Warmest greetings to you all in the name of God and all the ancestors of Kingston College, in whose footsteps we walk and upon whose ideas we fly. I am both honored and delighted to be here at this podium to speak with you on things germane to KC. I recall fond memories of the very first event hosted by this Chapter when it was a fledgling organization and had a linkage to the New York Chapter. I have observed with admiration the growth that has taken place since then under energetic and effective leadership.

The Bishop Gibson Roadmap

When I got the invitation from the Chapter via my good brethren President Aston “Bishop” Archer, to be the Guest Speaker, I thought about what I should talk on that would be of interest to most, if not all. Obviously, I recognize that there are supporters here who never went to KC and therefore I can ill-afford to overstay my time at this podium. It has been said that a speech should be like a miniskirt, short enough to attract attention but long enough to cover the subject. I have therefore decided to make my presentation for the most part around the word TRANSFORMATIONAL, as it invariably conjures up images of positive and impactful changes to situations.

The genesis of our beloved alma mater is 16^th April 1925, which means that the school is on the cusp of its Centennial milestone. History shows that like this Chapter, KC began in humble circumstances with a mere 49 students, three teachers and a headmaster, Percival William Gibson, who was a young priest at the time and who went on to become the first native Jamaican Anglican (Episcopalian) Bishop. Reverend Gibson, along with his sister, put together their lifesavings that amounted to 80 pounds sterling to purchase property on East Street now occupied by the Jamaica Gleaner Company. This was the first location of Kingston College. From that humble beginning the school has developed to be the leading all-boys high school on the island and the wider Caribbean. In essence, almost 100-years ago Gibson established a road map of possibilities that while not a blueprint, it certainly should be the catalyst that ignites the fuel of interest into a raging fire of accomplishments of all chapters of the Kingston College Old Boys’ Association.

Taking Risks Or Playing It Safe

But just suppose for a minute that our great founder, the late Bishop Gibson, had decided not to take the risk of starting a high school that would admit even those rejected by other schools in Jamaica? After all, we are talking about a 1920’s Jamaica wherein classism was the order of the day. Not taking any risk would have felt safe, but it would mean we would not be here celebrating tonight as Old Boys, as there would be no KC. We would not have been able to invite our family members and friends to celebrate with us.

It is the seductive comfort zone that lulls us into a false sense of security, shielding us from the thrill of new adventure and the taste of sweet triumph. Whether it is the fear of failure, the dread of uncertainty or the hesitance to step into the unknown, playing it safe is a silent symphony of regrets waiting to be composed. We will never know what might be possible unless we release our tight grip on control and embrace the chances that float our way. The regrets that sting the most are not the mistakes made, but the chances not taken. And this, by the way, is backed by science.

KC’s Dire Financial Straits

Now, why am I saying all of this, what is the relevance and how does it relate to what we are doing on behalf of KC?? All pertinent questions. Each Chapter functions in an autonomous way, with its own menu of activities, ostensibly geared towards supporting the needs of KC. But the last time I had a discussion with Principal Myrie, I got the sense that the school was being managed in arrears. This meant that many, if not all, vendors were paid at the beginning of the new school year, when funds would be available, for goods and services provided in the previous school year. This has been the financial status quo for quite some time, with the school experiencing a significant deficit annually in its budget. To be sure, the Ministry of Education does not fully finance high schools in Jamaica. And so, enter the Chapters of KCOBA to take on the ominous task of trying to fill the deficit. We have had some success in the area of academic scholarships offered to many deserving students in need. Indeed, this is one of the areas championed by our chapter here in Hartford. Extracurricular activities have also been underwritten by the chapters in one way or another. Still the cumulative assistance provided by the chapters is inadequate, not for lack of trying, but because the challenges faced when harnessing funds via solicitations or fundraising events like this one are considerable. You all know what I am talking about. So, my question is this: when are we going to come out of our seductive comfort zones and release the tight grip on control and take calculated risks through the chances that float our way? Ponder this question for a moment.

