CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Unsung Heroes Programme Nurtures Community Spirit

Basseterre, May 8, 2012 – “CIBC First Caribbean’s Unsung Heroes Programme should serve as an inspiration to get involved in the community” says Mr. Eric Evelyn, 2011 CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Unsung Hero for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Speaking at the launch of the 2012 search for Unsung Heroes in the Federation, Mr. Evelyn, described the CIBC FirstCaribbean Unsung Heroes Programme as a wonderful initiative. He stated that winning the 2011 award had resulted in increased recognition of the work he had been doing in the community, and had enhanced his ability to remain involved in community activities.

The 2011 Unsung Hero called for a return to the spirit of community which had been common in the past. He reasoned that such a spirit could positively impact young persons, as he had experienced through coordinating the Boys Together for Change Programme in Nevis.

Local Coordinator for the Unsung Heroes Programme, Mr. Gerard Pereira, stated that Mr. Evelyn, who epitomized community leadership at its best, had won the award for his involvement in the community and in the lives of his fellow villagers.

The regional Unsung Heroes Programme under the theme, “Enriching Communities Together”, provides an avenue for CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank to nurture the communities within which it operates in the region; thus giving back to the communities and enriching the lives of individuals.

Each country finalist in the 17 countries in which the bank runs the programme will be rewarded with a prize of US$6,000.00, which is to be used to support their work in the community. The Federation’s winner also has the opportunity to be selected as the Regional Unsung Hero, who will receive an additional US$7,500.00 towards that person’s cause.

The Regional Runners-up will each receive financial support of US$5,000.00.

By providing donations to organizations operated by the successful regional “Unsung Heroes”, CIBC FirstCaribbean contributes to the further development of the region’s people, infrastructure, health, education and general well being.