Scatliffe was recognised for his commendable spirit of volunteerism and for making a significant change to the lives of hundreds of individuals in the community.

Maxim Pazos, head of corporate banking and country manager for CIBC FirstCaribbean, presented Scatliffe with a commemorative plaque and a cheque for $6,000 to help further his efforts. As a finalist at the country level, Scatliffe will be considered for the title of regional ‘Unsung Hero’ which comes with an award of $7,500 and $5,000 each for two runners up.

The Unsung Heroes programme was introduced in 2003 as CIBC FirstCaribbean's flagship corporate social responsibility initiative.

It is a region-wide programme activated in countries in which CIBC FirstCaribbean operates. CIBC FirstCaribbean is of the view that many deserving causes and important projects miss out on financial and other support simply because people don’t know that they exist. CIBC FirstCaribbean wants to not only provide financial support but also bring attention to as many of these causes and to showcase the work that is done day and night by ordinary men and women.

"Since 2003, we have seen a cadre of brilliant people using their own resources, their time and effort to make the Caribbean a better place," said Mr Pazos. "They are ambassadors of the power of humanity, empathy and sympathy. They are inspirational examples of what each one of us is capable of.

"As we proudly host this luncheon today, I would like us to consider a powerful message from Scatliffe: We are all responsible for building the community in which we live. We should recognize that if we don’t reach out and do our part within our means to help those in need, we can also hold ourselves accountable for the destructive elements that permeate the fabric of our society."

Scatliffe has been key in the personal development of underrepresented or marginalized individuals of the community. From ignored teenagers who feel there is no space for them through to adults outcast for their anti-social addictions and issues, Mr Scatliffe has sought to guide them all and give them opportunities to become productive members of society.

Under the umbrella of the Shooting Stars Steel orchestra, Scatliffe has contributed to the development of more than 500 young people, providing them with a sense of purpose, self worth and a desire to achieve the potential in their lives from striving for success in academia to understanding their contribution to social values and communal spirit. The Shooting Stars Steel orchestra was set up for high school students with two goals in mind: to revive the art of steel pan playing in the BVI and to provide a creative and social outlet for the young members of the community.

On the other spectrum, Scatliffe reaches out to those who, through their addictions have spiraled to the depths of despair and who have lost their sense of pride and self worth and who diminish themselves in a self-destructive manner that also impacts society and the moral and social health of the community.

Where opportunities arise in community organisations such as the Recreation Trust where he holds the unpaid position of chairman, Scatliffe seeks out these individuals to offer them the unskilled jobs. Through their engagement, these marginalised adults can begin to rebuild themselves and start to feel a sense of place and contribution to society. They become fortified in their self belief and desire to get and stay ‘clean’ and take control of their anti-social behavior such as aggression and petty crime.

“By focusing on the positive rather than negative acts, we can change attitudes and productivity, which in turn has a trickle down effect as those who feel a sense of achievement and improvement are more apt to encourage others to improve their lot,” said Mr Scatliffe.

Scatliffe has been involved in enriching the community of the Virgin Islands since he left school. He has sat on the Festival Committee since 1975. He has served as the president of the Taxi Association for 28 years, helping taxi drivers to become recognized and established as fundamental contributors to the tourism industry. He joined the Recreation Trust in 2003 and was responsible for organizing the repair and maintenance of 20 facilities that fall under the trust.

Sactliffe was one of six individuals nominated for consideration as this year's unsung hero for the Virgin Islands. He was selected by a committee panel of six comprising three external, upstanding community members and three bank staff. A.O. Shirley, Patsy Lake and Dr Karl Dawson sat on the committee alongside CIBC FirstCaribbean staff, Ena Lewis, Roslyn McMillan and Clement Fahie. At the luncheon Pazos acknowledged and thanked the panelists for their time and valued input.

To be eligible, the programme requires nominees to be over the age of twenty-one and be a Caribbean person or resident in the Caribbean for over five years. Further the individual or cause should have no or minimal publicity in the media but the cause could benefit from the exposure. The finalist is selected based on the level of personal sacrifice, length of service to the community and the impact and reach the cause(s) have had on the community.

Past Unsung Heroes for the Virgin Islands are Romalia Smith, Anegada (2005), Vera and Clement Smith, Belle Vue, Tortola (2006), Tessa Gunther, Road Town, Tortola (2007), Ernest “Chinko” Evans, Road Town, Tortola (2008), Milton McLean of Sea Cow’s Bay, Tortola (2009) who went on to win one of the two runner up titles in the regional awards and Ann Gardner, McNamara, Tortola (2010).