Mini Named VI Unsung Hero
Lucinda "Mini" Smith has been named the British Virgin Islands' 2025 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero, recognised for decades of quiet community service, including feeding neighbours and baking her much-loved bread. The announcement was made at a luncheon at Maria's by the Sea, where runner-up Kimberly A. Herbert was also honoured.
Lucinda Smith, affectionately known as 'Mini,' was named the British Virgin Islands' 2025 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero at a celebration luncheon held at Maria's by the Sea. Smith was recognised alongside runner-up Kimberly A. CIBC Caribbean, in a press release, praised Smith for decades of nourishing, comforting and supporting her community — whether through a warm meal, a loaf of her renowned bread, or a kind word offered without expectation of recognition.
Delivering the tribute, Vernecia Holder, Head of International Corporate Banking and Unsung Hero 2025 Coordinator, said Smith's life exemplifies the campaign's values. 'Lucinda's story is one of quiet strength, compassion, and lifelong service. Her home is always open, her kitchen always warm, and her heart always ready to welcome anyone in need.
She is the embodiment of what it means to be an Unsung Hero,' Holder said. A lifelong resident who grew up in Belle Vue, Smith has served her community in multiple roles — as a mother, grandmother and small businesswoman. For many in the BVI, her food and friendship have been fixtures of everyday life; neighbours describe her as someone who gives freely and consistently, reflecting local traditions of sharing and mutual support.
The CIBC Unsung Heroes campaign, held regionally and launched in June, invited members of the public to nominate individuals aged 10 and older who had not previously received significant recognition and whose acts of kindness, bravery or service affected lives in the previous 12 months.
Nomination submissions closed on August 22. This year’s VI honorees were selected by a panel of community leaders: Geraldine Ritter-Freeman, Bria A. Smith thanked God for her health and talent and expressed surprise and gratitude at being chosen. She also thanked CIBC Caribbean, the Unsung Hero committee led by Holder, the judges, her nominator Raymond Fonseca (aka 'Chi Chi'), and her family for their support. 'I am honoured to receive this award, which sums up my life—touching the lives of others without seeking any recognition,' she said, encouraging others to continue blessing the community daily.
For BVI residents, Smith's recognition highlights the value placed on everyday acts of care that maintain community bonds, especially through food, home-based businesses and intergenerational support. The Unsung Heroes programme aims to shine a light on those quiet contributors whose work strengthens neighbourhoods across the territory.
Primary source: VINO