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These days bad news abounds. This thread is devoted to any positive news the forumites may encounter. even from your personal experinces. The first story may seem insignificant to some in the grand scheme of the Virginia Tech tragedy, iraq war and crime in trinidad. Its important to remeber that every lil good deed may prevent a tragedy.
Woman rescued!!
A STRANGER risked his life to save a woman who was dragged into a car and was about to be raped.
The man was driving along Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, when he passed a gold coloured Nissan B-12 and saw a man fighting to keep a woman from jumping out of the moving car yesterday.
The front passenger door was open and the woman had a leg outside of the car. The driver of the B-12 drove of and the man chased him up Abercromby Street.
On reaching the Ministry of National Security, the man pulled in front of the B-12 and blocked the car.
He then raised an alarm and police from the ministry rushed out and held the driver of the B-12.
The woman said she was standing at the side of the road when the man forced her into his car and told her he was going to rape her.
The man has been arrested.
Sunday, April 22nd 2007
trinidad express
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With all the negative things that are posted here about the reality that is now Trinidad and Tobago, I think it's time we start posting some of the positives. Feel free to add!
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/06/26/girl-pm-s-old-school-tops-sea
Girl from PM’s old school tops in SEA
Yvonne Webb
Published: 26 Jun 2009
Jamelia Forde, of San Fernando Girls’ Government Primary School, has topped the Secondary Entrance Assessment examination. The school was previously known as the San Fernando Government School before it was split into boys’ and girls’ schools. This is the primary school Prime Minister Patrick Manning attended. Forde, of Pleasantville, is one of two students who received 217 out of 218 marks in the examination which was written on March 26. She passed for her first choice Naparima Girls’ High School.
The other student, whose name was not revealed, is from the Dyanand Memorial Vedic School, Penal. At her home, Forde who was still in a state of disbelief, said she was happy and proud to pass for Naparima Girls’. She said her dream was to be a forensic scientist.
Forde’s proud mother Diane said her daughter prayed hard, studied hard and it paid off in the end. Principal Lorna Ramsey said the result was not surprising since there were many bright students at her school, including Forde, whom she described as a dark horse in the race.
“For years the denominational schools had been topping the list in the SEA examination, but Jamelia’s success had dispelled that misnomer,” Ramsey said. “Comparatively speaking, we have done as well as our previous years.” She said 43 students wrote the SEA and the majority of them placed for their first choice. In terms of the text messaging and on-line methods of accessing SEA results, Ramsey said that did not affect her school. However, principal of Grant Memorial Presbyterian School Barbara Sukhu said the text messaging and on-line results, “took away some of the joy out of it.” Sukhu’s school obtained 100 per cent pass 75 per cent of which passed for their first choice.
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i like how the ministry of education sending results via text message now.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161497231
back in my day u had to strain yuh eyes in the papers and when you cyah find it...OH LORD!...wha trade ah go learn?
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i like how the ministry of education sending results via text message now.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161497231
back in my day u had to strain yuh eyes in the papers and when you cyah find it...OH LORD!...wha trade ah go learn?
check moe.gov.tt
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nice Positive news....
Positive
i like how the ministry of education sending results via text message now.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161497231
back in my day u had to strain yuh eyes in the papers and when you cyah find it...OH LORD!...wha trade ah go learn?
check moe.gov.tt
the Alphabetical results in pdf
SEA Results (Listed Alphabetically by Surname) (http://www.moe.gov.tt/Docs/SEA2008NationalAlpha1.pdf)
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nice Positive news....
Positive
i like how the ministry of education sending results via text message now.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161497231
back in my day u had to strain yuh eyes in the papers and when you cyah find it...OH LORD!...wha trade ah go learn?
check moe.gov.tt
the Alphabetical results in pdf
SEA Results (Listed Alphabetically by Surname) (http://www.moe.gov.tt/Docs/SEA2008NationalAlpha1.pdf)
YESSSSSSSSSSS MACOIN MAKE EASY
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allyuh leave the people chirren alone nah.
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I say yuh win play whe and buy burglar proofing oui
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A MOTHER of four, who considered offering them for adoption after their eviction two months ago, has found a place to live.
The Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has given Andrea Duncan a two-bedroom apartment in San Fernando.
For the past two months, Duncan's home has been a church, which opened its doors to her and children Dillon, 12, Daniel, 10, Dillia, six, and two-year-old Isaac Crichlow.
Duncan, a single mother, had lived in a single-room shack at Marigold Street, Siparia, for ten months before being turned out on the streets.
Duncan, 31, a clothing vendor, said she was relieved when handed the keys to her new home on Monday.
"I am so happy not only for me but for my children, because now I know that they'll be safe and we would not have to think about moving and being evicted from a place where we could not call home," she said.
Duncan was thankful for the support.
"I do not have enough thank yous for everyone, especially the ones who gave me a place to stay, who called to give me words of encouragement and even the ones who assisted me financially through my time of need," Duncan said.
Although she has not yet moved into her new home, Duncan said she was also grateful and thankful for the efforts by the HDC in assisting with getting a home for her family.
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161497858
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Expect to see, from tomorrow, cops on bicycles, on motorcycles and on foot patrol, and some even dressed casually in short pants, patrolling the streets of Trinidad and Tobago, hunting for law breakers, even the average man littering the streets. The 250-strong special unit, trained in two weeks, will hit the streets in areas throughout the country from 7 am, in the Government’s latest effort to arrest escalating crime levels in the country.
The new multi-million-dollar crime-fighting strategy, aimed at reducing robberies, murders and other violent and serious crimes, will be under the direct command of acting Police Commissioner James Philbert. The officers will be dressed in civilian clothing combing the streets for litterbugs, errant motorists, snatchers, robbers, illegal vending, arms and ammunition, narcotics and wanted suspects.
Their main objective is to assist in reducing crime and road accidents by ten per cent. Road blocks are expected to be conducted on a regular basis.
The officers will operate on three different shifts: 7 am to 3 pm, 3 pm to 11 pm, and 11 pm to 7 am. The unit has been outfitted with guns, ammunition, bulletproof and utility vests, batons, torchlights, new marked and unmarked police vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and WT sets, among other resources.
Too many units
Their vehicles will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including laptop computers, and they will also benefit from continuous training up to December. The squad, which is being referred to as a Special Task Force Unit, will operate in teams of ten to 13, using the American system of having partners. Officers for the unit were selected from Special Reserve Police (SRPs) and others who were recently absorbed into the service.
They were hand-picked from various police stations, and interviewed by ACP Raymond Craig. Their headquarters is adjacent to the Chaguanas Fire Station. The officers have undergone intense training at the Police Academy in St James, in areas such as case separation, court procedures, anger and stress management, traffic duties and dangerous drugs.
Philbert visited the officers last week, and told them they were an important asset to the country. In another attempt to bolster the Police Service’s human resource, hundreds of applicants flocked the Police Training Academy yesterday to write the SRP examinations. Senior officers already have criticised the new unit, saying it would further deplete the strength at the various police stations.
Speaking with the Sunday Guardian on the condition of anonymity, one officer said one of the major problems faced by the service, was there were too many units. Concerned senior officers also said the additional units were creating exorbitant overtime bills for “doing very little.” “That is where the problem comes in. Every time things get out of control, you are hearing about a new unit.
“I think they should disband all the units and augment the strength at various stations, so the work could be done much more effectively,” the lawman said. Another senior cop said, “For instance, look at the Besson Street CID. “They are in dire need of more detectives, since they are responsible for some of the country’s major crime spots, Laventille, Beetham, Sea Lots and East Port-of-Spain.
Robbery decrease
“Sometimes, there are only two officers in the charge room, and I think all the resources, including human, in some of the special units, should be re-directed to stations like Besson Street, if we are serious about dealing with the uncontrollable crime situation.”
Checks at Besson Street CID revealed there was an inspector, a sergeant, two corporals and five constables. During a press conference Thursday, acting Deputy Police Commissioner Gilbert Reyes, hinted that a unit was in the making to help arrest the crime situation.
“What we are seeing is an increase in the number of robberies taking place in T&T, and especially those resulting in homicides. “In the near future, you will observe a lot of activities taking place throughout our streets and the country, resulting in a decrease in robberies, because we are concerned with the robberies.”
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/06/28/new-crime-busting-unit-hit-streets
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hhhhhmmmm.....just have to wait and see.... :-\
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hhhhhmmmm.....just have to wait and see.... :-\
yeah people who know about this may behave themselves for the week to see how it going.
Sounds good though...is just 2 weeks but at least they out there and the training is continuous. Whatever criticism that sure to come there way in the beginning about they operate...hopefully they have the flexibility to adjust to improve their effectiveness.
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$24M project to help underprivileged women
By HERMAN ROOP DASS Monday, June 29 2009
THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR in the country will benefit tremendously from the assets of young underprivileged women from rural communities who are exposed to relevant training.
This was revealed by the Caribbean Education Association (CEA) when the organisation opened the first phase of its Lantana Height Hospitality School, Gran Couva, on Saturday.
The location is on the Central Range overlooking the former sugar cane lands and encompasses some 45 acres of cocoa estate at San Coco Road, Grand Couva.
Gregory O’Young, an official of the CEA, acting as spokesman for the project, told the gathering that the CEA is a non profit voluntary organisation that was founded in 1982 with the “object of reducing poverty and unemployment through the development of the
nation’s youth regardless of race, social background or religious persuasion.”
O’Young said the first phase of the $24 million project was partly “funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in conjunction with Srudernten Voor Ontwikkeling (SVO), an NGO that encourages students of the Netherlands to become involved in educational projects in the developing world.”
The first assignment “consists of a multi purpose lecture room and two training kitchens.”
Young women between the ages of 16-20 are targeted for training. The CEA expects to conduct at least six (6) eight-week training sessions annually with as much as 20 persons attending each session.
O’Young said that very “often these women have no proper training or qualification to enter or compete for the traditional jobs in the work forces.” O’Young hoped that in the final analysis” the ripple effects of the project could create family oriented cottage industries.”
He said the estate would also be used to plant crops from which the profits obtained would be ploughed back into the institution.”
He is appealing for assistance to repair the road leading to the facility.
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http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=44889116292&oid=25266792012&ref=nf
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Kimberlee John-Williams and Christian Homer both won swimming gold medals to open T&T’s account at the 26th Caribbean and Central American and Confederations (CCCAN) Aquatic Championship, in Barquisimeto City, Lara, Venezuela on Tuesday night.
On the first night of swimming finals at the Bolivarianas Swimming Pool, John-Williams and Homer, two of T&T’s multi-gold medals winners from the 2007 edition of the Championship in El Salvador, won gold in their respective 50 metres age-group backstroke finals. First to win precious metal for T&T was John-Williams who touched the wall first in winning the 13-14 girls 50 metres backstroke in 31.19 seconds.
The 50-plus T&T supporters, only had to wait four more events to see another gold medal performance, this time by Homer, an eight-time gold medallist in 2007. The England-based Homer sped home in the 15-17 boys 50 metres backstroke final in 27.05 seconds followed by countryman Cadell Lyons who clocked, 28.10. T&T also picked up two other silver medals and two bronze to end the first day with seven medals and in third spot on the 20-team medal table.
