Three years ago, the advertising staff at The Royal Gazette wanted to produce a supplement that would pay homage to a vital section of the community that we all know exists, but sometimes rarely hear anything about—the men who are making a difference.

Since then we have published features focusing on the youth, young adults and businesswomen and while they were well received by our readers, often many of us were fielded the same question: “When are you going to do a feature on the men again?”

Well, dear readers, we have listened and in the following pages we will introduce you to men from all walks of life who share one thing in common-being positive in the community.

Many of the men we interviewed were volunteers and they all were linked by a common thread; they believed that it is imperative to give back to the community which you live in.

When I sat down to talk with some of the men, several asked me, “What have I done to make a difference?” while others were reluctant to put themselves in the limelight. After reading their stories you will see why they were chosen-just for being themselves.

While all of the men I spoke with were admirable, a few interviews stuck with me that I would like to share with you.

Let me begin with Greg Swan, President and COO of telecommunications company TeleBermuda International Limited.

His was a name I had heard of before, but I had yet to meet him face to face. I was not sure what to expect with this interview. I had to admit I was a little intimidated, but let me tell you, by the time our meeting ended, I felt like we were old friends. Warm and affable, Greg not only genuinely cares about his staff, but about the youth of Bermuda.

Several days later, I had the opportunity to sit with one of TBI’s managers, Terence Burgess.

A devoted husband, father and musician, Terence made it very clear who was the head of his household-God. A Christian since he was a teenager, he demonstrated that it is okay to love Him during times when others find it so easy to live a secular life.

Do you know someone who you are vaguely familiar with but once you get to know them more intimately, you feel like you have discovered a breath of fresh air? Well, Charles Leon O’Brien is one of those men. He has a passion so deep for the revitalization of the disenchanted young males in Bermuda. Leon, as I call him, is not just one to say, but he is a doer.

When his own son and grandson were performing at their best in school, he sent them away. Now both of them are doing extremely well and making positive contributions to society.

And last but not least is A. Wayne Smith. While he has an unbridled commitment to see many young males in Bermuda succeed, to witness his infinite love for his son, Johnathan, is something that pulls at your heartstrings. Wayne is successful in just about every facet of his life but if given the opportunity to look deep enough you will find that he is one of the most humble people you will ever cross paths with. Thank you Wayne for the privilege.

In the following pages, you will find that we have also reprinted stories that ran previously in The Royal Gazette highlighting men—.just in case you missed it the first time!

So, dear readers, let me tell you this. The men making a difference in the your lives do not have to make loads of money, drive a fancy car or garner front page news. All they have to be is themselves and have a positive impact in YOUR life. Take the time out to tell them what they mean to you. And to you men out there who are making a difference, on behalf of The Royal Gazette and everyone else in the community, I extend a warm and hearty, “THANK YOU!”