Positive vibes, good news thread!

[100% Barataria]

Amazing story, congrats young lady, well done!  Reminds me of the great Mathematician Euler, who did most of his work after becoming blind

[Peong]

The Good:  Plenty organs available if yours not good.
The Bad:    You might be the next donor.


http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161532400
Good organs available from victims of accidents, murder
MP wants better use of Human Tissue Transplant Act:
Ria Taitt Political Editor

Wednesday, September 16th 2009

   

Many of the 150 people who died by motor vehicle accidents this year, and the 360-plus who have been murdered, had good organs which could have been used to save those suffering from renal failure, and those who need cornea transplants and who suffer from other such diseases.

This was the view of Caroni Central MP Dr Hamza Rafeeq, who called for Government to use the Human Tissue Transplant Act to deal with many of the serious illnesses in the country.

Rafeeq said that while he was not saying that the country should depend on people to be killed on the roads so that others could live, the reality was that people were being killed and quite a number of them are young people who have very good organs that can be transplanted and used to save lives.

Speaking in the budget debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Rafeeq said since the passage of the Act in 1999, there has been only one operation done, using the organ of a cadaver.

"Why is this programme not being implemented?" he asked.

"What the Act did was gave the authority to transplant organs from cadavers to living persons. The Health Minister came and said that 15 or 20 transplants had been done, but they were from living persons to living persons. There was no legislation required for that to be done since transplants have been taking place in this country for the last 24 years, from live donors to other people," he said.

Rafeeq also stated that Government is providing no hope to the thousands of people who are afflicted with cancer. Lamenting that after being told by several ministers that the Oncology Centre would have been completed by 2007, nothing was happening, he said:

"If you pass near the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, you would see the site there that is overgrown with grass, bush and so on. Nothing is happening with the Oncology Centre there."

He said there was a time when cancer was a virtual death sentence, but there were modalities of treatment available for cancer now that would almost allow a person to be cured, or to live longer and lead a productive life, he said, adding: "But, of course, you must get proper treatment," he said.

[dcs]

Hmmm
This is interesting.  Wonder what the hold up is because it have real people wait listed for transplants.

[Deeks]

This was taken from tuesday's gauardian.

http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/09/22/obama-sends-thanks-panland-tt


Panland T&T Ltd, the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of the steelpan instrument, had reason to celebrate last week upon receiving an authentic letter of sincere thanks from the man of possibilities himself—US President Barack Obama.
The official White House correspondence, direct from Washington, DC, follows the grand gesture of goodwill shown to President Obama during a visit by his presidential aide to the Selection House exhibit, during the Summit of the Americas Meeting in April of this year. While President Obama’s intent was to purchase two mini-pans for his daughters, he was met with a sweet surprise when presented with the complimentary “candy purple” tenor pan package from Panland’s Colour of Pan collection, as well as one black and one red mini-pan for Malia and Sasha, respectively.

While the event remained somewhat of a mystery and surprise to the general public that our national instrument had boarded Air Force One, Panland President Michael P Cooper simply described it as a destined meeting between two phenoms—an instrument that was born out of the defiance of oppression, and a man who similarly has shattered boundaries, both rooted in a common history. “The wonder of the steelpan continues to capture the minds and hearts of people around the world and, in this case, genius has recognised genius,” said Cooper. “At Panland, we continue to be inspired by the unique origins of our national treasure, but are even further motivated by the limitless future of the instrument, the industry and the communities that benefit from its development. The gracious sentiments sent to us from President Obama have fuelled that fire and renewed that commitment to our role as panmakers to the world. We feel that his endorsement is one to celebrate and share with our fellow citizens of this country, because pan belongs to the people of T&T as a whole.”

The Laventille-based company, which boasts over 40 dedicated employees, continues to blaze a trail that promotes the mainstream acceptance of the steelpan within the global music industry, due in no small part to its innovation of production methods and the instrument itself. Since its inception in the early 1990s, Panland has also prioritised the enhancement of the steelpan’s socioeconomic importance to local, regional and global communities. In this vein, the company continues to seize every opportunity to showcase and validate the importance of the steelpan, with the engagement with President Obama now a key highlight in that journey. With passion and vigor, Cooper underscored this philosophy, saying: “In the pan world, we can no longer afford to miss key opportunities to promote and realise the true potential of our national instrument, and we viewed the Summit of the Americas meeting as such an event

“Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had a similar mindset. His gift to President Obama has become an instant bestseller. While we were elated that the opportunity presented itself to be endorsed by such an historic figure and cultural icon, we cannot underestimate the worth of the forfeited rewards of having the steelpan grace the diplomatic residences of all heads of state. We must be proactive and sophisticated in our approach to providing the appropriate platforms and enabling the resources necessary to ensure sustainable growth and systemic success.” This notion of sustainable growth just happens to be a primary theme in the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November of this year.

It is Panland’s hope and the hope of pan enthusiasts alike, that the T&T community, at all levels, will exploit a second chance to not only place pan up front and centre during the weekend itself, but more importantly to engage our dignified guests with our national instrument in a way that transcends the physical gathering of the Commonwealth leaders. To quote President Obama’s words in his letter of gratitude to Cooper: “If we work together to address our nations’ new and complex challenges, we will emerge stronger and more prosperous than ever before.”

About Panland

Panland T&T Ltd is the leading producer and exporter of the steelpan instrument worldwide. Established in 1993 as T&T Instruments Ltd, the Laventille—based company changed its name in 2006 to Panland T&T Ltd. With a well-earned reputation of high-quality and unparalleled service, the company offers the widest range of steelpans, accessories, literature, and support services in the industry.

A member of NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) and PAS (Percussion Arts Society), the company boasts of local and regional benchmark recognition, including the T&T Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award—1998, Caribbean Region Entrepreneur of the Year Award finalist—2000, T&T Prime Minister Exporter of the Year Divisional Award—2001, and most recently T&T Prime Minister Rookie Exporter of the Year award – 2007. Panland T&T Limited remains active in the community, and has played an active part in the local development of its residential area of Laventille, particularly through the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation.

[saga pinto]

That young lady is an inspiration to others anything is possible, wow.

