BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OFTEN times, hard-working individuals expend their energies and time to improve communities, only to have their deeds go unnoticed.
This year, however, the work of youth activist Nigel Browne has been recognized as the 2009 First Caribbean Unsung Hero.
During his earlier years as a mentor, Browne was cognizant of the challenges that youth face. He therefore went on to devote the next 20 years of his life to finding ways to inspire and motivate the young, encouraging them to maximize their potential.
Browne was instrumental in establishing the Youth Impact Ministries in 1998, and the project has grown to be synonymous with effective youth evangelism. It has raised awareness among youth in various areas, including youth involvement in spreading the Gospel, the issue of HIV/AIDS and abstinence and crime and violence.
Yesterday (Oct. 15), in his response to his selection as the 2009 Unsung Hero, Browne told a gathering of family, friends, bank officials and media representatives that he is elated to be recognized. He noted that while he was extremely grateful for the award, giving to the youth is more important than any prize.
“I would encourage people to do things from your heart and unto the Lord because whether or not you’re recognized, you have that sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. I wasn’t doing this to receive an earthly reward, but I’m thankful for it. It helps to take me a step forward in terms of realizing my goals,” Browne told SKNVibes.
As part of the award, Browne will receive a cheque of US $6000 from the First Caribbean International Bank. He was selected from a batch of 40 nominees and, according to programme coordinators, Browne was chosen as the finalist for his level of sacrifice.
Addressing the audience at yesterday’s ceremony, Unsung Hero Country Coordinator Gerard Pereira explained that Browne has impacted the lives of a wide scope of young persons and has worked tirelessly to assist the underprivileged – causes the panellists described as worthy of recognition.
“Nigel currently has a demanding career in banking, yet he has invested his personal time, funds, energy and other resources in reaching out to young persons. He stands out in his community for his good works and has been recognized on a small scale for his efforts; however, the wider public is not aware of the dedication and sacrifice he displays in his work in the community,” Pereira noted.
The next step for Browne is to donate 10% to the work of Christ, a portion to a number of persons seeking medical attention and to his own mission.
“I want to be able to continue to touch the lives of people. So, we [Youth Impact Ministries] are going to regroup as a ministry and see if we can get more into the prisons and get more into the streets, and help to impact these young people in a positive way,” he informed.
Browne is expected to join other finalists from across the region whose entries have been submitted to the regional panel. The programme spans 17 territories and the First Caribbean International Bank 2009 Regional Unsung Hero would be announced later this month.
