Unsung Heroes honoured by FirstCaribbean
It’s a programme initiated by one of the region’s leading banks to recognize those citizens who, without fanfare or publicity, toil daily to make a vital contribution to their communities. Today, after reviewing many nominations from four countries, the judges announced their selections.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
FirstCaribbean International Bank this afternoon honoured the three finalists: Elmer Rhaburn, Carmella Vargas, and Florence Dillett as “National Unsung Heroes” for their selfless work in the community. The bank’s country manager Stephen Duncan says it’s part of their corporate citizenship.
Stephen Duncan, Country Manager, FirstCaribbean
“FirstCaribbean took a decision when it was first created that it would give back a portion of its profits to the community. And this is an attempt to keep that promise. We feel that it has been successful. We would have liked to see greater participation from the general public. We felt that we could have got more nominations, but understandably it was the first one, and I think as the word gets out there as to the success and how people have benefited from it, I think that by the time we do the second one next year we will have even greater participation.”
This year’s unsung heroes each received six thousand U.S. dollars to help with their projects. Rhaburn has, since 1997, volunteered his time mentoring children in various sporting disciplines under a “Right to Play” program. Vargas, a family nurse, was recognized for her work providing homes for needy children, supporting victims of HIV/AIDS, and assisting shut-ins. And Dillett, for her work with disadvantaged girls in rural communities. But besides the local recognition, sixty-one year old Florence Dillett also walked away with the regional award and its fifteen thousand Belize dollars in additional grant money. She says it’s a good feeling to know that her work is appreciated not only by those whose lives she has touched over the years.
Florence Dillett, Regional Hero, FirstCaribbean Bank
“It feels good. And it really feels good. It’s not something I ever imagined would happen; but now that’s its happened, its exciting. But more than that personal feeling, it’s what it will do for the organisation, because then the organisation gets recognized, it gets promoted, and as people hear more about it, and hear the work that we do, I am sure more people will want to be a part of it or even contribute to its ongoing work. So that is good, it’s a good feeling.”
Patrick Jones
“Fifteen thousand dollars will greatly assist you, right?”
Florence Dillett
“Oh gosh, yes, for sure because we actually have three programs. We have the training centre where we teach skills, as well as do counselling and do literacy work. And then we have the centre for teenage mothers, which gives support to teen mothers right throughout their pregnancy and after. And then we have the outreach program that goes out into communities for girls who don’t come to any of the centres to still provide some service for them, so certainly it will help.”
That assistance Duncan says, his institution is happy to be providing to the Youth Enhancement Services.
Stephen Duncan
“So you’re talking somewhere around twenty-seven thousand dollars for Miss Dillett to put into her cause and further the work she has been doing. But again it is a clear demonstration that we are committed to the cause that we as FirstCaribbean are committed to Belize and to the development of our communities in particular.”
Patrick Jones for News 5.
FirstCaribbean International Bank currently operates in fifteen countries in the region. It’s inaugural “Unsung Heroes” programme was carried out in Belize and three other nations: St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Barbados.
