WILLEMSTAD — Gerda Gosepa, who dedicates herself to emancipation of women and the welfare of the destitute, is elected as ‘Unsung Hero’ of 2012 of the First Caribbean International Bank (CIBC). The announcement was made yesterday at the Avila Hotel where Gosepa received the first prize of 6000 dollars from general director of CIBC, Pim van der Burg.

By entering the regional competition, Gosepa stands a fair chance of winning an extra 7,500 dollars. The other two finalists were Gildo Brigitha and Norvin Kook, who dedicate themselves to child welfare free of charge. “We’ve noticed an increase in awareness in the recognition of valuable work for the community by people like Gerda, Gildo and Norvin. They contribute substantially to the welfare of the community through their exceptional dedication to volunteer work for which they expect no recognition nor strive after interest. CIBC is therefore happy to contribute toward this increase of awareness and to honor the ‘Unsung Heroes’ for their dedication”, said Van der Burg.

According to CIBC Risk Control Manager Marishka Minguel, 2011 was an unforgettable year when Cornellie ‘Aunt Nellie’ Schoonhoven-Muntslag scooped the regional title of ‘Unsung Hero’. “With this title Mrs. Schoonhoven-Muntslag showed she possesses the qualities that are so characteristic for the Curaçao people.” Minguel, Töne Moller, Jeannette Juliette-Pablo and Nico Cornellise who serve on the panel for the seventh time described Gosepa as follows. “In the late seventies she started her volunteer work within Fundashon Gogorobi in Groot Kwartier to develop the leadership qualities among the youth. She then continued this work within ‘Grupo Union di Muhenan Antiano’ where she played a distinct role in striving for equality for women in the community. Together with the late Bea Muzo, she then founded Fundashon Mangusa, a foundation known for helping destitute mothers and children of Bándabou. The name of Gerda Gosepa has become a byword for care, dedication and perseverance for her devotion to the aforementioned works in 20+ years.”

Finalist Brigitha, who is no stranger in the sports world, is mainly known in the district Mahuma where he voluntarily dedicated himself to youth soccer and forming the teams U11, U13, U15 and U17. He was also one of the founders of community center Sentro di Bario Mahuma, a puller of the construction of this center, the illumination of the soccer field and the construction of the clubhouse next to the sports field. Many children were given help with their homework, computer lessons, and music & drawing classes at the community center. The other finalist, Kook, is also known in Bándabou for his counseling and developing of young sport talents. He was also chairman of Grupo di Trabou ku Hubentut di Lagun and to this day he is the trainer of athletics club Deportivo San Kristof. He is also the trainer and physiotherapist of the first division soccer club ‘Undeba’ in Bándabou since 2011. He was asked to be the mental coach of the ‘Little League Baseball’ for the World Series in 2006 and no wonder this team became the winner.