UNSUNG HEROES

The name Lucy is Latin for light and Lucy Miguel -Tanty Lucy – has always been and still is a guiding light to many persons, mostly children, who come to her.

And as a matter of fact, First Caribbean International Bank is making sure that this community builder’s efforts over the last 20 years are rewarded. {{more}}

Miguel, from Stinking Hole, Freeland, Mesopotamia, has been recognised by the First Caribbean International Bank Unsung Heroes programme 2004

for which she received US$6,000, some she intends to donate to the School for Children with Special Needs.

Last week Thursday 14, Country Head of First Caribbean International Bank Earl Crichton explained that the Unsung Heroes Programme is part of the bank’s second anniversary celebrations in which they chose to give back to the communities by, “honouring all that is good, strong and resilient about the people of our region”.

He said the programme invited the public to help seek out and acknowledge persons in our communities who give community service without consideration for reward or acclaim hence Tanty Lucy’s nomination.

The programme is being carried out in all fifteen countries in which the bank operates. The finalists from each country will be submitted to a regional panel, and on October 25, one regional hero will be chosen.

Local co-ordinator, and branch manager of the Upper Halifax Street Branch of First Caribbean International Bank, Andre Cadougan, described Tanty Lucy as a person who impacted on the community by providing safety, education and molding of over 25 children.

She also provided a much needed level of comfort to the parents who had sincere interest in their children’s development but could not afford to stay in St.Vincent to fulfill that responsibility.

In painting Tanty Lucy’s life picture, Cadougan said she worked as a shop assistant and single mother and at the time took the responsibility of looking after an 18-month-old baby boy whose parents had more or less abandoned him. Tanty Lucy recalls that the boy’s guardian at the time had said that she was going to run an errand and never returned.

The story goes on to say that a terminally ill lady who had heard of the good job Tanty Lucy was doing with the first child requested that Tanty Lucy help her take care of two boys. Hence, Tanty Lucy’s home became known as a safe haven for children.

“In excess of twenty years, Tantie Lucy became known as the place to leave your child for a day and not worry about returning to collect,” said Cadougan.

Cadougan added that mothers who wanted to go overseas to work left their children with Tanty Lucy while children from the Grenadines who sought schooling on the mainland were also welcomed.

“She never relied on the parents to provide support but her efforts were out of the love and affection she had and displays for children,” commends Cadougan.

A number of individuals who came under Tanty Lucy’s care received degrees and respectable careers both locally and abroad.

“Her philosophy has been although her house is not a castle or mansion, she would say, “come in this my simple dwelling and be at home, no china, no silvers await you but a heart of gold,” said Cadougan who added that Tanty Lucy continues to look after two foster children along with two siblings of a family member.

When SEARCHLIGHT spoke to Tanty Lucy, she thanked First Caribbean for recognising her contribution. When questioned about her undying love for children, she says, “I have a heart full of love for children.” And although her title Miguel is Spanish for, “Who is like God?” there is no question, Lucy Miguel’s love comes from God.