THE EDITOR, Sir:

I'm currently here in Jamaica, (travelling from Toronto, Canada) on business with IBM and wanted to share an experience I had in Kingston.

Following a meeting on Thursday, we requested a taxi to take me and three colleagues back to the hotel. We were met promptly, greeted by a very friendly driver, and taken back to the hotel. We then met clients for dinner.

As I returned to the hotel after dinner, I was suddenly struck with panic - I had left my laptop in the taxi. Not only did I have all my work items, but more important to me was a significant collection of personal photos, which I have not backed up in months.

After a call to the taxi company, I had them track down the driver, who was now off duty. They were able to find the driver since we called to reserve a taxi prior to our meeting.

Story worth sharing

The reason I am sending this note to you is because I don't know who to share this with. I can't think of anyone I can tell my story to that will appreciate how much those photos mean to me and what a significant personal loss they were. But I'm writing to you to say thank you, to share my surprise, relief and sense of amazement that my laptop has been returned.

I wanted to ensure that before I leave Kingston on Saturday, January 19, someone in a position of authority could share in my chance meeting with a resident of Jamaica that is hopefully a reflection of the friendly, caring respectful and honest nature of the people in your community.

At 11 p.m. Thursday, the driver of Taxi #57 returned to the Wyndham hotel to deliver my laptop, on his personal time, following a long day of work. His name was Gregory and he drives for On Time taxi service.

I'm not sure there was anything else I could do to express my gratitude - he didn't expect a reward, and was excited to be able to help. If nothing else, I thought this might brighten your day.

I'll be back in town next week and regularly in the next few months - I'll be sure to call Gregory and pass on this story to help keep him busy with people who hear about this great story.

Gary Hogan

National Sales Executive - Canada & Caribbean, IBM

ghogan@ca.ibm.com