Two Jamaicans recognised in CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Awards

CIBC Caribbean has honoured two Jamaicans for their quiet, consistent service to others as part of its 2025 Unsung Heroes Awards, a regional programme celebrating extraordinary contributions made without seeking recognition.

Dr Kirk Morgan, senior mathematics lecturer at The University of the West Indies, was named Jamaica’s Unsung Hero. For more than 15 years, he has offered free CSEC mathematics classes to students in under-served communities, first at Papine High School and later through the National Housing Trust, consistently refusing payment.

“I did not know how many persons were going to be here, so I just came with an open mind,” Morgan said at the ceremony. “If I actually receive it, I thank God because I did not have anything planned. This is unfamiliar territory for me.” He added that the recognition motivates him to continue: “I just want to keep doing my best because I realise there are unseen eyes watching. It made me realise that whatever I was doing, I was not doing anything wrong.”

Runner-up Tennielle Campbell-Williamson was recognised for more than 17 years of service as an evangelist, youth mentor and personal ministries leader. Her work includes mental wellness advocacy, gender-based violence prevention and community healing. Through mentorship with the Denbigh Primary football club, she has helped young boys build discipline, resilience and hope.

“This was something I never saw coming. I never thought I would ever be recognised,” she said. “I have been working a lot with young people, both locally and internationally, just to impact lives.”

The two honorees received a combined US$7,500. They were selected from 39 nominees across CIBC Caribbean’s 10-territory footprint, following the relaunch of the Unsung Heroes programme after more than a decade on hiatus.

Annique Dawkins, head of country for CIBC Caribbean Jamaica, said the awards reflect the bank’s mission of celebrating those who strengthen their country through service.

“Today is a celebration, a moment where we shine a well-deserved light on our 2025 unsung heroes as we come together to recognise the extraordinary individuals who remind us of the best of who we are as Jamaicans,” she said at the awards ceremony held on November 18 at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in St Andrew.