For You, Father!
He teaches his son to be a man and his daughter what to expect of one; he’s provider, protector and friend. Today, Father’s Day, SO, celebrates Dad.
The Watsons: A Tradition of Art
As a family, the Watsons boast the unique honour of producing three generations of world-class artists. Internationally recognised painter Barrington Watson is one of Jamaica’s foremost names in art; his two sons, Basil and Raymond, are also internationally acclaimed artists, with Basil being conferred the Order of Jamaica in 2005 for his outstanding contribution to the arts. Kai, Basil’s son, has already garnered acclaim for his own works. Each of these men has distinct stories to tell about the role their father has played in the development of their careers, and, by extension, their lives.
Barrington’s own father, Vivian Francis Watson, wanted him to become a lawyer — like Norman Manley. Nevertheless, his father did inspire him, albeit indirectly. “My father would have been the motivating factor why I didn’t entertain the idea of failing.” Ironically, his sons Basil and Raymond tried to eschew art as a profession. Basil entertained ideas of being a sailor; Raymond thought about going into business and Kai wanted to avoid the discipline altogether. But, for the three of them, the artistic yearning was simply too strong. Conquering the art world, though, was no easy feat, not even with the backing of the Watson name. It took hard work.
But Kai, the youngest of the Watsons, has benefited from all his father figures. He learnt from his grandfather that making great art is a process — a difficult one, at times painfully so. At times, he says, he is his greatest critic. But he’s also learned the value of perspective from his own dad, saying, “My father would stress to me you have to step back sometimes and see where you are as an artist, how you compare to your peers. And sometimes when I step back, I see that I’m not falling short.”
Legal Affair: Carlton & Marc Williams
Marc Williams was never pressured to become a lawyer like his father, or a doctor like his mother, but the importance of education was always emphasised. The Williams College graduate studied Economics and Finance, and began his professional career doing investment banking.
The decision to go to law school was one he made on his own — “I always had an interest in law… but more so, how to apply law to business.”
After stints in New York with Citi Smith Barney, and in Washington DC at boutique investment bank Lydian, he decided to spread his wings and head to London where he would study law.
Marc believes that two of the most important things a business owner should have is good investment advice and a good lawyer, so it was a powerful combination for him to have a background in finance as well as in law. That combination, he felt, would open doors for more opportunities, so from there he returned to Jamaica to work alongside his father at his firm, Williams, McKoy and Palmer.
Carlton Williams has been at the bar for over 30 years, and Marc hopes to learn much from him as well as his partners. The young lawyer, who only recently returned to Jamaica, intends to have a practice in civil and corporate litigation, and while he’s at it, see where he can benefit the company, and help them to move forward.
“One thing I have learned from my father is that my word is my bond and honesty and integrity are the most important tools in the practice.”
Dr’s Orders: The Lawsons
Dr Lawson Douglas is arguably the Caribbean’s foremost name in clinical urology. Highly decorated (including receiving the Order of Jamaica in 1996), Dr Douglas forged ahead in the field of urology when, technically, one did not exist in Jamaica. Lawson was inspired by his own father, Dr Ernest G Douglas, who was a general practitioner.
“In those days general practitioners sometimes ended up doing surgery. I saw my father excise a large lump from someone, then cover the wound over with some skin; from that moment, I decided I wanted to be a doctor, too.” The Caribbean region owes a debt of gratitude to Dr Lawson for making that decision. In the 1970s and into 1980s “when hardly anyone specialised in urology”, the eminent doctor had to travel the region extensively, lending his expertise to patients in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, Haiti and Antigua, among others. Now he is pleased to say many of these regions have a number of specialised urologists.
His pioneering work came at a price, though. He admits that time he could spend with his children — Christopher, David and Jamie — had to be sacrificed due to his extensive travelling. But his children have benefited tremendously from witnessing their father’s work ethic first-hand. His eldest, Christopher, is a retired pilot. David, 41, is co-founder of the architectural firm ‘cornerstone.design ltd’. And Jamie, 38, is the owner of a small business. “My father,” says David, speaking on behalf of his brother, “taught me that hard work and perseverance are the keys to success. But by far, the greatest lesson I have learned from him is simply to show respect, kindness and generosity to others, regardless of who they may be.”
