May 10, 2021
May 10, 2021
TRIBUTE TO EDWARD SHAKES
From: Ms. Yvonne Dixon
I have been privileged to be acquainted with Mr. Shakes since 1997 while working at the Vocational Training Development Institute. My first encounter with him was while I was working as Project Administrator for the Management Development Programme where he was part of the Management Team. Then shortly after when he became Director/Principal, and I was his Secretary. Mr. Shakes’ leadership at the VTDI was demonstrated by his passion for Technical Vocational Education and Training. He was instrumental in transforming the VTDI which I believe his legacy remains.. His vison, energy, drive, passion, his undying love for TVET was palpable in the transformations during his tenure. An advocate for lifelong learning, Mr. Shakes was very supportive of his staff in charting their personal growth and development and will provide guidance in the pursuits of your career development. My career growth and personal development were immensely influenced by his guidance.
I left the VTDI in 2005, and as one would have called it “a fortunate stroke of serendipity” I was blessed with the opportunity of having this noble gentleman again in 2006 as my boss at the Justice Training Institute and then at the GC Foster College in 2009 until he left in 2014. Mr. Shakes has provided distinguished service at all the institutions he has served. An indomitable leader, a mentor, a visionary, a counsellor a caring man who displayed consistently a strong level of emotional intelligence. He was easy to talk with at any time and was a boss who operates an open-door policy. Although we do not always share the same views and perspectives, I would always feel comfortable to go to him to express my views or feelings on any particular issue. You could also engage Mr. Shakes in discussions on any topical issues whether it be sport, education, entertainment, religion, politics, or current affairs. I can tell you, unequivocally, these conversations with Mr. Shakes can be at times very controversial and will make you cachinnate resulting in you shedding unwilling tears.
A professional in his own right, Mr. Shakes taught me that professionalism must not to be talked about but to be seen in us. In one of our conversations, Mr. Shakes shared with me the importance of demonstrating professionalism at all times. He lectured that professionalism is to respect everyone for their styles and this should be reflected it in not only our words but in our actions. Mr. Shakes taught me some vital lessons of life. He taught me that nothing is wrong with expressing oneself, but there comes a time when you just have to know when to ‘kibba u mouth’. He also taught me that even when you are in the right, you have to know what ‘battles to fight’ at the workplace.
Although Mr. Shakes does not often smile, I believe he has a “dry sense of humour’ and would convey the most hilarious anecdotes without a dim of smile. I particularly remember one occasion when at the Justice Training Institute, myself and Arlene would sit with him and have lengthy discussions. We would share with him our upbringings. From what we shared, I recalled him telling us that we were brought up sheltered and needed a little exposure. The prescription he offered was to arrange for someone to take us to a night club, but the person will pick us up at midnight.
A philosophical man, a liberalist. a man of integrity. I have learned so many life lessons from him. I will forever remember Mr. Shakes. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I will continue live on those good memories.
My sincere condolences to Mrs., Elaine Shakes and family and may you be comforted by the good deeds and memories of this great man. Mr. Shakes, you have finished well your course. Goodbye. Rest in peace Sir.
Yvonne Dixon
From: Ms. Yvonne Dixon
I have been privileged to be acquainted with Mr. Shakes since 1997 while working at the Vocational Training Development Institute. My first encounter with him was while I was working as Project Administrator for the Management Development Programme where he was part of the Management Team. Then shortly after when he became Director/Principal, and I was his Secretary. Mr. Shakes’ leadership at the VTDI was demonstrated by his passion for Technical Vocational Education and Training. He was instrumental in transforming the VTDI which I believe his legacy remains.. His vison, energy, drive, passion, his undying love for TVET was palpable in the transformations during his tenure. An advocate for lifelong learning, Mr. Shakes was very supportive of his staff in charting their personal growth and development and will provide guidance in the pursuits of your career development. My career growth and personal development were immensely influenced by his guidance.
I left the VTDI in 2005, and as one would have called it “a fortunate stroke of serendipity” I was blessed with the opportunity of having this noble gentleman again in 2006 as my boss at the Justice Training Institute and then at the GC Foster College in 2009 until he left in 2014. Mr. Shakes has provided distinguished service at all the institutions he has served. An indomitable leader, a mentor, a visionary, a counsellor a caring man who displayed consistently a strong level of emotional intelligence. He was easy to talk with at any time and was a boss who operates an open-door policy. Although we do not always share the same views and perspectives, I would always feel comfortable to go to him to express my views or feelings on any particular issue. You could also engage Mr. Shakes in discussions on any topical issues whether it be sport, education, entertainment, religion, politics, or current affairs. I can tell you, unequivocally, these conversations with Mr. Shakes can be at times very controversial and will make you cachinnate resulting in you shedding unwilling tears.
A professional in his own right, Mr. Shakes taught me that professionalism must not to be talked about but to be seen in us. In one of our conversations, Mr. Shakes shared with me the importance of demonstrating professionalism at all times. He lectured that professionalism is to respect everyone for their styles and this should be reflected it in not only our words but in our actions. Mr. Shakes taught me some vital lessons of life. He taught me that nothing is wrong with expressing oneself, but there comes a time when you just have to know when to ‘kibba u mouth’. He also taught me that even when you are in the right, you have to know what ‘battles to fight’ at the workplace.
Although Mr. Shakes does not often smile, I believe he has a “dry sense of humour’ and would convey the most hilarious anecdotes without a dim of smile. I particularly remember one occasion when at the Justice Training Institute, myself and Arlene would sit with him and have lengthy discussions. We would share with him our upbringings. From what we shared, I recalled him telling us that we were brought up sheltered and needed a little exposure. The prescription he offered was to arrange for someone to take us to a night club, but the person will pick us up at midnight.
A philosophical man, a liberalist. a man of integrity. I have learned so many life lessons from him. I will forever remember Mr. Shakes. I am deeply saddened by his passing, but I will continue live on those good memories.
My sincere condolences to Mrs., Elaine Shakes and family and may you be comforted by the good deeds and memories of this great man. Mr. Shakes, you have finished well your course. Goodbye. Rest in peace Sir.
Yvonne Dixon