CIBC FirstCaribbean Unsung Heroes Award goes to Nevis for a third straight year

Basseterre, St. Kitts, 19th October 2012 – CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank announces that Ms Gloria Bartley is the 2012 Unsung Hero for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Presenting the award, Local Coordinator for the Unsung Heroes Programme, Mr. Gerard Pereira recognized Ms Bartley for “her contribution to the children of Nevis through her years as an educator in the formal sphere, and beyond that time, even through her disabilities, as she makes time to educate the less fortunate and those specially challenged.”

He said that CIBC FirstCaribbean also recognized Ms Bartley for her work with the homeless and needy and for her selfless giving.

The Award was presented at an intimate ceremony at Ms Bartley’s home in Nevis. Surrounded by friends and well wishers, she expressed appreciation for the award saying that although she loved to give of herself, she had not realized that others had been paying attention to her good works. However, she was thankful for the award.

Hon Robelto Hector, Minister of Communications and one of Ms Bartley’s former students and protégés, warmly congratulated Ms Bartley on the Award and stated that she had proven to be a mentor, not only for him, but for countless other persons in the community. Minister Hector recalled that Ms Bartley had impacted his life on three fronts: education, family, and spirituality.

Country Manager, Ladesa James, presented Ms Bartley with a cheque for EC$16,200 and said that CIBC FirstCaribbean was proud to honour Unsung Heroes and to support the various causes to which they had selflessly devoted their lives.

The Awards Presentation fittingly ended with a tribute in song by students of the Charlestown Primary School, where Ms Bartley had taught for a number of years.

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank introduced the Unsung Heroes Programme in 2003 and it has become the flagship of volunteerism in the Caribbean. Past Unsung Heroes for the Federation has been: Mr. Winston “Zack” Nisbett, Mr. Ken Evelyn, Mr. Earle Clarke, Mrs. Clarice Cotton, Mr. Nigel Browne, Mrs. Joycelyn Liburd, and Mr Eric Evelyn.