Dylan Carter, T&T’s star at the Carifta Games held earlier this year in Aruba with nine individual gold medals had to settle for a silver in the 11-12 boys 50 metres backstroke in 30.71 seconds to trail Venezuelan winner, Andres Doria (29.84). Venezuelan Ricardo Fagundez won the 13-14 boys 50 metres backstroke in 29.48 followed by the T&T duo of Joshua Romany (29.61) and Keegan Boisson-Yates (29.66).
Joshua Mc Leod was T&T’s other medal winner on the night a bronze in the 18 & Over boys 50 metres backstroke final in 28.69 seconds to trail gold medallist Victor Lugo (Venezuela) who clocked 27.86, and Costa Rican, Mario Montoya who got silver in 28.58. Anthony Edwards who also competed in the 18-and-over backstroke final was sixth home in 29.50. Overall, host Venezuela, the defending champions and favourites to repeat as winners won 26 medals on the first night (11 gold, nine silver and six bronze) to lead all teams.
Guatemala is next with seven medals (three gold, one silver, three bronze) followed by T&T, Barbados (two gold, two silver, one bronze), Mexico (two gold, one silver, five bronze) and El Salvador, with two gold medals. Venezuela also leads the points table with 269 points well ahead of second placed T&T (92) while Mexico and Guatemala are next with 84 and 80 respectively after one day of swimming.
Yesterday, the T&T team returned to the pool and enjoyed a relatively good second morning’s preliminary heats with 20 members of the local squad securing places in the finals of the 200 metres backstroke, 50 metres butterfly and 200 metres individual medley gold medal events which were due to come off last night. In the 200 metres backstroke, Jonathan Gonzales qualified as the third fastest in the 11-12 boys final with a morning preliminary heats time of two minutes, 34.73 seconds.
John-Williams was fourth in the 13-14 girls 200m backstroke heats in two minutes, 39.29 seconds while Boisson-Yates was sixth fastest in the boys equivalent in two minutes, 28.85 seconds. Samantha Rahael (2:34.35 mins) and Jonathan Cabral (2:22.86 mins) were sixth and eight in their respective 15-17 girls and boys morning preliminary splashes.
Head coach Mark Pouchet must have been a very pleased man as 10 swimmers advanced to the finals of the 50 metres butterfly events. Carter moved into medal contention in the 11-12 age-group with a seventh placed finish in the heats in 29.65 seconds while Christopher Greene was eighth, in 30.29 seconds.
In the 13-14 boys and girls age-group, Boisson-Yates was seventh in 28.14 seconds. and John-Williams, fifth in 31.44 seconds ahead of the finals. Lyons was the lone T&T swimmer to qualify first among the heats yesterday, when he won the 15-17 boys 50 metres butterfly in 25.40 and Homer was second, in 25.96. Laverne Maxwell qualified for the 15-17 girls gold medal event after she reached the wall in fifth spot in 30.71.
The three T&T swimmers who will go after podium finishes in the 18-and-over age-group finals are Kimba Collymore (fourth in heats in 30.29), and the boys duo of Joshua Mc Leod (second in heats in 25.62) and Jarryd Gregoire (third in heats in 25.97). The quintet of Carter (fourth in 2:32.58 mins), Gonzales (sixth in 2:36.73 mins), Joshua Romany (sixth in 2:24.95 mins), Boisson-Yates (eight in 2:25.57), and Collymore (fourth in 2:35.73 mins) all qualified for finals in the 200 metres individual medley.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/sports/other-sports/2009/07/02/john-williams-homer-splash-gold
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If it's role models our children are looking for....
T&T’s newest batting star Darren Bravo doesn’t try to emulate Brian Lara, but it’s simply genetic. The dashing 20-year-old Bravo, who just made his International debut for the West Indies, is actually a cousin of the legendary former West Indies and T&T batsman, and his mother wants people to know her son is not trying to copy Brian.
“Brian’s (Lara) mother is my father’s sister. So we are first cousins,” said Earlene Bravo while speaking in an interview on the Line & Length Network. “I was on a taxi in Jamaica on the way to cricket and the guy didn’t know who I was. Darren was just going out to bat and the guy kept saying ‘why this guy trying to be like Lara?’ and I was so annoyed,” she quipped. “From when he was young, he had those antics just like Brian, it’s in his genes,” she explained, also noting that Darren and Dwayne had the same father, but Dwayne’s mother is different.
“From very young this boy just love cricket. He would be batting in his sleep. On mornings he pretends he playing a match with himself. At Fatima School he would carry the ball, the stumps and bat and play all day. He did well in school, but it is cricket that my son has always been about.” Darren’s mom was flown to Sabina Park the day her son made his International debut and she joined Darren and Dwayne’s dad, John Bravo, along with Dwayne’s mother, Joycelyn who also confirmed that her step son (Darren) and Dwayne have been close from little boys.
“Everyday these boys talking and playing cricket. Dwayne just use to play cricket by himself. He even used to score in a book. And I would say to Dwayne, ‘boy, who you scoring for?’ and he would say, ‘mommy I playing a game’,” she said. Darren and Dwayne’s mothers and their father were joined by their uncle and other family members at Sabina.
source: http://guardian.co.tt/sports/cricket/2009/07/03/lara-bravo-cousins-and-cricketers
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Here's some positive from the youths of the nation....
Dylan Carter had another record gold swim while national teammates, Joshua Romany and Cadell Lyons also won gold medals for T&T. T&T swimmers bagged 12 medals on the fourth night of the 26th Central American and Caribbean Confederation Aquatics (CCCAN) Championship, swimming competition at Bolivarianas Pool, Barquisimeto, Venezuela on Friday night.
It was another good night for the record-breaking swimmers as they also won six silver, four of which came in the relays and three bronze medals to push their record medal haul to 38 (ten gold, 16 silver, 12 bronze), ten more than last year’s previous record tally of 27 medals (17 gold, eight silver, three bronze).
Carter, 12, winner of the 11-12 Boys 100 metres freestyle on Thursday doubled his gold medal tally at the six-day Championship when he won the 200 metres freestyle in two minutes, 01.46 seconds to better the eight-year-old record of two minutes, 04.39 seconds by Venezuelan Kenny Velasquez and also lower his own previous national record of two minutes, 04.11 seconds.
Second was Carter’s fierce rival, Venezuelan Andres Doria (2:04.41 mins), while Juan Vaca, another Venezuelan took bronze in 2:07.69 mins. Two events later on the night, Romany gave the travelling T&T supporters another golden swim when he won the 13-14 Boys 200 metres freestyle in one minute, 59.38 seconds. Mexico’s Fernando Santos earned the silver medal (2:00.53 mins) and Aruba’s Jemal Le Grand, bronze (2:00.85 mins). Lyons, winner of the 15-17 Boys 50 metres butterfly final on Wednesday, got his second gold medal in three days when he outswam his rivals in the 100 metres butterfly to finish in a time of 55.48 seconds.
This eclipsed his previous national record of 56.85 set last year. Second was his close friend and teammate, England-based Christian Homer (56.76 secs), while Venezuela’s Eddy Marin took bronze in 57.06. Samantha Rahael and the 13-14 Boys, 15-17 Girls, 15-17 Boys and 18 & Over Boys 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay quartets all picked up silver medals behind a dominant Venezuela contingent. Rahael, was second in the 15-17 Girls 200 metres freestyle in two minutes, 09.24 seconds well adrift of winner, El Salvador’s Pamela Benitez (2:02.28 mins) while Mirielvy Aumaitre of Venezuela got bronze in 2:10.62 mins.
In the 13-14 Boys 4 x 100 metres freestyle final, the T&T team of Keegan Boisson-Yates, Sean Roget, Kareem Baptiste and Romany combined for a time of three minutes, 46.84 seconds for the silver medal. However, the local squad suffered a minor scare after the race when Roget, who had been ill since arriving in Venezuela on Sunday, before taking his place in Friday’s team suffered a relapse and needed some medical attention before being allowed to rejoin the local contingent. Venezuela won the gold medal in three minutes, 41.42 seconds and Mexico took bronze in three minutes, 48.33 seconds.
Host Venezuela was also first home in the 15-17 Girls 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay final in four minutes, 02.21 seconds while the T&T quartet of Rahael, Kadeja Phillip, Laverne Maxwell and Cherelle Thompson got silver in four minutes, 08.98 seconds and Guatemala, bronze in four minutes, 10.28 seconds. Homer and Lyons added to their medal haul when they joined Jonathan Cabral and Ryan Rigues to post a time of three minutes, 41.92 seconds which was good enough for silver in the 15-17 Boys 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay final. Venezuela was again topped the field in three minutes, 30.98 seconds while Guatemala copped bronze in three minutes, 41.92 seconds.
And in the final event of the night, the 18 & Over Boys 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay team of Joshua Mc Leod, Strasser Sanker, Stefan Mader and Jarryd Gregoire joined the list of relay silver winners for T&T with a time of three minutes, 34.27 seconds. First home was Venezuela (3:29.49 mins) and third, Costa Rica (3:42.30 mins). Not to be left out, Kimberlee John-Williams added two bronze medals to her personal tall. The 14-year-old John-Williams first bronze on the night came in the 13-14 Girls 200 metres freestyle in two minutes, 10.99 to trail Cuban Jennifer Almageur (2:08.94 mins) and Venezuelan, Andrea Garrido (2:10.26 mins) to the wall.
The towering figure of John-Williams, returned to the pool 30 minutes later and swam to another bronze, this time in the 100 metres butterfly in one minute, 06.72 seconds. Melissa Mexia (1:03.54 mins) and Natalia Vasquez (1:06.62 mins) led a one-two finish for Mexico. The 11-12 Boys 4 x 100 metres freestyle team of Carter, Jonathan Gonzales, Jeron O’Brien and Christopher Greene also got bronze, in four minutes, 09.62 seconds. Venezuela won gold in three minutes, 50.92 minutes and Guatemala got bronze in four seconds, 03,49 seconds.
At the top of the medal table is host Venezuela, the defending champions, with an astonishing bulging bag of 103 medals (50 gold, 30 silver, 23 bronze) while Mexico is third with 29 medals (six gold, nine silver, 14 bronze) followed by Guatemala (six gold, six silver, ten bronze) and El Salvador, fifth with (five gold, three silver, three) while Barbados is sixth (four gold, eight silver and four bronze). The Venezuelans also lead the points table with 1,175 points well ahead of second placed T&T (456) while Mexico is third with 360, Guatemala, fourth with 318 and Honduras, fifth with 192 points. Swimming was expected to continue last night, while today is the last day of competition.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/sports/other-sports/2009/07/05/carter-shatters-8-year-cccan-swim-mark
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Government is placing more emphasis on developing renewable resources, said Energy Minister Conrad Enill. “T&T must present itself towards cleaner fuels and alternatives of renewable energy forms as well as methods of improving energy efficiency,” he said. Enill said Government was working on legislation to ensure there is an official position on renewable energy sources. “The Government has a growing interest in developing our renewable potential. At present, preparation of a draft green paper of renewable energy is on the way.
“It is expected that the document will form the framework to guide the development and usage on renewable energy in T&T,” he said. Enill said that governments and private sector must work together to find energy solutions to ensure a healthy environment. “We took the bold step some time ago to stop refining and marketing leaded gasoline, and further steps are being undertaken to upgrade our local refinery to produce cleaner fuels.”
