Chapters

by my family’s admiration for capitalism and democracy. My father’s background, in particular, shed light on the importance of these values. Originally from Ostrava, my father’s family was known for their success and respect throughout the town. However, after World War II, the communist government nationalized everything, including my family’s business. My grandfather was forced to give up…

into the conventional mold. I wasn’t content with my mundane life and was always seeking adventure and excitement. However, I didn’t seek out government agencies or fraternal organizations to indulge my adventurous spirit. Instead, I took a different path, exploring the complexities of international politics and offering my assistance to those in need despite the inherent dangers…

meeting in our freshman year of college. Our shared love for tennis brought us together, and we quickly developed a strong friendship. We spent our free time exploring the vibrant music scene of downtown Manhattan, particularly the Jazz clubs that were the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife. As we spent more time together, Patrick began opening up to…

I was eager to share stories about my experiences with others. On the first Friday after our return, I decided to stop by Puddles, a local club, where I started a conversation with a man named Roy. As we chatted, I couldn’t help but express the passion that my partner, Patrick, and I had for starting a…

full of significant experiences that shaped the person he went on to become. Born on February 18, 1949, in Rockaway, Queens, to a German-American engineer and an Irish-American woman, Kevin grew up surrounded by a web of connections in both politics and the police force. His parents worked for the Republican Party, and Mayor Jim Walker, a cousin of…

Michael Manley, who quickly gained popularity by addressing the country’s wealth inequality. One of his notable initiatives was the government’s acquisition of a majority interest in the bauxite mining operations aimed at redistributing wealth. This move marked the beginning of several socialist programs Manley would introduce. Crime posed a significant challenge during this period, and he tackled it…

of Haiti and just off the northern shore of Venezuela, bears a striking resemblance in size to Martha’s Vineyard. In 1979, a coup led to the formation of a “socialistic” communist regime in Grenada, effectively toppling Eric Gairy, the nation’s inaugural Prime Minister. Gairy governed with an iron hand, displaying dictatorial inclinations and deploying his covert police…

desire to participate in world politics once again, found a new opportunity in Grenada, a country facing a situation similar to that of Jamaica under Michael Manley. A year earlier, Jamaica had transitioned from a socialist-communist government to a democracy under a new president. The catalyst for Grenada’s return to democracy was a Freeport, New…

ways to make extra money to support their passion for traveling and political activism. Kevin ventured into the commodities business, hoping to strike it rich. He brokered deals involving oil, gold, and cigarettes with Caribbean and Middle Eastern countries, but unfortunately, these deals fell through, leaving him disheartened. However, Kevin discovered an unexpected silver lining in…

unique position after collaborating with Miller and Kevin. His newfound connections granted him access to influential figures in Washington, D.C., allowing him to meet with congressmen and senators. As a Prince and representative of Saudi Arabia’s royal family, such encounters became a regular occurrence for him. However, this period coincided with a rising wave of terrorism that…

by the nation’s political past, especially the succession of authority that transpired in the twentieth century. The Duvalier dynasty, led by Francois Duvalier, held control in Haiti since 1957. Before assuming the presidency, Duvalier served as a physician, devoting his time to combating illnesses in the impoverished regions of Haiti. His commitment to enhancing the lives of…

opening up exciting prospects just waiting to be seized. As a salesman, I could feel the pulse of these new opportunities, but it was my uncle who enlightened me about a particularly promising venture involving Haitian natural resources—a goal our business had set its sights on. It all began in 1996, during the Clinton administration, when…

neighboring nations situated on a small island in the Caribbean Sea. Despite their close proximity, these two countries exhibit distinct cultural and economic disparities. The Dominican Republic predominantly speaks Spanish, whereas Haiti’s primary language is Creole. Additionally, the economic conditions in the Dominican Republic are notably superior compared to its neighbor, Haiti. In fact, one could draw…

eagerly anticipating the next one that lay ahead. However, he couldn’t help but notice that each new escapade came with a progressively higher level of danger. His deep longing for global freedom had almost turned him reckless in his pursuit of witnessing countries embrace democracy. It was during this time that Kevin received communication from individuals claiming to represent…

one finds themselves in a precarious situation. We tend to associate sacrifices for freedom with soldiers laying down their lives but rarely consider the perils faced by those who assist behind the scenes. Unbeknownst to us, the risks extend far beyond the battlefield. I, too, was oblivious to the dangers lurking in the shadows until a…