[Jumbie]

Farmer Dhrupatee Shantie Soogrim broke the glass ceiling last Friday, walking off with a first prize of $150,000 in the prestigious National Agricultural Entrepreneurs’ Competition. The $150,000 was part of a staggering $2 million in prize money presented to farmers by the Ministry of Agriculture on Friday last at Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain. Soogrim also earned $40,000 as one of ten finalists in the contest and an additional $8,000 for coming out tops in the nursery production/plant production category in County St Patrick East, taking home a total of $198,000. Of the ten finalists, Soogrim was the only female of the lot, beating favourite Anil Ramnarine, who captured both the vegetable and foodcrop categories. The ministry received a total of 416 entries. The 50-year-old farmer was recognised for her agri-business venture in Penal, which has blossomed into a 4,000 seedling tray enterprise, involving stringent sanitation measures, biological spray programme and natural plant hormones.

National Agricultural Entrepreneurs’ Competition winner Dhrupatee
Shantie Soogrim receives her challenge trophy from Agriculture
Minister Arnold Piggott on Friday at Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain.
Photo: Karla Ramoo

“I feel proud not only for myself but for all women,” said a proud Soogrim minutes after receiving her challenge trophy from Agriculture Minister Arnold Piggott. Piggott, in delivering the feature address, praised farmers for their valuable contribution, stating that agriculture will no doubt help diversify T&T’s economy. “The agriculture sector has a difficult role to play as we move from agriculture to agri-business,” said Piggott. He also urged farmers to spend the $2 million wisely. “Women are now rising to the top and taking over positions that were once dominated by men. It shows that there is nothing we can’t do,” Soogrim said. “We are breaking the glass ceiling.” Soogrim intends to invest her winnings on a precision needle seeder, which costs US$50,000. Having already made a down-payment of US$20,000 on the equipment, Soogrim will leave this week to pay off for the item which will be shipped in a 20-foot container to Trinidad. The competition which began in 2006 is meticulously planned to create optimum national awareness and involvement with three months intensive judging at farms.

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/10/11/dhrupatee-wins-150000-farmer-year

[Jumbie]

Positive all around!

T&T blast their way to final



The only unbeaten team in the Champions League produced another compelling performance oozing with Caribbean flair to knock the Cape Cobras out of the tournament and set up a summit clash against New South Wales. The second semi-final wasn't anywhere near as one-sided as the first, though, and Trinidad & Tobago and the Cobras traded blow for blow, wrestling for the upper hand until Dwayne Bravo's first significant contribution with the bat in the competition turned the contest on a thrilling evening in Hyderabad.

T&T raised their intensity at crucial moments: when the Cobras' openers made a fast start, when the middle-order batsmen batted with aggression and when, at the death, they followed up a 20-run penultimate over by conceding only two off the last. The Cobras, on the other hand, dropped an appalling number of catches and failed to contain T&T's thrilling opening combination, which set the base for Bravo and Daren Ganga's match-winning 93-run partnership.

The T&T approach to batting has been sheer entertainment during the Champions League and they did not let the pressure of chasing 175 in a semi-final cramp their style. Their openers, Adrian Barath and Wiliam Perkins, targeted Monde Zondeki for most of the early runs. Barath played with flamboyance and cut him for four, drove for six, and whipped to the leg side boundary to take 16 off the second over. Perkins stole the spotlight soon after, with a cheeky hat-trick of fours in the fourth. Andrew Puttick gave Rory Kleinveldt a go, but he leaked 15 off his first five balls - six of those a result of a towering cut by Barath over point.

T&T raced to 53 off 4.5 overs when a misjudged single led to Perkins' run-out. Barath followed soon after, for 29 off 16, when he played back to Duminy and was trapped in front. But just when the Cobras had an opening, their fielding went to pieces. Lendl Simmons was dropped in successive overs by Henry Davids and, though those errors didn't cost the Cobras much, the next one hurt them plenty.

The spinners had brought T&T's run-rate down and there had been no boundaries for 31 balls until Bravo pulled Justin Ontong for six in the 13th over. The asking-rate was still steep - T&T needed 68 off 38 balls - when Bravo offered Ontong a catch at long-on and was dropped. The Cobras never found a way back.

Ontong watched Ganga loft the next ball over his head for six, before Bravo cut loose in Vernon Philander's next over, hitting consecutive sixes over long-off and extra cover. The asking-rate went into freefall thereafter with the batsmen finding the boundary in every over. Bravo brought up his half-century off 31 balls by lofting Charl Langeveldt through cover, and finished the game with four balls to spare by pulling Kleinveldt to the midwicket boundary.

At one stage of the Cobras innings, though, when they were consistently scoring at nine an over, it seemed they would set T&T somewhere near 200 to chase. Aided by exceptional fielding and safe catching, T&T ensured that two well-set batsmen were never at the crease together and the Cobras momentum was not maximized as a result.

They had raced to 54 after their Powerplay, the out-of-form Herschelle Gibbs rising to the occasion and doing the bulk of the hitting by pummeling Bravo for four leg-side boundaries in an over. He even had a slice of luck when the third umpire deemed there was a bit of boot behind the line and ruled him not out after Denesh Ramdin had completed a sharp stumping of Kieron Pollard. That, however, cost T&T only one run as Gibbs was bowled by a slower one from Pollard for 42 off 27 balls.

T&T saw off the threat posed by Kleinveldt and Justin Ontong - after Pollard's outstanding catch on the boundary line was also given not out though replays did not show the ball touching ground - and the lack of a steady partner left Duminy with the responsibility of giving the Cobras an explosive finish. He had begun by attacking Mohammed, hitting the chinaman bowler through extra cover for four and slog-sweeping him for the flattest of sixes. He brought up his half-century off 34 balls and helped Cobras take 20 off the penultimate over bowled by Bravo, who went for 46 off three. Rampaul, however, gave T&T a last-over boost by conceding only two runs off it. And Bravo made up for his largesse with the ball with a match-winning half-century.


Source: http://www.cricinfo.com/t20champions2009/content/current/story/430766.html

[weary1969]

Positive all around!