Nautical by Nature: Anthony & Jody DuCasse
Anthony DuCasse is a charmer, and as you enter through the door of Durae’s Boat Sales and Marine Supplies, you instantly feel as if you’re being reacquainted with an old friend.
For some 40 years Anthony has been at the helm of the business, formed by himself and friend Babes Rae. Today, Durae’s almost single-handedly supplies Kingston’s nautical society with parts and other necessary luxuries for their sea-going vessels. What began as a hobby became a successful business and a full-time job.
For as long as his son Jody can remember, he’s been on a boat, acquiring his ‘sea legs’ from an early age; all the while learning the ins and outs of what it takes to keep a boat running. Jody practically grew up in the shop, and after completing his schooling he decided to join his father in the business, because he states, “I admire his business ethic and principles, and wanted to learn from him.”
Today the two have created a team, and along with Anthony’s daughter (Jody’s sister) Holly and their dedicated staff, all share the same goal — to maintain the excellence and customer confidence that Durae’s has come to be known for.
Like his father, Jody is very personable, but they both agree that there have been some challenging times. Says Anthony, “I try to get my son to understand that customer satisfaction is the biggest value, not necessarily the stock.”
So when asked what he has learnt from his father, Jody responds, “Well, he has taught me that the importance is always on the customer not the business, and without customers there is no business.”
The Russells: Holding Court with Dad
Richard Russell has racked up a number of distinctions throughout his career as a tennis professional. He was a national champion at 16, was a part of the Davis Cup team in the 60s and even qualified for Wimbledon in 1966. Among his greatest achievement — shaping his two sons — Ryan (right) and Rayne into tennis champions.
The elder, Ryan, a former national champion, and speaking for his brother, says: I can’t remember how I got started in tennis; my father put a racquet in my hand before I could walk. In hindsight, though, I’m extremely grateful I pursued this career; he is a source of great support on and off the court.”
Hasini and Nicole Bryan share ‘candid’ thoughts on their Dad Calvin Bryan
My sister Nicole and I are the third generation of Bryans to operate our family-owned company, Bryan’s Photo Studios. Nicole now handles the administrative elements of the business, while I deal with the technical. Growing up I always knew that I would one day be a photographer, and so after school each day I’d take pleasure in helping Dad.
It was there I became something like an apprentice, watching him closely and learning all I could. From him, I learnt that with this profession, I must take time to study people’s personality with an aim to get the best results, that is, to bring out the true person in photographs.
I learnt, too, that in order for a generations-old company to do well it must evolve, but never lose the primary focus — its customers.
Dad always says: “I am not your boss, the customer is.” They are the ones with the power to keep us open and shut us down, so he has impressed upon both Nicole and myself that service, going above and beyond, must come first.
Arnella (left) and Alexisse Chin on their dad Xavier Chin
As a father of two girls, our dad Xavier Chin has always taught us the power of a woman.
He has always emphasised the significance of being independent, never among the shadows and that we never look to be defined through the name of another, but by what we make of ourselves. He tells us that along with the power of a voice we have the ability to become whatever we want, but it’s in the power of our hands to fulfil this opportunity and to shine through our inner beauty rather than placing all our emphasis on outward beauty.
Having said this, we have learnt that it is truly what is inside that counts and that is what defines who we are and who we will become.
“The only other man that is ever going to love you nearly as much as me will be your son,” our dad always says.
Our father further emphasised that we must never rely on anyone but ourselves, as we are women destined for greatness. Despite the fact that our father tends to treat us like princesses, he still impressed upon us necessary survival skills. We have learnt how to make the most of ourselves bearing in mind that nothing in this life comes easy. Our father is the foundation of our entire family, the rock and rope that binds us together. He helps us grow; having him as a father is the reason we are destined for greatness.
Mark Croskery on his father Hugh
Dad emanates generosity, kindness and is a person everyone loves. He constantly reminds me of the importance of having a “smile” on one’s face and of being positive. He has taught me how to be fair to all and to be a calm but, if necessary, a stern person.
Hughie, as I have funnily grown to call him, (just like everyone else) is like a brother to me at times, moreso than a dad and I have always been grateful for his unqiue wisdom and experiences, you can’t beat a sit-down with Hughie.
