Mikael Phillips has a lot to thank his dad for. -photos by Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Mikael Phillips, Flair Guest Editor

My father, my best friend. I was better able to appreciate him when I went to live with him when I was about 10 years old (my parents separated when I was much younger). It was from there that he helped to shape my life. My father is a strong believer in family values and he instilled those values in us. I saw him as a teacher and philosopher. From him I learnt respect, independence, hard work, integrity, responsibility and dedication. He was the one who taught me to always remember where I came from, and where I am now, in order to set the foundation for the future.

A Humble Man

A humble man at heart, my father Peter Phillips has dedicated himself to the upliftment of this country, making him the fourth generation in our family which has given of itself to serve community and country, thus paving the way for my political aspirations.

My relationship with my father is one that I want to mirror with my daughters; that no matter how busy you are, always make time for your family. That he always did. For the last 18 years, he has dedicated his life to serving his country at great sacrifice to his family, but he always knew how to strike that balance. Sometimes we thought it was not enough, but we tried to understand. My father felt that once you reached the age of 18 you were an adult, and he expected you to think and behave as such. Whatever mistakes you made, you would now have to sort them out yourself, but you could always go to him for guidance. He never made us feel that because of his position as a publicservant, especially the one he now holds, we could break the law. There are penalties, and we will have to face up to them; there is no preferential treatment.

What my father has passed on to me has definitely made me a better person. I hope I can pass it on to others inside and outside of my family.

Thank you, daddy!