Mrs Lucinda Smith, aka ‘Mini’ of Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola is the CIBC Caribbean's 2025 Unsung Hero of the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: CIBC

CIBC Caribbean celebrated the VI’s Unsung Hero and Runner Up at a luncheon on October 2. From left: Mr Fabian S. Devonish, Head of Country, Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, Ms Bria A. Smith, Unsung Hero judges, Mrs Lucinda Smith, aka ‘Mini’, Unsung Hero 2025, Mrs Kimberly A. Herbert, Runner Up, Mr Pete S. Smith, judge, Mrs Vernecia Holder, Head, International Corporate Banking and Unsung Hero Coordinator. Photo: CIBC

The Virgin Islands’ 2025 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero, Lucina Smith aka ‘Mini’, with her daughters. Photo: CIBC

The announcement was made at a celebration luncheon held at Maria’s by the Sea, where Mrs Smith was recognised alongside runner-up Ms Kimberly A. Herbert.

Affectionately known as “Mini,” Mrs Smith has been a source of nourishment, comfort, and kindness in her community for decades. From her early years in Belle Vue to her roles as mother, grandmother, and businesswoman, she embodies the Virgin Islands’ traditions of respect, sharing, and community spirit.

Whether through a warm meal, a loaf of her renowned bread, or a simple word of encouragement, Mini gives of herself freely without ever seeking recognition, CIBC stated in a press release.

Quiet strength, compassion, & lifelong service

Delivering the tribute, Vernecia Holder, Head of International Corporate Banking and Unsung Hero 2025 Coordinator, said:

“Lucinda’s story is one of quiet strength, compassion, and lifelong service. Her home is always open, her kitchen always warm, and her heart always ready to welcome anyone in need. She is the embodiment of what it means to be an Unsung Hero.”

The regionally held Unsung Heroes campaign was launched in June and invited the public in each territory to nominate individuals who were aged 10 years or older, had not been previously celebrated or significantly rewarded and most importantly, whose acts of kindness, bravery, or service touched lives within the last 12 months. Nominees needed to be submitted by August 22.

This year’s honorees for the VI were chosen by a panel of respected community leaders: Mrs Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, Ms Bria A. Smith, and Mr Pete S. Smith, who dedicated their time and expertise to reviewing nominations and selecting the award recipient.

Honoured to receive this award- ‘Mini’

“I would like to express how genuinely happy and surprised I am to be the winner of the Unsung Heroes program. I thank God for giving me health and strength to help others using the talent of cooking and baking He has given me. I am honored to receive this award, which sums up my life - touching the lives of others without seeking any recognition,” Mrs Smith stated.

She went on to thank CIBC Caribbean for creating the programme, the Unsung Hero committee led by Mrs Holder, the judges, her nominator Raymond Fonseca aka ‘Chi Chi’, and her family for their unwavering support. She encouraged her fellow nominees and the wider community to continue blessing others each day.