Pershard Williams and daughter Britney Williams
My dad fell in love with flying as a teen, and so did I. My dad has always been hardworking and always wanted for us to chase our dreams. With him being such an amazing role model he made me believe that; because, no matter what life threw at him, he still pursued his dream. After seeing him become a pilot, it made me believe I could do it too. So with lots of motivation and hard work, I did it. I don’t know what I would do without such an amazing dad; I got my licence in January of this year. Like father, like daughter — following in his footsteps was the smartest move I have ever made. I love him very much.
Matthew Lyn on his grandfather (retired) Captain Mike Lyn
Grandpa’s cool ’cause he sticks by me no matter how much I make his blood pressure spike. He says to me all the time (and Grandpa tends to say things three times for emphasis!), “Matts, man, just because you think it’s a good idea, doesn’t mean it is,” and this is because I’m impulsive. So now I don’t get into as much trouble because I’m controlling my impulsive behaviour and doing as Gramps says: “Under-promise and overachieve.”
Annabella Lyn on her grandfather retired Captain Mike Lyn
Toothpaste really tastes yucky but Grandpa bought me an electric toothbrush and said, “Anna-Boo, if you want to get the boys, brush your teeth properly or they’ll turn yellow and drop out.”
He also told me if I don’t dry my hair properly and brush it 100 times, I’ll “catch cold” (Daddy had to explain that) and my hair won’t shine. And he doesn’t want me to be only pretty, he takes me up with my homework and says, “Sit still, sit still, sit still, and pay attention Anna B!” which I do — most times.
Joseph Mahfood lauds his father William
I am extremely grateful to have the father I do, not only because of all that he has taught me but also because of the person he is. My father is a man worth emulating, for his modesty, kindness and all-round pure character. Though a very successful businessman, my father knew what it meant to leave work when need be to watch me play my football games.
He always put us, his children, first and that is what makes him an extraordinary father, one that I love and thank for everything. Dad, my hero, may God continue to guide and bless you always.
Jamie Mahfood loves her Daddy William
Who I have grown up to be is largely because of my father. He has continuously taught me to be unspoiled in my ways and infinitely gracious. On my 16th birthday, a few years ago, he wrote, “Always give unconditionally and be forever kind to people. It will get you far in life.”
A lesson not forgotten. This advice has not only gotten me far in life, but it deeply reflects the type of person he is. Never has he failed to be the person who teaches my siblings and me to become our best. I profoundly love him and everything he has done for our family, and wish him the most blessed Father’s Day, keeping in mind that we appreciate him more and more every single day of each passing year.
Mary Mahfood loves her father William Mahfood because…
My father has taught me to be the person I am today. Filled with faith, love and humility, he taught me to strive for greatness and to never give up. My father has not only taught me things, but he has stood by me through joy, laughter and sadness, which will never be forgotten. I love my father, my friend and my teacher, William Mahfood.
Mia Mahfood loves her Daddy William too…
My dad teaches me to show love and kindness to other people and my family. He is entertaining and makes me laugh all the time. I love my daddy.
Jeffrey Moss-Solomon’s dad Jimmy is the music of his heart
My father has taught me many things…
My father has taught me the value of a hard day’s work and the importance of integrity. My father has taught me to listen and hear music, and helped me to discover the life-changing power of music. My father has taught me that a little personality goes a long way and no matter how much knowledge you possess, it is of no use without ‘people’ skills. My father has taught me to strive for excellence in all things. Above all…my father has taught me a lot of really good jokes.
Dr Michael Fitz-Henley and daughter Mindi Fitz-Henley
I’ve always known I wanted to be a doctor like my father. His compassionate approach to patient care by providing a shoulder for people, some of whom are experiencing debilitating diseases, has always been an inspiration to me. I have seen how he humbly accepts praise for his work, and I can only aspire to be like him. I have a lot to live up to with all the academic prizes he’s received, but through God, and by emulating his professional behaviour, I hope to impact my patients’ lives as he has been doing. What inspires me the most is how he always makes time for family, regardless of his busy schedule. It is also great to see the joy he still has for his profession, 31 years later. That impresses upon me the importance of loving what you do.