The Challenge For KCOBA’s

The chances are in fact opportunities that are within our grasp if we truly stop to think about them. Is there one or more major undertakings that would be transformational for KC and which all chapters would embrace and rally behind? I am positive there are, and I will share with you one example a little later. In the meantime, the method to my madness should be quite evident, and that is individually the chapters are limited in what they can do to put a serious dent in the overall needs of KC. But collectively they can be a lot more impactful, as there is far more strength in numbers. Therefore, how would we want to be remembered by the Fortis Family? Was our lives worth living? Did we provide the support pillars that would ensure the longevity of KC? These are the sort of questions we probably will ask ourselves as we approach the end days. And we want to be able to answer with a resounding yes. Of course it is also a matter of balance, as we should not live entirely for KC, nor should we live entirely for ourselves. I deliberately made this statement, as I do not want the spouses and significant others of the Old Boys here tonight to believe that I am advocating that their loved ones focus exclusively on KC, as tempting as it may be.

We desperately need a paradigm shift in how we characterize the various functions on the KCOBA calendar each year. With the exception of The Big Purple Session held in South Florida, invariably the fundraisers are titled after the Chapters’ names. For example, we talk about the New York Chapter’s Gala in May or the Toronto Chapter’s Reunion in November. It may sound inconsequential but in essence what it does is assign exclusive ownership to the host chapter. This should not be the case, and I strongly recommend that we immediately start taking on co-ownership of every function on the KCOBA calendar. Every event should be seen as a KCOBA event, whether it is being held here in Hartford or in Kingston, Jamaica. By adopting this posture, it translates into self-actualization with each one of us feeling empowered to work assiduously for the success of the various events. It may sound like a lot of work, and perhaps it is, but think of it as a labour of love for Kingston College and the Fortis Family in general. We would never hesitate to do what it takes to cater to the needs of our biological families. And so too should it be when it comes to KC, if in fact we are living out the label of brotherhood, or in some cases a cult, assigned to us by others.

We currently have a Presidents’ WhatsApp platform, but I daresay that it is not as effective as it could be. Part of the reason as I see it is that the meetings, all virtual to date, are spread too far apart. Such a schedule causes a lack of continuity of communication and timely follow-ups. The lack of effectiveness could also be because there is not one major focus of the group and decisions necessarily have to be ratified by the board of each chapter. So here we have the chance to tie the thoughts expressed thus far into a cohesive narrative around a transformational initiative that will redound to the long-term benefits of KC.

The Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative(FWLI)

So now it is time to unveil the example that I promised to share with you earlier. It is called the Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative. As a brief background, I belong to a Fortis Group called the 65ers comprising mainly those of us who started KC in 1965. At one of our monthly virtual meetings Prof. Rainford Wilks, himself a 65er, chastised the group for having fell woefully short of making significant contributions to the development of KC in particular and Jamaica in general. He felt that we are a privileged group of high achievers that has not pulled their weight in any meaningful way. The chastisement was taken seriously and four of us were tasked with producing an initiative that would be transformational for Kingston College.

Thus, the Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative was born. We envisioned constructing walkways out of brick pavers, with each having inscriptions of the purchaser’s name and years of attendance at KC. The bricks will be the standard 4”x7” and will be for US$500 each. But do not think of it as merely buying a brick, but rather making a one-time contribution to your alma mater in exchange for a small piece of real estate that will permanently connect you to the school. Customized pavers are also available in the price range of US$1K to US$3K, depending on the size and the amount of inscription thereon. For more information on how to purchase your brick paver visit KC Times, the Fortis Family online magazine that is hosted by KCOBA Georgia, Inc.

It should be noted that the pavers are not restricted to Old Boys only, but would be available to teachers, past and present, and others with close relationships with the school. Just a bit of self-indulgence, if I may, the date range on my paver is 1965 to infinity, as I do not have any intention of separating myself from KC in life or after I transition.

