The 2009 local Unsung Heroes finalists have been chosen. 17 names were
submitted but only two were picked. They are Judith Cuellar-Krieg from Hopkins
and Paul Bradley from Burrell Boom. Nurse Judith is the founder of the Equity
House Clinic and Paul Bradley is a livestock farmer. They do have one thing
in common and that is that both give selflessly of themselves in their respective
communities. The announcement was made at a ceremony this afternoon.
Rosanna Villanueva, Local Coordinator
“Nurse Judy is the first responder for many people in the southern
villages and it is always ready day or night to provide assistance. She is sometimes
the difference between life and death.”
Nurse Judith Cuellar-Krieg, Local Unsung Hero
“I am actually a little apprehensive because I don’t think of
myself as a hero. I just do what I do naturally and of course there is tons
of people behind the scenes. I mean I have the assistance in the office, the
Ministry of Health, all the doctors and the nurses at he Southern Regional Hospital
I’ve called on a daily basis to help me with what I need. So I don’t
see myself as a hero but I would gladly accept the check because the organization
sure does need it.
Sometimes I lay down in my bed two in the morning and I hear the knock
on the door and I worry that if I don’t get up, I imagine there is a kid
who is trying to breathe and I am the only one who can help that person at that
time. So no, I don’t keep track and I don’t keep a scoreboard and
I certainly don’t think that I am a hero. I’m just there when they
need me.”
Rosanna Villanueva,
“Mr. Paul Bradley is a man of few words and in truth he is not really
known outside the Belize River Valley area which is where he has been working
for many years as a livestock farmer. We are all aware of the devastating floods
experienced in the river valley last year and Mr. Bradley was there. Many villages
were under several feet of water and some villagers were trapped in their homes.
He was one of the first persons in.”
Paul Bradley, Local Unsung Hero
“I never expect all this today and I am glad for the check. I am sure
that our livestock people will get much use of it and I will continue to do
my good work and I never expect to be a hero.”
Glen Smith, Country Manager – FCIB
“The finalists we shall award today have made a tangible difference
in the communities and have touched the lives of many others in need. On behalf
of the First Caribbean family I offer sincere thanks for all your selfless efforts
and consider it an honour to be able to tell the world your story.”
Nurse Judith and Paul Bradley received checks for US$6,000 to be used
towards their particular charity. The names will be submitted in the Regional
Unsung Hero competition. The regional winner will be announced in November.
Email
Print