Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4014/-1/135/
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Latoya Scarbro Is Unsung Hero
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Twenty-one year Latoya Scarbro of Anguilla has won the coveted Unsung Heroes award offered in a competition by FirstCaribbean Bank International in their 17-member countries. She is the recipient of US$5,000.
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Country Manager, Marie Rey presents symbolic cheque to Latoya Scarbro
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According to Antoinette Pickering, Coordinator of the Bank’s competition at the Anguilla Branch, “the aim of the Unsung Heroes programme is to seek out and acknowledge persons who go beyond the call of duty and do not seek reclaim or reward.”
Country Head and Branch Manager, Marie Rey, said the programme was a regional initiative of which the bank was extremely proud. “We take seriously our commitment as the bank of choice for our Caribbean people. That must therefore translate into tangible ways in which we nurture our Caribbean societies. The mission of this programme is to enlighten and inspire Caribbean people of all ages.”
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Latoya Scarbro
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She went on: “FirstCaribbean’s Unsung Heroes programme has cemented itself among regional communities as the standard bearer for voluntarism in the Caribbean. The 2006 programme has had an unprecedented 250 entries surpassing the 211 recorded in 2005. For the first time ever, all 17 countries in which we operate have participated. We are proud of this first.
“In Anguilla, the response to the programme has been similar to last year’s with a total number of six entries being received, two of which were submitted in favour of our winner. Our winner has not only made personal sacrifices for the good of her family, but is a very outgoing and community-minded person. She was chosen to show her dance talent at CARIFESTA 2000 and more recently, represented Anguilla’s youth at the Youth Democracy Convention in Suriname last year. She is also the Liaison Officer for Sunset Homes adopted Roaring Lions Youth Football Training Camp and played a leading role in organising the 2005 regional Football Tournament. She helps to coordinate the Annual Stoney Ground/Cauls Bottom Fun Day and adopts all the charitable initiatives as her own pet projects. She works tirelessly way of beyond the call of duty to organise these afore-mentioned events.
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L-R: Marie Rey, Latoya Scarbro, Bishop Brooks and Antoinette Pickering
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“From her early High School years, our chosen hero was very active in the Leo Club, Debating Club and the All Ah We Dance Theatre, where she was able to engage in community activities such as village clean-ups and visits to the Senior Citizens’ Home, story-telling at preschools and fund-raising for cancer and other needed persons. At 21 years old, she has made a life changing impact on many lives and an outstanding role model for young people in these trying times. Her selflessness continuously rises to the surface in her will to improve the lives of those around her; and we at FirstCaribbean International Bank are truly pleased to honour her.”
Bishop Errol Brooks commended the bank for launching the Unsung Heroes programme and ensuring its continuity. He said the profiles on the nominees in Anguilla were well written and convincing, making it difficult to choose the winner. He stated that as a young person Latoya stood out among the other competitors and she was a shining example to all young people in the Caribbean area.
Replying, Latoya said she was shocked when she was nominated for the award and expressed gratitude to the bank for launching the programme in which persons could be recognised for their efforts.
Her employer, Janine Edwards, said Latoya was the Villa and Community Officer for Sunset Homes and described her as being a great community worker and family person. She added: “It really warms my heart that she was selected and I thank FirstCaribbean. I hope this will allow members of the community to see and recognise what she is doing as a young person. People like Latoya should go off and fulfil their educational opportunities and I appreciate that the spotlight is now on her.”
In 2002 Latoya graduated from the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School with six CXC subjects and was awarded best results for Clothing & Textiles. She then entered the Sixth Form in pursuit of her A levels.
She has taken the decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Global Tourism Management at the Johnson & Wales University. Upon completion, Ms Scarbro hopes to return to Anguilla to contribute to the island’s booming tourism industry. She also anticipates opening a dance centre, where she can share her love for this art form.