T&T blast their way to final



The only unbeaten team in the Champions League produced another compelling performance oozing with Caribbean flair to knock the Cape Cobras out of the tournament and set up a summit clash against New South Wales. The second semi-final wasn't anywhere near as one-sided as the first, though, and Trinidad & Tobago and the Cobras traded blow for blow, wrestling for the upper hand until Dwayne Bravo's first significant contribution with the bat in the competition turned the contest on a thrilling evening in Hyderabad.

T&T raised their intensity at crucial moments: when the Cobras' openers made a fast start, when the middle-order batsmen batted with aggression and when, at the death, they followed up a 20-run penultimate over by conceding only two off the last. The Cobras, on the other hand, dropped an appalling number of catches and failed to contain T&T's thrilling opening combination, which set the base for Bravo and Daren Ganga's match-winning 93-run partnership.

The T&T approach to batting has been sheer entertainment during the Champions League and they did not let the pressure of chasing 175 in a semi-final cramp their style. Their openers, Adrian Barath and Wiliam Perkins, targeted Monde Zondeki for most of the early runs. Barath played with flamboyance and cut him for four, drove for six, and whipped to the leg side boundary to take 16 off the second over. Perkins stole the spotlight soon after, with a cheeky hat-trick of fours in the fourth. Andrew Puttick gave Rory Kleinveldt a go, but he leaked 15 off his first five balls - six of those a result of a towering cut by Barath over point.

T&T raced to 53 off 4.5 overs when a misjudged single led to Perkins' run-out. Barath followed soon after, for 29 off 16, when he played back to Duminy and was trapped in front. But just when the Cobras had an opening, their fielding went to pieces. Lendl Simmons was dropped in successive overs by Henry Davids and, though those errors didn't cost the Cobras much, the next one hurt them plenty.

The spinners had brought T&T's run-rate down and there had been no boundaries for 31 balls until Bravo pulled Justin Ontong for six in the 13th over. The asking-rate was still steep - T&T needed 68 off 38 balls - when Bravo offered Ontong a catch at long-on and was dropped. The Cobras never found a way back.

Ontong watched Ganga loft the next ball over his head for six, before Bravo cut loose in Vernon Philander's next over, hitting consecutive sixes over long-off and extra cover. The asking-rate went into freefall thereafter with the batsmen finding the boundary in every over. Bravo brought up his half-century off 31 balls by lofting Charl Langeveldt through cover, and finished the game with four balls to spare by pulling Kleinveldt to the midwicket boundary.

At one stage of the Cobras innings, though, when they were consistently scoring at nine an over, it seemed they would set T&T somewhere near 200 to chase. Aided by exceptional fielding and safe catching, T&T ensured that two well-set batsmen were never at the crease together and the Cobras momentum was not maximized as a result.

They had raced to 54 after their Powerplay, the out-of-form Herschelle Gibbs rising to the occasion and doing the bulk of the hitting by pummeling Bravo for four leg-side boundaries in an over. He even had a slice of luck when the third umpire deemed there was a bit of boot behind the line and ruled him not out after Denesh Ramdin had completed a sharp stumping of Kieron Pollard. That, however, cost T&T only one run as Gibbs was bowled by a slower one from Pollard for 42 off 27 balls.

T&T saw off the threat posed by Kleinveldt and Justin Ontong - after Pollard's outstanding catch on the boundary line was also given not out though replays did not show the ball touching ground - and the lack of a steady partner left Duminy with the responsibility of giving the Cobras an explosive finish. He had begun by attacking Mohammed, hitting the chinaman bowler through extra cover for four and slog-sweeping him for the flattest of sixes. He brought up his half-century off 34 balls and helped Cobras take 20 off the penultimate over bowled by Bravo, who went for 46 off three. Rampaul, however, gave T&T a last-over boost by conceding only two runs off it. And Bravo made up for his largesse with the ball with a match-winning half-century.


Source: http://www.cricinfo.com/t20champions2009/content/current/story/430766.html

 

[Jumbie]

What does it take to make it to the top? Well, just ask Stacy Raphael Stewart because she seems to have all the necessary ingredients. A self-proclaimed workaholic, this Trini girl who continues to climb the corporate ladder has made quite a name for herself in America’s fast-paced entertainment industry, rubbing shoulders with the best of ’em—from renowned US producers to songwriters to music executives. Now that she’s in high demand, with her very own Raphael Stewart Law Group, LLC, specialising in trademark, copyright, entertainment and sport, this entertainment lawyer’s goal is to give back to the country of her birth and let the world know that Trinbagonians can make it amongst the best in the world. “People are always telling me that I’m an ambassador for T&T,” she said. I’m always talking about the talent we have here,” she asserted.

A promise becomes reality
Raphael Stewart is so good at what she does, it’s hard to believe that law was never on her “to do” list. “When I was 13, my grandad, Thomas Boney, called me into his room on his death bed. One of the last things he said to me was that I should enrol in Hugh Wooding Law School. Just to make him happy, I said ‘ok granddad. I promise that’s what I’ll do,’” she recalled. The 2002 graduate of South Carolina State University, who holds a major in Computer Science and a minor in Math and Business, did not know it then but that promise would become reality. An alumni of Howard University School of Law, the former Trincity resident, who said she “fell in love with law,” graduated in the top 15 per cent of her class and landed a spot on the prestigious Howard Law Journal.

By her second year, this humble lass was one of the journal’s senior editors. Flexing her legal muscles, as a young lawyer, Raphael Stewart was one of the consultants chosen to conduct a fact-gathering exercise on the highly controversial and publicised Enron fiasco in 2002, during a short stint at Alston & Bird, LLP—one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the US.
The Enron scandal, which broke in October, 2001, involved energy company Enron and the accounting, auditing, and consultancy partnership of Arthur Andersen. The scandal eventually led to Enron’s downfall, resulting in the largest bankruptcy in American history at the time. Raphael Stewart also worked at top intellectual property firm Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP.

