Belizean nurse is region?s top Unsung Hero
She has worked tirelessly in some of the poorest areas of the country for more than two decades with no recognition, but over the last several months the good works of Margaret Juan have brought her out of the closet. That sincere dedication to serve others has now earned her regional acclaim as Juan has been chosen as the Caribbean’s number one Unsung Hero, a project initiated by FirstCaribbean International Bank. During ceremonies held in Barbados, Juan was presented with several prizes, including a cheque for seven thousand five hundred U.S. dollars towards her cause. In 2004, the nurse was awarded Belize’s national prize in recognition for her work with the Good Shepherd Clinic in San Jose Succotz. Juan single-handedly established the institution which provides affordable health care for the sick, pre and post natal care for women, day care services for the elderly and functions as a shelter for battered and abused women and children. When Juan opened the clinic in 1984, its assets included a small wooden building, very few medicines and a whole lot of prayers. Today, patients travel from all over the country to compete for her attention. During ceremonies late last month, President of FirstCaribbean Bank, Michael Mansoor, said Juan’s dedication and that of the other nominees should inspire us all.
Micheal Mansoor, Executive Chair, FirstCaribbean Intl. Bank
?Unsung heroes are the salt of the earth and we believe that their good works need to be lifted up to the mountaintops to shine brightly and illumine the way forward for many others. Indeed, many of us ordinary mortals can be heroic in a specific circumstance for a short period of time. But the real heroes–such as we have here today–are those with the faith, the optimism, the energy, and the moral conviction who can, with vision and great ability, continue to persevere in serving the common good for long periods of time.?
Nurse Juan is married to Rudy Juan and has seven children. Her prize at the national level had already earned her cause a contribution of twelve thousand dollars from the bank.
