FCIB announces Unsung Hero for 2010

Described as an educator and a person who has given selfless service to this country, Amanda David has been adjudged St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2010 First Caribbean International Bank’s Unsung Hero finalist.{{more}}

At a dinner held at Government House on October 16, which saw a number of close friends and relatives in attendance, the official announcement was made.

With this win, David will collect US$6,000 to go towards a cause of her choice. Should she go on to be named regional winner, then an additional US$7,500 will be placed in David’s coffers for her cause.

Local Unsung Hero Co-ordinator Aliethea Jackson described David as woman who played many roles in her life, including that of nurse, adoptive mother, spiritual leader, counsellor, motivator, teacher, mother and friend.

“One thing that is very notable about Mrs David is her humility… Amanda goes about her work in a very non-conspicuous way. No one apart from those closest to her and those lives she touched would realize the extent of her service.”

“She is a humble woman silently doing wonderful things in her community,” Jackson said.

Addressing the intimate gathering, David, 55, who hails from the community of Belair, gave God praise for allowing her to receive such an award. “This has placed me in a very humble position. Humble because I believe as human beings we can be selfish, but it is God who has given us the goodness so that we can help others,” David said.

Stating that she has never looked for anything in return for what she does, David said she is glad Christ has set the example for us to help to lift the burdens of others. “…I am so glad. He has placed in my heart, the willingness to follow him…I never imagined these little things I am doing will afford me this position,” David pointed out.

She noted that she loves doing daily visits to sick and shut-in persons, taking care of young children, and missionary work. David said one of her fondest moments in life was back in 2004 when she was chosen by a close friend Elise John to accompany her to accept an award at Buckingham Palace in England. “I met her in 2001, and this woman hardly trusted people, but over the years, I took care of her and she loved me and I loved her,” she noted.

Giving a review of the programme, Country head of FCIB Elroy John said while this year the bank did not receive a record breaking number of nominations, the quality of nominations continues to surpass expectations.

“…St Vincent and the Grenadines pulled off yet another regional hero in the 2009 finals. This not only speaks volumes about the quality of the nominations we continue to produce in this country, but also says something about our reservoir of heroes throughout the length and breadth of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” John stated.

Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Minister of National Mobilisation Mike Browne also shared brief remarks.

The regional panel is scheduled to meet later this month to select this year’s Caribbean Unsung Hero. The 2009 regional unsung hero was Vincentian John Roache.(KW)