Passion and determination
While her tale may seem like a Cinderella story, the 29-year-old was quick to point out that her journey to success was not without life’s usual hurdles. “There were moments when I’ve cried because I couldn’t see where I was going. It’s important to have that passion and determination,” she reveals. And determined she was. Vividly remembering the days when she would attend charity shows hosted by big names in US entertainment as a means of making contacts for her budding business, she said “Sometimes I work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. But I love what I do and it’s very rewarding.”
The 5’9” beauty credits her will to succeed to her unwavering faith, family “especially my grandmother, Rose boney,”—and mentors Neil Newman, Warner Lawson Jr, Latees Mtima and W Sherman Rogers.

Busy as a bee
A true Trini to the bone, the co-founder of the recently launched music and sport management company Wish Creative, LLC is busy as a bee these days. Along with multi-platinum, Grammy-Award-winning producer DJ Toomp and US brand manager Kimberly Wilson, she’s currently working with two-time Jamaican Olympic medalist and recording artiste Shevon Stoddart, who she dubbed “the next big female Caribbean artiste.” Also in the works is a major project with Paul Ring, CEO of Bungalo Records, the details of which she could not let out of the bag just yet. “But it’s going to be big!” she promises. “Hopefully, this Carnival, I’ll have one of the biggest producers and writers in Trinidad. As my journey continues, I want to let people know about this pool of talent in our music. I want to see more Heather Headleys and Machel Montanos,” she said. “We deserve a shot to prove that we have what it takes.” Stacy Raphael Stewart is indeed a shining example of what hard work can bring. And she’s not even 30 yet. Look out, world!

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/11/26/trini-lawyer-shines-big-apple

[mal jeux]

Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161603317

YOUNG pianists delivered several commendable performances at the 29th Biennial Music Festival at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, yesterday.

Playing the enthralling test piece ’Intermezzo Opus 117 No 1’ by Brahms, the youngsters captivated the small but appreciative audience with their skillful playing in the Piano Solo (16 to 19 years) class.

Receiving the highest score of 94 was Seve Cedeno. A score of 92 placed Christopher Mejias in second position, Rea-Anne Victor placed third with 89 and Victoria Lametre also advanced to the finals with 84 points.

In an unusual turn of events, only three of the four performed yesterday before American music professor Dr John Paul Johnson.

Absent was Cedeno who was judged on another day by another adjudicator. Johnson said he was told that the competitor had ’a religious commitment’.

A decision was taken to treat what should have been the final round in that class as a semi-final, to give Johnson an opportunity to hear all the players.

The competition was also close in the semi-final round of the Girls’ Vocal Solo (16 to 19 years) class. The competitors had a choice of two test pieces-’Close Thine Eyes’ by Plumstead for the lower voices and ’Bist Du Bei Mir’ by JS Bach for the higher voices.

Going forward to the final round with a score of 97 points is Arianne Cooper. Joining her are Tamika-Diandra Joseph (96 points), Fayola King-Lawrence (94), Renee Ronalds (90), Alicia Barrie (89), Shannon Melizan (88), Haleigh Lopez (86), and Wanelle Mason (82).

In the Boys’ Vocal Solo (eight to ten years), singing the test piece ’Grandfather Clock’, six competitors were chosen to go on to the finals which will be held on Monday.

They are Shaquille Walters (92 points), Dylan Yuk Low (91), Jon-Anthony O’Brien (87), Jonathan Blaize (86), Lincoln John (84) and Le Sean King (83).

In the finals of the Girls’ Vocal Duet (16 to 19 years), Lisa Theodore and Sache Alexander placed first with 91 points, sisters Rae-Ann and Ru-Anne Cabralis placed second with 88 points and Sahara Curry and Alicia Barry were third with 80 points.

They sang the test piece ’The Quiet Serenade’ by Schubert.

Editor’s Note: The results of the Girls’ Vocal Solo (eight to 12 years semi-finals) held on Monday was incorrectly reported in Tuesday’s edition of the Express.

The corrected results are: Njemile Wallace (96), Ashleigh Mahabir (95) and Marisa Sargeant (94).

Also, in reference to a headline on Tuesday, ’Only 48 of 209 girls turn up for Vocal Solo’, festival administrator Marie Diane Dupre explained that while only 48 contestants turned up at Queen’s Hall, that was the correct number of girls carded to perform at the semi-finals on Monday.

She said several preliminary rounds were held before Monday, and 48 contestants were chosen from the initial 209.

And, teacher at the Belmont Girls’ RC School Karen Augustus-Rivas said her pupils, Megan Hernandez and Hayley Clarke, not only made the highest mark in the Girls’ Vocal Solo but won the final of the Girls’ Vocal Duet. They will perform at the championship on March 13. They also placed second in that category.

[Jumbie]

South student revels in artistic expression.

In life there are frustrations and disappointments and each young person has his or her own way of dealing with the challenges of the day. Some choose to play sports or video games, while others may opt for reading or some other form of relief. Nineteen-year-old Adrian John, however, deals with his stresses by disappearing into a world where he is the creator, a world where he brings to life whatever his mind visualises. He disappears into his world of art.

John, an Upper Six student of St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, sees art as much more than merely drawing on a piece of paper or painting on an easel. To him, art is the window to his life and his way of chronicling his experiences. “Art is very important in venting. After a stressful day, I go in my room and pick up whatever sketch pad or clay I have, and just do my thing,” he said. Whether it be drawing, painting, or moulding clay to make ceramics, John is comfortable with his hands and each of his pieces takes on a life of its own.

Having only taken up making ceramics two years ago, and drawing and painting for the past four, John may be considered a newcomer by some, but the skill shown in his creations betrays his years. He has entered several art competitions nationwide, including Sanfest, the Heroes of Mayaro Competition, as well as the WASA 25th Inter American Water Day competition. “I am a temperamental artist. Whatever my mood is, that will determine what my art is,” he explained, adding that he feels gratified when people find his work intriguing. Acknowledging that not everyone will be a fan of his work and he must have some detractors, John said even negative comments and attitudes have their place in his overall growth and development because they will keep him humble, as well as make him stronger and more determined to do his best.

“I like to do the kind of art that will make you think.” When he is not hard at work preparing for his upcoming Physics, Pure Maths, Computer Science and Art exams, the soft-spoken student is constantly searching his surroundings for potential ideas. “Art is important and it is everywhere around you. Once you can appreciate life around you, you can appreciate art.” The young man, who plans to attend the University of the West Indies, reasoned that one of the main ingredients to any type of success is focus.

