Voices from the Streets Part 49- The Power of Resilience!

By Nixon Dickenson

Nixon Dickenson and vendor Efrem Stubbs

In this week’s article, Voices from the Streets, I would like to share my conversation with Efrem Stubbs also known as ‘Efe’. A part from being a good buddy of mine, I admire Efrem’s tenacity. Too often we wait until someone has died to recognize their value. I also admire Efrem’s resilience; twenty-four years ago, he had big dreams.

Efrem wanted to become an Architect and open a small business in architectural building design. Although his dreams were shattered due to an automobile accident that almost took his life and left him with mobility challenges, he identified a way to make a comeback. Whenever I pass by Scotiabank on Leeward Highway, I look forward to supporting Quench, a small business, as it embodies the power of resilience. Efe understands that he has a purpose in life and uses every opportunity to share lessons that can make a difference in someone’s life.

His words of advice to the youth were always to strive to make a comeback and not dwell on circumstances or situations beyond one's control. He said that there is nothing to be ashamed of in making an honest living, even if you are selling cold drinks from the back of your vehicle. Efrem spoke of the many opportunities available to youths in the country, and it will take discipline, determination, and focus on the part of those individuals who want to become successful.

 He shared that the process of learning to walk again was not an easy one. He could have become a pessimist but rather chose to see the bigger picture: that he was alive and that God had a purpose for his life. According to Efe, you will get out of life what you put into it. He shared that he is blessed to be allowed to earn his income in front of Scotiabank, and he can interact with so many business owners.

Over the years, he has established a stable and supportive customer base. He believes that this can be attributed to his positive attitude and determination to remain resilient, even on days when business was slow, or he did not feel like engaging mentally on that day. He shared that he has seen the hand of God in his life, and he feels blessed to be able to support himself financially, even now, despite his mobility challenges.

Efrem's story is truly inspiring! His resilience and positive attitude in the face of adversity are remarkable. It is wonderful that he has found a way to make a meaningful impact on his community and support himself despite the challenges he has faced. His advice to the youth about the importance of discipline, determination, and focus in achieving success is valuable. His resilience and tenacity to overcome significant challenges, including a life-changing automobile accident and his determination to make a comeback, is a testimony that with faith and trust in God, anything is possible.

Indeed, it is his faith and belief in his life's purpose that continue to help him see the bigger picture and remain optimistic. Quench is a staple on the island of Providenciales, and he is grateful for the love and support that he receives from his family and customers. Whenever you have a reason to visit Scotiabank on Leeward Highway, stop by Quench and show this brother some love. Well done, my friend Efe! Keep making waves; someone is watching and being encouraged through the power of your resilience.