Coming home ... to give back

Home is where the heart is, and for Paul Cole, making that calculated move to return to his homeland Jamaica, was a dream which he was determined to make a reality. He, therefore, came back with a purpose, and was intent on using his skills and qualifications to invest in his country.

As a child, he was left in the care of his grandmother in St Elizabeth and they developed a powerful bond. Cole was "the apple of her eye" and she became his closest confidant. Therefore, leaving her to join this mother in England was difficult, and the change in environment was not a smooth transition.

"I remember being driven to my mother's home in a country that was cold and damp. The change was quite intimidating, especially when I started school and discovered that the majority of the students didn't look like me."

Thankfully, distance didn't affect the bond between Cole and his grandmother, who remained a great source of comfort. She encouraged him to take advantage of the new opportunities and not get left behind.

"It really took me some time to settle down; but my grandmother, Edith Mahon, was right there by my side in thought. She stressed the importance of including God in all that I did and getting a good education."

Having this solid support from someone whom he respected and loved was particularly important, as his inner-city environment led many other young migrants astray. "My grandmother kept me grounded. She was kept up to date with all I did through letters. And, I did not want to let her down, especially knowing the difficulties she was going through back home in Jamaica. I wanted to make her proud."

He stood by that commitment and went on to tertiary education and completed his undergraduate degree in accounting and economics at the University of Liverpool. Later, he worked at a chartered accounting firm; and while pursuing his professional responsibilities, Cole felt compelled to give back to the community he adopted as home, the London Borough of Brent.

"In a refurbished building, I started a youth club for youngsters to think about self-development. We held night classes where maths was taught; and there was a library, along with pool tables and other things for young people," he explained.

yearning for change

Gradually climbing the success ladder, he attained his master's in business administration from Manchester Business School. However, Cole was still yearning for change. And the ultimate change was to return to Jamaica. He could not see himself living in England as an old man. Therefore, he kept himself informed about what was happening in Jamaica through his subscription to The Sunday Gleaner, which he received weekly.

A chartered certified accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, he returned to Jamaica more than a decade ago. He was a director at auditors, KPMG, on a three-year contract; and is currently group consultant at the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS).

"Maintaining links with Jamaica was fundamental to my motivation. My grandmother and family always encouraged me, and I was exposed to a wider Jamaica than that which was often portrayed," he stated.

Cole continued to work on community projects through United Way of Jamaica. He sat on the Finance and Administration Committee representing KPMG, and shortly after, became a board member and chairman for the same committee.

"This committee encourages donations from companies and individual persons to support development projects, helping them to become financially viable. No amount is too small for United Way of Jamaica, and persons from overseas are encouraged to support projects in particular parishes," he explained.

Cole, who has been a toastmaster for six years, is a member of the Nova Power Speakers Toastmasters Club in Kingston. He provides support to other Toastmasters Clubs in Jamaica, including the JN Toastmasters Club. He gets satisfaction from the community projects he supports and is a board member of the Agency for Inner City Renewal in Trench Town.

"I encourage persons to give back to Jamaica and facilitate growth and development. Jamaicans in the diaspora should consider how their skills can benefit the country and its young people. And they can bring their skills here, even if it is to do voluntary work for a short period," he maintains.

He balances his work obligations at Jamaica National to facilitate economic growth while fulfilling his social responsibilities, and it gives him balance.

"I am not saying that everything here is a bed of roses. I find challenges, particularly related to impolite behaviour; but, the positives far outweigh the negatives." And he affirms, "No advantage in the UK could compare with the satisfaction I have living in Jamaica now. I keep better health here and I have a feeling of well-being. I am glad I came back."