He also stressed heavily on the importance of spirituality and acknowledging God as the ultimate creator of life and of art. To his peers and other young people, John’s advice is simple: strive for the best and believe in yourself. “If you can be creative, you can be doing something constructive with the extra time on your hands, so that you wouldn’t be with the wrong crowd and find yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said. “Strive for the best. Art, along with everything else, requires commitment. “Trust in God and believe in yourself. You are capable of doing your best so do it and don’t let others bring you down.”


Cori Baynes
Published: 9 Mar 2010
http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2010/03/09/south-student-revels-artistic-expression

[Dutty]

What does it take to make it to the top? Well, just ask Stacy Raphael Stewart because she seems to have all the necessary ingredients. A self-proclaimed workaholic, this Trini girl who continues to climb the corporate ladder has made quite a name for herself in America’s fast-paced entertainment industry, rubbing shoulders with the best of ’em—from renowned US producers to songwriters to music executives. Now that she’s in high demand, with her very own Raphael Stewart Law Group, LLC, specialising in trademark, copyright, entertainment and sport, this entertainment lawyer’s goal is to give back to the country of her birth and let the world know that Trinbagonians can make it amongst the best in the world. “People are always telling me that I’m an ambassador for T&T,” she said. I’m always talking about the talent we have here,” she asserted.

impressive like hell, de woman start she own law firm and network it to success..and she eh hit 30 yet

[Jumbie]

South students keep Hindu culture alive



The students of the southland proved that the future of East Indian culture was in good hands as they demonstrated different aspects of the Hindu heritage. Students from various schools, including St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando; Holy Faith Convent, Penal; Naparima College; Naparima Girls’ High School; Rio Claro West Secondary and the Waterloo Secondary, all took part in the 31st annual Secondary Schools Sanskritik Sangam competition, with the theme, O Children of Noble and Ancient Culture, held on March 6 at Naparima College, San Fernando.

The students competed in a variety of subject areas, including a Ramayan quiz, a Mahabharat quiz, Hinduism quiz, choral speaking, public speaking and story telling. Taking top honours in the Ramayan quiz were the students of St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando. Second and third place went to Waterloo Secondary School and Holy Faith Convent, Couva, respectively. In the Mahabharat quiz, Naparima Girls’ High School and St Joseph’s Convent placed first and second, while the Hinduism quiz saw the St Joseph’s and Holy Faith Convents taking the first two spots. St Joseph’s Convent once again entered the winners’ circle, placing first ahead of the Naparima Girls in the choral speaking (Hindu Seva Sangh Trophy) category.



The students of Naparima College placed third in all three categories. The final category to be judged, story telling, was won by the Waterloo Secondary while Naparima College and Naparima Girls’ High School placed second and third respectively. This category was one of the most colourful segments of the competition and saw the students re-enacting different aspects of the East Indian heritage. The competition ended in a guest performance by a group from the Rio Claro West Secondary school.

However, their entertaining performance was cut short by teachers of the Naparima College who objected to the students’ use of aerosol cans and cigarette lighters to produce large naked flames. Speaking after the event, many of the students and teachers were impressed with the level of competition displayed by the various schools and expressed hope for an even better competition next year.

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2010/03/16/south-students-keep-hindu-culture-alive

[Deeks]

Terms Limits. people does read we comments. DOMA tief we idea.

from C-news tuesday 24th   http://ctntworld.com/LocalArticles.aspx?id=19300

DOMA wants term limits for PMs
Tuesday 23rd March, 2010
 
President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association, Gregory Aboud, wants Prime Ministers to be limited to a maximum of two terms in office.


He thinks that this will remind leaders that true national power belongs to the people. This he says will solve many of the problems now plaguing the country.


He was speaking at a DOMA luncheon today.

[AirMan]

Kindness falls on homeless man


<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPKbm2noryo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/nPKbm2noryo</a>

[AirMan]

She gets a new HDC home after 'Express' story
Kristy Ramnarine
Sunday, March 28th 2010
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/nart?id=161616312

She has dreamt of this day, never thinking it would come true.

Ann Marie Douglas now holds the key to her own home-a three-bedroom Housing Development Company Limited (HDC) $400 a month apartment rental.

’I feeling very, very happy,’ Douglas said as she wiped the tears from her eyes during an interview at Express House, Independence Square, Port of Spain, lobby last Thursday.

Hugging her eight-year-old son Ishmael James, whom she calls ’Cocoa’ because of his skin tone, Douglas said a new chapter in her life has begun. Read the rest http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/nart?id=161616312

[Babalawo]

Terms Limits. people does read we comments. DOMA tief we idea.

from C-news tuesday 24th   http://ctntworld.com/LocalArticles.aspx?id=19300

DOMA wants term limits for PMs
Tuesday 23rd March, 2010
 
President of the Downtown Owners and Merchants Association, Gregory Aboud, wants Prime Ministers to be limited to a maximum of two terms in office.


He thinks that this will remind leaders that true national power belongs to the people. This he says will solve many of the problems now plaguing the country.


He was speaking at a DOMA luncheon today.

lets see them pull this off

[kounty]

the greece downgrade in S&P credit rating had me searching for trinidad and tobago's grade.  I came across this old one, that I thought was very positive
www.finance.gov.tt/documents/publications/pub46.pdf

[AirMan]

Local scholar lauches book on philosophy and film
Tuesday, April 27th 2010

The launch of Dr Gabrielle Hezekiah’s first book, Phenomenology’s Material Presence: Video, Vision and Experience, was the occasion for a gathering of family, friends and academics at the National Library (NALIS) in Port of Spain recently.

The book, described by the author as an exploration of philosophy and the aesthetics of the moving image, features the video documentaries of celebrated local filmmaker Yao Ramesar.

Dr Jean Antoine-Dunne, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Liberal Arts and the first coordinator of the Film Programme at the University of the West Indies (UWI), presented an extensive review of the book. She described the work as pioneering and placed it within the context of both film theory and the writing of Caribbean thinkers such as Wilson Harris and Derek Walcott. Ramesar’s videos Heritage: A Wedding in Moriah, Mami Wata and Journey to Ganga Mai were also screened and a copy of the book was presented by Hezekiah to Annette Wallace, Executive Director of NALIS.