Dr Errol A Daley, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gynae Associates, and son Dr Daryl A Daley
My father is my role model. I feel very proud to have him as a dad and to follow in his footsteps.
David and Stephen Shirley on their father St Clair O Shirley
Seventy-five years and still going strong, our father has been a provider, mentor and friend. He has always put the needs of his family first, making sure that his children had the best of opportunities. The most valuable lessons learnt from our dad are: aspiring to be rebuttable, ensuring that you become persons of credibility and honouring our commitments to family and business.
The principles of honesty, integrity and discipline are the keys to success in business and life. Our dad exemplifies these qualities and his use of these principles has motivated us to follow suit.
Balance. Our Dad knows how to work hard and still find time to enjoy life.
Whether it’s climbing up to his coffee farms in the Blue Mountains or a game of tennis at the local club, he finds a way to balance his time, ensuring that we all get a piece of this great father.
We admire you greatly — your sons, David A Shirley and Stephen O Shirley.
Annette Francis Barnett: lessons from my father
I have never had to look further than my own home for HEROES. My father Rudolph Francis, attorney-at-law in private practice, often told us the story of his youth and from his story, you understood the words ‘ambition’ and ‘determination’. He always said, “Nobody is giving you anything in life; you must work hard.” He has been an inspiration for me and has driven my successes in life. Growing up, Mum was in charge of us for the most part, but all major decisions were referred to Dad for consideration and pronouncement of the final family position on any matter. Dad and I are friends and colleagues in the law and share an awesome bond.
Marc Harrison & Monique Harrison-Beckford share on their dad, Justice Karl Harrison
Dad has always been a major inspiration for the both of us.
From a professional perspective, Dad has consistently displayed a work ethic and drive that as practising attorneys, we are consistently trying to emulate. We are forever very aware of his immense contribution to the local jurisprudence and we strive to conduct our family firm — Harrison & Harrison — in a manner that would be fitting as children of Justice Karl Harrison.
Dad’s unfettered kindness, support and unending love that he has displayed to us as children, and now as adults, can never be questioned, and as a result we now have similar traits that we demonstrate to our children.
Dad’s sense of humour is also something that must be truly acknowledged. It is always a joy to be around Dad in a social setting and hear his stories (some of which we can both recite word for word). It is a constant reminder that we need to learn to “let go” and enjoy one of life’s greatest gifts — family.
Anil Sud and his son Pascal
Growing up I had the chance to have one of Jamaica’s most driven and hard-working chefs and hotel managers as a father. This exposed me to the world of fine foods and wines from a very young age. As a teenager, I would come home to Runaway Bay on the weekends and spend my time either helping around at Passage to India or Coconuts, or you could find me at the hotel, indulging in all types of new and interesting foods cooked by some of the best chefs in Jamaica. All of this helped transform me into the foodie that I am today.
Anya (left), Nicole (second left) and Rachel McLaren on their father Louis McLaren
Rachel: My father has taught me how to concentrate, be disciplined and focused; how to be confident and not shy. And I intend to pass the same lesson on to my children.
Anya: Daddy has taught me never to sweat the small stuff; always express appreciation for the people whose paths you cross. He has also impressed upon me the importance of having integrity.
Nicole: My father has made me into a person who never settles for mediocrity… ‘good enough’ just never satisfied him. He wanted us to be excellent at whatever we did, and we in turn wanted to, because earning commendation would be the ultimate prize. He’s not easily impressed so that forced me to yearn for the very best and work hard for everything!
Aswad Morgan on his dad Kenneth
My father, Kenneth Morgan, has been an example for me on all levels.
As the head of our family-owned enterprise, Morgans Group of companies, where I serve as director of marketing, Dad has taught me many valuable lessons, not the least of which is “integrity and maintaining a solid reputation within the business community go a far way”.
Being an honest, hard-working individual is oftentimes the best reward. He has outlined, as well, that with hard work, the ‘Big P’ should never be far behind. The ‘Big P’ for him is profit, as he has firmly impressed upon me that the goal of any business is to make money.
Dad has also taught me to be a family man, and has always pushed the importance of staying together. Family is important to us, and being a man who provides for his family even more so.