He was speaking yesterday at a signing of the production sharing contract (PSC) between the United Kingdom-based Centrica and the Ministry of Energy for shallow marine block 2(ab) at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad hotel, Port-of-Spain. Enill was questioned about the safety of seismic hydrocarbon exploration and the possibility of it being environmentally unsafe. “We have organisations that are set up to ensure that for these matters.
“They get clearance from a government agency, and it is for that agency these matters need to be dealt with. “There are agencies that we have put in place to deal with that, and if the agency dealing with that makes a recommendation saying that it should not happen, then it would not happen,” he said.
source : http://guardian.co.tt/business/business/2009/07/09/tt-develop-cleaner-fuels
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Three-time Pan American Junior gold medallist Njisane Phillip admits that he is yet to fully absorb the magnitude of his accomplishments at the Pan Am Junior Cycling Championships held in Mexico, last week. Speaking at the Piarco International Airport where he and the rest of his history making team were the recipients of a grand welcome, Phillip said, “It didn’t really hit me yet. I know that I wanted to do well but nothing could have prepared me for this feeling that I have right now.”
He pointed out that he used his disappointing performance at last year’s Championship in Ecuador as a major motivating factor. His inexperience saw him return with a silver medal in the Match Sprint and a bronze in the Keirin. Phillip added, “Last year I was not really prepared in terms of experience so I got squeezed out of the medals which I should have had.” He pointed to local events such as the Easter Grand Prix in May and Beacon Cycling Festival in June as being vital in him getting ready for the Championships.
“This year I started my preparation a bit earlier. I focused on riding against experienced guys like Elisha Greene and Chris Sellier, trying to get a feel of how they as professionals raced. “Coming up against them in local competitions earlier this year and other guys when I went to the USA for training, really helped.” Phillip, 18, who pedalled to gold medals in the Match Sprint, one kilometre Time Trial and the Keirin as well as helping T&T to win a bronze in the Team Sprint also, indicated that the support from his teammates was also a huge factor in his great performances.
“As a team we really supported each other over the last few days. Every morning, guys who didn’t even have to race on some days, were getting up before 6 am to support those who did, at the track. That was a major boost and that team spirit was great for everyone’s confidence.” Other members of T&T’s bronze medal winning team were Tireef Smart and Quincy Alexander. Alexander, 15, is T&T’s youngest ever participant at the Pan Am Juniors and is also this country’s youngest ever medalist at the Championships.
Another major accomplishment at the championship came from Varun Maharaj in the Points Race where he became the first national cyclist to complete the 72-lap event. Phillip, will next be in action against the world’s best at the Junior World Championships scheduled for August 11 in Moscow, Russia.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/sports/other-sports/2009/07/22/junior-cyclist-phillip-elated-about-feats
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Ah hope this doh end up like Kurt Allen song "Is only sports" eh? ::)
Anyway, I like the thread, not because I doh believe nothing bad doh happen, but because ah get sick of reading the papers..
Run the thing...
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The junior arm of the Sagicor Exodus Steel Orchestra, Exocubs, has copped first place in the Indigenous Instruments category at the 38th International Youth & Music Festival in Vienna, Austria.
The annual event, which took place this year from July 11 to 14, brings together orchestras and music ensembles from around the world to compete at the invitation of Austria’s Association of International Cultural Exchange. Attending the festival with support from the RBTT Education Foundation, Exocubs won with its rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Marche Slave and the Mighty Sparrow’s The Slave.
Robert de Silva, chairman of the RBTT Education Foundation, and president, RBTT Bank Eastern Caribbean, commended the group on its performance and noted the benefits of an experience of this magnitude. “Exocubs had the opportunity to perform on the world stage and witness superlative performances by other young people around the globe,” said de Silva. “This is the kind of exposure that encourages our young people to believe in themselves and what they can achieve, and motivates them to aspire to even greater things.”
Since its inception in 2000, Exocubs has developed an impressive résumé. The group won the Junior Panorama and Junior Steelpan Festival titles twice between 2001 and 2005; copped the 2004 World Senior Steelband Festival title and, in 2006 and 2008, hosted Exo-llence I and II, a concert showcasing the group’s repertoire. Individuals within the group have also performed well, winning solo, duet, and quartet titles at the 2000 and 2002 World Senior Steelpan Festival; the 2001, 2003 and 2005 Junior Steelpan Festival; and the 2003 Caribbean Junior Steelpan Championship. Exocubs comprises approximately 100 boys and girls ranging in age from five to 21.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/entertainment/2009/07/24/exocubs-excels-world-stage
Pic: (http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/exodus.png?)
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Now this makes me proud. So proud I can cry :'(
Niceness
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Dem could order some smaller choppers too, to land on the hills of deigo martin or any small road that air assistance for police needed. Not needing a helipad. These are more made for transportation like if you dying in siparia from snake bite you can get flown to a bigger hospital. and Helipads have to be built in many access locations around.
(http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/ab139/images/5-AW139-helicopter.jpg)
Trinidad and Tobago Orders Four AW139 Helicopters
12:58 GMT, July 31, 2009 AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the government of Trinidad and Tobago has signed a contract to purchase four AW139 medium twin turbine helicopters. Trinidad and Tobago's Air Guard (TTAG) will establish a dedicated unit to use these helicopters for search and rescue, surface surveillance, law enforcement, drug interdiction and disaster relief operations.The contract also includes an extensive training and logistical support service for the first five years. The contract, comprising the aircraft and support package, is valued at US$348 million.
A consortium involving AgustaWestland, Bristow Caribbean, FB Heliservices of UK and Helidex of USA will be established to manage the AW139 programme in Trinidad and Tobago with training services to be supplied in Italy, the UK and the USA. Operations will primarily take place from Piarco International Airport and from offshore patrol vessels, working in conjunction with the Coast Guard.
This order marks the establishment of the first Search and Rescue helicopter unit in the country.
Giuseppe Orsi, Chief Executive Officer, AgustaWestland said “We are delighted that the Trinidad and Tobago has selected the AW139 to meet its search and rescue and homeland security requirements. This purchase demonstrates the continued success of the AW139 platform worldwide and in the Central America and Caribbean markets where we see good business opportunities in the future”.
The TTAG joins a number of AW139 operators worldwide including the Spanish Marine Safety Agency, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Italian Coast Guard, the Japanese Coast Guard, the Korean Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in selecting the AW139 for their SAR missions.
The AW139 is the best selling medium twin-engine helicopter in the world. To date, almost 440 orders for this helicopter have been placed by nearly 120 customers in more than 40 countries for a wide variety of applications including EMS/SAR, law enforcement, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, fire fighting, utility and other commercial and government roles.
The state-of-the-art AW139 is designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation. It offers unmatched performance and safety levels as well as the largest cabin in its class. Large sliding doors enable quick and easy access for fast rope activities. With a maximum cruise speed of 165 kts (306 km/h), a maximum range of 573 nm (1061 km) and over 5 hours endurance, the AW139 helicopter offers best-in-class mission capability.
Cutting-edge mission-dedicated technology and equipment and outstanding performance features enable the AW139 to accomplish the most demanding operations in the harshest weather and environmental conditions.
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Faith's surgery hailed a success; Narace 'happy'
Kim Boodram
Saturday, August 1st 2009
I'M VERY COMFORTABLE: Health Minister Jerry Narace, left, and Dr Neil Peters, Medical Chief of Staff at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), listen as Maureen Davis, mother of injured baby Faith, speaks after her daughter's surgery. At right is Faith's father, Earl Davis. - Photo: Robert Taylor
Tiny baby Faith Davis was visited yesterday by Health Minister, Jerry Narace, who said that surgery performed on her injured right hand had been "successful".
At one-month-old, Faith underwent surgery yesterday at the Mt Hope Medical Sciences Complex, after suffering what doctors called extravasation injuries, or cellular damage, when intravenous fluid leaked onto her hand.
Yesterday's procedure involved the grafting of skin onto the lesions that had formed on the baby's forearm and hand.
The incident occurred at the San Fernando General Hospital when Davis was just six days old, after she was admitted for suffering from unexplained seizures.
When the injured hand showed no signs of healing, Davis was admitted to the Paediatric Ward at Mt Hope on Thursday by her parents Earl and Maureen Davis.
Following her admittance, the baby's medical records were at first reported missing from the San Fernando General Hospital, though Minister Narace later said the records had merely been "misplaced".
Narace said yesterday that he was "very happy" with the procedure at Mt Hope, with baby Faith expected to be ready to go home in a few days.
"We are pleased to report that the operation was successful," Narace said, following a brief visit to Faith and her parents.
"It appears that everything will be all-right and we hope that she will be able to go home in a few days."
Narace said his ministry is waiting on a report on the incident and that while special attention will be paid to that report, the quality of healthcare as a whole will remain a priority.
Medical Chief of Staff at Mt Hope, Dr Neil Peters, said that baby Faith may or may not need therapy and her case will be monitored over time.
The child parents were yesterday relieved and thankful for the expedience with which their daughter's case was dealt.
Stepping out of the Paediatric Ward to speak to the media alongside Narace, both parents said they were much happier with the treatment they received at Mt Hope.
"Ever since we came here, we were treated in the best way," Earl Davis said.
"The treatment we were given here is much better than what we had before. We hope that other institutions in the country can follow Mt Hope. We were a lot more comfortable here."
The couple thanked all those who supported and were especially happy with staff at Mt Hope.
Faith's injury was a painful reminder to the Davises of previous run-in with officials at the San Fernando General Hospital. Seven years ago, their son Brandon Davis died shortly after birth and after what the couple said was a normal, full-term pregnancy.
It was this tragedy that heightened Maureen Davis' nervousness during Faith's surgery yesterday.
Earl Davis said his family, which includes five other children, would prefer not to have to return to the San Fernando facility in the future. The couple are also planning to go ahead with plans to sue the Southwest Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), through their attorney Anand Ramlogan.
In a press conference after the incident, SFGH Medical Chief of Staff, Stephen Ramroop, said baby Faith's injuries may have been directly related to her seizures.
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This article taken from the Express. The Michael Cooper mentioned in the article is Coops brother.
The lights of Laventille
Keith Smith EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Monday, August 3rd 2009
It is the eve of yesterday' s steelband festival street parade in Laventille, slated to have started where McAlister Street meets the Eastern Main Road and, as I write, I am hoping that this local landmark event would be as incident-free as the previous nine, my two-finger typing approach stopped in its tracks by the thought:
"Yuh mean is ten years already!"
Indeed! Ten years in which, if I am to believe the Laventille Steelband Foundation organisers (and, why, pray should I not) the event has grown to become "the largest steelband event outside of Panorama," attracting steelbands "from the expanded catchment area of Belmont, Gonzales, St Ann's, East Port of Spain, Laventille, Morvant, Barataria and San Juan".
Having had a much more minimalist view of Laventille (the Laventille of my life being Success Village and not even including the "Hill" of Desperadoes fame) I paused as I read the programme of the foundation's special awards function, but I found myself nodding when the chairman, the formidable Michael Cooper, because "because everything bad that happens there is Laventille."
(Once I chided my columnist colleague Kevin Baldeosingh for placing "Laventille Road" in Laventille when, in fact, it happened to be in San Juan, to which he countered something to the effect that nobody knew where Laventille began and where it ended and here was the area's "Foundation" making, in way, the very point.
