Members of the public are being invited to nominate members of the Virgin Islands (VI) community who have made a difference in the past 12 months for the 2025 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Campaign. Photo: Internet Source

Past honourees from the VI include Mrs Romalia Smith of Anegada, Mr Clement and Mrs Vera Smith, Mr Milton McClean, Mrs Annie Gardiner, Mr Ishmael Scatliffe, and the late Ms Tessa Gunter, Mr Ernest ‘Chinko’ Evans, and Mr. Terrence Chinnery, all from Tortola. Photo: CIBC Caribbean

The Unsung Heroes campaign, recently relaunched by CIBC Caribbean, seeks to spotlight individuals making meaningful but often unrecognised contributions within their communities, a press release from the bank said. 

It is open to all persons aged ten and over who have not been highlighted or rewarded in any significant way.

2 categories for consideration

The nominees for the CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes can be submitted under two categories: Outstanding Work in the Community and Act of Heroism/Bravery/Extraordinary Act of Kindness within the past year. 

The VI’s campaign is being led by Mrs Vernecia Holder, Head of International Corporate Banking. Helping to select this year’s honouree includes three respected community leaders: Mr Pete S. Smith, who currently serves as President of the Virgin Islands Retired Public Officers Association, Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, who is the Chief of Staff at the Governor’s Office and Ms Bria A. Smith, the Communications and Public Relations Manager at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Local winners will be announced in August and will qualify for regional awards, which will be presented at a special awards ceremony in Barbados this October.

Past VI include Mrs Romalia Smith of Anegada, Mr Clement and Mrs Vera Smith, Mr Milton McClean, Mrs Annie Gardiner, Mr Ishmael Scatliffe, and the late Ms Tessa Gunter, Mr Ernest ‘Chinko’ Evans, and Mr. Terrence Chinnery, all from Tortola.