Laidlaw: After UWI, I entered the financial industry on the mortgage lending side; I was a Loan Officer at the National Housing Trust (the NHT). I migrated to the USA, remaining on the mortgage lending side but also branched out into mortgage servicing for a few years before transitioning to the securitization sector.
I currently work with one of the largest Global Credit Rating agencies, as a residential mortgage-backed securities risk analyst.
I have been involved with great career-pathing since the NHT. I have experienced the full spectrum of activities from customer-facing responsibilities through securitization and sales, and am now overseeing risk management functions. So yes, it has been a rewarding and enjoyable career, since my humble beginnings at NHT.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Bredrin': Have there been marked differences of work culture in different places in Jamaica and the USA?

Laidlaw: I worked three years at NHT in the 1980s and during that stint I also wore a union hat; it's safe to say career-pathing and staff development were not developed process then. One's advancement would be highly dependent on retirement or death of those ahead of you. Thinking outside the box runs counter to the bureaucratic system, a system that stifled innovation.

Bredrin': What does your current job involve?
Laidlaw: I am a Senior Director covering several US and Canadian mortgage banks and servicing operations. I manage the risk operational review and rating process for the respective entities. These are annual events, but they require ongoing surveillance and monitoring.

Bredrin': Any other aspects of your career you wish to emphasize?

Laidlaw: I am a mentor to my group's junior analytical team and a member of the company's new joiner committee, which oversees compliance and certification requirements.

Bredrin': When you took your degree from UWI, what was your area of specialization? And how was this linked to your career that followed? Was your UWI degree important in setting you on your career path?
Laidlaw: I completed a first degree in Public Administration, with quite a few Economics and Accounting courses included. The choice of Public Administration was driven through a desire to make a societal difference: thanks to Professor Edwin Jones and his many UWI summer class chats and first year seminars and tutorials. My first degree was the gate that opened my world to the mortgage industry and it has been a learning process ever since.

Bredrin': Any postgraduate or other professional training you wish to mention?
Laidlaw: Along the way I have completed an MBA in Global Management and taken several professional and financial certificates.

Bredrin': Would you recommend your job areas of expertise to KC students or young Old Boys today?
Laidlaw: Operational risk monitoring is an important function within any industry. It takes a certain level of diligence and care to safeguard against the uncertainties and hazards a company faces. It is an exciting and robust career, especially with AI presenting so many positive changes. But with that comes many challenges. I would encourage current students or young Old Boys to keep your options open: the classroom is/was just the starting point for your eventual career growth and personal development.

ACADEMIC TIME/PRE-KC

Bredrin: At KC, you were a strong all-round student, active in academic matters, a school leader, organizer of a unique teaching programme for persons incarcerated at the General Penitentiary, and a powerful cheerleader and supporter of all KC matters. What was your route into KC?
Laidlaw: Entered KC through the Grade Nine Achievement Test. So, I was placed in Third Form; but by this time I felt more KC than those who came up from the First and Second forms. As far as I was concerned, it was KC or bust. There was no second choice. Actually, I did put KC as my first and second choices.

Bredrin': Why did you opt to attend KC?
Laidlaw: KC has a certain aura and an expected level of high performance, whether it be academics, the performing arts, or sports. Even when we have not finished on top, I believe we will have made whatever we were involved in exciting. and brings out the best in us and the competitors. Furthermore, Oliver Smith, KC, as well as Keith O'Neil were my neighbors at the time and the stories I heard solidified my intention to become a 'college man' one day.

Bredrin': Were there others coming into KC from your pre-KC school(s)?
Laidlaw: I knew several KC students pre-KC but I think at the time I was one of only two or so students who came in from the same school. Robert Rodney of Manning Cup fame was one of them. Most went to that green and black school on Red Hills Road.

Bredrin': Any notable challenges and pleasures before KC days?

Laidlaw: Very quiet and shy; nothing eventful or worth identifying.

STUDENT LIFE AT KC

Bredrin: What were some of your main academic activities a t KC and the factors that motivated you in this area? What subjects interested you most, and why?
Laidlaw: West Indian and European History, and Literature. I was averse to the Sciences. I enjoyed reading and was fascinated with understanding how History has shaped our world. Literature helped me to see beyond the written words and was an enlightening experience. Literature was my best academic success.

Bredrin': What are some of your main memories as a student at KC in the 1970s?
Laidlaw: Being a member of the basketball term and traveling to Guantanamo Bay. We never won a single game, the games were never close, but the rumor was we all came back speaking Spanish and chewing gum. Teaching at the General Penitentiary was humbling but was a very gratifying experience: those of us who participated still speak about it to this day. Being a member of the Drama Club and representing the College at The Little Theatre and of course profiling at Tom Redcam Library, "studying' .

