Diplomas are just learning permits, says Lascelles Chin

Upon receiving a degree, many university graduates believe the hard work has ended and their qualifications will now work for them, but executive chairman of the LASCO Affiliated Companies, Lascelles Chin, says only continuous hard work will bring about success.

Presenting the main address at the Northern Caribbean University's (NCU) 93rd second commencement on Sunday, Chin gave a spirited charge to the graduates, using his own experiences as examples of the results of being persistent.

"The diploma you will receive today is really just your learner's permit for the rest of your journey through life. Remember, you don't have to be smarter than the next person, you only have to be willing to work hard, persevere and exercise courage in the face of obstacles, always remaining true to the values of honesty, integrity and caring for your fellowmen..."

Road to success

He said further, "Like many of you, my parents did not have life easy. I had to work very hard to achieve success and was denied many things in life. I did not have enough lunch money at times and had to make my own toys ... I started business in 1962 with £175 as a commissioned agent. I rented half of a house for my family to live in ... that was where National Trading Company started. Today, I head one of the most successful groups of companies with a combined market capitalisation amounting to more than $48 billion."

Chin, who was conferred with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree by NCU, implored the graduates to adapt to and embrace change in an effort to finding "golden opportunities".

"Your time here is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't let the noise or opinions of others drown out your inner voice, and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition."

Just under 700 graduates were conferred with their degrees.