Defying Doubt: When They Say You Can’t, Do It Anyway By Ricardo P. Deveaux
Throughout life, you will encounter voices that attempt to define your potential — voices that question your ability based on your age, where you come from, or simply because they don’t believe in you. I know those voices well. I've heard them, felt their sting, and used them as fuel.
At the age of 25, while many were still trying to find their path, I was leading the Nassau, Bahamas Pan-Hellenic Council to become the first international council ever chartered by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. That achievement didn’t come without skepticism. Some said, "You're too young." Others questioned, "How could someone from The Bahamas lead such an initiative on a national stage?" But I kept going.
By 29, I was elected Assistant Regional Director for the Southern Region of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Again, there were whispers: "That’s a U.S. organization. What makes you think someone from outside the mainland can lead?" And yet, I continued.
At 31, I was elected National First Vice-President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., becoming both the first international council member and the first Bahamian to hold the second-highest international office in the organization. I often reflect on that milestone not as a moment of pride alone, but as a testament to perseverance despite doubt.
By 37, I was honored to become the first inductee into the Bahamas Greek Hall of Fame, recognized for my outstanding contributions to the National Pan-Hellenic Council both locally and internationally. This historic moment validated that leadership and impact have no borders when service is sincere and purpose-driven.
That same year, I assumed leadership of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation as its President & CEO — a fully voluntary non-profit that has, to date, raised more than $3.3 million in scholarships and prizes, recognizing over 3,200 of The Bahamas’ brightest primary school students. These children are our future, and it is my life’s honour to help build platforms that elevate them.
By 41, I had the distinct honour of serving as the Spring 2009 Commencement Speaker at Bethune-Cookman University — my alma mater. I became only the second Bahamian to deliver that address, following in the footsteps of the late Sir Lynden Pindling, and one of the youngest commencement speakers in the institution's history. To stand where greatness once stood, when others had once said I wouldn’t be enough — was nothing short of divine confirmation.
So when people tell you that you can’t, remember this: they are not the authors of your story.
People will talk about you. They will try to minimize your dream. They will say, “You’re too young,” “You’re not ready,” “You’re from the wrong place,” or “You don’t have what it takes.” But God’s voice must be louder than their doubt.
The Bible says in Habakkuk 2:2–3 (KJV): “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” When you carry a vision, you must protect it. Nurture it. Speak life into it. Even when no one else sees it — you keep working. Even when the room is silent — you keep moving. And even when they laugh, dismiss, or ignore you — you trust that what God placed inside you is greater than any man’s doubt.
The path isn’t always easy, but it is purposeful. Your background, age, and zip code do not limit God’s plan for your life. If anything, they make your testimony all the more powerful. So walk with confidence. Work with intention. And never forget: when they say you can’t, do it anyway — and let your success speak for you.