The Initiative is well on its way with brick pavers already put down in the island in front of the Chapel. The bricks of the first 49 students will be installed around the base of the rock supporting the Bishop’s bust. The island is prime location and will be filled up fast. Other locations where brick pavers will be placed include the area across from the 4^th and 5^th form building. Bricks will also be placed in other areas of the North Street campus, approved by the Board of Management and the Principal. I invite you all to stop by the school to observe what has been accomplished thus far. I am certain that you will be pleasantly surprised and supremely impressed and will definitely want to be a part of the Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative.

The Potential of the FWLI

Why do I believe this initiative will be transformational for KC? Let us keep it simple and do a quick calculation. For every 100 bricks that is sold, and excluding material and labour costs, the revenue generated would be US$50K or approximately J$8M. Now the imagination will start to run wild in terms of the potential of the Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative. It is believed that the FWLI has the potential to help alleviate some of the financial heartburn that the school experiences annually, as it is forecast to generate significant funds perennially. It should be understood that this initiative does not have an end date per se. And the pool of purchasers is being refilled perpetually, as every year we will have graduates leaving the school and becoming Old Boys themselves.

If space becomes exhausted at the North Street campus, the walkway construction would flip over to the Melbourne park campus. The construction will take place during the Summer recess and at the end of the first semester each year so as to avoid any disruptions to the normal operations and functioning of the school.

Promoting Sales of Brick Pavers – KCOBA Collective

Recalled earlier I mentioned how critically important it is for all of us to embrace the paradigm shift of ownership of KCOBA fundraisers? Well, the Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative represents a significant chance that is floating our way. Are we prepared to fully embrace it, recognizing how transformational it could be for addressing the many needs of our beloved alma mater? I am going to be bold and say yes, we are. Accordingly, the expectation is that each chapter must see itself as an owner of this initiative and vigorously promote the sale of brick pavers.

To be sure, there will be no disruption to the normal activities of each chapter, as the initiative, as stated earlier, is a continuum with no set schedule.

The Centennial Celebrations

In less than 6-months KC will be celebrating its Centennial Anniversary on 16^th April 2025. A Centennial Anniversary in any endeavour and by any measure is an enviable milestone and the school should be justly proud in attaining such a lofty status. KC’s achievements in both academics and sports during this period are nothing short of remarkable and even supersedes those of much older high schools on the island. This, in and of itself, is a testament to the quality leadership and dedication of the principals and their staff over the years, buoyed by the unflinching support provided by other stakeholders in terms of time, talent and treasure.

The next 100-years will undoubtedly be significantly more challenging, but I have every confidence that we will meet and overcome such challenges catalyzed by our indomitable motto. However, we must begin to lay the foundations to ensure the longevity of KC and its ability to continue delivering on the legacy of its founder, the late Bishop Percival William Gibson. I have suggested one way in which his legacy would be assured and that is via the transformational Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative. This initiative has been included as one of five projects that are planned to coincide with the Centenary Celebrations in April 2025. The planned projects have been accepted by the Centenary Steering Committee led by the Chair of the Board of Management, Michael Vaccianna, and Principal Dave Myrie. These are summarized as follows:

A full-service Auditorium (North St. Campus)
Sinking of a Well at the Melbourne Park Campus
Installation of Solar Systems at both campuses
Fortis Walkway Legacy Initiative (FWLI)
Frontage Beautification (North St. Campus)

The Auditorium, which is sorely needed, will be pivotal for the school upon its completion. Currently the Chapel doubles as a place of assembly but is incapable of accommodating the student population en mass.

To successfully complete the planned projects, it will require the collective efforts of all stakeholders in Kingston College. It is my expectation that the KCOBANE Chapter, along with the other eight chapters (New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Tampa, South Florida, Jamaica, Cayman and the UK), will be in the vanguard of these efforts. I am confident that we will get the job done.

“Do Not Go Where The Path May Lead, Go Instead Where There is No Path And leave a Trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest!

Winston L. Stewart, P.E.

President – KCOBA Tampa, Inc.

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