My friend, Mr Cooper, may have exaggerated somewhat but I continue to be struck by the way "Laventille" has become something of a metaphor for gangland mayhem and, more egregiously, murder, Mike making the differential point:
"Within this community lies the highest population of steelbands per capita in the world, the highest population of Soca Warriors and it was my honour to have been seated at the function (Thursday, July 23, 2009) held in the ever-supportive Angostura's shimmering "Glass House" next to Russell Latapy, arguably, the greatest Soca Warrior of them all, (Dwight Yorke, let me tell you, being the last to argue).
"And we will establish tonight," Cooper carrying on, "the highest population per capita of incumbent Ministers of Government." Well, you can make of that last what you like but it added to the chairman's amazement that, in spite of all that, "to most of Trinidad and the world, we are better known as a criminal factory."
Which is not to say that Laventillians are not repulsed by the crime that does exist in their midst but as the former footballer-turned-successful-businessman was to argue on what, after all, was a night of collective celebration:
"Tonight we celebrate our "Gems of Laventille, Outstanding Spirit and Soul" because if you are guided by the media, the majority of the people residing in our communities are deviant.
The fact is the opposite. Over the last ten years we have sought to project this by recognising our many successes. And tonight it gets even better. We are proud to hold up to the national community and the world, the products of our communities (and there are many more where these came from).
Tonight we showcase brilliance, excellence, resilience, determination and performance of the highest standards anywhere from people who came from the bowels of our communities.
"Our young people (and older folks) must know what these communities have produced and be inspired to know that they too can achieve as much as they dare to dream. This is our hope that the bright side of us will receive more projection and reduce the impact of the darkness.
The Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation is extremely grateful for the graciousness and esteem that tonight's awardees have brought to Laventille and environs in accepting our invitation to be honoured. It represents to us a shared responsibility for seeking a way forward and another ray of hope."
And it is on this note that I will continue tomorrow and, indeed, for the rest of the week if I am not careful.
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Hummingbird Gold for maestro Boogsie
(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image_stretched/articles/images/Boogsie1.png)
Master pan arranger and composer Len Boogsie Sharpe says he feels honoured by the Hummingbird Medal Gold for culture, which will be bestowed on him tonight. “This award is not for me alone, but for the pan fraternity and pan lovers,” he said in a brief telephone interview yesterday. “Thanks to my family and children and the people of T&T,” he added. St James-born Boogsie is one of T&T’s most gifted talents in the steelband arena. With 40 years-plus in the music industry, he has arranged for many calypsonians, vocalists and steelbands in T&T and the Caribbean, North America and Europe, and has been composer/arranger at Phase II Pan Grove since the 1970s.
Source / Fulll Article: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/08/31/hummingbird-gold-maestro-boogsie
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(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/Vera%20Bhajan.png)
Vera Bhajan, 22, the young woman from Felicity, Chaguanas, who was born without arms, has graduated from University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB). Bhajan was celebrated by members of her community on Friday at the Shri Krishen Mandir for her achievement.
Members of the temple presented her with a “Pioneer Award” and a gold chain for making her community proud. Bhajan gained media attention in 1994, when she was just six years old, as a youth who was determined to succeed, despite her physical condition, using her feet to eat, write, and later, to use a computer. In 2004, Prime Minister Patrick Manning promised the former St Augustine Girls’ High School (SAGHS) student a scholarship to complete her studies, but that was not forthcoming until 2007.
But days before leaving to go to Barbados to start classes, Bhajan was traumatised, since the Government did not fulfil its promise of providing a scholarship, some two years after making a commitment to do so, said Iman Iqubal Hydal, a Muslim cleric and community member. He said former Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams came aboard later and assisted. Hydal said everyone should follow the example of Bhajan, and seek out their own special strengths to overcome obstacles and succeed. She had received the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) in 2005. After attaining seven CXC O-Level and four Cape passes at SAGHS, she attended the St Augustine campus of the UWI for her first year of law studies, and subsequently relocated to Barbados for the final two years of the programme at the Cave Hill Campus. Her mother, Rahdai Bhajan, also went to Barbados to help her, while her father remained in T&T.
Bhajan is now hoping to attend Hugh Wooding Law School in T&T. She told the gathering on Friday that words could not describe how thankful she was to her parents, who never viewed her as a burden at any time. She also said community members treated her with the utmost love and care throughout her life. On this note, she called on communities throughout T&T to follow the example set by the people of Felicity and the Shri Krishen Mandir to ensure that youth are inspired and encouraged on the road to success. Deputy Mayor Orlando Nagessar said the education system should use Bhajan as an example to inspire learners. He said there were many young people who had all the resources, yet did not have the inspiration to aim for success.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/09/06/vera-graduates-law-degree
Author: Shastri Boodan
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Vera, well done
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Vera, well done
COSIGN
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Vera, well done
COSIGN
eh heh girl.....Cosign x2 :applause: :applause:
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Amazing story, congrats young lady, well done! Reminds me of the great Mathematician Euler, who did most of his work after becoming blind
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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.
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Hmmm
This is interesting. Wonder what the hold up is because it have real people wait listed for transplants.
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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.
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That young lady is an inspiration to others anything is possible, wow.
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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.
(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/dhru.png)
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
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Positive all around!
T&T blast their way to final
(http://static.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/109400/109436.3.jpg)
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
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Positive all around!
T&T blast their way to final
(http://static.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/109400/109436.3.jpg)
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
:beermug:
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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.
(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/Raphael%20Stewart.png)
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
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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.
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South student revels in artistic expression.
(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/Adrian%20John.png)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
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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.
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impressive like hell, de woman start she own law firm and network it to success..and she eh hit 30 yet :applause:
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South students keep Hindu culture alive
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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.
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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
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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.
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Kindness falls on homeless man
http://www.youtube.com/v/nPKbm2noryo
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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
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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
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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 (http://www.finance.gov.tt/documents/publications/pub46.pdf)
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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
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source: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/05/30/barataria-un
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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(http://media.trinidadexpress.com/images/1282279300646n16.jpg)
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
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(http://media.trinidadexpress.com/images/1282279300646n16.jpg)
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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
A lot of schools letting their smarter students write certain subjects at form 4, so if they pass them they can then concentrate on the rest of subjects in form 5, if they fail they still have a year to get them straight.
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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.
Ditto I was d youngest student in d class of 1985 of San Juan Govt Secondary.
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Isnt he too young to be writin dat exam...15 is form 4 ent?
if the same rule goes for the entire Caribbean , then he is not too young.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/12-y-o-nets-CXC-success---again_7886611
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in st mary's u can skip third form, so about 15%-20% of the students take cxc at 15, and a few would still be 14. To be honest, I eh sure why he in de papers, that kinda exam performance is very normal in cic.
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Some more good news (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Top_CSEC_grades_for_Laventille_pupil_-101257189.html)
This is not a story that typically comes out of Laventille.
That's why 16-year-old Chantelle Jacob wants the country to know that positive things do come out her community, one that is mostly regarded as a breeding ground for criminals and social illnesses.
The St Francois Girls' College pupil has done her family and community proud after conquering the 2010 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exams with eight grade ones, five of which carried distinctions.
Speaking to the Sunday Express yesterday, Jacob insisted that there are many other young people in her community who refuse to be defined by the negative aspects of their environment.
"All people see coming out of Laventille is crime but there is more to the community," the soft-spoken pupil said.
"There are many other kids like me who are trying to make something of themselves.
"There are other children from Laventille at my school and it is no big deal. Nobody cares that we are from that area."
Jacob, who lives in Eastern Quarry, said it took her a year to settle in at school.
After starting off as a pupil with grades that fluctuated between Bs and Cs, she "got serious" and began to focus in class.
Her grades rose to As and by form four, she found herself drawn to the business subjects.
Jacob's passes came in Mathematics, English A, English B, Integrated Science, Principles of Accounts (POA), Principles of Business (POB), Spanish and Information Technology (IT).
IT presented a greater challenge as Jacob does not have a computer at home.
"I needed one to do my SBAs," she recalled.
"I had to stay back late many days and give up many lunch breaks and free periods to get them done. I even had to journey to my cousin in Arouca sometimes, to use her computer, because it involved a lot of typing and research. But I got it done."
When Jacob enters Form Six in the new school term in September, she will take on Management of Business (MOB), Accounts and Economics.
"I haven't decided yet what I want to do exactly but I'd like to get into finance, maybe become one of those 'financial experts'," she said.
Jacob believes that her daily prayers played a big part in her success."I believe that God helped me through this," she said.
"I didn't have a lot of extra lessons although a few of my teachers were very helpful.
"And I was ill the day before POB and on the day of the exam but I still managed a distinction. I have to thank God for that."
Although Jacob doesn't have many hobbies and tends to "stay inside", she does love to watch TV.
"I really like Grey's Anatomy and House," she revealed.
"I watch a lot of TV. But I pay attention in class and when it comes to exams, I study."
Her mother, Theresa Jacob, said the family is bursting at the seams with pride and she, too, wants to show the country that there are positive things happening in Laventille.
"Chantelle comes from a community where there were more odds against her," Theresa Jacob said.
"But she succeeded and others can too."
Chantelle said she would like to one day give back to her community, particularly to the cause of young people."I'd really like to be part of providing more recreation for the young people," she said.
"And to anyone who comes from similar backgrounds, who feels that success is impossible, I'd like to say that it's not where you come from, it's what you believe you can do.
"Do you best to prove people wrong and with God on your side, anything is possible."
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Good story for real Bourbon... I especially liked the part about travelling to Arouca to use the cousin's computer. To me it underscores both her personal determination, as well as the support from extended family. Hope cousin doing well in school as well, else tantie might feel ahow... yuh know how we Trinis stop when we ready.
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Some more good news (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Top_CSEC_grades_for_Laventille_pupil_-101257189.html)
This is not a story that typically comes out of Laventille.
That's why 16-year-old Chantelle Jacob wants the country to know that positive things do come out her community, one that is mostly regarded as a breeding ground for criminals and social illnesses.
The St Francois Girls' College pupil has done her family and community proud after conquering the 2010 Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exams with eight grade ones, five of which carried distinctions.
Speaking to the Sunday Express yesterday, Jacob insisted that there are many other young people in her community who refuse to be defined by the negative aspects of their environment.
"All people see coming out of Laventille is crime but there is more to the community," the soft-spoken pupil said.
"There are many other kids like me who are trying to make something of themselves.
"There are other children from Laventille at my school and it is no big deal. Nobody cares that we are from that area."
Jacob, who lives in Eastern Quarry, said it took her a year to settle in at school.
After starting off as a pupil with grades that fluctuated between Bs and Cs, she "got serious" and began to focus in class.
Her grades rose to As and by form four, she found herself drawn to the business subjects.
Jacob's passes came in Mathematics, English A, English B, Integrated Science, Principles of Accounts (POA), Principles of Business (POB), Spanish and Information Technology (IT).
IT presented a greater challenge as Jacob does not have a computer at home.
"I needed one to do my SBAs," she recalled.
"I had to stay back late many days and give up many lunch breaks and free periods to get them done. I even had to journey to my cousin in Arouca sometimes, to use her computer, because it involved a lot of typing and research. But I got it done."
When Jacob enters Form Six in the new school term in September, she will take on Management of Business (MOB), Accounts and Economics.
"I haven't decided yet what I want to do exactly but I'd like to get into finance, maybe become one of those 'financial experts'," she said.
Jacob believes that her daily prayers played a big part in her success."I believe that God helped me through this," she said.
"I didn't have a lot of extra lessons although a few of my teachers were very helpful.
