Barthley-Cochrane named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero

By Tahna Weston Tahna. weston@antiguaobserver. com Princess Margaret School teacher, Girl Guides leader and netball coach Vincere Barthley-Cochrane said people who serve others rarely think about who is watching or whether they will be recognised. Barthley-Cochrane made the comment after being named CIBC Caribbean’s 2026 Unsung Hero at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 8. She was presented with a floral tribute and US$5,000 during CIBC’s 2026 Unsung Heroes Award Ceremony, held in recognition of her decades of service to young people through teaching, the Girl Guides Movement, netball coaching, church ministry and foster care. Barthley-Cochrane, who has taught Office Administration at the secondary school since 2000 and leads the 13th Antigua Girl Guides Unit, reflected on what drives her to keep serving.

“When you give of yourself to others, you do not always think about who is watching or whether your efforts will be recognised. You simply see something that needs to be done, someone who needs to be encouraged or a young person who needs guidance, and you simply do what your heart tells you: step forward and help. My journey of service to the Girl Guides, church, the young people in my community and, especially, my students has brought me a great sense of joy and many valuable experiences,” she said. Civil servant Rita Phillip-Harris was named first runner-up and received US$2,500. She is Assistant Registrar at the Antigua and Barbuda Civil Registry and has spent years cleaning, maintaining and beautifying her Paynters community, often at her own expense. Phillip-Harris said the honour reaffirmed her belief that no act of service goes unnoticed. “I’m deeply humbled, and it is with profound gratitude that I accept being named the Unsung Hero first runner-up because this…