| Mr. Calvin Vanterpool, lauded as a selfless and humble individual known for his generosity and contribution towards the development of his community, has been named as Anguilla’s Unsung Hero for 2011. |
The announcement was made on Tuesday evening by Acting Country Manager CIBC FirstCaribbean, Mr. Henley Johnson, at a ceremony at Pedro’s Grill.
Mr. Johnson, who presented the winner with a cheque for US$6,000, noted that Mr. Vanterpool was well known throughout the island for his cheerful, giving spirit and was well respected as a role model for young men. This money will be used by Mr. Vanterpool for one or more community projects.
In brief remarks Chief Minister and Leader of Government Business, the Hon. Hubert Hughes, described the occasion as significant. “This ceremony proves that these are the people we should cherish the most in our various communities, celebrating and understanding that each and every citizen can make a contribution to the wellbeing of other citizens,” he added. Lead Judge Mr. Leonard Kentish said he was proud that the 8th presentation of the Unsung Heroes Programme had attracted a record 51 entries in Anguilla. He was especially appreciative that a sizable number of these nominations came, for the first time, from the western end of the island. In response to the kind sentiments expressed, Mr. Vanterpool, popularly known as Paper, said that as a quiet individual he had never looked for any recognition for the work he did in the community. He was however thankful to CIBC FirstCaribbean for selecting him as the Unsung Hero of 2011. He also lauded the programme as a good initiative by the financial institution. The programme, which also included refreshments and musical entertainment, was chaired by Ms. Joleyne Robin, Customer Service Representative at the bank. A number of past Unsung Heroes as well as this year’s other finalist, Mr. Herbert Richardson, were among those in attendance. The entry from Anguilla will be judged against others from around the region by a panel of distinguished Caribbean judges at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Head Office in Barbados later this month. |
