one to rest on his laurels.

Just back from Barbados where he accepted the prestigious First Caribbean International Bank-sponsored award, the Mayreau resident already has plans for projects that he is eager to embark on.{{more}}

“I will be working along with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross to start First Aid and emergency development programs for the island,” Roache admitted in the VIP section of the ET Joshua Airport on Wednesday.

“And in the next few months I want to move to humanitarian efforts and work on a peace program.”

Roache last October received recognition from the bank for his work mainly in the Southern Grenadines, and was later named regional winner, beating 25 other individuals for the top spot.

The runners up were Cynthia Stephenson of Dominica and Milton Mclean of the British Virgin Islands.

He was presented with a plaque and US $7,500 on Tuesday to go towards his cause.

At Wednesday’s welcome ceremony, which was hosted by the local Unsung Hero Organizing Committee, Roache said that the experience was a humbling one and expressed gratitude to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and FCIB for the opportunity to represent this country on a regional stage.

Roache also used the opportunity to call on men in local communities to “lift their heads higher and make worthwhile contributions to society.”

Also addressing the brief ceremony on Wednesday was FCIB’s Head of Corporate Banking Elroy John.

John congratulated Roache for making the institution and country proud, and thanked the local organizing committee, judges and voters for delivering the country’s fifth straight finalist and third regional winner.

Local Coordinator Aliethea Jackson indicated that the launch of the 2010 Unsung Hero campaign takes place on April 12th.

Nomination will officially begin at that date and closes on June 30th.

This year’s winner will be announced in October.