BUSINESSMAN Roger Hinds and Medex Lisa Augustus, two prominent community leaders in Region Eight, were recognized during that region’s 50th Anniversary Flag- raising Ceremony on Thursday evening.Their recognition, by a regional NGO dubbed “OECS Media Network on Health”, was witnessed by a number of key officials from both the public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkhan; Member of Parliament for Region 8, Ms. Rajcoomaria Bancroft; Regional Executive Officer Rafel Downes; Region 8 Chairman Bonaventure Fredericks; Deputy Regional Executive Officer Gavin Gounga, and RDC Councillors.

Hinds, who has been operating a number of business ventures, including a hotel and supermarket at Mahdia, said he was thrilled and elated by the recognition. He said he was very humbled and was motivated to continue his businesses. He stressed that giving back to the community in which he lives is critically important not only for him as an individual, but also for the continued growth of his business.

“I have been giving, and will continue to give, as I have seen the many benefits of giving back to the community. I have always maintained that giving back to the community is of great importance,” Hinds said.

The businessman, who has sponsored a number of sporting and culture- related events and activities, stressed that through giving his community will be improved. He declared that Region 8 has a number of talented sportsmen and women, and with the right exposure they can go places.

Hinds, now 50, first got into business at the age of 14. “If it were not for the faithful support of the people, then it would have been impossible to give back,” he said.

Medex Augustus’s recognition was in the area of health care development. It was revealed that she first began working as a Community Health Worker in 1998, but rose through the ranks to now head the Maternal Child Health Department in Region 8. The mother of two, who hails from Kopinang, has been dubbed a woman of compassion for the enormous and significant work she has been doing in the region. She noted that working beyond the call of duty in helping residents of her community is critically important to her. She said she felt honoured by the recognition, knowing that her efforts and contributions have not gone unnoticed.

“Being recognized is a very special feeling, as it tells you that someone is very satisfied with the service and contributions that you have made. I am very thankful and grateful that my contributions to the region of my birth and one (in which) I have worked for a number of years has recognized that I am doing something positively,” Medex Augustus said.

She pointed out that health care development has improved significantly, and congratulated REO Rafel Downes and his team for the enormous work being done in continuing to lift health care within the region.

Minister Bulkan’s wife presented the award to Hinds, while the Regional Chairman presented the award to Medex Augustus.

REO Downes, in congratulating the two recipients, said he was happy they were recognized; and he thanked the NGO for hosting the awards.