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| Dr O'Neil Ankle |
Recently I posted a blog about a politician who I taught at Papine Secondary School and who did not say to me that he went to the school nor that I taught him. I was so happy to hear that my past student was in the Senate. When I called him and asked him if he went to Papine Secondary School, it was clear that I had asked him a question which made him feel uncomfortable.
I was shocked at a few responses to the blog from persons who included persons with media experience. One commented that I was upset that this politician did not recognize me. That was putting a spin on things which is a skill perfected by politicians.
Those who know me, know that I am from Trelawny bush. My parents’ home has had many Prime ministers and political party officials visiting there. Political meetings were kept in front of our business place. Feliz Toyloy a member of Bustamante’s cabinet was our neighbour. Former Leader of the Opposition Peter Phillip’s aunt was my neighbour, and the list goes on.
I have not been blessed with wealth, but my siblings and I have been rubbing shoulders with high-profile leaders for years. Even now my schoolmates are in leadership positions in governments in Jamaica and in other Caribbean countries. I have dined with The Duke of Edinburgh in Barbados, interacted with his children and I have performed and have been friends with a few international stars. I have even taught persons like Sista Nancy and trained persons like Kevin Downswell and Glacia Robinson. My family is a mixture - some poor, some rich and some very famous. Now that mi show off, you will understand that is just the tip of the iceberg. Let me move on.
I just mentioned that post to tell my detractors that the point in the story about the senator, was the fact that the senator did want to admit that he went to a new secondary school. He also lied to me. It was not about Vernon Derby wanting to be recognized by a classless former senator. There are other things about the former senator that I am concerned about, and which have been reported publicly, but I will leave that alone. This country Jamaica can do without a leader like that. The article was written because the former senator had recently been given a political appointment and he could end up being an MP or the Prime Minister in the future!!!
I refer to this story of the deceptive senator, because yesterday, Dr. O’neil Ankle was a guest on my show SpotOn With Vernon Derby. He was invited to be on the show because I was touched by his stance on discipline and order at Jonathan Grant High School in St. Catherine where he is the principal.
It was a great conversation with him, and I was very impressed that we still have principals like him who will stand up for what is right. He is the principal who declared that no student would enter his campus with bags labelled DUNCE!
Coming close to the end of the programme, Dr O’neil Ankle said to me that I have had an impact on his life. That threw me off because I could not see where he was going with that point. I was quite surprised, and I asked, “Why Sir?”
Dr O’neil Ankle the principal of Jonathan Grant High School in St. Catherine said to me on air, “You taught me at Papine Secondary School”.
My producer, Pastor Bowen then advised me that she went to Jonathan Grant High School. The lesson learnt was, to be proud of where you are coming from and be thankful to those who helped you on your way. I would certainly prefer to see Dr Ankle be my Prime Minister rather than that politician who has forgotten where he is coming from. God bless Dr O’niel Ankle my past student, not because he remembered me, but because he recognizes where he is coming from.
Editor's Note:
This is a tribute to all the students who came into my life at Papine Secondary School. Be thankful for what you have done in life and never forget where you are coming from. You all made a difference in my life. I probably learnt more from you than I taught you. Many of you went through hell to survive when the political climate got hot in the 1980s. I should also mention the students who attended Lowe River Primary, St. Hughs High School and those who also came into my life at HEART/NSTA.Trust.
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Very important Vernon Derrby. We must never forget or be ashamed of our humble beginnings. It says a lot about your character. Thanks for calling him out the politician who wants to go undercover about his schooling. A lot of these persons hwo did not go to the traditional high schools have that tendency. They are ashamed to say they didnt go to KC,JC or Calabar.
ReplyDeleteProfound,some even lie about the institution they attended. I remember in a meeting a young man bragged about going to the school on Red Hills Road....I asked some questions and he was totally lost........when I asked him about Keith Noel ...he couldn't answer.....immediately if he attended that school he would have known
ReplyDeleteSuper proud I attended Calabar Primary and Camperdown High
Keith Noel was my friend. I met him while he was at UWI.
DeleteSo true neaver forget where you r coming from & who helped you along the way👹
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sir I always tell my children that if u don't have a pass u don't have a future .
ReplyDeleteWell said- I wish you could occasionally start or finish your excellent show with that song by 'lord kitchner' ......REMEMBER WHEN YOU COULDN'T EVEN WALK....etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is Politically stupid to try
The station only mlplays religious music.
DeleteJust one word, "deceitful"
ReplyDeleteI am very disappointed that there are principals who send students away for what's written on their bag!!! It's their job to ensure that they will get the correct education based on the philosophy of betterment of a nation. Yes, during devotion the principal should then speak about the danger of being blinded by hype! I am a teacher for over 50 years by heart and passion!
ReplyDeleteMr. Derby, while I ended up at Cornwall College in the early 1960s, my beginning was one of milking cows, milking goats, fetching water and carrying it in kerosene tin on my head, then running bare footed to school approximately 2 miles from home. Today I’m an attorney at law admitted to practice law in 2 states in the US and before several states and federal courts. I have even graded the bar exams in one state. Throughout all this journey, I have never forgotten the ones in Woodlands who were not as fortunate as me. In fact, my philanthropy extends beyond Woodlands to Cornwall College and even the University of the West Indies even though my undergraduate degree is from Fordham University and my law degree is from the University of Maryland. The moral of this story: be proud of your humble beginnings, celebrate your successes, help the less fortunate as you ascend the ladder of success. Remember, even though you may strive for success, success is not guaranteed and you may need a helping hand down the ladder from those you helped while you were ascending the ladder.
ReplyDeleteYes I recognise this person. I have never met you and not only have you supported my programme but though my programme you assisted four UWI students to continue with their course of study at the UWI. I am aware that you have done far more and although you don't say much about it many persons know. Thanks my brother. D Continue to do good, and good will follow you.
DeleteYou see society cause this hype about the school a person went to and it's even more now than back then, a lot of people are literally shame to say they didn't attend KC Callabar ect
ReplyDeletePart of our problem with our education system is that it teaches the rudiments of the 3 Rs but certain values are absent from the curriculum. I have been saying it all along. To change Jamaica, we have to resocialize our people.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct.
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