Kevin Greenidge: Continuing the legacy of success

Remarks by Dr Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, at the Alleyne School Speech Day, Bridgetown, 6 April 2023.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Good day everyone!

It's an honour to stand before you on this momentous occasion. As I look out at all the smiling faces, I am filled with a sense of pride and admiration for all of you. You have worked tirelessly to be winners today and you should be proud of your accomplishments.

Today, I want to talk to you about "Continuing the Legacy of Success." As alumni of this great institution, we have a responsibility to uphold the high standards of excellence that have been set for us. We are the product of the hard work and dedication of those who came before us, and it's now our turn to carry on their legacy.

Over the years, our school has been the breeding ground of exceptional individuals who have gone on to achieve great things in various fields, including in academics, athletics, arts, and in community service, just to name a few. These icons include:

• Dr. The Honourable Corey Forde, Head of Isolation Centre and Infection Control Specialist, present today
• Dr. Velma Scantlebury, GCM, first black female transplant surgeon
• Kathy Harper-Hall, Programme Director at Sport for Life Barbados Inc. Sport for Life
• Philip Antoine, national mixologist

and

• Reverend Harcourt Blackett

This legacy is not just a mere accolade, but it is a responsibility that you carry with you wherever you go.

But what does it mean to continue the legacy of success? Success is not simply about achieving your goals, but also about leaving a positive impact on the world around you. It's about making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to society in a meaningful way. The legacy of success that we have inherited is not just a list of achievements, but also a set of values and principles that we should strive to uphold.

Valuing Hard Work

One of the most important values that this school has instilled in us is the importance of hard work. Nothing in life comes easy, and it's through hard work and dedication that we can achieve our goals. As former US President Theodore Roosevelt said, "Nothing worth having comes easy." Success is not handed to us on a silver platter. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to put in the effort. Even the good book has given us this charge saying, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward". So, always remember that success is not just about achieving your goals, but also about the effort you put in to achieve them. To stay true to this value, it's essential to set clear goals and a plan to achieve them. Find ways to motivate yourself, whether it's through rewards, accountability, or positive self-talk. Remember that setbacks and failures are opportunities to learn and grow, so don't give up when things get tough. Keep pushing yourself and giving your best effort.

But how can we stay motivated and committed to hard work when life gets challenging? One way is to stay focused on our why. Why do we want to achieve our goals, and how will they contribute to our personal growth and the betterment of our community? By keeping our purpose in mind, we can overcome obstacles and stay motivated even when things get tough.

Showing Integrity

Another value that we should strive to uphold is the importance of integrity. As former US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor once said, "Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy." To stay true to this value, it's essential to be honest with yourself and others. Be transparent in your actions and decisions, and don't compromise your values for personal gain. Treat others with respect, even when you disagree with them, and be willing to admit your mistakes and take responsibility for your actions.

Integrity is not just about doing the right thing when people are watching, but it's also about doing the right thing when no one is watching. This can be challenging, especially when there are temptations to cut corners or take shortcuts. But by staying committed to our values and principles, we can build trust and respect with others and live a life of integrity. As the Bible says, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."

Practising Compassion

Compassion is another value that this school has instilled in us. As Mother Teresa said, "Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love." Compassion means showing kindness and empathy to those around us, especially to those who are less fortunate. It means using our skills and talents to make a positive difference in the world. To stay true to this value, it's essential to practice empathy and understanding. Try to put yourself in other people's shoes and consider their perspectives. Volunteer your time and resources to help those in need, and be a positive influence on those around you. Remember that small acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone's life.

How can we practise compassion in our daily lives? One way is to cultivate a growth mindset. Instead of judging others or labelling them, try to see them as individuals with unique experiences and challenges. By approaching others with an open mind and heart, we can build empathy and understanding and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Building Community

Lastly, this school has taught us the value of community. Former South African President Nelson Mandela said, "No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

Building community means reaching out to those around us, regardless of their background or beliefs. It means finding common ground and working towards a common goal. To stay true to this value, it's essential to stay connected with others and build strong relationships. Find ways to support and encourage your peers, whether it's offering help, attending events, or simply being present. Join clubs or organisations that align with your interests and passions, and get involved in community service projects that make a difference in the lives of others.

Building community also means being open to diverse perspectives and ideas. Don't be afraid to engage in civil discourse with those who hold different views than your own. Seek to understand their perspectives and find common ground where you can. By building bridges and connections with those around us, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

So, how can we stay connected to our community and build strong relationships? One way is to be present and engaged. Attend events and activities, and participate in group discussions or projects. Listen actively and ask questions, and be willing to share your own experiences and perspectives.

Another way to build community is to be vulnerable and authentic. Don't be afraid to share your struggles and challenges with others, as it can help build trust and empathy. Be willing to support and encourage others in their own journeys, and be open to feedback and constructive criticism.

In closing, I want to congratulate each of you. You have worked hard and you should be proud of your accomplishments. As you prepare to move on to the next stage of your life, whether it is promotion to a higher class or whether you left this institution to move to the next phase of your lives and are back here today to collect your prizes, let's remember the values and principles that have been instilled in us. Let's continue the legacy of success by staying committed to hard work, integrity, compassion, and community.

Remember, you are capable of achieving great things!

Thank you, and best of luck on your future endeavours.