TRIBUTE TO A HERO

August 1998 Table of Contents - Current Issue of The Abaco Journal - Abaco Bahamas' Home Page

TRIBUTE TO A HERO
by Brenda Louidor

Often one is referred to as a hero if he does a great deed. That is, if he fought a battle, killed giants, or defeated an enemy for a good cause. Society defines a hero in these terms. Yet, I find myself taking a closer look at what I believe to be a hero. As the world gives credit to the Martin Luther Kings, Mother Theresas and Princess Dianas, it neglects to honour my hero - my brother, Geoffrey Victor. He is a great man to me. Not only has he put his own life on hold to make sure the one he loves succeeds, he has also given of his money - the little that he has - to make sure I was not one of those girls who complete high school but have no motivation to go on.

After graduating from Abaco Central High School, Geoffrey had a strong desire to give his service to the community, a community which did not really give him a chance. He was a teacher's aide at St Francis de Sales where he fell in love with the teaching profession. Not knowing how he would pay for college expenses, he ventured to the United States where he attended Caldwell College in Caldwell, New Jersey. There he worked three jobs and was a Resident Assistant for two years. Although he received a scholarship after his first year, the expenses were still high for a boy with no parental support. Despite all these odds, Geoffrey graduated in 1995 with two Bachelor's Degrees - in Religion and Elementary Education.

For two years, Geoff worked as a teacher at Essex Catholic High School in Newark. There he rendered his services to the black inner city boys who felt rejection and alienation, and suffered paternal absenteeism from society and home. He encouraged them. He was able to bring some hope, to let them know the black man is not doomed. With education, men like themselves would some day change the attitude that society has towards black men. He taught them black pride and nationalism and gave them a desire to appreciate and learn about the black race and its role in world history. Geoffrey now teaches again at St Francis de Sales in Marsh Harbour.

He was just a poor boy from Pigeon Peas. He once had nothing but a roof over his head, a few clothes on his back and very little food to eat. Yet he was able to rise above the prejudice, racism and the rejection by Bahamian society because he was a Haitian Bahamian. My hero chose to remain in school and make a difference in his society, one that was determined to see him fail.

My hero went beyond what could have been expected to ensure I reached my goal. Often, when I could see no way to meet tuition deadlines, he would send the money right on time. One day he sent me $300 and a note saying: "Hang in there, Sis. It will all be worth it - You'll see."

I will complete my Bachelor's Degree in August and I dedicate it to you, Geoff. You taught me never to give up; you gave me the chance to reach my dreams when no-one else would help. I asked you once, "How will I ever repay you?" You replied: "Don't worry, Girl. You're my investment. When you succeed, I would have been paid."

So, brother dear, thank you. Thank you for your time, your patience, your faith in me. I want the whole Bahamian society to know that one does not have to do a great deed to be a hero. All he has to do is be his brother's keeper, be a Geoff Victor.

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