"And I was ill the day before POB and on the day of the exam but I still managed a distinction. I have to thank God for that."
Although Jacob doesn't have many hobbies and tends to "stay inside", she does love to watch TV.
"I really like Grey's Anatomy and House," she revealed.
"I watch a lot of TV. But I pay attention in class and when it comes to exams, I study."
Her mother, Theresa Jacob, said the family is bursting at the seams with pride and she, too, wants to show the country that there are positive things happening in Laventille.
"Chantelle comes from a community where there were more odds against her," Theresa Jacob said.
"But she succeeded and others can too."
Chantelle said she would like to one day give back to her community, particularly to the cause of young people."I'd really like to be part of providing more recreation for the young people," she said.
"And to anyone who comes from similar backgrounds, who feels that success is impossible, I'd like to say that it's not where you come from, it's what you believe you can do.
"Do you best to prove people wrong and with God on your side, anything is possible."
Good post..thanks
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HIV Mom get new home
http://www.youtube.com/v/7pUHW5pOcKk&feature=player_embedded
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(http://guardian.co.tt/files/imagecache/article_main_image/articles/images/Untitled-4.jpg)
Chairman of the San Fernando Creative Arts Centre, Torrance Mohammed, centre, poses with winners of the 2010 Mr and Miss Sanfest competition, Simeon Peters, left, and Tiana Chandler. Photos: Rishi Ragoonath
Fourteen talented teenagers conformed to the theme of this year’s Sanfest celebrations —The Arts: God’s Gift to Mankind.
But it was 18-year-old Tiana Chandler and 17-year-old Simeon Peters who found favour with the judges through song and dance at the Creative Arts Centre in San Fernando on October 16. The show formed part of the 40th annual San Fernando Arts Council, National Junior Arts Festival Committee (Sanfest). From the get go, the ambitious teens displayed a plethora of well-rehearsed and well-choreographed talents. Peters, of Pleasantville Secondary School, gave a soul-searching interpretation of an African-influenced dance, which was choreographed by school teacher Keiron Sargeant.
It was like an African inspirational, done in contemporary style, and it triumphed over the other presentations in the battle for the prestigious title. The Form Five student also won the best talent prize in the male category. The announcement that Chandler was the overall winner in the female category came as no surprise. The sixth form St Joseph’s Convent San Fernando student belted out the song made popular by the theatrical Phantom of the Opera, Think of Me.
Capturing second and third places, male, were Joey George and Shazard Ali, respectively. Shanna Taylor and Aaliea Gilding placed second and third, respectively, in the female category.
Source: http://guardian.co.tt/features/entertainment/2010/10/27/teens-show-true-talent-sanfest-event
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^^ Good post Jumbie
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'FEELS GOOD' Student with cerebral palsy defies challenges to earn degree at UWI
By Aabida Allaham
| (http://media.trinidadexpress.com/images/1288320194411n25.jpg) |
A 24-year-old girl with cerebral palsy has successfully overcome her physical challenges to graduate from the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Bachelors of Science Degree.
Shamla Maharaj was diagnosed with the permanent physical condition seven months after birth but it did not stop her from driving herself across the stage set up at the UWI SPEC in St Augustine in her motorised wheelchair to collect her degree in Agribusiness Management yesterday.
The moment brought tears to mother's eyes, after all, she "stayed up with her for three years" and even lived with her at Milner Hall "because there are things she cannot do for herself".
"Oh gosh," her mother Chandra Maharaj said, "I am excited, happy, I feel proud...when she applied to come (to UWI), we didn't even think she would get through, we was not expecting anything, we just came because she wanted to, but then she get through and finished the degree in three years with everybody else".
Following the graduation ceremony, Maharaj said her daughter went through all the normal schooling procedures and "nothing special was done for".
In fact, Shamla is one of a handful of physically challenged people in Trinidad and Tobago who have successfully overcome the limitations associated with being physically disabled.
At the age of four, Shamla left her home in Barrackpore and attended the Princess Elizabeth Special School where she graduated as the Best Overall Student and was the automatic choice for valedictorian. She then attended Barrackpore Secondary Comprehensive School from 2000-2007 where she excelled at Mathematics, English, Geography, History, Sociology, Principles of Business and Principles of Accounts before going on to do the Cape "A" level exams in the areas of Geography, Sociology and History.
"While she was in primary school, teachers always gave her an A, when she went to the secondary school too, she always did well," Maharaj said.
Speaking to the Express, a shaking, yet smiling Shamla said, "I am just proud of being who I am and what I have accomplished, so it feels good".
Inundated with well-wishers, including former social development minister Dr Amery Browne, Shamla said she had already enrolled in the Masters Degree programme.
"When I finish that, I want to work, I want to definitely work and after some decent job experience I want to go on to my PhD, hopefully," she said.
Also receiving an honorary doctorate at yesterday's ceremony were Thomas Gatcliffe and the late Doddridge Alleyne.
Gatcliffe, a former businessman and chemist who held positions such as chairman of Angostura Ltd, Director of Caribbean Communications Network and Chairman of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce, is also one of only six privileged people to know the secret formula of the world-famous Angostura Aromatic Bitters.
Alleyne, who recently passed away at the age of 83, gave 40 of those 83 years to the Public Service, serving as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Petroleum and Mines and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Development.
Alleyne's service also extended to the United Nations when he served as Petroleum Adviser to the Government of Kenya from 1980-1982. He was inducted into the Queen's Royal College Hall of Honour in 2003 and received the Chaconia Gold Medal for long and Meritorious Service to Trinidad and Tobago.
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/_FEELS_GOOD_-106219238.html
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Really Good News there.
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Really Good News there.
CO-SIGNNNNNN
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Really Good News there.
CO-SIGNNNNNN
x2
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The BIG MAN always work in mysterious ways!!!
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She's Royal
...paying tribute to Her Majesty, Calypso Rose
Address her as Her Majesty, the only woman to be crowned King of Calypso, having in 1978 won the coveted National Calypso King title, singing Her Majesty and I Thank Thee. From the following year, because of Calypso Rose’s historical accomplishment, the title was renamed the National Calypso Monarch. It would take 21 years before another woman would claim the calypso monarchy, and during that time Rose would move on to become the most respected and celebrated female calypsonian the world over. We should note here that in 1977 Rose became the first female Road March Monarch, singing Tempo—a title another woman would not win until 1999, the same year Rose’s longstanding calypso monarch record was broken.
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/beta/sites/default/files/event/McCartha%20Lewis.png?1294611545)
Rose, however, remains the breakthrough female calypsonian who paved the way and created opportunities for the many successful women calypsonians and soca artistes not only in Trinidad, but around the world since 1977. Honoured by world leaders and multiple nations for her contributions to the calypso art form and music on the whole, Rose continues to blaze trails taking calypso music to diverse places. Rose has done T&T proud by her music, through her lifestyle and with her many accomplishments out of studio and off stage. Rose, the calypso queen of the world, is truly and absolutely royalty, and Randy Glasgow Productions will pay tribute to Calypso Rose this year.
On February 18, she will be presented with the inaugural She’s Royal Award during the 2011 edition of the Ladies Night Out show. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Multiculturalism, Winston “Gypsy” Peters have been invited to to personally present the award. In 2010, Rose celebrated her 70th birthday, and was honoured by the people and Government of France during the month of July. Also in 2010 a feature-length documentary exploring Rose’s life and career was produced by world renowned African filmmaker, Pascale Obolo. This film is being distributed globally. Other tributes and accolades bestowed upon Rose over the years include the Hummingbird Medal Gold, presented by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for her contributions to culture. The Government of Belize made Rose an honorary citizen in 1982, and the Smithsonian Institute named her the world’s top female calypsonian. She was paid tribute to in New York, Atlanta, Toronto and other places, in some cases on more than one occasion.
About Calypso Rose
Born McCartha Lewis on April 27, 1940, in Bethel, Tobago, Rose was brought to Trinidad when she was nine years old by an aunt and uncle, who wanted to assist her parents who had several children and were experiencing financial difficulties in caring for all of them. Rose was enrolled in the San Juan Government School where she joined the choir and stood out as a soloist. After finishing school, she began working at a factory, before moving on to serve as a nanny for a Chinese family in Woodbrook.
Having begun singing and composing calypso as a child, Rose finally decided to dive headlong into the calypso arena, which created problems with her family who believed that calypso was sacrilege. Rose, however, stood her ground and forged ahead using the moniker, Crusoe Kid. Spoiler and other calypsonians urged her to change her sobriquet to Calypso Rose, meaning, Mother of all Flowers.
Even before winning the 1977 Road March title, Rose scored an international hit when she recorded Fire In Meh Wire in 1967, and almost beat Kitchener out for the Road March title in 1968 with that song. Rose again challenged Kitchener for the title in 1975 with Do Them Back, recorded shortly after she migrated to New York, where she eventually became an auxiliary police officer, and later a qualified criminologist. To date Rose has composed in excess of 800 songs and continues to write not only calypsoes, but also gospel, reggae, jazz, punta and even folk songs.
She won a hard-fought battle against cancer during the 1990s, and in 2008, after having spent several days in the ICU unit of a New York hospital where she had undergone surgery to have a mass removed from her stomach, Rose was on stage in Trinidad kicking up her heels in true Rose fashion. Calypso Rose is in no way withering and we expect she will continue to be fresh and exciting for years to come.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/beta/lifestyle/2011/01/09/shes-royal
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Nice to see my old school making positive news and more importantly students doing so well.
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Nice to see my old school making positive news and more importantly students doing so well.
U went San Juan Gov't Sec?
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T&T lift CT20 title Champs overcome Ganga's absence
Trinidad and Tobago overcame their inspirational captain Daren Ganga being sidelined with a hand injury to be crowned the new Caribbean Twenty20 champions, following a resounding 36-run victory over Hampshire on Sunday night.
Ganga was a non-starter after he suffered a split "webbing" on his left hand during Saturday's second semi-final against Jamaica.
But the Red Force, as they now call themselves, bowled with discipline to follow-up gutsy batting and limited Hampshire to 111 for eight, after they set the English Twenty20 champions 148 for victory in the Grand Final at Kensington Oval.
Jason Mohammed was the pick of the T&T bowlers, with two wickets for six runs from 2.1 overs, and Kevon Cooper captured two for 15 from 3.5 overs.
This is the second time that Trinidad and Tobago can call themselves T20 champions of the Caribbean, following their capture of the 2008 Stanford T20 Cup, which was the forerunner for this West Indies Cricket Board official tournament.
They will be the region's representative in India later this year, when all the best T20 sides from the leading cricket nations meet for the Champions League Twenty20.
Darren Bravo had led the way for T&T with 41 from 28 balls, which earned him the Man-of-the-Match award, and Lendl Simmons, later named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, supported with 31.
But it was left to stand-in captain Denesh Ramdin with an enterprising 33 from 19 balls to beef up Trinidad and Tobago's total to 147 for seven from their 20 overs, after they seemed to lose their way in the closing stages.
The new-ball pair of Ravi Rampaul and leg-spinner Samuel Badree then gave T&T a desirable start, with a maiden followed by the early wicket of Johannes Myburgh, Hampshire's most prolific batsman, bowled for a second-ball duck, respectively.
Trinidad and Tobago never panicked, not even when Vince and Hampshire captain Jimmy Adams comfortably added 38 for the second wicket.
