CIBC Caribbean has opened a second search for unsung heroes across its 10-member region, doubling the prize money for winners and runners-up and inviting nominations through July 2026.
CIBC Caribbean has kicked off the second year of its Unsung Heroes programme, again looking beyond headlines for people quietly improving life in their communities.
The campaign—CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes—has opened nominations across the bank’s 10-member regional footprint as it prepares to recognize community advocates and local volunteers who rarely get public credit.. For MISRYOUM readers, the focus is simple: find the people doing meaningful work at neighborhood scale, and then give them a tangible reward.
The programme, which was officially relaunched last year after a 10-year pause, drew 39 nominees from different areas of community outreach and service.. Speaking on the relaunch’s progress, CIBC Caribbean CEO and chair of the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation, Mark St.. Hill, said the first year’s return was a success and that this year’s campaign is expected to be even more engaging.
To underline that push, the bank announced it is doubling the prize money for this year’s regional winner and runners-up.. The 2026 Regional Unsung Hero will receive USD$10,000—an increase from the previous year—while the first runner up will receive USD$7,000 and the second runner up will receive USD$5,000.. The programme also includes a nominator incentive: a special prize of USD$1,000 will go to the person who nominated the eventual Regional Unsung Hero.
What the programme is looking for
That structure matters because it broadens the definition of “impact.” Not every community contribution looks like a programme with a formal footprint—some are based on everyday acts: caring for the elderly, supporting vulnerable women, feeding people experiencing homelessness, or offering help to at-risk youth.. During last year’s awards, the programme highlighted individuals working across these kinds of needs.
How to nominate and when winners will be announced
In September, the top three regional winners—the Regional Unsung Hero and two runners-up—along with a guest for each, will travel to Barbados for a special awards event.. The set-up creates a clear timeline for communities: nominate locally, get recognized nationally, then be considered for the regional stage.
Why the “unsung” spotlight matters now
Last year’s highlighted winners—spanning the British Virgin Islands, St.. Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda—showed the programme’s regional reach and its willingness to surface different types of service, from hands-on support for vulnerable groups to efforts focused on the environment.. By doubling prize money for this year, CIBC Caribbean is also signaling that community work should be treated as real contribution, not background noise.
There’s another subtle point: the programme also rewards the person who submits the nomination.. That means the campaign is not only about picking a winner—it’s about encouraging residents to pay attention to what their neighbors do.. When more people look for local help, more volunteers can be identified, and more good work is brought into the open.
The campaign remains open to anyone eligible to nominate and qualify, with details available through CIBC Caribbean’s channels.. For those wondering whether their community efforts count, the criteria are designed to include both consistent service and standout acts of kindness within the relevant period.