Video: Alpha Phi Alpha Leadership Seminar
Last night [Mar.10] the Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter (Bermuda) of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity [AΦA] hosted a seminar to explore the topic of leadership and its relevance in Bermuda.
![Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity [AFA] Leadership Symposium Bermuda Mar 10th 2011-1-3](https://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Alpha-Phi-Alpha-Fraternity-AFA-Leadership-Symposium-Bermuda-Mar-10th-2011-1-3.jpg "Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity [AFA] Leadership Symposium Bermuda Mar 10th 2011-1-3")
Panellists included former Premier Sir John Swan, former Premier and present MP Alex Scott, former Bermuda Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith, Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Shawn Crockwell, Digicel CEO Wayne Caines, businessman Corey Butterfield, Resseguros XL Brasil vice-president Gino Smith and political analyst and commentator Walton Brown.
The theme, centered on the ‘Relevance of Leadership in Bermuda’, addressed a number of concerns within the educational, economical, political, religious, and sporting arenas.
And clearly it was so in-tune with what modern leadership means, that, in this day and age, it didn’t care to… a/ advertise the symposium (in case people with fresh ideas showed up) or b/ open up the discussion to anyone who wasn’t a member of their college fraterntity.
Look, I know it’s a private club and all because someone [parent, self or taxpayer] paid their membership fees, but surely modern leadership is about enacting the will of the PEOPLE through the PURSUIT of the COMMON GOOD, and not about consolidating the financial aspirations of a few ex-college chums who are willing to scratch each other’s backs.
Of course I could be wrong on this…
Signed,
A Bermudian
Good to see some one in Bermuda has their eyes open. It’s the new ” old boys club” and it is all about their fraternity!! Not to worry, the hand of the wicked is made strong to confirm their destruction.
This was a public forum held during a fraternity’s convention. Anyone could have attended. The fact that most members of the panel were not fraternity members is important to remember. Conversations like this need to take place more often and this was in no way going to solve the issues in Bermuda but hopefully it will be a catalyst that gets us on our way.
I don’t understand how you can label a group of men talking to a crowd of local and foreign guests about leadership issues as wicked. I think there are a lot of stereotypes about fraternities in general and maybe some education by fraternities about their purpose and the work that they do would help to address them.
Great idea but I see it like this.
1) there are a lot (a huge number) of women who define leadership that could and should have been included. This could be the single mothers who did not raise thugs or criminals, but raised upstanding citizens who received the best nurturing, examples and morals from their mothers. There are a lot of those. Indeed, many of these same people on the panel were raised singly by such women. These same women respect themselves and their bodies, and others, honor the doctrine of marriage, give and sacrifice much for others. They spend prudently, manage debt, “party” privately with their children, close friends, and arrive at work at 8:45am for work every morning. These are leaders. Their children and their homes are well maintained and clean. Many women in our community could learn much from these women.
2) There are many leaders who do not wear pinstripe suits to work every day or earn more than $100K per year. But they represent strong, courageous values. Put in an honest days work at the millshop, as a carpenter, as a tradesman or delivery man or volunteer with RedCross, St Johns, Boys Brigade – who are true leaders. I can think of several of these. Dwayne Trott, Anthoni Lightbourne, Tori Darrell, Kalmar Richards, Rose Vickers, no they don’t seek the limelight but quietly and stealthly impact lives – giving unselfishly – these are examples of the true leaders amongst us.
Not to take anything away from these guys, I applaud the effort. But lets not confuse a need for public adoration or commercial or political reward as examples of leadership.
Man. Why all the negativity? This was a public forum. I saw and heard the adverts. If you wanted to go, you were invited. The fact that this forum was planned, put together and consisted of men doesn’t take anything away from women, the strides that they have made or their significant contribution to leadership in this Country. If there is any segment of the black community that needs a forum on leadership, what it is and what it looks like, it is black men. We are struggling worldwide in this area. it is an epidemic. I applaud these guys for doing something in an attempt to publicize and educate on the topic instead of being an Internet critic. I am not a member of any fraternity but s good work is a good work and should not be torn down because you had other suggestions for the panel. If you have an idea of how it could be done different/better then get off your backside and organize another forum in the way you think it should be done.
I cannot understand why anyone would feel it necessary to criticize a group of professional Bermudian men who went to much trouble to inform the public of their plans, and invited the public to attend free.
All those who have something negtive to say really have identity issues as all they feel comfortable with is saying bad things about the good work this Fraternity has done, and continues to do in our community.
Sad when even good work is lynched by the mob.
Alpha Phi Alpha Inc, is committed to service, the forum was a part of 4 days of brotherhood and service to our Country. Brothers, hold your head high, continue to be servants of ALL. Sometimes your essence will will be challenged, do good anyway
I include some quotes from the our “Alpha Weekend”
“Thank you for making me fall in love with my sorority again! I understand it all so much better now!”
-From a memeber of Delta Sigma Theta Inc (Sorority)
“My favorite part was at the Black & Gold Ball when you guys sang. I heard the voice of God singing through you guys and felt that there was still hope for our young black boys.”
-Teacher
“I didn’t understand you guys purpose before. I do now! Thank you for making a difference.”
-Teacher
“Our boys need you guys! Your guys are the most powerful force I’ve seen on the Island!”
-Friend
Sand Tall my Brothers
Alpha Phi Alpha Inc, is committed to service, the forum was a part of 4 days of brotherhood and service to our Country. Brothers, hold your head high, continue to be servants of ALL. Sometimes your essence will will be challenged, do good anyway
I include some quotes from the our “Alpha Weekend”
“Thank you for making me fall in love with my sorority again! I understand it all so much better now!”
-From a memeber of Delta Sigma Theta Inc (Sorority)
“My favorite part was at the Black & Gold Ball when you guys sang. I heard the voice of God singing through you guys and felt that there was still hope for our young black boys.”
-Teacher
“I didn’t understand you guys purpose before. I do now! Thank you for making a difference.”
-Teacher
“Our boys need you guys! Your guys are the most powerful force I’ve seen on the Island!”
-Friend
Stand tall my brothers