True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who have affected us in a way that make us want to be better people, to advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don't recognize our role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress.

Franche Gumbs, is one such person who has served as a role model to the Virgin Islands in molding the mind of youths in the Territory through various organisations over a decade. He could be described as an individual who overcame a turbulent background to make notable contributions to humanity.

Gumbs leadership qualities surfaced in the early 1980’s when he became part of the Roadtown Festival Committee which anchors the coordination and organisation of activities during the Emancipation Festive season. Coupled with the responsibilities of grooming the youth of the Territory through the BVI Youth Club and the Scouts Association for over 15 years, he also anchored the Shooting Star Steel Band which began in 1994.

Being a long-standing member of the Festival Committee and his valuable contributions towards community involvement, the Roadtown Festival Village was dubbed “Franche’s Festival Village 2008” in honour his dedication and contribution to culture in the VI.

A very elated Gumbs told the Standpoint during an interview that he is very pleased with the honour he was given, and will continue on this path to ensure that the culture of his native home land continues to shine, as he is a positive person who always encourages the youth in today’s society.

“I don’t know why I stayed so long on the festival committee, I asked myself so many times, but I guess I have a love for culture”, he admitted.

According to Gumbs, back in earlier days, things were far different from the festival celebrations of today. When he was asked in what way he hesitated and further added that politics has taken over.

“Politics mess things up, we should put politics aside and try to get more culturally involved. More people need to participate in the celebrations as well,” he opined.

Gumbs mentioned that the 2008 festive season was fairly satisfactory despite concerns raised by individuals about the lack of Calypso and Soca artistes in the entertainment line-up. He added that this was dampened because of insufficient local artistes not being able to entertain a weekend crowd.

Gumbs who is in his mid- 40s, also serves in the capacity of a senior Custom Officer in charge of the Canine Unit Department in Her Majesty’s Custom Department.

With a positive outlook on life, Gumbs implores teenagers to stay focused and aim for the stars.

“Whatever you want in life is possible you have to be able to put mind over matter and think about others and not only yourself”, he cautioned.

Gumbs encourages more young people to get involved in the Road Town Festival Committee to preserve the true spirit of festival in years to come.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment