By July 28th all nominations must be in for our local unsung hero. So informed the officials of FirstCaribbean Int at the launching of this year''s project this week.
The officials of FirstCaribbean Bank Int.(St. Kitts Branch) Mr. Robert Judd, Country Head, and Mr. Jonathan Johannes, Manager of Customer Services, told the media that the Project is being regarded as an outstanding success, having received 211 nominations regionally from some 15 islands. This year the project is being extended to Curacao.
The project seeks to give recognition to persons who have rendered service to their community or country beyond the call of duty - ordinary persons, previously unsung, who have given selflessly of themselves without seeking or getting any monetary reward. This is a unique award and the Bank was lauded for establishing such a meaningful and helpful project which gave recognition to deserving individuals and enabled all to participate.
The competition, now in its 3rd year, is run on two levels - the local level and the regional level. On the local level the winner is given a crystal glass trophy and $500.00 US which goes towards the cause for which s/he works. On the regional level the recipient receives a trophy and $7500 US.
Last year Zack Nisbett, curator and cultural icon, whose museum on Central Street has drawn acclaim from local and international visitors, was the local winner. He informed the media gathering that as a result of the prize he had been able to give his museum a facelift, improve his filing system and improve his stock of computer equipment. This year Zack has been placed on the local Selection Committee which also consists of Jasmine Harris of FirstCarribbean Int., Mr. Clyde Bacchus of WinnFm, Mr. Webber Herbert of VON radio and Mrs. Jacqueline Armony former Exec. Director of St. Christopher Heritage Society.
The Regional Panel of Judges include:
Sir Shridath Ramphal - Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Neville Nicholls - Former President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Sir George Alleyne - Chancellor of UWI, H.E Alexander Leonard Archer - The Bahamas High Commissioner to the English Speaking Caribbean, Mr. Charles Williams - The Carib Chief from Dominica, Mr. Jones P. Maderia - Former Secretary-General of Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Dr. Eudene Barriteau - A distinguished Caribbean scholar, author and feminist, and Marie McCormack Former High Court Judge.
All are being encouraged to participate in the selection of their Unsung Hero this year and FirstCaribbean Int wished to thank all for making the first year of the Project in St. Kitts such a success.
