Letter to the Editor - ‘Wealth beyond money’ |18 February 2016

It was with great interest that I read on your website the Opinion piece by Sir James R. Mancham, the founding President of the Republic of Seychelles.  I love the way he puts into philosophical perspective the question of “are we rich or are we poor”.  His opinion reflects such ‘beautiful wisdom!’  

To make a long story short....  Though born in Rye, NY, I was (and still am) an ‘Island Person’ and ‘Nature Spirit’ at heart, and couldn't wait to escape the brutal cold winters and rat race.  I longed to connect with the beauty of Nature on a tropical island (in the South Pacific).  So, after graduation, I turned down a great job with a top designer in NYC and headed south.  Eventually, I ended up in Freeport, Grand Bahama, where I got a job with Pam American Airlines, which enabled me to explore other parts of the world.  After five years, I relocated to Hawaii with my Australian husband.  From there we explored the South Pacific. (e.g. Cook Is. Fiji, New Zealand, Australia).  After my marriage fell apart, I moved to the Cook Is. to work with the late Sir Tom Davis, MD, KBE, (first Prime Minister of Cook Island).  Many years later I ended up marrying him and the rest is history.   

While I have never been to the Seychelles I hear it is among the most beautiful group of islands in the world.  Undoubtedly, a lot what the Seychelles are today is due to the amazing efforts and illustrious leadership qualities of its founding President.  He has such a great philosophy.  The people of Seychelles should consider themselves very fortunate to have a leader with his wisdom and vision along with their "wealth beyond money!"  

Sometime ago I bought a beautiful poster for my daughter, of a tropical beach scene saying in bold letters:

 “RELAX”

The poor long for riches.

The rich long for heaven.

But, the wise desire tranquillity.

ENJOY the WEALTH of your island paradise and my presentation for the 2013 GEP UK on Wealth:  Global Energy Parliament Blog for the 2013 GEP in London, UK  

"Wealth Beyond Money" 

http://global-energy-parliament.net/activities/blog/viewpost/245

Lady Carla Davis, MPH