The Tribune | Weekend |07
Friday, October 22, 2021
community
‘Hidden Heroes’ embrace humanity, courage and justice
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t started as a global conversation in 2014 with Character Day me expanding to 125 countries and 50 States. Character Day Bahamas continues its work through the PACE Foundation with the support of the Templeton World Charity Foundation. With Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts and COVID-19 still under way, humanity and character are being continuously tested. This year’s nominations focused on saluting hidden heroes like essential workers and volunteers. Programme organiser Charlene Carey explained: “Last year was a challenging one for us all and our character was truly tested daily. Schools were virtual, people lost their jobs and others realized just how essential their jobs were. The hidden heroes in our country allowed us to get to where we are now.” The 2021 theme, ‘Be the reason that somebody feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued, loved and supported,’ was highlighted by a T-shirt design competition, followed by two workshops in August for educators, youth and guidance counsellors, and a Hidden Hero campaign. October 20 has been earmarked for Character Day Bahamas. Now in its 50th year, the PACE Foundation has a mission to empower teenagers to make good decisions. Sonia Brown, president of this non-profit, likes the Character Day Bahamas programme because it represents their work with teen mothers at the PACE School. “Character strengths are the positive pieces of an individual’s personality that helps make them who they are. Our program, as well as scientific research reveals that understanding, developing, and applying one’s strengths can help boost confidence, manage problems, strengthen relationships, reduce stress and accomplish goals,” she said.
The 2021 Hidden Hero Champions
Youth Tracey Johnson, age nine, is from New Providence and a student at Kingsway Academy. Character
virtues and strength. “I am motivated to be who I am in my community because I see community service as the greatest quality ABBY Smith of a human being. Good character is having integrity, being honest, courageous, loyal, and having all the other important virtues that promote good behaviour.” Shiaion Thompson, Jr, age 11, is from New Providence, and he is a part of the Stephen Dillet Kids programme. “Honesty means DARRANIQUE never telling a Stuart lie. Having good character means helping people. When we help people – nobody suffers.” Darranique Stuart, age 17, is from Moore’s Island, Abaco. She is a Student, YEP Leader and a 2020 Youth Parliamentarian. “One thing that IDENA Flowers really inspires me in life is my Moore’s Island community. Without them, my activism would not have been possible.” Educators Abby Smith is an art teacher and artist from New Providence. “My motivation is being who I needed when I was younger and applying that in my everyday life... Good character means always being the person you are regardless of who is around you and always maintaining integrity at all times.” Dezree Taylor is a teacher from New Providence.
“I believe that if we invest in our children, if we secure them, if we educate them, if we give them experience and exposure, I SHIAION believe we can Thompson Jr save our country and indeed our world.” Healthcare Ruth Bastian is a nurse from New Providence. “One of my goals is to mentor my younger colleagues. After working 40 years in nursing, I really TRACY Johnson do try to ensure that they maintain a high standard… I encourage them to continue, and especially during this time when we are challenged by the COVID pandemic…” Gandhi Frazier is nurse technician and patient care assistant from New Providence who is motivated to make a differ- RENALDO Brown ence in people’s lives and being an inspiration to his community. “Good character is someone you can trust and is respected… a leader…is brave enough to take charge and stand up (for) justice; someone who is willing to listen to other’s concerns and lead them in the right direction.” Idena Flowers is a nurse at the Princess Margaret Hospital. “When I think of good character, the word ‘consistent’ immediately comes to mind. To me, good character is being committed to a set of standards. And being true in your
words, thoughts, deeds and actions consistently.” Arreneth Bain is a laundry superintendent from New Providence. DEZREE Taylor “My motivation comes from having a will and tenacity to persevere despite challenges and setbacks that I have encountered and endured in my lifetime.” Patty Fawkes is a senior nursing officer from Inagua. “There are a number of things that motivate me. One of them is just seeing someone in need or having to help them. If it’s in my power, I help them.” Law enforcement Constable Renaldo Brown is a police officer from Eleuthera. “I have devoted my life to the service of my fellow men. I believe that character comes from within. It is striving daily to be the best you can be by respecting all persons.”
Hidden Hero finalists
New Providence • Education: Gayle Barrow-Farrington; Tremeco O Higgs. • Healthcare: Cynette Newbold; Bahamas Emergency Medical Services; Pemesia Rolle, and Philip Duncombe • Service/Volunteer: Christine King-Wallen Grand Bahama • Healthcare: Melleah Petty • Service/Volunteer: Darren Cooper Exuma • Service/Volunteer: Mary Sweetnam Eleuthera • Education: Savannah Cambridge More detailed information on the Hidden Hero champions, finalists and nominees of Character Day Bahamas is available at www.characterdaybahamas.org.
