History is indeed a puzzle that is made up of several pieces. The picture created by this puzzle emerges and evolves as the pieces are put together by individuals of diverse background, creed, race, religion and gender. The fullness of our history is therefore determined by the contributions and selflessness of persons that take the time to chronicle and document events that occurred in the past based on their perspectives; for they give us yet another piece of this big puzzle called history.

The lacuna and unanswered questions that linger in our history book are results of stories left untold and experiences unshared. It is only fitting that we acknowledge and encourage Bahamians that deem it fit to enrich our national life and add another piece to the puzzle of our history. This acknowledgement is of more importance where the author is one that has lived a life dedicated to public service and diplomacy. This piece considers the remarkable journey of Dr. Davidson L. Hepburn as contained in his memoir "Terribly Well" and the Bahamian Foreign Service as a whole.

An outstanding voyage
Dr. Hepburn was born on December 7, 1932 in a tiny settlement called Douds which is a part of New Bight - the capital of Cat Island, one of the Islands of The Bahamas. One of the main attractions of Cat Island is that it is home to the highest peak in The Bahamas. The height of the attraction of his hometown in hindsight is symbolic of his career and as fate would have it, Hepburn would go on to be arguably one of the most notable and successful Bahamian diplomats in history.

An extraordinary Bahamian that I refer to as the Kofi Annan of The Bahamas (and they do in fact have strong resemblance and as chronicled in his memoir, he has been mistaken for Annan on more than one occasion) provides an insight into the world of diplomacy as he takes readers on a journey across the world from America to Asia covering his diplomatic career and visits to some of the greatest landmarks and historic sites.

Readers get an insight into the personal life of Dr. Hepburn and memories of the simple life in Cat Island that is reminiscent of the age and times in The Bahamas as remembered by a son of the soil, who has today surpassed four score years. Additionally, readers are enticed by a monologue interview which enlightens them about, among other things, Hepburn's love of music, the arts and memories of his melancholy departure from Paris at one stage in his service.

However, it is apparent that besides being a diplomat, Hepburn was also a well-educated man that spent years in the civil service and teaching, thereby earning the honors such as the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Chevalier of the French Legion d'Honneur and Paul Harris Fellow. His story from humble beginnings is inspirational and provides hope for the achievement of The Bahamian Dream.

As Hepburn points out in his memoir, he, as a barefoot lad in Cat Island had a chance to represent 193 countries and five associated states on the international front as the president of the 35th Session of the General Conference of the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - a victory that was hard fought and won, to the credit of The Bahamas and the Caribbean region at large.

The Foreign Service: yesterday, today and tomorrow
While Hepburn provides an extensive account of Foreign Service based upon his experience, the account neither delves into the theory of foreign policy, international relations or United Nations conventions, but rather takes the reader on a personal journey of his experiences. Consequently, the book whets the appetite of persons interested in pursuing a career in the diplomatic corps.
Bahamians are often criticized, justifiably and unfairly at times, as people with a tendency to be insular in our thinking despite the obvious evolution of the world and the far-reaching effects of globalization. While it is important to focus on domestic affairs, we must be mindful that decisions made internationally and by multilateral agencies have implications for our domestic policies. It follows therefore that not only should our foreign policy be clearly articulated and communicated, but the requisite resources must be allocated to this important aspect of government.

Hepburn's account of and observations during his diplomatic career when considered with recent developments in this area confirms the words of Walter Rauschenbusch that "history is never antiquated, because humanity is always fundamentally the same". In this sense, some of the challenges highlighted by Dr. Hepburn still remain relevant today. It is hoped that the recent initiatives announced by the government and the proposed legislation will not only address the challenges, but also help create a clearer career path for current and future Bahamian diplomats.

Daring to dream
A review of Hepburn's memoir reveals the very best of the Bahamian spirit, which is indomitable and persevering to say the least as he overcomes setbacks to reach the zenith of his diplomatic career. It is also refreshing to observe the level of importance that he places on his moral convictions and the family structure. Readers will be left with no doubt as to his love for his country and connection to his roots in spite of his travels and successes. An enlightening part of his story is also the insight it provides into the workings of international diplomacy.

Thomas Fuller said it best when he postulated that "history maketh a young man to be old, without either wrinkles or gray hairs; privileging him with the experience of age, without either the infirmities or inconveniences thereof". Current and aspiring Bahamian diplomats will do well to learn from the trials, travails and triumphs of Hepburn. The advantage of having access to his extensive experience is invaluable.

His memoir: our history enriched
The title of Hepburn's memoir is consistent with his usual response when asked about how he is doing. He outlines in his book his struggle with finding a title and his consideration of 'Precious Memories' (derived from one of his favorite hymns) as an option before settling on the current title. While his memoir contains memories that are indeed precious to him, they represent much more to Bahamians and The Bahamas as a country. We are now able to fill a void that would have been perpetuated had he not put pen to paper.

As Hepburn prepares for the launch of his memoir and book signing at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk on Friday, February 6, 2015, we salute him for his years of service and thank him for playing a part in writing our history. It is incumbent upon the rest of us to ensure that the stories that illuminate our minds and add to the completeness of our history books are told. Drawing from the essence of an old African adage, we owe it to future generations to make sure that all sides of the stories of the various hunts reflect the accounts of both the hunters and the lions. Only then will our nation do terribly well, like Hepburn.

o Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments on this article can be directed to a.s.komolafe510@gmail.com.

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