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Growing up in a rural community from humble beginnings , also taught values of humility , strength of generating livelihood from very humble sources of agricultural production Lots of playing and no technology available growing up , engendered a sense of team work to achieve success and to handle competition in a healthy way , with many friends . These enabled me to laugh at myself and my mistakes as happens often in play .
Watching my stepfather being attacked by the paramilitary force of the government of the day was my very first exposure to anything political or more so partisan in nature .
Q : Who were your mentors , who do you credit for the person you are today ?
A : My stepfather Ben Jones , my favorite teacher – Miona Charles , who bet that I would achieve a higher position in the national scholarship exam than any other students , Bernard Coard in political strategy , tactics , organization and program planning ; Dr . Theodore Ferguson – principle grounded leadership and Sister Joan Purcell – spiritual principles .
Q . What words of guidance , wisdom would you share as encouragement to today ’ s youths as they prepare to shoulder and experience life ’ s challenges ?
A . Every single person has at least one talent and a divine purpose . Grasping , believing and being confident in this give sense of purpose , direction and self-worth , like nothing else can . Recognition of this uniqueness also reduces the need to compete with others as well as the ability to appreciate everyone else , because they are similarly blessed . There ’ s always enough for everyone – abundance prevails . Seeking instant gratification is often a recipe for problems . Time and effort yields . To be guided by the urging of Mother Theresa ’ s anyway Poem
Q : Many educated and ambitious individuals usually find it difficult and are discouraged to make the move and career transition from one country to another . You have since successfully done so and are now on your way to being fully integrated into the Montreal-Quebec society . You are presently on the Boards of Directors of the Black Community Resource Center and the Quebec Community Groups Network , in Montreal . How did you go about this ? What advice can you give to other nationals looking to make that transition ?
A : Regarding the transition from one country to another , I think my positive experiences living in other countries before made it easier for my transition to Quebec , although each time it ’ s been very different . I ’ ve lived in Cuba , in Jamaica , in the US and in Canada – Ontario before . Although very different , still mostly positive experiences . Curiosity about the world and all the diversity , it has to offer mixed with open-mindedness to learn and appreciate has served me well .
As far as being invited to serve on the two boards of directors , that was not of my doing . I think it has been more of my work , behavior or attitude towards others and quality of service speak for themselves . Persons who are seeking out talent to serve are able to recognize what they are looking for and recruit accordingly . Whatever the undertaking , I always strive for