Mohammed was asked to complete Cooper's second over, when the medium-fast bowler left the field with a dislocated finger, and he made the breakthrough, when he deceived Vince with the flight and bowled him for 23 with the final ball of the seventh over.
Adrian Barath had dropped Adams off Cooper, but he made up for the miss when he ran out the Hampshire captain for 16 in the ninth over to leave them needing another 106 from 70 balls.
T&T continued to take wickets at regular intervals and never allowed the remaining Hampshire batsmen to build any momentum to seriously challenge the target–with Benny Howell making the top score of 28 not out.
Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago suffered an immediate setback, after choosing to bat, when Barath was caught at long-on for two in the first over.
But Bravo strode to the crease and started to take apart the Hampshire bowling with a volley of strokes that brought him five fours and two sixes and had the crowd on its feet.
He and Simmons put T&T back on track with a stand of 77 for the second wicket, but they ran into trouble when they slipped to 120 for six in the 18th over.
Ramdin's batting has deteriorated significantly over the last year to the extent that he has lost his place in the West Indies side, but he dug deep to help Trinidad and Tobago raise 27 from the last two overs to put the match out of Hampshire's reach.
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/T_T_lift_CT20_title_Champs_overcome_Ganga_s_absence-114526554.html
Note: Had to post this to show our leaders that teamwork can be rewarding. Stop dividing the blasted country!
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Cocoa farmers are expecting an increased harvest of the product this year.
Making strides in the industry, farmers in Tobago benefitted from two fermentary boxes which processed 750 kilograms while adhering to the highest quality and standards set forth by the Cocoa and Coffee Industry of Trinidad and Tobago.
President of the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Dhano Sookoo said that ASTT worked with 23 cocoa farmers associations and distributed cocoa tools to assist in pruning the trees on estates scattered across the country.
In addition, ASTT in collaboration with the Association of Professional Beekeepers supplied 63 starter colonies at a cost of $18,900.
"Production of honey has begun and the investment is now valued at $157,500," she said.
In her end of the year report delivered at Centre Pointe Mall conference hall, Chaguanas last month, Sookoo said that, last year, irrigation for farmers was a top priority.
"Seventeen farmers crossings were built in partnership with the Estate Management and Business Development company to allow water to flow into the major water channel, feeding the Felicity Food Crop project," she said adding that farmers in Kernaham Village in Mayaro also received similar water crossings for the irrigation of their vegetable crops.
She said that last year farmers experienced severe drought which resulted in a decline in production.
"We were able to assist farmers at Plum Mitan by providing a six-inch water pump, with a capacity of 1000 gallons per minute pumping water from the Jhagruma Line into the main channels to the food crop area", she said.
She said that through the irrigation initiative, over 500 acres of food crops in the Plum Mitan, and over 5 million pounds of sweet potatoes in Felicity were saved.
ASTT was also at the forefront of the rehabilitation of 500 kilometres of agricultural access roads in Mamoral, Tabaquite, Erin, Palo Seco, Tableland, Moruga, Felicity, Cedros, Oropouche, Mon Desir and other areas south of the Caroni River, she said.
Sookoo said that last year, the association distributed 4,983 citrus plants to 13 Farmers' Associations at a subsidised rate of $10 each.
In the livestock industry, the ASTT goat and sheep "Rearing and Sharing" programme, suffered financial setback, she said. She said that the industry was able to weather the storm and move into Phase Two where six offspring were distributed to farmers in Tobago.
"A total of 24 offspring from 33 goats, and 2 Dorper lambs from the 4 sheep were given out to farmers," she said adding that 92 per cent of the females imported in the project gave birth.
She said that genetic material must be introduced and the necessary support systems provided to livestock farmers.
Completing her third year as president of the association, Sookoo said that 41 farmers were trained in tilapia production bringing the total to 108 farmers and the establishment of seven new tilapia farms. In root crop production 435 farmers received training and 12,000 sweet potato cuttings and 25,000 cassava cuttings were distributed, she said.
She was re-elected president of ASTT and said that she planned to continue to aid farmers in the production of food crops. The ASTT's vice president is jenson Alexander. The cocoa representatives are Roger Lashley, Ethan Benjamin, Juman Mohammed, Mahadeo Rambharose, Leon Granger, Elizabeth Mohammed Ali, Samuel Baptiste and Krishendath Sooknanan.
The sugar representatives are Khemraj Singh, Lawrence Lalla, Dhanmatie Singh, Nawaz Karim, John Ribero, Krishna Balgobin, Dalchan Singh, and Hansraj Ramlal. Other represntatvies are management services - Reeza Feeraz Khan, livestock - Cheryl Roach Benn, youth training services - Anderson Sam, root crops - Ramdeo Boondoo, education - Richard Sankar, rice - Richard Singh, rabbit production - Milton Algernon.
President of the Tobago District Agricultural Society, Orwin Dillon will attend all meetings of the board.
By By Ariti Jankie South Bureau
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business-magazine/Turning_farming_around-116283084.html
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Trini boy, 8, stars in Japanese film
(http://www2.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/event/boy%20film.png?1311385211)
A Japanese television production crew is now in Trinidad filming the life story of a young San Fernando boy for a television programme called Future Stars. The show is to be aired around the world. The lucky youngster is eight-year-old Ojah Bisnath who achieved the world record of being the youngest moko jumbie when he was just 11 months old. At that time he was walking on four-inch stilts. Today, young Ojah is proficient on four-foot stilts. The youngest son of Junior and Victoria Bisnath, Ojah was selected as one of the future stars, based on his natural and acquired skills in various disciplines.
In addition to being a moko jumbie, Ojah also plays the pan and drums, rides a unicycle and does woodwork in his father’s workshop. The Japanese television company crew, comprising cameraman Yasusu Nozaki and CEO of the television production company, Asako Solis, began filming at the youngster’s home at the corner of Henry and Brown streets, San Fernando, yesterday. The filming will continue over the weekend, as Ojah takes in a series of Emancipation activities, which began yesterday and will end at Palms Club tomorrow. Hideyo Morimoto, a co-ordinator with the Trinidad and Tobago/Japanese Exchange Company, introduced Ojah to the television station.
Morimoto said Asako contacted her and asked about featuring talented children around the world.
Morimoto said she recommended Ojah and another young man who plays pan with Pamberi, and Solis decided to come to Trinidad to do the research. Proud father Junior Bisnath, a cultural activist, said he was honoured. “We have so many talented children in this country and for my son to be one of two children chosen for a movie, it is something for any parent to feel proud of,” he said. Bisnath, who also operates Kaisoca Moko Jumbie School, said he was particularly proud that the Japanese crew chose pan and the moko jumbie over so many other aspects of T&T culture.
Source: http://www2.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2011/07/23/trini-boy-8-stars-japanese-film
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Young pannists shoot to stardom.
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Last Sunday’s musical presentation featuring reigning Under-21 National Junior Panorama champions Success Stars Pan Sounds held at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, Port-of-Spain, was not just another pan show; it was a scintillating music event. Ideally titled Beyond the Stars, the production, conceived by officials of the youth steel orchestra, was a clear reminder of why the band proudly held the title of champion, but more significantly, it underscored the fact that steelpan music has real vibes. The artistically gifted Morvant/ Laventille youths accurately communicated this having found their comfort zone while in the spotlight and delivered superb entertainment to lusty applause and fervent cheers.
Brilliantly played caressing notes on steel filled the ears of the small, attentive, but no doubt lively audience from the young and dynamic cast. They showcased a repertoire rich with present-day chart-topping pop and soca music hits, as well as other genres current and past from international entertainers such as Bruno Mars, Jackson Five, Whitney Houston, Handel Messiah, and the Original De Fosto (Winston Scarborough). The turnout failed to dampen the spirit of these young entertainers under the music direction of Mickiel Gabriel, Gerelle Forbes and guest conductor Marcus Ash. The pannists, along with their musical friends were fiery during their respective spotlight appearances at the concert that was made for television.
The line-up of guest artistes included steelpan soloist Noel La Pierre, the University of the West Indies Ensemble, St Margaret’s Boys Steel Orchestra, Explainer (Winston Henry) and the Prizgar Land Folk Performers all of whom contributed nicely to sustaining the programme’s integrity. Gabriel, speaking through the programme’s foreword, noted the fact that since he was asked to revive the band—starting with its appearance and ultimate victory at the Sanfest competition in the Pan Ensemble category in 2010, to this year’s National Junior Panorama win—there had been a general improvement in the grades of students.
Forbes, on the other hand, drove home the point that pannists with Success Stars Pan Sounds had an innate thirst for music knowledge complemented by a desire to experience the various facets of the performing world, too. She said: “What more can teachers ask for, as it makes the process easier. What I love the most about this bunch are their individual personalities and the band’s unity personality.” Success Stars Pan Sounds gave the audience a lot more than just its penchant for music excellence and showmanship.
Patrons experienced the love that abounds within the band when tenor pan section leader Brenton Joseph was presented with a cake for his 15th birthday. Citing that the concert was held on the day of his birth, and in lieu that he had to sacrifice all other activities due to the demands of the concert, the band celebrated him publicly. Joseph was unclear what to do when the announcement was made. He blushed at first, and then placed the palms of his hands over his face in an effort to hide his expression, before stepping from behind his trademark instrument to receive his gift from band percussionist and national volleyball athlete Akim Bushe.
The audience erupted in laughter to Joseph’s initial reaction and applauded the open display of affection. There is no doubt that Beyond the Stars saw pannists attached to Success Stars Pan Sounds take the steelband music concert experience to another exciting level which undoubtedly left those privileged to receive the well thought of offerings mesmerised. But with all that quality music-making, there is a question that begs an answer from the band. Were members covertly taking dance lessons at Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon’s “wining university” leading up to the show or were they demonstrating a natural Trinbagonian response to sweet pulsating soca music?
Well, either way the band sent the audience into a state of frenzy while executing spicy dance moves during a soca medley that included David Rudder’s Oil and Music; Chris Garcia’s Chutney Bacchanal, Stalin’s (Dr Leroy Calliste) Party and Benjai’s (Rodney Le Blanc) Trini. Concert sponsors should take comfort in knowing that their investment in these youths was not in vein, citing that the presentation which was not oversubscribed, was held to raise funds towards the purchase of new instruments.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2011/08/28/young-pannists-shoot-stardom
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good to still know positives coming out this country
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Parang will not die with the older generation but will remain alive with the youths of today. That was the message delivered by Servol’s Programme co-ordinator David Jankey as he addressed a roomful of students at Servol’s Central/East zone Parang Festival on November 25 at the People of Praise Hall, Arima. Jankey said the purpose of the festival was to preserve the culture of parang in the minds and hearts of students.
It was a day of fun, laughter and music as the students of Servol Central-East Zone served up a banquet of talent during their parang festival, titled Ole’. It included performances from five of Servol’s centres, as well as a performance from the school’s external Adolescent development Programme in the Youth Training Centre (YTC).
Servol instructors go to YTC to train students in life skills in an attempt to rehabilitate them and keep them grounded in society. The festivities opened with a rendition of the Parang Now Start, quickly followed by a version of the 12 Days of Christmas, that had the audience laughing as it featured items like six single dollars and a fully loaded BMW vehicle.
Students and instructors collaborated to present fun, interactive performances, one of the highlights being a slightly controversial yet highly amusing skit based on the Ian Alleyne hosted talk show Crime Watch. Another highlight to the festival was the performance by Servol’s Chaguanas Centre, which stood out purely because of the absolute talents of the singers.
