The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Two minutes ago I stumbled on my copy of the attached letter, apparently written to Barry Farrington by Butch Kerzner. I find it to be a profound and well deserved compliment to Barry. You may publish it if you wish.

RON LIGHTBOURN

Nassau,

October 23, 2021

(In their private exchange, Butch Kerzner, addressed Barry Farrington as “Commander” while Mr Farrington called him “Young Winston.”

(Mr Farrington was in tourism for 41 years before retirement as head of Kerzner International, while Butch Kerzner, CEO of Kerzner International, and a close partner, was killed at the age of 42 in a helicopter crash in 2006. Mr Farrington died on October 13 this month at the age of 85.

The following letter was written from “Young Winston” (Butch Kerzner) to “Mr Commander” (Barry Farrington) sometime before Butch Kerzner’s death.

Commander,

I have been meaning to put down in writing certain thoughts that are perhaps on the sentimental side but which I nevertheless wish to express. I have written this note because all too often important sentiments are left unspoken. I now find myself on AA 908 winging my way to Colorado and find it opportune to put these thoughts down on paper (the virtual kind).

Most of what we do at work is often trivial (in the grand scheme of things) and usually boring.

We are not working on any of the profound questions of life, no great discoveries taking place, no enduring works of art being created. But then, it is, by and large, a pleasant diversion and every now and then something fulfilling happens. Working with you is one of the aspects that I have found fulfilling.

When I first started working in The Bahamas I found it incredibly frustrating…I found that the path to success is often circuitous. There is little instant gratification. This was unlike the environments that I had previously been accustomed to and I was also less mature at the time. I had only just joined the company and had begun, for my first time, to be involved in management as opposed to deal-making on Wall Street. I believe that I was very fortunate to encounter you at this time.

I have learned a lot working with you. I have learned about fairness and treating people with respect. I have come to appreciate that this is not only the correct way to behave but it is also good business practice. One should endeavor to establish a reputation for fairness; a person that people like to do business with. This does not exclude one from being “firm”. Working from the premise of fairness is not only good for business but it also helps one maintain a more positive “karma”, more peacefulness. Many people pay lip service to this but I have seen you practice it.

Further, at times I have watched you display great patience and I have similarly tried to learn to maintain a calmness in the face of obtuse behavior (although I cannot pretend to have made huge progress in this area and continue to lose my temper too often). Clearly I still have a long way to go; improving management and negotiating skills is a never-ending task.

Working with you has been fun. We have laughed a lot. Even during some very tense moments with our good friend “the Doctor” we have often been able to see the lighter side of things. I think that we have worked together well as a team. Our disagreements are few and yet, it is important, that when we do hold different points of view, they are easily expressed in a straightforward manner. This is healthy and is the sign of a comfortable relationship.

Commander, in conclusion, and without question, most importantly, I think that I have found a good friend in you. Thanks.

YOUNG WINSTON