Bredrin': At what stage in your time at KC did you identify your proposed career path? What steps did you take in this regard?
Laidlaw: My proposed career path at KC was probably law; but I had some concerns about the areas of specialization. Most of my cohorts who planned to do law, had an idea; unfortunately, I did not. Then things changed during the summer of First Year UWI. I decided to pursue a degree in an area that had more options, and one that was aligned with my free, independent spirit.

Bredrin': Did some teachers have a special impact on you or on your classes on the whole?
Laidlaw: Mrs Reid, Ms Reid and Mrs, Riley come immediately to mind. They confronted me in Upper Sixth Form about my non-academic activities and the peril these activities were likely to have on my "A" levels and my future academic well-being. They read me the Riot Act. I think I may have settled down to get through my exams but I have not changed much over the years, always being a part of something.
The two Reids, Mrs Riley and Mrs Coke for Literature, Ms Campbell for Economics, and our History instructors all stood out. They were experienced school teachers who ensured that the subjects were relayed through real-life situations.

Bredrin': Are you in contact with some of your fellow students and friends coming through over the years?
Laidlaw: Yes, I keep in touch with many of my KC cohorts especially those who went to UWI (Taylor Hall); those who have migrated to New York, Florida, Connecticut, and Atlanta; and several active members in their respective Old Boys Associations. I rarely miss events put on by the New York Chapter and am a regular visitor to Florida.

Bredrin': Were there any rules or practices from your time at KC which seemed unjustifiable to you then? Has your perspective changed over the years?
Laidlaw: The fight against wearing dreadlocks in high school based on one's religious beliefs. Great to see this change. Change is the only constant.

Bredrin': Would you say that KC today is significantly different from KC in your time as a student? How so?
Laidlaw: Society has changed significantly since we left KC. Has KC changed? I would say the College has changed in alignment with society. We have adapted to the situation and I believe we have maintained the requisite discipline and standards to maintain the KC of old, albeit, in a rapidly changing environment.

KC TIME IN GENERAL

Bredrin: Who were some of the main administrators at KC in your time?
Laidlaw: Mr. Wally Johnson, Ms. Helen Douglas, Mr. F.L. Anderson, Rev. Dr. John McNabb, Rev. E. Don Taylor.

Bredrin': Any special memories of school administrators?
Laidlaw: A quick one: I use to notice with interest the speedy walks of Mr. Wally Johnson as he "patrolled" the campus. Norman, his son, was a classmate of ours.

Bredrin': You were in the upper school at the time of the KC Fire of 1977. What impact, in your view, did the fire have on school life?
Laidlaw: We saw that huge fire coming from Portland late that night from a basketball tournament. We were in the bus singing "KC burning with purple fire", not realizing it was KC burning. It was a gut check for us all. Our glorious institution was damaged, but we came together like never before and through our various fundraising efforts, we rebuilt stronger and better. This was one of the best unifying experiences, bar none.

Bredrin': Has the KC spirit lived on in your life?

Laidlaw: My grand-daughter's initials are "K.C.", and purple is her favourite colour; my wife maintains the KC calendar and she keeps me abreast of events and activities; actually, she has become the prime contact for anything KC, and we are ever present. So, yes, the spirit, has lived on.

Bredrin': You became a most distinguished Hall Chairman of Taylor Hall, UWI, in the post-KC years. Did your time at KC take you up this road?
Laidlaw: I was always active, so this trend continued at UWI. Yes, KC prepared me well.

Bredrin': In your time, KC graduates placed themselves in Taylor Hall in noticeably good numbers. What explains this, do you think? Has the KC-Taylor tradition continued?
Laidlaw: The tradition has continued; Taylor Hall represents the "Hall of Halls" on the UWI, Mona, campus. The camaraderie, winning mentality, and striving for excellence have moved us in the direction of Tayloria.

Bredrin': Looking back at your KC time, what general thoughts come most quickly to mind?
Laidlaw: KC is the best choice I could have made and this is why I will always give back. The school made a huge difference and I will be forever grateful.

FAMILY AND OTHER MATTERS

Bredrin: Do you wish to share information on your family life and other considerations that have influenced your development over the years?
Laidlaw: I am a grandfather of two with a third on the way. Two sons, one a corporate attorney and the other a comptroller. My wife is enjoying her grandchildren.

Bredrin': Are there identifiable ways in which KC has influenced you over the long term?
Laidlaw: Knowing how to fight for what you believe in against all odds. The "don't give up" mentality.

Bredrin': What would you say are your main life accomplishments?

Laidlaw: Seeing my sons growing up and realizing at an early stage what they wanted to do professionally.

Bredrin': Any final observations for KC Old Boys or students now that the school is 100 years old and rising?
Laidlaw:Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest. Continue fighting for what you believe in.

(Michael Laidlaw interviewed by Stephen Vasciannie, February 2026.)

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