How would you feel if you woke up in paradise every day? And if you lived there with your family and managed a private island in the Bahamas. Well, for Huskies Rugby Alumni and 2009 graduate, Andrew Kemp, this is his reality.
“Not a chance! Younger me would look at me and thought I was crazy,” Kemp explained, when asked what a younger Kemp would say if he was told where he would one day end up. And to be fair, it’s probably the reaction many people would have if someone explained Kemp’s position as General Manager of a private island.
Kemp, who was born in the Bahamas, is in charge of managing Over Yonder Cay, the 100% privately-owned island in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. It acts as a residence on one side, and a vacation property on the other. The island welcomes parties of up to 30 guests in four uniquely designed villas, all with private beaches and breathtaking views. It has all the bells and whistles one could think of when imagining a private island, from jet skis and wave runners to massage therapists and much, much more. Being the island manager, Andrew runs all the assets on the island and ensures everything runs smoothly.
“My job is to oversee the operational side of the island and the guest experiences when they arrive,” he explained. “It [can be] something as simple as making sure paint is on the walls, to climbing a wind tower and troubeshooting that, to working in the solar fields, to troubleshooting the island generators, making water for the island and on top of that, managing the financial expenditures for the island. I share that with my wife.”
This private island’s power and water supply is not hooked up with another island. Yonder Cay is powered by a state-of-the-art renewable energy system which includes three wind turbines and a 1.5-acre solar field.
“We are 100% independent, and on our own. We produce wind and solar energy for our island. As of right now, we probably have around a 98% renewable penetration factor over the course of a year,” Kemp explained.
Including this, Kemp and his wife have to make sure they plan ahead for everything when it comes food, materials, and so on, as they cannot simply drive to their local grocery or hardware store to get the supplies when they need it.
“Some people can’t comprehend living on the island. For instance, if we need to go to the food store, we don’t drive down the street and buy it. The island is 74 acres, with no food store. We’ve got to think two-weeks ahead for everything to get all the vessels, transportation and cargo to come to the island. If something breaks, we need to make sure we have the proper materials to fix it or else we have to wait a week or so for it to arrive.”
Before this journey began for Kemp, he had finished high school and one year at Wilfrid Laurier University prior to enrolling at George Brown College’s Hospitality program in 2005. The main reason why he made the switch to George Brown was because of a close friend’s recommendation.
Growing up, Kemp always saw himself as an athlete, having competed in swimming, baseball, and his true passion, rugby. However, during his first two years, there was no varsity rugby program at George Brown. So, after being a part of the intramural team for a year, Kemp and his good friend and then-teammate, Darren Richardson got the ball rolling to create a varsity program. After gaining enough interest from students, the Athletics and Recreation Department created a program. Kemp went on to play two seasons for the squad and excelled so much while representing the Huskies that he garnered international attention, and eventually signed a contract and spent two seasons with the Tonbridge Juddians, a semi-professional rugby team in England.
When Kemp reminisced about his time at George Brown, he had only positive memories.
“My experience at George Brown was great. I’m still in touch with numerous guys who I studied with. For all intents and purposes, it was well worth it. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing about my time at George Brown.”
Those tight bonds created at GBC remain for Kemp and his fellow Husky alumnus, Darren Richardson, as well as soccer alumni, Richard Kirwan, who is currently Assistant Coach of the men’s soccer team, and Peter O’Donnell.
“We did a lot together as students and still do. In fact, we all pitched in to purchase a case of whiskey in Scotland together. The idea is we’re going to let it mature for 12 years and then meet up and have a drink with one another,” Kemp stated. “We’re investing in friendship. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the humour, the drive, support, and friendships along the way.”
Being a Husky in Kemp’s mind is all about the environmental aspects of the College.
“What comes to mind are two words: social and community. When you’re a Husky, you’re a part of a tight community. You challenge and push each other to get better in everything,” Kemp said. “Without that support, it’s harder to get through life. I miss everything; the bond and relationships. Honestly, that was an unforgettable four years.”