THE UNAPOLOGETIC QUEST FOR SUCCESS

All of my disappointments, even the most miniscule and most absurd were very important in moulding my life today. It was important that I express the realities of my sojourn from Marriaqua to Havana and back. I am no self made person, the words of the African saying best describe my unapologetic quest for success. “Until the Lion tells his own tales, the tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”. This book is written so that you the reader who don’t really know me will get a glimpse of who I am, my life, triumphs and obstacles, dreams and aspirations. No one has a better story to tell about you than you yourself. To those who think I am arrogant, full of myself, I forgive you. You simply do not know the real me. For if you knew me, you would never think that way about me. Just as Jaques Rogge thought that the star athletic performer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Jamaican Usain Bolt was arrogant and full of himself even after three world record breaking performances. Bolt celebrated in true Caribbean style and remains unapologetic up to this day. I too remain unapologetic after being associated with four world record breaking performances which Joel Butcher and Earl ‘Ole George’ Daniel achieved in endurance walking (walking without sleep) also done in true Caribbean style. It’s amazing how “the more things change the more they remain the same.” (Remember Hitler’s response to Jessie Owens’ performance in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin Germany). The record breaking performances of Ole George and Butcher and also Usain Bolt, reinforce my belief that Caribbean people can achieve anything at the highest level on the world stage. “The 22-year old Bolt became the first man ever to break world records in both the 100 and 200 meters at the games. In the 100, Bolt celebrated the last 20 meters, but still set a record at 9.69 seconds. However, he put his all in the 200 m. race and won by the largest margin in Olympic history!! His time 19.30 seconds and broke the legendary Michael Johnson’s world record.” (Jet Magazine, September 8th, 2008) We may be small geographically; however it is not the size of the country that counts but the magnitude of the passion that burns within its people to do great works. In conclusion, for those whom I may have hurt unknowingly, I am sorry, but this still does not change my objectives, as I still remain humble and unapologetically humane. My unapologetic quest for success if filed with the knowledge that where ever and whenever I trod the road to success, I have to remember Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” From logical deduction, when a turtle sits on the back of a chair, we know he did not get there all by himself, so too is the attainment of success especially when it is sought after diligently and with an attitude. In the quest along this tiresome and lonely road you will create enemies but you must shod yourself with the blood, sweat and tears encountered along this strenuous journey of excruciating pain and bearing in mind that the same people you meet on your way up are the very same ones you will meet on your way down for on earth nothing last forever. Every single footstep along the way should continue with faith and single-minded determination. The key to success is knowledge and the proper utilization of this new found weapon to do good and not evil in every waking moment of our daily existence. The haters of success are never on vacation, they don’t take a day off nor do they ask for a recess. The quest should always be embraced by the overwhelming attitude that success is a must and failure is not an option. Just as the hymn writer says, “I shall not be, I shall not be moved”, so too should be your attitude for in this hostile world even with an attitude you should remain paradoxically unpretentious. For all who aspire to be successful one day just as I do, the word of Charles Kettering should be your guiding principle “You cannot stub your toe standing still, the faster you go the more chance you have of stubbing your toe, but the more chances you have of getting somewhere.” This hostile world is not accommodating to the humble at heart, mind and spirit who charters a course toward success. Until the victory, the struggle continues relentlessly keeping focus on the words of Bob Marley’