Leave the door of opportunity open, says consultant

IT WAS the kind deed of a community man over 30 years ago that propelled Andrew McDonald to pen his first book, Shampatta, which was launched on Saturday.

The book tells the story of Thomas ‘Tom’ Grant, the main character, receiving an offer to travel as a farm worker to the United States, a journey which transformed his life and created a myriad of opportunities for his family.

McDonald, during the launch on the grounds of Devon House in St Andrew, said he is of the firm belief that the book is a tool which will provide an avenue for readers to recognise the importance of embracing integrity.

“When I was about 14 and attending Ferncourt (High School), I went home for the holidays and when the holiday was over, the pair of shoes that I was supposed to go back to school with was too small. My father suggested that I go and see one Mr Thomas, who was the ‘jack of all trade’ in my community. He stayed up all night with a gas lamp and put a new sole on my shoes and I went back to school in style. I vowed there and then that I would never forget Mr Thomas,” he told the gathering.

“It (the book) is centred more around the shoemaker and what he did. It was really a noble deed. The book exposes Jamaican culture, our cuisine, our places of interest and speaks to values of yesteryear,” he said.

THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

The hospitality consultant said that in addition to the other exciting elements of the book, he hopes that the central theme of gratitude will resonate with readers.

“It is important for you to get back to those values, to show love, to show compassion and just to develop a caring attitude,” he said. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to make it out of poverty, we should be role models and encourage others along a path of success. The book primarily closes with the whole idea that if you walk through the door of opportunity you should leave it open,” added McDonald.

It is important for you to get back to those values, to show love, to show compassion and just to develop a caring attitude