Philipsburg: ---Five Years ago, First Caribbean International Bank started their unsung Heroes Program. The programme has become the flagship for volunteerism in the Caribbean. Every year entries for are received from the countries in which First Caribbean operates. They come from individuals who wish to recognize the region's selfless heroes who generously give of their time and resources to improve the lives of the less fortunate in their communities.This year several persons were nominated for the award on St. Maarten. A committee consisting of five persons selected Mr. Franklin Carty as St. Maarten's 2008 Unsung Hero.
Some years ago Franklin Carty saw how his father has to struggle to take public transport to the Hospital when he needed treatment, and it was from this observation that Franklin first came up with the idea to provide transportation and assistance to the elderly on the island. Derek A. Downes, First Caribbean's Country Head said, "Mr. Carty for us is considered one of our selfless heroes on the island, because he could have only been concerned with his father's transportation to the Hospital and not worry about anyone else. However, he thought beyond his inner circle and realized the need to assist other elderly individuals in the same position. Franklin saw the need and he took action. He never sought praise, media attention or recognition for his good works".
Downes continued "The motto of the First Caribbean's Unsung Hero Program is "making a difference everyday" and that is what Mr. Carty does in the lives of more than sixty elderly persons he helps on the island. First Caribbean Bank St. Maarten would like to congratulate Mr. Franklin Carty for his achievement of being their 2008 Unsung Hero.
He also said thanks the local committee who asses the entries this year, which comprises of community Member's, Mr. Rudy Engel, and Ms. Beulah Jonis, and from the bank Mr. Whitfield Vlaun, Mr. Alphons Gumbs, Ms Cleopatra Baker and Ms. Lesley Vieira.
First Caribbean St. Maarten would like the general public to take note and nominate all of those individuals living among us who go about assisting others in the community without hope or desire for any recognition or reward. First Caribbean Bank is looking for these "Good Samaritans" and the next Unsung Hero in our community.
