The Unlabelled Awards returned after a three-year absence on September 7, with a ceremony at Church of the Holy Apostles Ballroom in New York. Eleven persons dubbed ‘Pandemic Heroes’ were honoured by organisers, led by founder, Jamaican Carol “Butterfli Tia” Dunkley.

They are entrepreneur J Alexander Martin (Lifetime Achievement Award), sergeant Khalia M Carter (Courage to Care Award), author and e-commerce coach Sushana Cole (Conquest Award), businesswoman Shontel Greene (Circle of Excellence Award), Antwoin “Chef Fresh” Gutierrez (Entrepreneurship Award), Health Care sector veteran Farzana Niemann (Humanitarian Award), musician Ronnie Wright (Capture The Moment Award), football coach Craig Jacobs (Community Service Award), community activist Malaka Garrett (Community Ambassador Award), designer Ellie Baleh (Fashion Designer Award), and publicist Gen Johnson (Public Relations Award).

Dunkley said the awardees, who are from diverse backgrounds in the United States, went beyond the call of duty during the challenging COVID-19 period which saw thousands of people dying or losing their jobs and businesses. They were selected by recommendation and approved by her.

“The pandemic was a trying time for everyone. With the world being locked down, two years of uncertainty. Then came the unsung heroes who risked their lives for the good of others to bring some kind of normality during that time. I wanted to thank them and let them know we appreciate all they did wasn’t in vain,” she told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Dunkley, who was born in Kingston, has lived in the US for most of her life. She first staged the Unlabelled Awards in 2013, with the second edition held five years later.

Last week’s event marked its comeback due to COVID-19. She noted what makes it stand out from other awards.

“The difference between the Unlabelled Awards and others is the Unlabelled Awards focuses solely on ‘behind-the-sceners’. The people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help the ones in the front get to where they are,” Dunkley stated.

She was also recognised during the evening. Dunkley received a citation from New York City mayor Eric Adams, two proclamations from New York State senators Pete Harckham and Kevin Parker, a proclamation from Peekskill mayor Vivian McKenzie and a proclamation from the Westchester County Board of Legislators.