My childhood had some very scary moments. I failed the first of my two attempts to advance from primary to secondary school. Even now, decades later, I shudder to think what my life would have been like had I failed that final exam one year later.

As a young boy growing up in one of the most deprived sections of Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, my journey from entering Queen's Royal College onwards was amazingly successful. When I was nine, I said I wanted to be a diplomat, and for twenty years, I lived that dream. I travelled all over the world, meeting Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Royalty. Most soberingly, I visited Nelson Mandela's prison cell on Robben Island, off Cape Town, South Africa. And, in the briefest of moments, I eagerly embraced the infectious energy and resilience of the people of Haiti in that irresistible marketplace in downtown Port-au-Prince, despite the warnings of danger from our driver. I could not have planned all of that on my own. So, all thanks and praise to God for His grace, mercy, and abundant blessings.

Be fearless and courageous, young people. The entire world awaits you. If I can do it, then certainly so can you! Dreams do come true, and my life is the testimony. So dream big, young ones, and the blessings will flow.