Cadet Reshad Shepherd was happy to have the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister of Barbados. Here, he shakes Freundel Stuart’s hand while National Initiative for Service Excellence Chief Executive Officer, Kim Tudor and President of the Number 14 Cadets’ Mess, Ramon McKenzie, look on.
Bajans need to be more positive, says PM
7/3/2012
BARBADIANS are being urged by the Prime Minister to think of glasses as half full rather than half empty.
He made his opinion known that a large number of people are choosing not to be positive about aspects of their lives during the 5th annual Number 14 Company Cadets Mess Dinner, which was held under the theme ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ at the Garrison Secondary School.
“There is a tendency amongst too many of our people, to look on the dark side of things, rather than on the bright side of things. They have a tendency to count their curses, rather than to count their blessings”.
“There is so much that is positive that is happening around us but rather than focus on the good things that are happening for us, there is a tendency sometimes to focus only on the bad or not so pleasant things that are happening for us,” he said as he addressed the young cadets and specially invited guests seated before him.
He further warned the cadets to have the right people around them that the high ideals to which they subscribe, could have the necessary inspiration and reinforcement to help to shape a robust future for themselves.
Using a poignant quote from the popular book series Harry Potter which states that: “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”, Stuart opined that that should be their mantra in life.
“If you look across Barbados, the Caribbean or the entire world, there are many, many examples of people who were not lacking in ability…but they made the wrong choices and brought their own lives to ruin. Therefore a good education will ultimately be defined by your ability to make sensible choices,” he advised.
Stuart also encouraged the cadets to choose the right priorities, warning them not to make money their only priority as that way of thinking will “get them in trouble”. “Money will come. As long as you aim for the top, as long as you commit yourself…it will come”.
Speaking on the striving for excellence, he reminded them that it was up to them whether they will always seek their very best or if mediocrity is a standard that makes them feel comfortable.
“I want to suggest to you that there is always room at the top in any sphere of life and therefore, you can only make sense of your life if you only aim or the top in whatever it is that you do. Excellence is the only standard that should appeal to you,” he said, adding that their speech, dress and the company they keep are key areas that should be included in their pursuit.
Meanwhile, Garrison Secondary Principal Matthew Farley commended Stuart for his dedication to the youth by again accepting an invitation to the event for the third consecutive year. (EL)
