Dear Editor,
Can the Port Manager explain this? CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
I want to congratulate Brandon Potter on completing his Master’s degree in Maritime Affairs with a specialization in Port Management. A man ought to have ambition.
However, I couldn’t read the article without pausing over what seem to be some of the most unfortunate incidents highlighted.
First, he faced difficulty being accepted into the Marine Cadet program in Jamaica—not because of his ability, but because of his dreadlocks. His hair! This young man clearly has great potential, yet he was nearly overlooked because of a hairstyle predominantly associated with Black people.
Such prejudice effectively excludes our own people from opportunities and is deeply disheartening. This situation should have sparked a wider discussion in the media.
Then, according to the article published on November 18 in Antigua Newsroom, he faced yet another challenge—this time, seemingly from his own. It claims that of the 130 students enrolled in the Master’s program, he was the only one who did not receive support from his home port.
The article further alleges that he was asked to resign in order to accept the scholarship. Ah wha really ah go so? Time and time again, we hear complaints about the lack of qualified Antiguans. Yet, when ambitious Antiguans push themselves forward and refuse to settle, why are they not fully supported?
Succession planning is critical, and with Antigua’s newly redeveloped port, it only makes sense to develop the human capital to meet the port’s needs as it strives to become a regional leader. The article also states that this promising young man returned home without a job, though the matter is reportedly being resolved.
Dear Prime Minister Gaston Browne, as more Antiguans don caps and gowns, we will increasingly see how much some individuals seem to revel in keeping others bound by ignorance. CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
When we’re repeatedly told that “no one else can do the job,” there are people like Brandon Potter with the qualifications and experience to prove otherwise. They must be given a chance. Mr. Prime Minister, you may need to drag some of these gatekeepers kicking and screaming out of their offices to make way for progress.
I am confident that this young man has a wealth of great ideas to push Antigua forward. Isn’t that what we all want? Or do we prefer to see our people flee the island, leaving behind leaders who may eventually prove subpar compared to their regional counterparts? If we’re serious about Antiguans advancing, we must create opportunities for them to showcase their knowledge—even if it exposes the shortcomings of those who have long been at the helm.
I’ve heard of Port Authority staff receiving educational opportunities in the past. While I’m not suggesting this applies here, some say people are content with you doing well—just not better than them.
Brandon Potter is clearly resilient, brilliant, and has a bright future ahead. Unfortunately, it seems that having such qualities drives insecurity in some of our own people. Sad to say, but envy and pettiness are still holding us back.
Signed,
Concerned.
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