When one of the students, Renee Martin began singing, it was almost as if parang legend Daisy Voisin had resurrected. According to assistant programme co-ordinator, Gillian Johnson, the trainees at the various centres were usually young people filled with talent but lacking in opportunities, and so activities like the Parang Festival gave them a platform to show off their skills while having fun.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/entertainment/2011/12/13/youths-keep-parang-alive
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With all the disregard for life we've seen over the past few years in trinidad and Tobago, this was uplifting to read.
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Anthony Stapleton was hailed a hero yesterday after he jumped into the murky waters of a swollen East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, to save a woman. Coincidentally, Stapleton, 48, became homeless the night before when the apartment he was renting at Beverly Hills, Laventille, was firebombed. He walked down to the shelter for the socially displaced at the Nipdec car park, Old St Joseph Road, Port-of-Spain, on Wednesday night, where he stayed.
Homeless, divorced and with no money, he said he saw any human life as valuable. Stapleton, with only the clothing on his back, said he did not think when he jumped into the water to save the life of 21-year-old Giselle Myers Alexander. Alexander, who also is homeless, was asleep under the bridge when she was swept away.
After seeing Alexander tumbling over in the water and fighting for her life, Stapleton jumped in and dragged her to safety. Trying to catch his breath, hungry and dripping wet, Stapleton, who suffers from diabetes, praised Allah. He said: “It was a life. I could have been dead in that fire last night... He (Allah) saved me last night. “I guess God saved me for a purpose and I guess this was the purpose.
“I get my blessings from Allah. I heard people saying she was in the water. It is a life and I just jumped in after her.” Stapleton said he was hoping for Government intervention in getting a home of his own. He said: “Everything I own is gone and all I have is what is on my back. “Yes, I would like to get a home again... Yes, please, please. I came to live there (in Beverly Hills) a month now.
He added: “I just got divorced and was trying to rebuild myself but now I am homeless again. “I saw her rolling up-and-down and I told her to hold on to something. Now I have to take my insulin... I didn’t even eat.” Alexander was taken to the back of a pick-up truck where she was treated by EHS personnel. “I was asleep under the bridge,” was all Alexander said could say, before complaining of pains. She suffered bruises to the head, arms and legs.
Police Supt Carlton Alleyne, who was at the scene, said Stapleton was a “hero and brave” for saving Alexander. He said: “It was really heroic and brave. We heard the commotion and saw the body coming down in the water and we came across the road. “They used to sleep under the bridge and the water came rushing down and picked her up.”
Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2011/12/16/hero-rescues-woman-raging-dry-river
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SHANNTOL SHINES
Disabled athlete wins Express Individual of the Year award
By Sue-Ann Wayow
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When national swimmer Shanntol Ince represents Trinidad and Tobago at this year's Paralympic Games in London, England, she will have little to prove.
That's because Shanntol has already won the hearts of her people.
Citizens showed their love and appreciation of the teenager's achievements by helping to vote her the Express Individual of the Year 2011.
Readers were allowed to help chose the winner. Voting took place via text messaging and the final selection was made by a panel of judges.
Shanntol's competitors for this year's award were sprinter Kelly-Ann Baptiste who was named Best Female Athlete of the Year at the Ministry of Sport Spirit of Sports awards and reigning Soca Monarch and Road March King Machel Montano.
Last year's winner was Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Shanntol, 17, created history by becoming the country's first Paralympic athlete to compete at last year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India and is looking forward to representing the country again at the games in August. She captured bronze medals at the Parapan Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico in November of last year, in the 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle.
When told of her achievement yesterday by the Sunday Express, Shanntol shouted with joy.
She said she was honoured to have been chosen and she thanked all those who supported her, including her parents St Paul Ince and Tracy James-Ince.
"I am very excited really. I am thankful to the Lord Jesus Christ, to the church, to all my aunts and uncles and to the whole of Trinidad and Tobago for giving me the opportunity to become Express Individual of the Year.'
"My mom supports me very much. She carries me to training every day and I know it is a bit difficult with her hectic schedule and dad, he is always giving me speeches and stuff."
Shanntol, who was born with her right leg significantly shorter than her left, said her disability never discouraged her from doing what she wanted to do.
She was introduced to swimming at the age of four while attending kindergarten and she never stopped practising.
The fifth form pupil of the Gasparillo Secondary School thanked her first coach Neil Daniel and her current coach Ralph Linky.
Her father said, "When everyone was looking at her disability, he (Daniel) believed in her and told her 'I could teach a fish to swim'. He took her under his care and taught her for a while and then he introduced her to another swimming club."
On Friday, when the Sunday Express visited her home at Claxton Bay, Shanntol was just returning from a swimming session with the Petrotrin Barracudas Swim Club.
Shanntol trains for two hours, six days a week, yet still finds time to study for her upcoming CXC examinations next year.
She also never misses a youth group meeting held on Fridays at the Claxton Bay Open Bible Church.
She said there were many sacrifices she had to make but one of her main goals was practising for next year's competition in London.
She hopes to get distinctions in her CXC examinations and is looking forward to continuing her studies.
About his eldest daughter, Ince said: "She is very humble. She likes to stay in the background and be happy for everybody. I try to teach her good morals and to be consistent and to keep pressing forward."
He said sometimes he felt discouraged but he never gave up on her.
Ince, a fabricator and builder, said it was tough providing for his family and especially Shanntol financially but he was proud of her achievements and hoped that she can be more successful than she already is.
Shanntol is the eldest of five children.
Obadyah, 11; Yehezke, eight; and twins Sarai and Shalom, two, all look up to her and want to be like her, said Ince .
Shanntol said, "It gives me great responsibility and it pushes me a bit harder. I have to raise the bar so they could have greater things than I can."
Ince said he was happy that she was finally being recognised for her achievements.
"Even though she was excelling she was not being recognised. And she has been competing against some of the top swimmers. It is only last year that that people are getting to know about her and we are happy because of that."
Earlier this year, Shanntol was chosen along with five other people to be ambassadors in the Ministry of the People and Social Development Disability Programme.
Dr Glenn Ramadharsingh, Social Development Minister, said the individuals chosen will act as spokespersons for people with disabilities.
Shanntol is studying sciences because she loves to help people especially those who are disabled like herself, she said.
She hopes to one day become an orthopaedic surgeon or a practitioner of occupational therapy.
Her new year's resolutions are to study and train more.
"I have to make an official time table and follow through with it. I also have to train smarter. I have to think about what could improve, how I could improve techniques and do what the coach says."
She advises others, "Don't give up on anything that you are doing. In life there will be different struggles and they will not last forever. You just need to keep trying to better yourself and trust in God."
source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/SHANNTOL_SHINES-136491498.html
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Loving the vibe and energy of this young men and women.
http://youtu.be/DNGEDg_v0y0
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This is a really nice article, have to say it's articles like this that makes me want to visit trinidad and check out some of these places. trinidad has a lot of untold history, that makes for some nice historical tourism.
ENTRANCE: The Gordon Square Park in Mayo. —Photos: LOUIS B HOMER
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Corn gives Mayo its name
By Louis B Homer South Bureau
Story Created: Apr 15, 2012 at 10:52 PM ECT
Story Updated: Apr 15, 2012 at 10:52 PM ECT
MAYO, a village in the Central Range, has recently been in the news for all the wrong reasons — protests by residents over bad roads and water shortages, and protests by striking Trinidad Cement Ltd (TCL) workers at the company's facilities in the area.
Mayo was once a part of the Catholic Mission called "La Mission de Montserrat". It was at various times the home of native Amerindians, runaway African slaves, Spanish peons and French planters.
Cocoa and coffee were planted in the valleys, but in 1974 large acreages were destroyed by Hurricane Alma.
Large plantations still exist, and a fine example of local cocoa industry can be experienced with a drive through a bumpy road known as the Tortuga Short Cut.
The original village was built around Gordon Square, named after Governor Sir Hamilton Gordon (1866-1870) with an imposing Catholic church which became a landmark since 1881 when it was built by Fr Dupoux.
Most residents regarded it as the centre of community life.
Sinanan Jhaghai, 86, one of the oldest residents, said, "The modern structure is patterned along its sister church at Tortuga. It cost the parish a lot of money to build and we are still holding bazaars and functions to pay off the debt. One of the big fund-raisers will be the church's annual harvest, to be held on April 22. People from many parts of Trinidad attend the harvest and enjoy themselves in the historic square."
Jhaghai described Mayo as a city of the past.
"We had Carnival here before Port of Spain. We even had horse racing. The centre of the village was a plateau with Palmiste trees. There were wells and brooks with pure water all around. We had a waterfall that has dried up. From the plateau, the village sloped downwards for hundreds of feet into wooded fields of cedar and other timber. Palmiste trees grew everywhere. Most of the trees have either died or been destroyed, leaving only the name "Palm Street" as a memory of the past."
The names of persons responsible for developing the village have been preserved — Violin, Du Boulay, Farfan, Libert, Marie Conception, Mitchell and Perry Wing are the main streets.
"The buildings were mostly wood and tapia and most of the people spoke patois and Hindi," said Jhaghai.
The public cemetery on the south-eastern end of the village had its origin when scores of African slaves were buried there after Emancipation. Among the early Africans who settled at Mayo when slavery was abolished in 1838 were Mandingos, Yorubas, Homas and Ashanti Congos. Some of them were runaway slaves from the estates.
The village has a rich history of African culture and traditions. Dr JD Elder, an anthropologist who carried out research in the area, wrote in 1969, "To this rich river valley (Montserrat), the planters came and established in the time of Sir Ralph Woodford (1813-1829) and Sir Hamilton Gordon numerous sugar plantations utilising the drier slopes and flatter uplands. In the valley is the centre cacao plantations. To the sugar plantations, the Negroes were brought as slaves, the grandparents and great-grand parents of people of African descent occupied the Montserrat villages."
Elder described the village as a region rich with Amerindian kitchen middens which was excavated by archaeologists working in the area as late as 1797.
He wrote, "On one of the house sites on Congo Hill at Mayo, several thunder stones (neolithic cults) belonging to a famous Congo magician were found. The Hausa people at Mayo read from the Koran and they spoke an Arabic dialect and sang songs about Allah."
Elder gave an account of how the head of a large Yoruba family at Mayo cured his grandchild who was stricken down by a man while playing in the yard. According to Elder, the story told to him was as follows.
"I was playing with other children in the school yard when I saw a man coming up to me. I shouted to the other children, but they said they saw nobody. The other children ran away. I do not remember anything until I found myself in my grandmother's house. Grandpa told me not to be afraid. He said it was a spirit. He then lifted me and took me to his shrine. He made an offering to the power. He then took a sharp thing and marked me on the right hand. I did not bleed very much. From that day, nothing like that ever happened to me again."
The yellow limestone quarry at Mayo is operated by TCL. Ever since the company began production of cement in 1954, raw material has been supplied to the factory from its limestone quarry at Mayo.
Initially, the raw material was transported from the quarry to the factory at Claxton Bay by transporting the material in large metal buckets attached to cables. The system was modernised later by converting the raw material into a clinker and transporting it to the factory through large pipes.
The village also harvests vegetables and fresh fruits.
