I arrived in Hong Kong in late December 1988, from The Gambia, to take up my position at HKU’s Faculty of Law. I was very surprised, on arrival at the Kai Tak airport, to find the Dean of the Faculty, Peter Rhodes, in the arrivals hall to receive me, especially as it was a Sunday, his day off. It was my first visit to Hong Kong, and I was uncertain as to how I would find my way. Peter drove me to my new home on Sha Wan Drive. Along the way, he calmed me with some interesting stories of his experiences in Hong Kong, and how he considered Hong Kong his home. He dropped me at my building and went on his way. On entering the apartment I was very surprised to find the refrigerator stocked with food and condiments that would carry me for a few days. I later learned that this was provided by Peter, out of his own pocket and out of the goodness of his own heart. It was very touching, and I was very happy to be joining a faculty led by such a man. He was an example to all of us, of how to be a leader, and a colleague and a friend at the same time.
☰