Kamal- The man of the moment

Receiving a standing ovation, Kamal Wood, this country’s and the region’s top performer in the 2004 CXC examinations was honoured at the Methodist Church Hall last Thursday February 24.

Wood, who gained top position from among 132, 174 students from around the Caribbean, (more than the population of this country) was showered with loud applause as he received numerous plaques and trophies at the ceremony held to honour the nation’s top CXC achievers.{{more}}

Although he is yet undecided as to what he would like some day to become, the young man confessed that he likes math, physics and computing. He said that while many view his to achievements as “pressure” he sees it as “motivation.”

The former Deputy Head Boy of the Grammar School, Secretary of the Students’ Council and Young Leaders credited his parents for their support, even at times when he thinks he didn’t do his best academically. “They are always there for me, even if I’m down. There is no favouritism. My parents treat me the same as my two other brothers. They always encourage me and I can talk to them.”

His parents Linus and Cheryl Wood say he “was always a good communicator, always a happy child, he enjoys learning and we are very proud of him.”

His friends see him as a young man with high Christian values who doesn’t use curse words. They had descriptions like “focused, level headed, independent.” But the girls lamented that he was sweet and very confident which they declared they found appealing.’

Kamal seems to have success following him, he will be the cover guy for 2005-2006 Cable & Wireless telephone directory and will receive a max communicator and two years’ free Internet from the telecommunications giant.

He has been a General Employees Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU) scholar since he entered secondary school and a proud Manager Lennox Bowman , presented him with a gift of a high tech digital camera. The gift was also partly donated by the local branch of the United Nations Educational and Scientific Organisation (UNESCO).

Besides the academics, Kamal also has another secret passion. His angelic face suddenly changes and, with a devilish smile he confessed: “Cheesecake! I love cheesecake!”