Although he was born in Kingston, Sameer spent some of his childhood in Lebanon, before his parents returned to Jamaica when he was just nine (and mainly Arabic-speaking). In the year of Hurricane Charlie (1951) he started studying at Wolmer’s Boys School; then at the age of 13 he was already working as a salesman for his father Abdullah’s haberdashery and textile business, traveling across the island with three suitcases of samples. The first section of the book is replete with fascinating details of the Younis family, their tradition as members of the Druze religion and their pride in the family name (“There is honour in your name”). There is Sameer’s marriage to the beautiful Leila, whom he met in Lebanon and brought back to Jamaica; she also had a great deal of adjustment to make to Jamaican life, culture – and the English language. Now, as was evident from the video shown at the launch, Leila is a Jamaican who truly loves her country. If you like family photos, there are plenty here to study and enjoy. Sameer and Leila had five children: four sons and one daughter."

"No one who knew Sameer can forget his deep and heartfelt concern for improved family life in Jamaica" - Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart, OJ,CD

"When I got involved in public life I already heard of Sameer Younis. He was larger than life" - Hon. Phillip Paulwell