I continue to live by Dad’s motto: “Do good regardless, and in turn good will happen to you”.
Daniel Gordon on his father Michael Gordon, Jamaica Observer Senior Photo Editor
My father has taught me how to be a better person. He has taught me to be disciplined and respectful; he shows and teaches me how to cook and helps me understand life’s lessons. He takes me to visit his friends and from that I am able to learn a lot about what it means to be a young man. My father also helps me with my homework and is always there for me.
Craig ‘Leftside’ Parks takes ‘notes’ from dad Lloyd
Growing up I saw my father as the leader of Lloyd Parks and We the People band, and that made me want to follow in his footsteps. He has proven helpful in my own musical journey.
Not only has he equipped me with the knowledge to play instruments, but to discern those who mean me good or evil.
I can count on his advice, a lot of which still helps me today. I’m sure he’d prefer I sing what he’d want to hear (laughs), but he’s totally supportive as he understands that music, like life, constantly changes. He hears my material and is proud of it, too. Parental support is absolutely important to any child, and from him I’ve learnt to always be there for my son Jhelani.
Lisa (left) and Gail Whiteman on their father, Burchell Whiteman
Family is important. Daddy has always made us feel like we are the most important thing on his agenda — and he has had some pretty full agendas! He has always been available to talk, to help with homework or to drop us at a friend’s house for a visit. Even today, we still call on Daddy to help us manage our current agendas. He has shown us what a great father and husband should and can be!
Set high standards. We learned this by instruction as well as by watching his example. Our father has always had high standards, especially ethical standards, and he doesn’t compromise these principles; he doesn’t expect his family to, either. He does the right thing and is a man of his word. He does the best job he can possibly do, no matter how large or small the task and he always let us know that putting our best effort into something was his primary requirement of us.
Patience. Okay, we haven’t fully learned that lesson yet, but we definitely have a good example to follow. Daddy is usually cool as a cucumber and has proven to all that it is the most efficient way to get things done.
Be gentle. Our father has been a great example of this in our lives. He never raised a hand to us as children and rarely, if ever, raised his voice to us, yet he has always been able to get us to do what he wanted. He has shown the same gentle nature to friends, employees and colleagues without exception.
Faith can conquer all. This is another one we are still working on. Getting to his level of faith may take a lifetime but he has definitely shown that strong faith can make the stresses of this world seem inconsequential.
Find the good in others. Daddy rarely has a bad word to say about anyone or anything, any criticism he might have is a constructive one to help the person or situation improve.
Loving kindness is essential. While not being an overly mushy kind of guy, Daddy definitely demonstrates love by his words and actions, we have always felt very special and loved by him.
These simple life lessons from our father have helped to shape us as people and we hope to pass them on to our children… maybe you can tell that we absolutely adore him!
Brett (left) and Jordan Wong on their Dad Ian ‘Juicy’ Wong
Our father has taught us to be honourable… work hard so we can play hard. Being a good husband, a proper host and treating all with respect are things we have learnt from our dad.
In terms of running Coldfield Manufacturers, he has taught us to keep sales going, no matter what the situation. People think that because big companies have a large asset base they are indestructible.
Also, he has taught us to always work out the details, no matter how big the plan. “Small things,” he says, “are the difference between success and failure.”
Most big ideas hinge on a lot of smaller things being done right. They are the cogs in the overall machine; try driving a Ferrari without a spark plug wire. Going nowhere…
Treat everyone you meet with respect, no matter their situation in life, they could become your best business partner or your best worker.
In our travels, it has always amazed us how many people remember and respect our father. Mutual respect develops trust and an ability to get your team’s and the company’s goals in sync.
Learn from all the people who work for you. People believe that because they are the manager they know everything. The people who are doing the job every day know why there are inefficiencies, but have not been empowered to change it. Their insight could immediately solve a problem. If you can combine efforts, the solutions will be highly effective and, better yet, accepted by those workers who helped put it together.
It’s a cliché but to make money you have to take risks and learn from your mistakes. Our dad has been in numerous business ventures — large, small, defunct and very successful. Every experience has a lesson and, thus, never a complete loss. If those lessons are lost on you, then maybe you should be doing something else.