Nek Nazary

At the age of 17, Nek Nazary found himself on a strange island he had never heard about in circumstances that he had not forseen. 

A native of Afghanistan who had sought refuge from the atrocities being committed in his homeland, Nek's welcome into the Cayman Islands by the authorities was less than ideal. 

He was detained for an extended period of time, and it was at that time that he was introduced to the Cayman Islands Branch of the Red Cross.

"THe local branch of the RC visited me in prison," he explains. "Later, after (I was given) my freedom, I felt grown up, motivated, and capable of joining the RC, which I did".

For the last five years Nek has been an integral part of the Red Cross team.  In times of "peace" he is the incredibly talented resident artist, as well as the "jack of all trades". 

After the passing of Hurricane Ivan, he became one of the key players in the planning and execution of the relief response to the community.

"I have found at the RC people who share my vision of dedication and selfless service to humanity," he says. "Being an RC volunteer for four years, I feel that the RC is in my blood".