MANIFESTATION - ABRACADABRA

In this segment, it is my intention to nourish your soul, motivate and empower you

on a weekly basis.

“We under pressure with the nation’s youth

And that is plain for all to see…

So where are the leaders today?

When the young ones looking for a role model…

Leaders, check yourself and fix it…

For role models for the nation’s youth, we need it

Ah pleading with parents

And this role model dilemma…

We under pressure with the nation’s youth.”

An excerpt from the calypso, “Role Models” from Janaya Clarke,

Junior Calypso Monarch 2026.

It is said in Psalms 8:2. “out of the mouth of babes” where God uses the innocent

and weak – like children to share profound truths and to silence His enemies. During

the Dimanche Gras Show last Sunday, I listened intently to the performance by 11

year old Janaya Clarke, the 2026 Junior Calypso Monarch and the words of her song

gnawed at my soul.

I am a firm believer in the power of role models and mentors as the exemplars for

the our nation’s youth, the future leaders of tomorrow. Here, Janaya is pleading for

help, by asking us as adults, leaders and parents to “fix” the problem. In this

regard, I am hoping to launch a series of podcasts in the coming weeks where

authentic leaders and proteges will be sharing their mentorship journeys and how

valuable mentor/mentee relationships are in transforming a person’s life. Viewers

will hear how mentors shape careers, influence character, give guidance, and

contribute to nation building.

Our first episode will feature Ms. Angela Lee Loy, Chairman Aegis Business

Solutions and Chairman of Eve Anderson Recruitment Services as well as many

other companies, who said

“ I am and I will tell people, I am the product of mentors, absolutely.

I worked with really great guys coming up in my career and everyone I stole

something from.”

The podcast will chart the authentic leadership development journey of 13 titans in

Caribbean industry mainly from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados. All of

the interviewees are at the top/helm of their field and are taking the time to mentor

young people as they understand the value of the mentorship that they received and

are now prepared to “give back”. They will be joined by their mentees who will also

share stories of what it is like to have these titans as mentors. Then, the leaders and

“ protégées will share “Tips and Takeaways” as young Janaya admits in her rendition

that the youth also have a role to play in addressing the dearth of mentorship in our

beloved country. After all is said and done, MENTORSHIP MATTERS!

Life is good!