Most people around the world may be aware that individuals who come from the Caribbean tend to be overachievers. Always striving for excellence. Such is the case of Dr. Lee Bailey from Montego Bay, Jamaica.
 
Dr. Lee Bailey was born on July 27,1943, in a town called Portland, located in Port Antonio, Jamaica, West Indies. His parents Miriam and Clarence Bailey urged him from his early years to attain the best in life, by always striving to be number one in Education. He was the third child out of four children, therefore, he felt an inner desire to break away from the family in order to allow his own light to shine. Although, his beginnings were humble, that did not deter him from having big dreams and goals. It was his compelling nature to succeed, that prompted him to move to Kingston as a teenager to further his Education.
 
While finishing his studies at Titchfield High School in Portland, he decided he would study Economics and increase career prospects by attending St. George's College in Kingston. During his time at St. Georges College he applied himself conscientiously and superseded most of his classmates in Academia. His thirst for knowledge grew with each step he took towards his betterment. Once he passed his A levels and O levels, he was convinced that there was a whole world out there to be conquered. He attended the University of The West Indies attaining a Bachelor's of Science Degree, then he  set out on an adventure to attain educational goals as follows: Research Centre Germany - M.Sc., Revans University (UK) – M.Sc. In Hospitality and Tourism Management, Revans University (UK) -  Doctorate and PhD,Gull University (LA) – Honorary Doctorate in Professional Studies.

               
After  completing his education, he returned to Jamaica and worked at various companies as an Accountant. Dr. Bailey decided, the Tourism Business offered prosperity for the young and enterprising.  His entrepreneurial nature lead him to a position at Martins Jamaica, as the General Sales Manager. While at Martins,  his career began to skyrocket. He then became the Managing Director of Regal Enterprises, Ltd.
 
During Dr. Bailey's career endeavors, he spent many arduous hours performing work within his community. He attached himself to organizations such as the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Norwood Basic School. These endeavors earned him tremendous accolades and several prestigious titles. He  achieved roles such as  the President of the Rotary Club in Montego Bay, President of the Chamber of Commerce , (3 times), Director of The Salvation Army Advisory Board and Chairman of Montego Bay Nursing Association.

The stellar journey of his career and his philanthropical pursuits gained him a place within the Montego Bay Community as a well respected Business Man and Scholar.
 
Eventhough, he had attained these titles, he felt that Jamaica had the potential for Tourism to become a primary source of revenue within the Parishes. Thus, urging him to begin a new venture called Caribbean Cruise Shipping and Tours, Ltd. A company that has served the Jamaican and International Community for more than 20 years.
 
Today, at 67 years old,  he is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CCS Tours and sits on several Advisory Boards such as the Port Committee, Montego Bay's Center of Commerce and Industry and he is also the Director of the Mobay Center of Commerce. He continues his work within the community by embracing the students at St. James High School, helping them to further their studies and is Chaiman of The School Board.
 
Some may think a man of this stature does not have any spare time, however, he still finds time to nurture his affiliations with the Jamaica Defense Force, by training the Cadets and  serving as a Member of the Constabulary Force Consultative Committee. Even while enjoying his hobbies, he tries to excel or become involved in creating positive change. His passion for Football and Soccer lead him to become the Director of The Football Association in Montego Bay and his fondness of the Rotary, keeps him fighting ardently for Polio to be eradicated from the World.
 
One may ask, what drives an ordinary person to achieve such greatness in his lifetime? Dr. Bailey attributes his achievments to phenomenal ancestry and ambition, being a relative of Sir Alexander Bustamante and the Honorable Michael Manley helps to put accopmplishments in perspective. Overachieving was in his genes from birth, many people may ignore it, but he chose to make the best of his opportunities along the way.
 
Most people who have achieved great strides in life, tend to be unapproachable, yet with all his accolades he has managed to be "Boss of the Year" consistently and always has a listening ear for his children Margaret, Megan and Amelia. If all his titles have not been impressive enough, there are two titles he relishes the most, and they are presiding over affairs of the heart by serving as a Justice of The Peace, and that of Grandfather.
 
Dr. Lee Bailey is married and lives in Montego Bay with his wife, where he enjoys golfing, boating and sportfishing. In October of 2010, Dr. Lee Bailey was honored by the Government of Jamaica with an Order of  Distinction in the Rank of Officer, Jamaica's third highest National Award; another fancy title to his name.
 
When a person accomplishes great feats, it only proves, that it doesn't matter where he/she came from, as long as success is on the horizon.
 
Congratulations Dr. Bailey !  The Jamaican Hall of Fame Salutes you!

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Tags: An Emerged Leader: Dr. Lee Bailey