After ten years of selecting and recognizing individuals in the Caribbean for their humanitarian work, CIBC FirstCaribbean bank has retired its Unsung Heroes programme.
Managing director, human resources, Ella Hoyos, made the announcement at Hilton Barbados on Saturday when the bank hosted its final awards dinner for the 2012 winners. She said the decision to place the programme on “a hiatus” had come after “a lot of soul searching” and was “painful”, but had to be taken as CIBC FirstCaribbean made adjustments to its corporate social responsibility programmes and refocused its charitable foundation.
She was satisfied the programmne had discovered close to 250 “reluctant heroes” over the ten-year period and allowed them to tell their stories to the region and the world.
CIBC FirstCaribbean introduced the Unsung Heroes programme at its inception in 2002 to acknowledge excellence and to support worthy Caribbean causes. Hoyos said 99 per cent of the causes identified and supported by the bank over the last nine years were still in operation.
The 2012 winner was Curacao’s Gerda Suzanna Gosepa, recognized for her volunteerism and advocacy for impoverished groups and women’s rights. She received a cheque for US$7 500 to continue her volunteer work.
In a compelling acceptance speech she called on men at the awards dinner to show love and unity towards women. She also advocated volunteerism by young people.
“Let the fact that a woman gives birth to you be something to be grateful about and treat each and every woman with gratitude. Teach your sons and friends this,” she implored.
The other two Unsung Heroes receiving awards were Dominican community activist, teacher and scout leader Bonti Liverpool and Edward Williams of St Vincent who acts as counsellor, comfort and guide to many in his community despite being physically-challenged.
Liverpool and Williams each received a cheque for US$5 000. (GC)