Odette's Unsung Hero: Kevin Thompson-Delancy, a 29 year survivor of HIV/AIDS, who came out with his life story about contracting HIV/AIDS and his struggles living with the disease and the willingness to be an activist for the youth of the nation to help the prevention of this dreaded disease
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TheBahamasWeekly.com
has once again selected Bahamians to canvas their opinions on
highlights of The Bahamas over the year 2013, as well as ask about the
direction of the country. Their comments will be shared over the coming
weeks.
Through this exchange we hope to also highlight Bahamians in our community, and share their personal triumphs,
that may or may not have made the news.
Here is the opinion of Odette B. Knowles, Chairman, Red Rose Ball Committee / (Teen Pep) Teen Prevention Education Program:
1) What event do you feel was the most important for The Bahamas in 2013?
Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Bahamas Independence was most important in 2013.
2) Who passed away this year that you feel will be 'most missed' and why?
Mr. Basil Neymour “ The Godfather of Sports”, because of his contribution to Sports and the Youth of our Nation.
3) Who was the 'most inspirational / influential Bahamian' in 2013 and why?
Dr. Myles Munroe was Most Inspirational / Influential Bahamian in 2013, His vision to host MMI’s Global Leadership conference in Grand Bahama at a time especially considering the enormous challenges facing the Freeport economy, coupled with Rediscovering & Restoring the Priority & Power of Morality & Ethics in Leadership for all in attendance.
4) 2013 was the country's 40th anniversary of Independence. What stood out for you in way of commemorating this event?
The display of Nation Pride during the 40th, Anniversary with no political divide, just the coming together as one country celebrating Our Culture, Our Heritage and Our History as a Proud Independent Bahamas.
5) 2013 may have been one of the worst years ever for crime in The Bahamas. What are your thoughts and suggestions?
Although there are no "one-size-fits-all" solutions, there are common elements at work, chief among them a willingness to involve the community in a meaningful way. It’s time now that we've got to get it right. We understand that in order to prevent crime and keep our community safe, The police has to involve the community as a partner." We must Remember, police officers can't be everywhere. our cooperation with them is for the benefit of us, our family, our neighbors and our community for a Better and safe Bahamas.
6) Is there an 'unsung hero' you feel should be recognized from 2013 or prior? If so, who and why?
Yes! Mr. Kevin Thompson-Delancy, a 29 year survivor of HIV/AIDS, who came out with his life story about contracting HIV/AIDS and his struggles living with the disease and the willingness to be an activist for the youth of the nation to help the prevention of this dreaded disease, but more importantly help to alleviate the discrimination that is still prevalent among us. One man’s mission to give back by telling his story, touching lives and bring hope to those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
7) Do you have a Personal Highlight for 2013?
I wish to personally thank the United States Embassy, Nassau for Supporting HIV/AIDS Education throughout the Schools in Grand Bahama partnering with our Program Teen Peep. The grant assistance was suppose to be a onetime assistance, but because the program Teen Pep was so effective/informative we were given assistance grant from the Embassy (4 times) to continue to host the program of prevention, and for that I would like to Highlight the generosity of the United States Embassy’s support to our program, Stop AIDS, Keep the Promise.
Odette Knowles was born on the island of Abaco, and at the age of 2, her family relocated to Grand Bahama. For the past 6 years Odette continues to serve as chief clerk to the hospital administrator at Grand Bahama Health Services, which allows her to interact with people and offer excellent customer service. Odette enjoys “giving and sharing, and is involved in many organizations locally and internationally. She can be reached at
redroseball.committee@gmail.
com
Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are solely those of the author in his/her
private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of
TheBahamasWeekly.com
MORE REVIEWS:
Bahamas 2013: A Year in Review with Dillon F. Knowles
Bahamas 2013: A Year in Review with Youri Kemp