Among the guests were Ramesar, Prof Rhoda Reddock, Prof Gordon Rohlehr, publisher Julie Morton, artist Ken Crichlow and filmmaker Christopher Laird. MC for the event was writer/media producer Georgia Popplewell.
Read More http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/nart?id=161643064

[Jumbie]

source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/05/30/barataria-un




Barataria-born Trinidad and Tobago citizen, Desmond Parker, was last month appointed United Nations Chief Protocol Officer by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. The top appointment came three years after his having served as deputy chief protocol officer. Parker’s inspiring story tells of a young man who bathed out of a bucket and lived without electricity at his humble Barataria home and now heads a staff of 13 at the UN headquarters in Washington. Amy Roach Partridge, in a report on Parker’s appointment as deputy chief protocol officer in the Mississauga magazine, wrote, “From his lofty perch at the iconic United Nations building in Manhattan, it is hard to imagine Desmond Parker taking a shower using a bucket. Or living without electricity. “But the 60-year-old diplomat has endured the lack of basic human comforts, and much more, during his remarkable journey from a poor childhood in T&T to his current post as deputy chief of protocol for the United Nations.”

He is the fourth of six children born to a policeman and a teacher. Parker and his staff serve the protocol needs of the UN’s 192-member states, as well as UN agencies such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation. He has been part of several peace-keeping missions in countries where there was war, instability and deprivation. “After Haiti, he spent six years in Liberia during the country’s second civil war, and later served for a year in Nepal in the midst of the Maoist insurgency,” Partridge wrote. “He lived without running water or electricity for years at a time with war and political instability as his constant companions.”

Traumatic business
Parker said, “Peacekeeping is traumatic business. We were called upon to make peace in areas where people are depraved and where war is the order of the day.” It is Parker’s responsibility to ensure that the United Nations implements its policies and procedures in an orderly fashion and in a way that is acceptable to all member states. “We set the ground rules for how discussions take place, how agreements are arrived at, how meetings are held and how people interact at the United Nations, and by extension, in the international community,” he says.

Parker’s daily schedule could include welcoming heads of state such as US President Barack Obama to the United Nations; advising the UN Secretary General; preparing for the General Assembly and other UN conferences; or travelling anywhere in the world, Patridge said. “Having just returned from the Climate Summit in Copenhagen, he was fielding calls and answering e-mails at 9.30 pm and getting ready to depart again for London shortly—but loving every minute of his work,” she wrote.

Empty wallet
Parker’s determination to succeed is remarkable. He began studying at the University of Toronto in Mississauga in 1970. “He arrived on campus from T&T as an undergraduate with an empty wallet and big dreams. “I came to Erindale College to study languages because I wanted to become a diplomat,” Parker recalls. “I had no money and no hope of completing my education, but I knew I had to find a way to excel.” Partridge said he supported himself by cutting grass for the Mississauga Parks Department but it was his connection with the McLeary family that helped him. “After graduating from the university in 1973, he got married and began a career of continuing education and international diplomacy that spanned the globe."

“Parker studied French-African literature in France, earned a master’s degree in Nigeria, as well as post-graduate diplomas in Nigeria and Trinidad. “He worked in the foreign affairs ministry in T&T, served as the chief of protocol to two prime ministers and was assigned to a post at the T&T embassy in Washington, DC.” Parker’s entry into the UN began there. “I was working at the embassy in Washington in the early 1990s when a violent coup erupted in Haiti and (President Jean-Bertrand) Aristide was ousted from office,” Parker says. “The Organisation of American States and the UN mounted a joint international mission to assist the government of Haiti and I knew I wanted to get involved.” Parker became a UN human rights officer and stayed in Haiti for two years fulfulling his desire to use the power of his education to make a difference.

[sammy]

Help for mom and son
Wednesday, June 9 2010

click on pic to zoom in

HELP ON THE WAY: Louis Mohan and her five-year-old son Devanand who were left homeless when their La Romaine home was destroyed by fire two Sundays ag...
HELP is on the way for homeless mother Louis Mohan and her five-year-old son Devanand whose La Romaine home was destroyed by fire last week.

After a weeping Mohan related how the fire had left her and little Devanand homeless and with only the clothes on their backs saved from the fire, members of a Hindu temple telephoned Newsday’s South Bureau office yesterday stating their willingness to help the mother and child. Members of the Palmsville Hindu Temple who usually help homeless mothers and children said that they are willing to donate a house temporarily to Mohan and her son.

Bharath Jagroop, 47, a member of the temple said that after reading the article on June 8, he and other members made a decision that Mohan desperately needed the help.

“She does not have to be a Hindu to accept our gift. We do it because we are a caring group and based on what we read in Newsday, this poor woman and her son really could do with some help,” Jagroop said.

He said the house is on Thompson Road in Palmiste. He said Mohan can stay at the house until the end of the year, by which time, she would have hopefully had a permanent solution to her situation.

Another good Samaritan, Naresh Maharaj said he and his wife are willing to take Mohan and her son to the grocery to purchase items. “That woman and her child needs help and my wife and I are willing to help as best as we can, by means of purchasing grocery items,” Maharaj said.

Mohan yesterday said she was left speechless when told of the help being offered to her. “I don’t know what to say. I am just so happy and grateful. I want to thank these people so much for helping me and my son. It’s good to know there are still good people in society willing to help those in need whether or not they are related,” Mohan said.

She also thanked Newsday for publishing her article. Mohan was asleep at her Dumfries, La Romaine home with her son two Sundays ago when fire broke out and destroyed their home.
© newsday.co.tt - www.newsday.co.tt

[sammy]

Drunk drivers get jail time
Jensen LaVende
Wednesday, June 9th 2010
A member of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) was sentenced to 14 days imprisonment yesterday after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol while four other men were fined and jailed.

Roy Saroop, the Liaison Officer to the Grenada cricket team, was slapped with the jail term after he appeared before Magistrate Nalini Singh on the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Saroop, 52, told the court that he shared half of a bottle of White Oak rum with two other people on May 19 at Chaguaramas. Saroop had a blood alcohol level of 105 microgrammes, while the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.

