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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This story is a bitter sweet story. I am so proud of this young man. It’s so sad bc we know that the Port leaders will victimize this young man for sharing his story. Young man take ur talents else where others will appreciate it and u will also be compensated better. Congratulations Sir
When will you people understand Antigua for Antiguans is just a cliche check out the big positions in this country and see who are in control. There is a man a the Port who came here to train locals more than a decade after he cannot find anybody trainable
The reason why, the story regarding Brandon Potter and a part, of his legacy did not get the attention from a wider audience(comments), it’s not salacious enough, it’s not gangsterism, thuggish lifestyle, the habits which are getting the attention of the Nation!
To the author [your choice, but standing up, as a warrior and champion for true and real freedom, we have to put flesh(a name), to the skeleton (pseudonym/moniker), that we use, as we go forward for equality, as in equal rights and justice], besides that, reading your thoughts, as James Luke says, it’s “bitter sweet;” but #bitter_sweet is good. Its taste brings a euphoria to the senses.
There are some, that’ll say, you’re beating a dead horse, the horse has already bolted from the stables, they don’t have a horse in this race, and in the development of the Nation’s HUEman capacity, the cart is always before the horse. Which ever term used, there still is a disconnect amongst the locals/indigenous people(I use this term lightly, because the History of the Nation through to its Independence is a patchwork quilt of many HUE’s of humanity and their cultures).
However, if we’re speaking of the majority which have left a legacy of struggles, hard works and perseverances, then the disconnect amongst this sector of Our present culture is our stumbling block and if we’re not careful, the downfall of what was as room is being made for what is here and the possibility, of what is to come.
CONGRATULATIONS to Brandon Potter and I’m sure, the strength and tenacity which has brought him this far will propel him into positive directions doing and achieving positive things.
Ras Smood aka Jumbee_Picknwe
De’Ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
” HE STAYS UNTIL RETIREMENT” THAT IS WHAT THE PIME MINISTER SAID ABOUT THE HEAD OF CUSTOMS….EVEN THOUGHT FAILING TO DELIVER ON HIS CONTRACTUAL MANDATE TO INDENTIFY A SUCCESSOR WITHIN THREE YEARS OF HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE TOP POST.
I HAVE SAID ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION….” BEWARE OF FOREIGN CONSULTANTS WHO COME UNDER THE FALSE PRETENSE OF OFFERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WHEN WHAT THEY ARE ACTUALLY SEEKING IS A PERMENENT JOB AND A PASSPORT” TIME AND TIME AGAIN HISTORY HAVE PROVEN ME RIGHT.
CUSTOMS….ANTIGUA PORT…ABS….THEY ALL STAY UNTIL RETIREMENT
Nothing to explain. The current Port Manager is arrogant, pompous and very powerful. He wants no one there who can show that he is a one eyed man in a blind man country. And the Chair and Board of the Port are all incompetent. Mr. Potter had better seek employment in another country as he will not find a place at Deep Water Harbour. The PM talks about young, qualified Antiguans taking over but he is selective in his thinking. Even if, young Potter gets a job at the Port, he will be frustrated and marginalized, until he has to leave for his own sanity. He has more qualifications than the current Dominican Port Manager and should take over. Send Telemaque back to Goodwill.
I agree with the writer of this. Antigua needs to embrace its own and give them a chance to take up leadership roles, where young people lack experience give them a chance to train under the more experienced ones so that a succession plan can be put in place. Why is a Dominican at the helm of our port for so long? In other countries these jobs are reserved for nationals as the control of any port is critical to maintaining national security. Mr PM please look into this, you are a progressive man, do not allow any non-national to hold us back, I love my regional brothers and sisters but this situation is mind boggling. Which Antiguan could be gate keeping in Dominica against Dominicans??? This situation does not make any sense. Give Antiguans like this young man a chance.
He ain’t going nowhere in Antigua, land of prejudice towards their own and welcoming arms to Chinese, Syrians, English and anyone who has money to hand under the table.
Dreads/ Rasta and black are not synonymous.
A requirement for appearance may look petty and archaic to some but they are in place for many reasons. If you do not want to comply with a school’s requirements, choose somewhere else. I see many places relaxing requirements while some are lengthening theirs. When someone builds anything it is their right to set standards that are in line with their values. It is equally the right of potential customers and employees to choose them or not.
When one individual’s rights to express themselves freely are elevated above another’s… we will end up just like America, Canada and other western countries. They are fighting for safety and common sense now because rules were relaxed to be ‘more inclusive’. Now little girls are being murdered and worst because of this foolishness that starts out small then grows into a dumpster fire.
The way you are sure of someone’s ability to overcome challenges is for there to be challenges in the first place. Removing standards and letting things run as a free for all creates weak, entitled and lazy humans who lack common sense.
The young man did not let boundaries keep him from trying again which is why you can be sure of his resilience.
LEAVE STANDARDS ALONE!
OBSTACLES EXPOSE THE WEAK AND MOTIVATE THE STRONG.
FREEDOM allows individual choices.
LEARN FROM AMERICA’S MISTAKES!
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