Speaking With Presidents

I have had many proud moments as RoatanBruce, the first English speaking radio and television talk show host and producer in the Western Caribbean. Over an 8 year period from 2003 to 2011, I interviewed well over 400 people, from Four Honduran Presidents, to Congressman, Mayors, Governors, a Diplomat and other business and community leaders. I even became an on the field sports reporter/interviewer at Shea Stadium in New York City during trips there representing the radio show and Honduras this Week. I also attended my very first Super Bowl as press in February, 2008 when the New York Giants defeated the great New England Patriots for the 2007 Championship!

One of the great moments of my talk show life was when I was granted a one hour interview with Honduran President Ricardo Maduro. It took place one year after he left office and he accepted my invitation to be the first person to interview him since leaving office. He was by far one of the best Presidents Honduras has had in recent times. He was a fair and highly intelligent leader. He really had great concern for the people of Honduras and had few selfish concerns. The highlight of the interview was when he stated the nature of the office prevented him from doing more than he wanted to do.

To me, he was a true gentleman. He was always fair to me when he was in office and I never forgot that. Many thanks to you President Maduro for the good work and kindness to all the countrymen of Honduras. The country has not been the same since you left office.

I also had the opportunity to speak to two other Presidents. One never really cared about reaching the English speaking people of the country, one I wished hadn't turned out as he did. One other President will stand out as a true modern hero to most Honduran people for decades and centuries to come. His name is President Roberto Micheletti.

I first got to know him when he was President of the Honduran Congress. Every time he came to Roatan for a political event, he would always stop and talk to me and answer questions that I had. Always respecting his time and never asking more than one or two, he was always kind and considerate with me. He became President of Honduras when the President who was in office was removed. He was next in line as President of Congress to become President. He kept Honduras stable and respectable as the world came up with outrageous reports of our political and Presidential problems. Even our own President Obama and Hillary Clinton got it wrong and supported the wrong side until they started coming around six months later reversing their views. The good people of Honduras will always be indebted to such a strong, clear thinking and unselfish President.

In this picture, I am standing with President Micheletti and the then Governor of the Bay Islands, Arlie Thompson. Arlie become one of my best friends and was one of the kindest people on the island of Roatan. Arlie, you were there for me at a time when your support and friendship was most needed and you will never be forgotten.