(EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, on Monday, August 7, 2023, posted a collection of photos on Facebook in connection with his son Harper having recently successfully completed a six-week intensive program at The Island School, Eleuthera, along with 48 other students, who represented six countries. We decided to share some of them, along with a powerful narrative that he wrote, with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. We are sharing the narrative below as a Guest Commentary:
GUEST COMMENTARY: BY DR. KENNETH ROMER
NASSAU, Bahamas — Leadership is about leaving a legacy. The greatest legacy, however, is not your power and influence in the boardroom, but your presence and involvement in the lives of those who should matter the most; FAMILY.
My son has always been by my side. Watching him mature over the years has brought me great joy and pride.
He recently initiated and successfully completed a six-week intensive program at The Island School, Eleuthera, along with 48 other students who represented 6 countries. The rigorous program included students engaging in leadership development, community building, personal growth, field-based scientific research, diving, physical and outdoor education, cultural immersion experiences, and three core academic courses; Marine Ecology, Sustainable Systems, and Tourism and Development.
At the end of the course his Advisor’s assessment read, “Harper returns home as a recognized leader, someone who helps the greater community better themselves. He was an amazing person who brought silliness, respect, kindness and thoughtfulness to every group interaction, and demonstrated how well he can cheer on his teammates, even during the hard moments. He was a rock to our advisory, and provided inspiration to the entire community through his humor and integrity”.
I am proud of my son. I love him. I thank God for giving him to me as His gift. What I do with him is my gift back to God.
Too many leaders are busy “saving” the world, while losing their families.
It’s time to reflect, refocus and reprioritize, if necessary. FAMILY FIRST!
