I was born and raised in La Clery where my childhood was filled with neighborhood adventures – riding waves, running the streets, and often getting into trouble. Like many boys in the area, my days usually ended on the La Clery playing field.
I attended Anglican Primary School, Rock Hall Secondary, and later graduated from Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. A major turning point in my life came in the 1980s when a basketball court was built in La Clery. That court introduced me to a sport that completely changed my path. I wasn’t naturally talented at first but through relentless hard work, a late growth spurt, and the guidance of mentors like Ron Freeman and my high school coach, Kenneth ‘Wriggler’ King, basketball opened doors I never imagined possible.
In 1989, while representing Saint Lucia’s national team in Barbados, I was spotted by Tevester Anderson from the University of Georgia, who gave me the opportunity to pursue a basketball scholarship in the United States. My first year there was tough. I was unprepared for the academic challenges of university life. I transferred to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa, where I worked hard, developed discipline, and grew both as a student and an athlete.
My efforts paid off when I became one of the top players in Region 19, which earned me another scholarship, this time to Emporia State University. At Emporia, I thrived, becoming one of the top shot-blockers in the nation and later enjoying a brief professional basketball career in Europe.
After basketball, I returned to Saint Lucia, helping in my family’s business and teaching at Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School, where I also coached basketball, football, and track and field. I organized youth sports camps and created opportunities for young athletes to compete abroad in the US, Barbados, and Trinidad.
My journey then took me to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and later to Saudi Arabia, where I coached basketball, before moving to Taiwan. In Taiwan, I worked as a teacher, basketball coach, and consultant with the Taipei Youth Program Association (TYPA). I also launched my own company, Bax ESL, recruiting teachers from the US to meet the growing demand for foreign educators.
After two and a half years in Taiwan, I moved to the United States for graduate studies, completing an MBA. I then worked for a decade in corporate America with Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, starting as a Station Manager in Fort Lauderdale International Airport before moving to Houston, where I served as Operations Manager at both Intercontinental and Hobby International Airports.
In 2011, I returned home to Saint Lucia to continue building my family’s business, raise my family, and give back to the community. I ran Little League basketball programs, helped young people earn opportunities to study in the US, and stayed committed to sports, education, and youth development.
This is my journey – a story of perseverance, growth, and giving back.