Saroop got into an accident after he overtook five cars hitting a car belonging to Jason Sanchez causing $1000 in damage. Saroop was also ordered to compensate Sanchez $1,500 within three days or serve one month simple imprisonment.

Also charged was Curtis Moolchan, who was ordered to serve 30 days imprisonment. Moolchan, 54, of Don Miguel Road, San Juan was arrested on May 25 after he got into an accident near Courts Mega Store, on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Barataria.

Moolchan, whose blood alcohol level was 105 microgrammes, left his home after he realised that he needed to get something to eat. Moolchan was convicted of driving under the influence in 2004 and was fined $2,000. He was also enrolled in a drug addiction and alcohol counselling service.

Moolchan was also ordered to pay the driver of the other car, Stephen Charles $2,500 within 40 days or serve an additional month in prison with simple imprisonment. Singh ordered that Moolchan’s treatment continue while in prison.

Three other men, who pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol were each fined for admitting that they drove vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

[Jumbie]

HEATHER-DAWN HERRERA
Thursday, June 10th 2010

’This has been a year of widespread damage to forest areas by fires. In Cedros, large tracts of forest and prime eco-systems were lost during the long dry season. As hunters, we share a common concern for the protection of our forests. This widespread loss of habitat has resulted in less food for our wildlife’.

This observance was made on World Environment Day by Jose Quijada, Secretary of the Cedros Hunters’ Group and Public Relations Officer of the Confederation of Hunters’ Associations for Conservation T&T. This was the occasion of the first tree planting exercise hosted by the Cedros Hunters’ Group.

’As hunters sharing the forest with wildlife stake holders, we are also conservators. We believe that by these tree planting efforts, we are replenishing the feed stock lost to fires and enabling our wildlife to sustain themselves. We must also put back what we reap’.

The area of Syphoo in Granville was one of the areas along the south west peninsula that suffered heavy deforestation from fires this year. Always promoting protection of the natural environment, the Cedros Hunters’ Group sought the permission of the Forestry Division to enter this area and execute their first tree planting exercise. Gaining the full support of Forestry, members of the group collected plants where ever they could, including some from the St Patrick Hunters’ Group.

The plants, mainly fruit species, included 113 jamun, 65 chenet, 30 mango, 20 pomerac, passion fruit, fat pork and a host of others. The Cedros area being basically an agricultural area, members had their own tools to do the planting exercise. Over three hundred fruit saplings were planted by members and their families during the morning. Children of primary school age eagerly planted their share and more.

Mr Buddie Miller, Director/Delegate of the Confederation saw this as an opportune occasion to encourage the young ones to plant.

’Emulating the example set by their parents on location is the best way to garner the young ones into a total appreciation for conservation.’

Mr Winston Nanan, President of the Confederation, planted the first tree, a mango, and pledged to continue the effort.

’On behalf of the Confederation, may I say that we will continue to plant trees so that we could enhance the environment which we enjoy as sport hunters. The purpose of this tree planting exercise is to encourage regrowth of dense forest in areas severely burnt by recent forest fires. It is an exercise that we will encourage and support all over T&T.’

One cocoa farmer informed the group that he lost over eighteen hundred cocoa plants to recent fires. Numerous estates in the area suffered badly as a result of these uncontrolled fires.

Jose Quijada, also a licensed bee keeper, predicted the shortage of certain products of the forest because of habitat loss.

’The fires that raced through our forested areas destroyed the soap vines that support the activity of the bees. As a result, there will be less honey produced for the coming season.’

The Cedros Hunters’ Group intends to monitor the progress of the saplings planted and execute maintenance exercises to ensure the success of the project. It is the popular opinion that hunters just go into the forest with their guns and harvest all that they could without thought for the future. This tree planting exercise done by the Cedros Hunters’ Group is a prime example of the conservation initiatives that all arms of the Confederation promote and practice.

The Forestry Division has expressed their support for this initiative and has indicated willingness to work with the group in future reforestation efforts.


Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/nart?id=161693579&weba=NWSFeatures

[Jumbie]

Great things are happening in the “Mecca of Pan” down in the south lands. In an attempt to ensure one of its objectives—strengthening families—is met and maintained, Golden Hands, a non-profit youth organisation, last month added yet another success story to its already enviable 17-year reputation when it launched its second two-week Parental Pan Workshop at its panyard.


Pan Trinbago education officer Withfield Weeks, third from left, and life skills consultant, Sandra L Blood, fourth from left, pose with parents of the workshop. Photo: Joanna West



Parent/child pan teams
With the workshop’s theme taken from its 2010 winning Panorama rendition, Dingolay, the belief is that anybody could dingolay, even, “If yuh clothes tear up, or yuh shoes buss up,” as coined by calypsonian Winston “Shadow” Bailey. And director of the organisation, Vanessa Hills-Headley invited parents to join the fun. “Instead of parents dropping and picking up their children like a nursery, why not come and join, and be a part of the team alongside them.”

She said many parents had no idea what the pannists experienced to perfect a piece of music. The event began with an introduction by the organisation’s public relations officer and events manager, 18-year-old Joshua Charles, and moved smoothly into an invocation by another teenage executive member. All new pannists, except one, admitted it was the first time they touched the instrument. They said they felt honoured to be a part of the event and said it was a great idea to have them partner with their children.

The art of playing pan
Among the specially invited guests were education officer of Pan Trinbago, Withfield Weekes, and life skills consultant, Sandra Blood. Weekes admirably expressed his affiliation with the organisation from its inception, and recalled what the organisation was, in comparison to what it had become. He said it had evolved into a remarkable product. He stressed that a lot of good could be derived from the smallest space through pan, and urged the organisation to continue on its journey of education.

Blood congratulated the group and informed them of how proud she felt back in the 1970s to have begun playing pan at a time when many scorned the instrument. She highlighted the importance of developing proper playing techniques in mastering the art. “Because it is pan—pulsating, amazing and noble—it’s the more reason why we must bring ourselves in alignment with the standard of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Mantovani, where billion-dollar endorsements will be made upon performances,” she said.

