Man Overcomes Circumstances In Haitian Village

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A man is sharing his story of success after struggling with poverty as a child growing up in a Haitian village.

From repeating the 4th grade due to struggles learning a new language to graduating with his second bachelor’s degree.

Thirty-five-year-old Frankie Camille, a corporal on the Royal Bahamas Police Force, grew up in a Haitian village off Joe Farrington Road. His early life wasn’t easy as he struggled with poverty. His Haitian mother couldn’t read or write. His school bag was a plastic bag, and he wore the same clothes every day. Repeating the 4th grade was devastating.

But, Camille was determined to be successful. Despite his mother’s shortcomings, she ensured that he attended school every day and pushed him to do his best. He eventually rose to head boy and valedictorian of Doris Johnson’s class of 2005 fulfilling a promise he made to himself.

Camille’s first degree is in banking and finance with a minor in French, and his second degree is in music education. He says while he did experience some xenophobia due to his Haitian background, it was Bahamian teachers who helped make a way for him to attend college where he says he learned to think critically and people skills. He urges other young people of Haitian descent to keep a focused mindset.

We spoke to Camille just outside the Haitian village where he grew up. He says in the past the village was larger, with more structures. Today the area is less bustling and the structures are a bit more sophisticated.

One familiar feature is the children playing. Camille, who is now married and has a daughter, wants those children and others who grew up in shanty towns to know that upward mobility is possible. Right now, he’s turning his attention to his master’s degree and he aspires to own a music school for under privileged children, especially children of Haitian descent. He wants children who grew up in similar circumstances to him to know that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.