CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero 2026 Simone Foster. Photo: CIBC Caribbean

CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero 2026 Runner Up Daphne Stoutt with Judges Pete Smith, Bria Smith, Geraldine Ritter Freeman. Photo: CIBC Caribbean

CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero 2026 Simone Foster and Runner Up Daphne Stoutt. Photo: CIBC Caribbean

She was presented with a $5,000 award recognising her outstanding contribution to the community during a celebration luncheon at Maria’s by the Sea, Tortola, on Thursday, September 3, 2026. 

Head of International Corporate Banking and Unsung Hero 2026 Coordinator, Mrs Vernecia Holder, said, “At CIBC Caribbean, we recognise that some of the people making the greatest difference in our communities are often those who give their time, energy and compassion without any expectation of recognition.”

She added that the 2026 programme marks the second year since the bank reintroduced Unsung Heroes in 2025. “We are proud to honour the individuals put forward by members of their community.”

‘Award not about me’- Ms Foster

Ms Foster said, “This award is not about me…It takes a community to meet the needs of the community, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has encouraged me through difficult times and joined together on this journey as we turn what some may see as life’s lemons into lemonade.”

She said the change Lemonade BVI is working to create, and she has wanted to see, is a community with greater understanding, inclusion and support for neurodivergent individuals. “I am deeply honoured that the progress we are making together has been recognised through the Unsung Hero initiative. Thank you, CIBC Caribbean, for this meaningful award.”

Daphne Stoutt is runner-up

Meanwhile, Daphne Stoutt was selected as the runner-up and was recognised for a long record of quietly helping some of the Virgin Islands’ most vulnerable residents. She received $2,500 at the celebration luncheon.

“I am feeling quite emotional…Here in the BVI we have so many pockets of desperation, destitution and need, but it is very hard to continue to give individuals and families the support they need when resources are thin on the ground, and the appreciation is zero to none.”

She added that there have been times when the challenges wear you down to the point of giving up, but initiatives like the Unsung Hero programme that highlight your cause revive you and restore your faith and belief in your efforts to make a difference. 

“CIBC Caribbean, you don’t know what this means to me, but it means a lot. Thank you.”