CIBC Honours ‘Unsung’ Hero

By Stuart Wilson

Members of CIBC’s Cayman Islands team, along with stalwarts from the education industry and well wishers gathered at Luca on the West Bay Road, Grand Cayman on October 9th to honour Yvonne Boldeau as this year’s recipient of the bank’s Unsung Hero Award.

A panel of 5 judges selected Mrs. Boldeau for decades of ‘selfless sacrifice in the assistance of young persons in the community’.

Mrs. Boldeau served as the Executive Officer at the John Gray High School for over 35 years and during that time touched the lives of scores of students, many of whom still remain connected to her long after her retirement.

CIBC Country Head, Mr. Gemel Sobers noted, “Mrs. Boldeau’s legacy reflects the very values that CIBC holds dear; strengthening communities, empowering the next generation and creating brighter futures.” He said selflessness and service - a dedication to serving others above self was an important part of the values of unsung heroes.

“People who are working in the community without thinking of who is looking at what they are doing. They are just doing what they do. This is the type of person the Unsung Heroes programme seeks to identify.

“The Unsung Heroes programme seeks out humble, quiet individuals who work hard in their own little corners, not looking for any type of reward or kudos and who often are surprised when someone wants to single them out for some sort of reward.

“I think it is so important that we recognise persons like Mrs. Boldeau and take the time to say thanks,” he remarked.

“Thanks for being you, thanks for what you do, thanks for the sacrifices you make and thanks for all the people who benefit from what you do,” added Mr. Sobers.

Pastor Obed Babb, who served as one of the 5 judges, told the audience that determining the winner of this year’s CIBC Unsung Heroes Award for the Cayman Islands was a simple yet profound privilege.

“We discovered acts of compassionate interest in service to people, community and country and among the nominees  one stood out as deserving for this recognition; uplifting the lives of countless children by paying for lunches, examinations , uniforms and supplies all from limited resources,” he said, adding that the community should pause to also thank the family of Mrs. Boldeau for allowing her to utilise resources that in many causes could have went to them.

“Industry coupled with indefatigability led to the repair of clothing, provision of graduation gowns and hours of listening and praying in an effort to snatch hope from the insatiable jaws of despair, all the while maintaining the dignity and integrity of those she assisted,” he remarked.

“What was surprising was that none of the panelists had ever heard of Mrs. Boldeau despite an intimate knowledge of the philanthropic landscape of the Cayman Islands.

“She is truly unsung,” added Pastor Babb.

Director of the Department of Education Services, Mr. Mark Ray noted that he wished to thank CIBC for taking the step to recognise a truly unsung hero.

He said he had worked with Mrs. Boldeau for a period of 8 years and pointed out that she was an asset, not just to students but to staff as well.

“Some people keep a school running, Mrs. Yvonne made it breath,” he said, adding that, “… She was the quiet engine behind our best work and an anchor, who showed calm, competent, deeply human leadership.” 

Mr. Ray went on to highlight that the effort Mrs. Boldeau put forth called for a ‘stage’ and everyone left her desk feeling lighter.

“When pressures rose, she brought order without drama, when conflict whispered, she found fairness and a way forward, when change arrived, she kept the centre steady, when joy showed up she made space for it.

“Students met a listener who remembered their names and their stories, parents met a professional who gave straight answers with a gracious tone, staff met a colleague who can be absolutely frank and still leave you feeling listened to,” he remarked.

In her remarks, Mrs. Boldeau, visibly touched by the outpouring of gratitude for her service, noted: “The greatest reward has always been the children; their growth, their joy and their peace. This moment is an unexpected blessing and I am truly grateful.”

She also extended heartfelt thanks to CIBC for their enduring commitment to uplifting the spirit of our community.

“The award goes far beyond banking and financial services,” she noted.

Mrs. Boldea also thanked the judges for honoring those who serve quietly, faithfully and with love.”

“Over the years I have given my heart to this work but I have received far more in return, especially from the children. It has been my personal privilege seeing the children all the way from timidly enter the hallways of the high school, to confidently striding through the walkways of adult life.

She said her life’s work was to welcome every child with tenderness,  and to nurture young hearts and minds to believe in their worth, even before they know it themselves.

In quoting C.S. Lewis, she remarked: “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”   

“I am only one among many, who served, cared and provided for our children.”

She pointed out that persons such as Mrs. Lucille McLean, and the late Marjorie Beckles were important anchors in her endeavors to support children and their future.

“These are our heroes too and this recognition is for all of us who have chosen to pour into the lives of others. Thank you for seeing us and acknowledging our efforts.”

CIBC’s Unsung Hero Award was created to honour everyday people across the Caribbean who are quietly making a big difference in their communities. The programme was designed to spotlight those who work selflessly for the good of others without recognition or reward.