In a world often dominated by headlines of hardship and division, acts of compassion continue to remind us of the power of kindness. This month, CIBC Caribbean celebrated just that — honouring ordinary people doing extraordinary things — at the 2025 Regional Unsung Heroes Awards, held at Harrison’s Cave in Barbados.
The event brought together inspiring individuals from across the Caribbean who dedicate their lives to uplifting others, spreading hope, and strengthening communities. Leading this year’s honours was Lucinda “Mini” Smith of the British Virgin Islands, whose generosity and selfless spirit earned her the title of Regional Unsung Hero 2025. For years, Smith has opened her heart — and her kitchen — to provide meals for those battling serious illnesses and those struggling to make ends meet. Her weekly bread distribution is a staple of love and comfort across Tortola.
First runner-up Venetta Zakers of St. Kitts and Nevis was recognized for her leadership of Zakes Affinity Cause (ZAC), a non-profit dedicated to empowering underserved individuals through education and skills training. Her work has transformed lives by helping countless youth and women discover purpose and opportunity.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda as second runner-up, Joshuanette Francis — Founder and President of Good Humans 268 Inc. — was celebrated for her fearless advocacy for persons with disabilities and her bold approach to climate action. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis at age 24, Francis transformed personal pain into a platform for purpose. Through Good Humans 268, she leads initiatives that combine inclusion, environmental protection, and youth empowerment — from nationwide recycling programs and accessible school infrastructure to mentorship and creative storytelling projects.
“Kindness is contagious,” noted the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation during the ceremony. “As these heroes show compassion, love, and openness to the vulnerable, they inspire ripple effects of empathy across the region.”
The awards ceremony, hosted at the majestic Harrison’s Cave, was more than a recognition — it was a reflection of the Caribbean’s resilient heart.
It highlighted how people from small communities are making big impacts, addressing issues from disability awareness to climate justice, education, and community care.
Francis, visibly moved by the experience, expressed gratitude for the recognition and the sense of regional unity the event fostered. “It’s a beautiful reminder that our Caribbean is filled with changemakers — quiet heroes who give their all every day without expecting anything in return,” she said.
CIBC Caribbean’s Regional Unsung Heroes program, relaunched in May 2025 after a decade-long hiatus, recognizes individuals who work behind the scenes to improve the lives of others.
This year’s 39 honorees embody the essence of community leadership — people whose service often goes unseen but whose impact is deeply felt.
As the glow of the ceremony fades, one message endures: the Caribbean’s strength lies in its people — in those who lift others, protect the planet, and create pathways for inclusion. Whether baking bread, teaching, or advocating for accessibility, these Unsung Heroes remind us that true leadership begins with love in action.
Because sometimes, the loudest impact comes from the quietest heroes.
