Living Proof Conservatism Works

I can still feel the pinch of the cardboard on my feet as I walked three miles to school. But it was better than having leaking shoes. This was only one childhood experience that gave me the resolve to strive for a better life.

Hard work, education and sheer determination propelled me out of my poor Caribbean home to become a diplomat, lawyer and Ph.D. As the newly elected President of The Haddonfield Independent Republican Club, I wish to acknowledge the honor bestowed upon me.

After introducing myself to the general membership and community at the meeting on Jan. 8, I shared a few brief ideas for the Club’s focus for the coming year. I am a naturalized US citizen born in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, which gained its independence from Britain on 31 August 1962. I speak Spanish, French and Portuguese. I am an attorney with law degrees from the University of London and Rutgers, Camden.

Prior to becoming a lawyer, I served Trinidad &Tobago as a diplomat in Brazil, and elsewhere, occasionally acting as the Head of Mission. I am licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and in the English-speaking Caribbean. I also hold a Ph.D. degree in Political Science from the University of Geneva, Switzerland.

I am a father to two daughters, both are married. One is a law professor and the other a medical doctor, both are graduates of Stanford University and currently residents of California.

Growing up, I was one of 11 children, my dad a carpenter, my mom a homemaker and washer woman, and later a factory worker. We had no car. I was her right hand. I remember walking with her, back and forth, at all hours, collecting the wash, then returning after washing, carrying the wash on our heads.

I remember the hand-me-down clothes; our floors strewn with a variety of (clean) rags - beds for some. I stuck with the books; I read voraciously, which set me on a journey of self-discovery and self-fulfillment, winning one scholarship after another – my education all fully paid.

My story reflects the quintessential conservative message. We can use it to propagate conservatism; generate a higher level of enthusiasm; stimulate a concerted outreach effort and help to expand GOP membership in the coming year, and beyond.

I am living proof that conservatism works.

Winston C. Extavour
January 13, 2013