By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 10, 2020 — I really liked several photos posted by Janure Culmer of Freeport, Grand Bahama, on her Facebook page of a birthday gift to her father, so much so that I decided to repost them. Janure is the daughter of Grand Bahama businessman Raymond R.H. Culmer, CEO of Jarol Investments, Ltd. and CHANCES GAMES, which has headquarters on Logwood Road in Freeport and a number of gaming outlets in New Providence and several Family Islands.
Janure and her father were actually born on the same date, December 25, Christmas Day, as Janure noted when asked for more information on the photos she posted.
“It’s really a birthday gift to him from me,” she says. “These are the things he likes. After hurricane Dorian his Yacht was his life-saver. He always wanted to retire on a houseboat and we all know he is a die-hard Buccaneers fan. I just wanted to capture him in his moment. I love my dad. I am his first born and was born on his birthday — Christmas Day. He is an amazing selfless man…What an example of a father, husband, friend and man. My dad is a silent hero. He helps without wanting recognition. I love that about him.”
Matthew Wildgoose was apparently commissioned to paint the magnificent painting, based on the following caption that accompanied Janure’s post: “Thank you Matthew Wildgoose !!!!! You nailed it!!!! We all love it! My Father, My Hero, My First Love.”
Incidentally, in addition to assisting her father in his business enterprises, Janure owns Hampton Academy in Freeport, whose “programs provide fun and educational activities in a safe and loving environment—a perfect combination in which your child will learn and grow,” according to the Academy’s website.
“Our students are exposed to a variety of hands-on and technology-based activities that are created to meet the age, grade and developmental needs of your children. They will develop spiritually, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and physically while their natural love of learning is nurtured by our supportive, qualified, and experienced ‘Learning Coaches.’ ”
Janure has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Management from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota. She continued her studies at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and earned a Master’s Degree in Varying Exceptionalities –Exceptional Student Education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology – Cognition and Instruction.
The Hampton Academy website adds: “Besides being well educated, Ms. Culmer is also a veteran teacher. She has worked with students of all ages (pre-kindergarten through post high school), disabilities and backgrounds. Ms. Culmer firmly believes that each student is unique in his/her own way; therefore, the way they learn will vary. It is her intention, via Hampton Academy, to tailor a learning environment that will cater to the needs of each student in order for them to reach their maximum potential.”
