Danny Williams making a difference
THE RECENTLY published biography of R. Danny Williams is appropriately titled ‘I Tried to Make a Difference’. Williams is the founder of Life of Jamaica (LOJ), the first Jamaican-owned life insurance company. He has contributed extensively in the fields of industry and commerce, disabilities empowerment, leadership training, corporate leadership, small business development, tourism, bauxite and alumina, aviation, sports, coffee farming and adult education.
This 227-page biography, which was written by Sandy McIntosh, omits some great feats by Williams, such as while he was president of LOJ, he gave permission for the establishment of a Toastmasters Club in that organisation, which, 30 years later, continues to facilitate the development of better public speakers and transformational leaders. It does not tell the story of the quality leadership he gave as chairman of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, thereby restoring the world body’s confidence in Jamaica’s anti-doping policies and procedures. As chairman, he elevated the contribution of directors and staff by example and quiet prodding of lesser mortals. It did not mention that five years ago, he was the guest preacher at the graduation ceremony for Boulevard Baptist Skills Training Programme, which offered 60 trainees a second chance in life and the opportunity to become chefs.
Williams has an important story to tell because he had seen Jamaica evolve “from colonialism to become a proud sovereign nation”. He said also, ‘I have seen our society move from electric tram cars to four-lane highways; from a single radio station option to cable television and a host of electronic and print media; from four, family ‘party lines’ to smart phones, and from our version of ‘snail mail’ to email and a wealth of social media options’.
SELFLESS SERVICE
What the book chronicles is a life of selfless service which was not politically partisan. Williams was seconded from the presidency of LOJ to the government as minister of industry and commerce in order to bridge the gap between the People’s National Party (PNP) Government and the private sector. He has engaged in fundraising for the PNP. He served the Jamaica Labour Party administration also, when requested. He answered the call of Prime Minister Bruce Golding (2007-11) to be the mediator between Sandals Whitehouse and Gorstew. He successfully brokered a deal. In addition, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga asked him to serve on the National Lottery Commission.
In the autumn of Williams’ life, he chaired the board of governors for his alma mater, Jamaica College (JC). He has raised millions of dollars for the school, which allowed JC to undertake programmes to improve performance in academics, as well as sports, and to complete much-needed infrastructural work and an improved entrance. However, his skills are now needed to settle the impasse between the school and its former principal and former Minister of Education Ruel Reid. Only Williams can help Reid to realise that if he is unfit to be a minister of education and senator, then it would be improper for him to be collecting a salary as principal of JC.
Jamaicans need to follow Williams’ footstep and make a difference. One such Jamaican is Tanesha Ashbourne, who will be ordained today as the first female Baptist minister for the Lucea circuit of Baptist churches in Hanover. In addition, the three other Baptist pastors who were recently ordained – Derrick Saddler (Stokes Hall), Travis Drummond (Annotto Bay) and Kirk Pinnock (Mandeville) – must use their spiritual gifts to make a significant difference where they are planted.
Danny Williams is a patriot, a philanthropist and people person. He has certainly made a difference. How are we doing? As Jamaicans, let us all, at this time, step up to the plate with our skills, talents, hands and hearts, and make a difference in this our beautiful island home.