The Caiman Vybe Volume 1, No 1 Dec 9 2017 | Page 15

By Nekisha Alexander
F
or you know not the day nor the hour, but death shows
up and it’s a reality we all have to face. Today I joined
the faculty of the Ken Gordon School of Journalism and
Communication Studies in saying farewell to a man who
has become a staple at our school, Wilfred Elliott Quamina.
It was then I understood and respected him for standing firm in his
beliefs. So, if there is one message to be taken from Wilfred’s passing,
it is `the importance of honouring your values and being unshaken
in times of turbulence. This man lived his life through ministry, like
a tree planted by the water, that sends out the roots by the stream.
He did not change his beliefs to meet his circumstances, he used his
beliefs to guide him through those unfavourable circumstances.
When I first met Wilfred, we both had a Public Relations class together.
I never really paid much attention to him until we were put in a
group for a presentation. In this scenario, we were being questioned
by the media on an issue that took place within our business. The
presentation went well, however, I had to coach Wilfred several times
on being tactful so our organisation could appease the media and the
public in general, but mostly I wanted that grade A for my assignment.
In the end, most students at COSTAATT grew to appreciate Wilfred for
who he was. You always knew what to expect from him. He was one
of the most trustworthy persons I have encountered at the College.
The world needs more Wilfreds, unshakeable, grounded and rooted. He
has offered words of advice and comfort to me on several occasions and I
imagine he has done the same for others. He argued his points in classes
with conviction, most times we agreed with him just to move on, but
after class, he would continue with his persuasion to ensure he has you
convinced. He was honest, kind, strange and stubborn, but he was Wilfred,
our Wilfred. I can surely say he will be missed, Sleep in Peace my friend.
Speaking with Wilfred afterwards, I found out that he was a deeply
religious person who found it hard to lie or alter the truth in any
scenario: even if it meant a lower grade in an assignment. To me,
the presentation was not a real-life situation and it was not that
serious, but for Wilfred, it was something that tested his faith.
Wilfred Elliot Quamina
18th June 1947- 7th November 2017
Caiman Vybe | Volume 1, No. 1 | December 9, 2017.
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