“Whereby it is vitally important to be cognisant of where pan came from, it is also vitally important to show where it has reached, and can reach through significantly enhancing our levels and qualities of delivery and behaviour on or off the pan compounds. “If you know you are engaging in questionable behaviour or instigating any, then do not think of aligning yourself with the instrument, and if you have, then remove.”

“It is necessary to pay close attention to legacy, branding and reputation. Introduce and live proper core values,” she advised. Blood urged Pan Trinbago to bring all the instruments to a standard where the world will come to the “Mecca of pan” and ask us, “What are you all doing down there that’s making your instruments sound so great?”

Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2010/08/10/parents-join-golden-hands-pan-workshop

[Jumbie]

FIFTEEN-year-old Hugh Jacobs was all smiles yesterday after learning that he had scored eight distinctions in the May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

The St Mary's College pupil, who received his results at the Frederick Street, Port of Spain School—which is also known as the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC)—had a celebrity moment when colleagues, parents and teachers literally bombarded him with hugs and kisses.

Jacobs, who hails from Chaguanas, told the Express, "I'm excited and happy, a lot of hard work went into it and I'm just really grateful."

Jacobs has already signed up for sixth form at CIC to pursue Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in the science field.

His schoolmate Mikyle Moochan, who is also from Chaguanas, got nine passes—seven I's, a II and a B in Additional Mathematics.

"I got the shock of my life seeing that I got all my passes," he said.

"My parents not even expecting me to do so well so they will also be shocked to see my results," he said.

As Jacobs and Moochan embraced each other, the boys boasted "that's how we rock" in response to comments from fellow pupils that South and Central pupils normally did well.

Meanwhile, other schools throughout the East-West corridor also reported success in the exams.

At El Dorado West Secondary, a representative told the Express that out of the 220 children who wrote the examinations, 95 per cent of them left with full CSEC certificates.

At Holy Cross College in Arima, principal Andre Howard said they received good passes overall but admitted that the boys' performance was the lowest the school had in ten years.

"It could have been a number of reasons ... but I think it had to do a lot with the fact that the Ministry of Education made the January exams free," he said.

Howard explained that since the exams were free this year, a lot of the pupils wrote their exams in January "and were very successful", but when May rolled around, "some of them did not even turn up to write the exams".

Another area that showed a great decline was Add Maths.

He said, "A lot of the boys did not get the grade they thought they would have and I think it's a good idea that (Caribbean Examination Council) CXC will now have a syllabus for that ... because with Cambridge there are no checks and balances in place and in CXC there are moderators and its more controlled."

Nevertheless, Howard said many of his pupils have qualified to sign up for the CAPE and "that's a good thing".


Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Boy_scores_8_distinctions-101136399.html

[Bourbon]

FIFTEEN-year-old Hugh Jacobs was all smiles yesterday after learning that he had scored eight distinctions in the May/June Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

The St Mary's College pupil, who received his results at the Frederick Street, Port of Spain School—which is also known as the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC)—had a celebrity moment when colleagues, parents and teachers literally bombarded him with hugs and kisses.

Jacobs, who hails from Chaguanas, told the Express, "I'm excited and happy, a lot of hard work went into it and I'm just really grateful."

Jacobs has already signed up for sixth form at CIC to pursue Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in the science field.

His schoolmate Mikyle Moochan, who is also from Chaguanas, got nine passes—seven I's, a II and a B in Additional Mathematics.

"I got the shock of my life seeing that I got all my passes," he said.

"My parents not even expecting me to do so well so they will also be shocked to see my results," he said.

As Jacobs and Moochan embraced each other, the boys boasted "that's how we rock" in response to comments from fellow pupils that South and Central pupils normally did well.

Meanwhile, other schools throughout the East-West corridor also reported success in the exams.

At El Dorado West Secondary, a representative told the Express that out of the 220 children who wrote the examinations, 95 per cent of them left with full CSEC certificates.

At Holy Cross College in Arima, principal Andre Howard said they received good passes overall but admitted that the boys' performance was the lowest the school had in ten years.

"It could have been a number of reasons ... but I think it had to do a lot with the fact that the Ministry of Education made the January exams free," he said.

Howard explained that since the exams were free this year, a lot of the pupils wrote their exams in January "and were very successful", but when May rolled around, "some of them did not even turn up to write the exams".

Another area that showed a great decline was Add Maths.

He said, "A lot of the boys did not get the grade they thought they would have and I think it's a good idea that (Caribbean Examination Council) CXC will now have a syllabus for that ... because with Cambridge there are no checks and balances in place and in CXC there are moderators and its more controlled."

Nevertheless, Howard said many of his pupils have qualified to sign up for the CAPE and "that's a good thing".


Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Boy_scores_8_distinctions-101136399.html

Real good news dey.

[Dutty]

clear up a couple things for me

Isnt he too young to be writin dat exam...15 is form 4 ent?

And what is this pay exam ting de principal talking about?

[Jah Gol]

clear up a couple things for me

Isnt he too young to be writin dat exam...15 is form 4 ent?
And what is this pay exam ting de principal talking about?

I thought so too . Look like he eh too young to mash up. Congratulations to the yute.

[Bourbon]

clear up a couple things for me

Isnt he too young to be writin dat exam...15 is form 4 ent?

And what is this pay exam ting de principal talking about?

At CIC if you capable of a higher level, they put you in an accelerated form 2 class....and you skip form 3 to go directly into form 4. I think this is probably what happened with him.

And...with the pay exam ting...i really eh sure. I getting the impression that the Ministry paid for students to de January exams so students could get a gauge of where they stood, instead of the usual where students sign up privately to do so and thus bear the cost. Probably some were satisfied with their January grade for that particular subject...and thus didnt other with the June..which....disappointing in some respects..but understandable.

[dinho]

clear up a couple things for me

Isnt he too young to be writin dat exam...15 is form 4 ent?
And what is this pay exam ting de principal talking about?

I thought so too . Look like he eh too young to mash up. Congratulations to the yute.

I write exam at 15.. Depends on how your birthday fall too cause I was 16 when I collect results. Also, if you get a skip in Primary School you would also end up being on the younger end of the class.