AFTER more than four decades of quietly transforming lives through health care, education and community service, Brenda Miller — Jamaica’s 2026 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero — has been named first runner-up in the region.

Over the weekend Miller, an 82-year-old retired nursing educator and administrator, was named first runner-up and received her prize of US$7,000 from Mark St Hill, the bank’s chief executive officer and chair of the CIBC Caribbean ComTrust Foundation which runs the programme.

Veteran foster caregiver Ann Haven of the Cayman Islands was named the Regional Unsung Hero, and Catherine Edmund of St Lucia was second runner-up.

Miller was recognised alongside Ivaline Nickie, founder and director of the Annie Dawson Home for Children, who was named Jamaica’s runner-up. The two women were honoured for their sustained commitment to serving vulnerable Jamaicans, demonstrating that leadership can be expressed through compassion, consistency and action.

“The CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Programme has provided an opportunity to shine a light on people whose service often happens away from the public spotlight. They are people who do not serve because they expect recognition — they serve because they see a need and they choose to respond. That spirit of service is something worth celebrating,” said Annique Dawkins, head of country, CIBC Caribbean Jamaica.

Miller’s own story reflects that spirit. Although she retired from nursing education and administration in 2009, she has continued to serve through the Lions Club of St Andrew Central and her church community. Twice each month she volunteers at Bethel Baptist Church where she provides free vision screening, blood pressure and blood sugar testing, body mass index checks, health education and counselling, often using her own resources.

Brenda Miller, winner of the 2026 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes Award in Jamaica, finished second in the regional awards. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

She also trains fellow Lions in health and vision screening, and supports initiatives benefiting cancer patients, children, persons with mental health challenges, and young nurses.

“I retired in 2009 but sometimes I wonder if I have retired,” Miller said, reflecting on her continued commitment to service.

First launched in 2003 and running for 10 years before being put on hiatus, the CIBC Caribbean Unsung Heroes programme was relaunched last year, again aimed at showcasing people whose service often happens away from the public spotlight, celebrating individuals whose quiet acts of generosity, compassion and commitment create meaningful change in the lives of others.

The regional awards include US$10,000 for the regional winner, US$7,000 for the first runner-up and US$5,000 for the second runner-up.

At the national level, Miller received the equivalent of US$5,000, while Nickie received US$2,500 as Jamaica’s runner-up.