The campaign operates on two tiers: Unsung Heroes are sought at a country level and these finalists will go on to be considered for the title of regional ‘Unsung Hero’. The local finalist’s cause will benefit from a $6,000 dollar gift from the bank. The regional winner will receive an award of $7,500 with the two runners up each receiving $5,000.

In 2009, Mr McLean was selected by a local panel of judges in recognition of his ongoing initiatives to engage and develop the youth of the territory. Mr McLean’s tireless efforts to encourage youngsters to get involved in sports and to discover invaluable lifeskills were further acknowledged when he was selected as one of two regional runners’ up. A total of twenty-five candidates were considered for the award by a regional panel of judges.

Mr Maxwell George, senior branch manager – retail banking for FirstCaribbean, appealed to the community to participate in the quest for this year’s unsung hero.

“We at FirstCaribbean recognise that being the bank of choice for Caribbean people means that we must do our part in nurturing our Caribbean societies. We must recognise and encourage those persons who perform good deeds to continue their exemplary work.

“The 2010 FirstCaribbean Unsung Heroes programme will again seek out and acknowledge those persons in our communities who go about their community work without consideration for reward or acclaim. They play an invaluable role in improving their communities. We all know them. They exist in almost every community.  They come from all walks of life, and are community builders and enablers. The work and example of these “Unsung Heroes” give us pride in the present, hope for the future and most importantly, they are living examples of the best we can be,” said Mr George.

The nomination criteria require the individual to be over the age of 21 and be a Caribbean person or resident in the Caribbean for over five years. Further, the individual or cause should have no or minimal publicity in the media but the cause could benefit from the exposure.

Nomination forms are available from FirstCaribbean bank in Tortola and Virgin Gorda and can also be downloaded from www.firstcaribbeanbank.com.

Submissions can be made by dropping the form off at the bank branches or sent as an email attachment to Roslyn McMillan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For the public’s convenience, forms can also be dropped into the collection boxes located at Big Ben’s Superette at West End, Bobby’s Market Place at Wickham’s Cay 1, Bobby’s at Cane Garden Bay, One Mart at Port Purcell, Riteways at Pasea, FineFoods at East End, and Rosy’s at the Valley, Virgin Gorda.

This is the seventh year of the programme and has been promoted in the BVI since 2005. Previous Unsung Heroes of the BVI include Mrs. Romalia Smith of Anegada, Mr. Clement and Mrs. Vera Smith of Tortola, Ms. Tessa Gunter of Tortola and Mr. Ernest “Chinko” Evans of Tortola.

This year’s judging panel includes Mr A.O Shirley, Mrs Nidia George, Mrs Andria D. Flax, Mrs Thalma Penn, Mrs Ena Lewis and Mr Clement Fahie.

ENDS

About FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation Limited
Founded in 2003, the FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation Limited administers the corporate social responsibility agenda of FirstCaribbean International Bank. Through the Foundation, the Bank has provided nearly US$7 million in funding for worthwhile causes across the Caribbean region, including community development, disaster relief, education, health and wellness, and sports. The FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation also oversees Adopt-a-Cause and Unsung Heroes, two leading regional programmes that encourage and reward community volunteerism. For more information, visit "About Us" at www.firstcaribbean.com.


For further information, please contact:
Maxwell George
Senior Branch Manager – Retail Banking for FirstCaribbean
FirstCaribbean International Bank
Tel: 852 9900
E- mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it