First Caribbean Bank’s Unsung Heroes

Two ordinary Belizeans have been named as finalists in the First Caribbean’s Unsung Heroes.  The announcement was made this afternoon that the two finalists for 2010 are regular folks that stand out for their selfless community work. News Five’s Marion Ali also found out that the two will move on to compete with regional unsung heroes. Here’s her report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

Darnella and Nelson Tyler, Jr., operate the Belize Christian Efforts Girls’ Home, an institution established in 2004 by the parents of Nelson Tyler to provide a haven for eight young girls whose lives are in disarray.  The couple says the transition from urban to rural life came with its share of inconveniences, but they tread the course because gratification comes with a promise for a better future for the girls they care for.

darnella tyler

Darnella Tyler, Local finalist, 2010 Unsung Heroes Prog.

“Anything that happens we just have to forge forward knowing that it’s going to get better. We just believe in our hearts and that it’s gonna help the girls’ lives. If we give up, we don’t know. Maybe they can go back to human development. We don’t know where they’ll go.”

And while their obstacles in running the girls’ home have come in scores, someone made that challenge all the more difficult when they stole all twelve thousand tilapia that the Nelsons rely upon to keep their doors open.

Nelson Tyler, Jr., Local finalist, 2010 Unsung Hereos Prog.

nelson tyler jr.

“The people that stole the tilapia came in at night, cover of darkness and they hit each pond that was ready to be harvested. We still have fish but they are very small and they will not be ready to be harvest until next year. So that the total amount of tilapia that we had was about twelve thousand so now we have now that are ready to be harvested. It sets us back about six months or so. It sets us back about six months. this Unsung Heroes helps out a lot, it really does.”

While the Tylers are investing in an area that takes young girls out of a life of uncertainty, the second local finalist, is providing a service that seeks to provide comfort to those whose future is uncertain.  Oncologist Dr. Ellsworth Grant was not present at the ceremony because he is traveling.  But his effort today mirrors his dream two years ago when he spoke with News Five’s Marleni Cuellar.

dr. ellsworth grant

(File, Oct. 1, 2008 – Healthy Living)

Dr. Ellsworth Grant, Haematologist/Oncologist
“The Belize Cancer center in Dangriga was really a dream of mine, more so of wanted to give back to Belize. It’s something I’ve had in mind for many years and finally everything all came together to get it started.”

Dr Grant operates the first of its kind cancer treatment centre in Belize.  Located in Dangriga Town, Grant renovated the home of his mother, Julie Cain, to treat his patients.

julie cain

Julie Cain, Mother, Dr. Ellsworth Grant

“When I offered him my home, he said, no I don’t want it because he didn’t know what he was gonna do with it. Then he took about a year or two then he came home one day and he said you know what, I’m gonna take you up on that offer. I know what I am going to do with it. I am going to open a cancer center. I said cancer center? Ih said yes but just about six patients. And that’s how ih get into it. Then when it started [oh] there was no turning back. They kept coming and coming and coming and it grew to this size now.”

The Tylers and Dr Grant collected six thousand US dollars today from First Caribbean Bank to continue their respective projects.  They will now enter the competition for the regional title and a chance to collect more money to further enhance their efforts.  Today’s unsung heroes now join the list of the Bank’s local heroes who have been selected since their programme began in 2003.  Marion Ali for News Five.

The regional unsung heroes will be announced in November.