Carla Daniel, director of the Barbados Sea Turtle Project, has been named the Barbados winner of the relaunched CIBC Unsung Heroes Project.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at CIBC Caribbean’s headquarters in Warrens, where Daniel was recognised alongside first runner-up Roseanna Tudor and second runner-up George Francis for their years of dedicated community service.
In his address, Kemar Polius, Head of Country for CIBC Caribbean, explained the programme’s core mission: to highlight individuals whose work often goes unnoticed.
“Our Unsung Heroes programme seeks out people working in their communities who are not checking to see who’s watching,” Polius said. “They’re just doing what they have to do. These are the humble, quiet individuals who are not looking for reward…. It’s important that we recognise them and say thanks.”
An astonished Daniel admitted she was stunned by the recognition. “I honestly still can’t believe it,” she said. “On behalf of the winners, we want to thank CIBC for recognising that there’s a need not only to reward people for their work, but also to show average Barbadians that anyone, regardless of colour, creed or background, can make a difference. There’s so much space — it will never be full.”
Reflecting on her environmental work, she added, “When people hear the term hero, they think of helping people directly. With the environment, you don’t really see that human connection, but it’s there.”
Tudor, recognised for decades of disability advocacy, shared a similar sentiment of surprise. “I feel a mixture of emotions because I’m usually the one trying to identify unsung heroes,” she said. “I never thought someone would recognise me as one. We’re not looking for recognition, we’re looking to make an impact.”
Francis, a retired teacher with 47 years of service, was praised for his ongoing tutoring of children and adults. “It’s extremely humbling,” he said. “The joy I feel in working with children, with adults, even parents who never finished secondary school, is immense.”
Francis added that his dream is to expand community tutoring programmes for older students preparing for CXC English.
Daniel will now advance to the regional stage of the competition, with the overall Caribbean winner to be announced in the coming weeks.
(SB)
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