Never did Dr. Vincent John, MBE imagine, as one of more than 100 boys in the 1st Hamilton Boy Scout troop, that one day he would become the first Bermudian to fulfil the highest role in the land: that of Chief Scout.

Yet, while others may exult in his honour, the man who has held every office in local Scouting views it with his usual quiet equanimity. Of course he is pleased and proud to have been selected, but it is not his way to be effusive.

"The Governor indicated it was time for a Bermudian to have the position, and I guess the Scout Council here kicked some names around and decided to ask me. Of course, I couldn't say no!" he smiles.

Dr. John's new position marks the first time in Bermuda Scouting history that the Governor of the day has declined to serve in that capacity.

"It is the pinnacle for us in Bermuda, although I do think the Chief Commissioner is more important than the Chief Scout because he is the one responsible for the working of Scouting," he says modestly.

In fact, Dr. John sees his new role as largely that of a figurehead and ceremonial: attending parades, taking the salute, and attending leaders' meetings when asked.

Scouting has been an integral part of Dr. John's life from childhood, interrupted only by the years he attended Morgan State University to gain his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree and then at Howard University to gain his dental degree. His introduction to the movement came through the influence of his boyhood friends, and he found he "liked it straight away".

"The 1st Hamilton troop was led by (later Dr.) Cyril Butterfield, but when he went away to study for the ministry the other leaders didn't carry through, which led to its demise, but during that time I was in the cadet corps at Berkeley Institute," Dr. John says.

On his return to Bermuda, and before he set up his own dental practice, the dentist worked briefly at the Department of Health's school clinic, but because he enjoyed working with young people he also got back into Scouting - a move that would eventually find him leading Bermuda Scouting groups to world jamborees in Australia in 1988 and Korea in 1992. He also attended various Scouting conferences abroad, including the American Scouting Council, which he found "very rejuvenating in terms of ideas because everyone was so enthusiastic".

Dr. John became a Scout Leader in a roundabout way. His ten-year-old son, Vincent Jr., a Cub Scout, was preparing to go to camp and his father was asked if he would help. Next he was asked to become a leader when Mr. Tommy Stearns said he was going to be away for a year.

"That was how I became so deeply involved, and I was named Central District Commissioner with responsibility for all the Scouts in that area. Whenever I see Tommy today I always say, `That was a long year!' We have had some very dedicated people who have remained as leaders for a long time. That is their contribution to the community," the Chief Scout says.

With so many activities, sporting and otherwise, to interest young people today, Dr. John admits that Scouting is not as strong as it was, although Cub Scouting is thriving.

"Once kids reach a certain age the attrition seems to be much greater, and it is not only in Bermuda that this is happening, but it seems to be all over the world. I am disappointed by this because I have always wanted the older boys to mature and be taken on a jamboree to see what Scouting is all about, because it is an education and gives them great exposure to other countries, nationalities and cultures."

Finding adult leaders in today's busy world is also a problem.

"So many people nowadays don't have the kind of time required. Where once people had one job, nowadays many people have two jobs just to keep up," he says.

In appealing for more leaders, Dr. John assures: "Once you get of them into it you enjoy it. I have to say that, although I gave up a lot of time for the boys, I think I got a lot out too. Even now I have to be an example to them. I've got to mind my P's and Q's, morally and in every other way, so Scouting helps your character while you are trying to build theirs."

Over his many years of service to Scouting, this soft-spoken, dedicated man has helped to shape many characters for the better, and today he is delighted when people express their appreciation for his leadership.

"Kids grow up and you lose track of them and what they have accomplished, so I really enjoy having them come up to me and say, `Thank you for doing what you did for my son in Scouts. You played a part in his life'. That is the reward."

Contrary to all the bad news associated with Bermuda's young people, the Chief Scout remains convinced that not only are the majority good citizens but also the principles of Scouting significantly benefit the lives of those who join the movement.

"I feel there are so many young people doing so many great things, but we don't hear about them. Instead, we hear about all the bad things." he says. "The aim of Scouting is to mould young people into responsible and contributing citizens of the country. Just as the Olympics are supposed to encourage the oneness of the world, so too is that what Scouting is all about. Since the movement started in 1907 there have been over 80 million Scouts. Today, it is found in most countries of the world."

During his years as a leader, Dr. John has witnessed Scout discipline change many boys' attitudes for the better.

"The discipline is enjoyable, not punishment," he says. "It is very common for boys to come to Scouts somewhat undisciplined and change visibly while they are there. Sometimes it is a matter of giving them more responsibility, but you also have to be able to lead by example. You just can't bully them into doing what you want. One of the things I did was let them see `positive peer pressure'."

Dr. John admits, however, that to remain attractive Scouting has had to move with the times, and will continue to do so. Today, boys have the opportunity to earn badges in just about anything they want, and they certainly love to display them.

"The problem is getting people to work with the boys in the various spheres," he says. "Scouts meet once a week for approximately two hours, meetings leaders plan for the next one. They are expected to teach the boys everything, although you have to get specialist people in to help with certain badges, like carpentry and plumbing."

In addition, the Chief Scout says parents should take a more active role in encouraging their child(ren) to take a positive interest in the Scouting programme because adults can also learn a great deal by assisting them with various projects and assignments.

Certainly the world has changed a great deal since Scouting began, and one of the most contentious issues has been whether or not gay men should be allowed to serve as leaders. While Bermuda's Chief Scout does not believe they should, he also says, "It does not bother me. Within the armed forces many gays become terrific leaders, and I'll tell you one thing: If I was in the army and in a war and a partner of mine was gay and saved my life I would just be glad he was there, gay or not. As long as a gay man doesn't interfere with me he can live his private life the way he wants to."

Looking back on his long Scouting career, during which he was awarded the Medal of Merit by the Chief Commonwealth Scout in 1985, Dr. John says he always told the boys: "If you want to enjoy Scouting you have to make sure I am enjoying it. If I'm not, you can be sure you won't either. It has been a good life. I think the boys did as much for me as I did for them as far as developing character was concerned."

Dr. John's dedication to community service has also included helping to revive the Western Stars Cricket Club and obtain St. John's Field as the home ground for the Western Stars Sports Club. He served on the Board of Education as chairman, and president of the scholarship committee, and remains a member of the Kiwanis Club, of which he is also a past president and past Lt. Governor. Other offices he has held include membership of the Bermuda Dental Association, Dental Board and Library Association. A tenor, he has sung in the St. Paul AME senior choir for over 50 years, and has been "learning to play golf for 25 years". Dr. John's extensive community service was recognised by the Queen, who made him a Member of Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1986.