Smith takes home top Unsung Heroes award

Three outstanding women were honoured during the CIBC Caribbean Regional Unsung Heroes Awards Ceremony held at Harrison’s Cave on Saturday night for their quiet, yet powerful contributions to their communities.

After a ten-year hiatus, the programme was relaunched this year, reigniting a search for individuals whose kindness and service often go unnoticed.

From among the many deserving nominees, a distinguished regional panel chaired by Senator Francis Lewis of Trinidad and Tobago selected the winners, whose compassion and perseverance embody the true spirit of Caribbean humanity.

Lucinda Smith from the British Virgin Islands was announced as the overall winner.

Her story is one of unwavering generosity, providing food for those who need it most, especially the terminally ill.

She was aptly described as, “A woman with a big heart, a source of nourishment, comfort, and kindness in her community for decades.”

Flanked by her daughters, she wiped away tears as she recounted her humble upbringing.

“That is where I come up with a passion for giving and sharing, because in the community we share what we have with our neighbours.”

Her simple philosophy of sharing what little one has has touched countless lives and earned her the US$5 000 top award.

For second-placed Venetta Zakers of St Kitts and Nevis, who took home US$3 000, service means empowerment.

Zakers has built a legacy of helping others to rise above their circumstances through her youth mentorship initiatives and her Entrepreneurship Behind Bars programme.

Along with her team, they also provide female inmates with small business skills, giving them the tools to rebuild their lives after release.

Standing at the podium, Zakers’ words resonated with quiet conviction.

“It is indeed an awesome experience that my selfless efforts and those of many around the Caribbean just like myself, servant leaders, are being recognised for our efforts.

“We do not choose to do work for recognition, but work that is worthy of recognition. Often when we do our initiatives, we stand alone, but yet we do it anyway,” Zakers said.

Joshuanette Francis of Antigua and Barbuda, who received the second runner-up prize of US$2 500, personifies courage.

Living with osteoarthritis, she chose to transform her personal struggles into advocacy, founding Good Humans 268, a movement dedicated to disability awareness, climate justice, and youth empowerment.

Her voice has become one of compassion and action, championing inclusivity while inspiring others to turn adversity into strength.

Olivia Burnett, associate counsel of CIBC Caribbean and trustee of the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation, celebrated not just the winners, but all who embody the spirit of community.

“We are truly heartened at the level of selflessness and service demonstrated by this year’s nominees and eventual national and regional awardees across so many areas ranging from care for the environment to working with at-risk youth and vulnerable women, to feeding the homeless and caring for the elderly and vulnerable.

“We know that there are so many more out there quietly labouring in love, helping our youth, keeping our communities clean and safe, tending to the sick and bringing cheer and comfort to those in need,” Burnett said.
Sponsored by the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation, the charitable arm of the bank has long championed community transformation.

To date, it has invested more than US$32 million into projects that promote health and wellness, youth and education, and environmental sustainability across the Caribbean.

(STT)