In the past, a fair amount of corn was planted on the hillsides. It was the growth of corn that is believed responsible for naming the village Mayo. Maize or mayo was the main crop in the village at the time it was founded.
Historians believe the name came about from a Yoruba version of the Amerindian word for corn. "Mayo" in the Yoruba language means corn.
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Kindhearted Helen Hypolite
When an ardent reader contacted us to sing praises about the kind security guard at the Port of Spain General Hospital who was a Godsend to the aged patients waiting for prescriptions, we just had to find out why her actions warranted such praise; what made her different from other women but most of all what made her a real woman. This week Real Women, Real Stories goes to the hospital to chat with security guard Helen Hypolite. We observe her strategies and tactics in maintaining order in a challenging environment and we get a summary of her own life challenges and successes.
By Lorraine Waldropt-Ferguson
Helen Hypolite stands majestically in her security guard uniform outside the dispensary of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Within 15 minutes I swear I have seen more than 100 people approach her for information. "Ms Lady, I come to collect meh tablets, you could help?" says an old woman. "Tantie, it's just through that door, thank you. Here take this number, you want me to help you with the door?" asks Hypolite. The old woman nods her head and continues through the door. "Excuse, do I go through this door to get to the pharmacy?" inquires a young woman with curly hair. "Yes, ma'am, here, take this number, thank you," the short custodian answers once more. Soon, a tall man with a rude-boy swagger comes up to Hypolite and pipes, "What is de scene meh girl? I have to take a number first or I could just go in so for my tablets?" "Yes you have to take a number first and then you proceed through that door, thank you!" He peeps into the infirmary and lets out a gasp. "But what de…Real people in dey! I cyah wait on all ah them. I here since morning and cyah get my tablets, nah man I cyah believe this!" "Mr you will have to wait your turn if you don't want to wait with the crowd inside you could always wait outside here, thank you!" she states firmly.
Some more people approach her and then it's my turn. She thinks that I am here for my medication as well. "You can have this number but let me see if inside there full…" I cut her off, informing her that she is a candidate for Real Women, Real Stories, nominated by an observer who visited the hospital and was impressed by her well-mannered, diplomatic and helpful demeanour.
"Nah man, you serious?" she responds smiling from ear to ear. Her mood changes from pleasant to pleasantly surprised. "Wait nah, you not joking. Way, you mean to say I will be on papers?" I nod in approval as she holds onto the hospital wall to catch her breath. Meanwhile five people are waiting on numbers and after she distributes her "dispensary tickets" and gives directions, she settles down and we have our talk.
"Girl what you really want to know bout me? Lemme see I in security work five years now. I working in the hospital since last year October but I used to work security in TSTT and other places before. I real like security work because I like to interact with people. I was always a people person," she explains. "In the few minutes that I was observing, I realised that the place real busy with people, does anybody behave ignorantly or get out of hand, I ask?"
"Yes of course", she answers.
"This is the Port-of-Spain General Hospital you know! But as a trained security guard I have my strategy," she says. Her explanation is enlightening. "Some people come in here and they always in a hurry, they always busy and have somewhere 'better' to go. I give them the facts of their wait and leave it up to them whether they want to go through the normal procedure or not. It's not my fault they are late to wherever they are going but I don't treat them roughly. Some of them are desperate. They sick and could barely stand up to wait in line. Some of them are old and others are disabled. I always try my best to reach out to these people even beyond the call of duty which gets the impatient 'strong' people vex. Sometimes I might even volunteer to stand in line and get their medication for them depending on their condition. And then there are the ones who want to fight and get on disorderly. All the nice I nice I doh take stupidness from them. I don't use violence though, I just speak to them firmly and if the situation gets out ah hand I call for back up!"
"Good day loving, I want some help to get my tablets please," a woman who appeared to be in her 50s interrupts. "Gimme me a minute eh," Hypolite says to me and then turns to the lady—"Ms Lady you alright? You come from the ward? You want me to help you get it?"
"Yes I come from the ward and the help would be nice," the lady answers pitifully. But as Hypolite takes her prescription and looks at her form she realises that it was all a lie, the lady was not warded and used this white lie to get sympathy and quick pills. "Hmmm, you try one on me, just take this number and go into that door, thank you," Hypolite directs but she doesn't get angry.
"Oh yeah I forget to mention that set of hospital people, the ones who lie and use your soft heart to get what they want but it have a God above!" she exclaims.
"Where are you from and how long do you work daily," I quiz the 48-year-old. "I am from Arima and I work the 24 hour shift. I know you watching the shift as a killer but my body get accustom to it. I like to work; when I not working, I either watching movies or crocheting. I love to crotchet. I make doilies you know and other things for sale," she declares.
Then her happy mood suddenly gets sad and despondent. "Yes girl crocheting gets my mind off the stress of what I pass through in the past. Prayer does help too." She then puts her cards on the table blunt and straight- "You heard bout the pensioner from Grande who was murdered two years ago? That was my mother you know. They say it was robbery. Three years before my son was gunned down but he use to keep bad company and nine years ago I reach home from work and couldn't find my daughter.
"When I started the search I found her dead body in a canal in the back yard. Girl, I pass through real thing yes, real things. Now I down to just four children and five grandchildren, children and no mother. But I surviving I never let the tragedies steal my joy. I still smiling. I working hard and spending quality time with my surviving family and that is what counts"
The security guard with hair-raising back story of lost ones then smiles once more and admits "I like peace not war. We living in the days of crime where everybody fighting. Since I small I like to part fight. I am a peaceful person that is why I couldn't understand why people kill my relatives so but anyway, whenever I ask the question, 'why me', a voice answers- 'Why not you?' I think God have a plan for me and that is what giving me a reason to live," she says optimistically.
I shake my head amicably, admiring Hypolite's strength and optimism but my thoughts are interrupted as a drove of people walk hurriedly towards the dispensary. It's almost 7.30 in the night and I can't believe the crowds that still enter the Port-of-Spain General Hospital. Hypolite realises that she must curtail her interview as work beckons, and I agree.
In parting ways she looks my way and concludes – "Life is a blessed thing, if we really dwell on hardships we may never truly live. My rule is live yuh life yes and of course help others live too."
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/Kindhearted_Helen_Hypolite-161649255.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/woman-magazine/Kindhearted_Helen_Hypolite-161649255.html)
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Trini girl breaks ground in field of astrophysics
Trinidad Guardian
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Charles Kong Soo
Trinidad-born Alexandra Amon has boldly gone where few women have gone before, crossing one of the final frontiers of a male-dominated field. The 21-year-old Maraval native, who won a national open scholarship in 2009 at her alma mater, St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of- Spain, is now pursuing her Masters in Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian in a telephone interview yesterday, Amon described how her interest in astrophysics developed, even while she was at secondary school. “I really enjoyed Physics and Mathematics when I was in St Joseph’s,” she said. “One of my teachers told me about a Physics summer camp, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada, and she told me to apply. “I did and was accepted and they paid for all my expenses to go to the theoretical research school for physics. “I went there and fell in love with it and decided that that was what I wanted to do.”
One of her inspirations in the field is Particle Physics professor Peter Higgs, who last year discovered a new particle, named the Higgs-Boson in his honour. Scientists believe the new particle played a vital role in the formation of the universe and of human life, giving mass to matter. Amon said she met Higgs at Edinburgh University where he used to teach. Amon said there were very few female astrophysicists at her university programme where the ratio was one female to every ten males.
She also did not know of any Caribbean astrophysicists. Amon’s older sister, Diva, a deep-sea biologist, has already made significant impact beyond our shores. She was part of a team that made an historic discovery recently of a whale skeleton on the ocean floor near Antarctica. It was significant that both of them were involved in careers that were not traditional in T&T and her field in particular was not common among females.
She said she hoped her example would lead others to explore different options. When asked what words of encouragement she had to give to parents if their children wanted to follow her footsteps, Amon said they will have to be prepared for a very demanding, difficult and male-dominated field.
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Trini wins World Bank tech contest
Trinidad Guardian
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Nadaleen Singh
Business leaders often perceive innovation as a means of growing their business. For 37-year-old Rick Cooper, it is no different. Cooper, managing director of Rico Technologies Ltd, entered his project—Interact XL—into the PitchIT Caribbean competition which was hosted by the World Bank under its infoDev programme in November 2012.
The competition enabled participants to pitch an innovative idea on web and mobile start-ups where the project was judged based on how professionally the idea was pitched as well as its novelty.
“I had a pet project that I started four years ago, so I said let me just try it out, let me pitch the idea; this was to the entire Caribbean region (who participated in the competition). From the hundreds who submitted, I got picked, which made me happy,” Cooper said in an interview with the Business Guardian.
Each participant was given a mentor to train them on how to present their project. Now that he was successful at the Caribbean competition, Cooper moves forward to participate at the Global Forum of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South Africa where he would have to pitch Interact XL to investors.
Talking about the project, Cooper said it was inspired by a close relative attaining high marks in mathematics at university, but was not a high achiever in the subject at secondary school.
Describing Interact XL, he said: “It’s an online math platform. The point of difference between that platform and other platforms is that it meshes the specific teaching style with the learning style of the student.”
The programme would enable the student to learn at their pace and was put together with the assistance of teachers and pedagogy specialists.
“What we endeavour is to create different teaching tools, different teaching styles that will be suited to the learning styles of the student. It is an organic programme, meaning that upon launch, it may be three teaching styles and five years later, it might be ten because we all have different types of learning styles.
“It (the programme) also has a feature where parents can get real time updates on the performance of the child after completing the exercises on the application.”
This means that the parent can be at work and would receive a text message indicating the grade which the child scored.
Greenlighting the project
Congratulated during a business seminar and applauded for placing first in the PitchIT competition held last week by the T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Westmoorings, Cooper said he felt humbled and honoured to be recognised.
To create the prototype four years ago and in order to enter into the competition, Cooper needed to collaborate with educators, “since then I have partnered with pedagogy or teaching specialists who would be on board once the programme gets a green light.”
A Web developer by profession, Cooper had no problem in finding programmers, but finding SEA teachers proved a small challenge, especially as funding was limited and he had to rely on out-of-pocket expenses. Cooper was determined to succeed.
He said being an innovator can be frustrating.
“It can be a gift and a curse in the sense that you have to retard yourself, know what to put out early. You can’t stop it; you just have to keep going.”
He tells innovators be determined, but keep the secrets of your innovative project to yourself and ensure that your intellectual property is protected.
“On one hand, you hear about ICT initiatives, but on the other hand, it is not really being supported. For instance, when I approach high-level investors, they all love the idea (of innovation), but they may quicker bring in a franchise from abroad because that is a tested sector.”
Many investors are unwilling to take risk.
The former St Mary’s College student is a pre-med student from Howard University in Washington DC. Asked why he moved from studying medicine to being an innovator, he said: “What I found during my sophomore year: I used to play with creative Web sites and it paid the bills, it paid rent. I love science, I love biology, but I just thought this Web technology thing was so fascinating. I got my degree in pre-med, biology, but I stuck with the IT aspect and years later started Rico Technologies Ltd,” he said.
About InfoDev:
It is a global partnership programme within the World Bank Group which works at the intersection of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction.”
About RicoTechnologies:
-started operations in 2005
-located in Belmont
-provides services like:
Graphics
-Web design
-e-commerce
-applications for inventory
-has three employees based in T&T and 20 programmers based around the world
Some clients:
-Cariri
-Sacha Cosmetics
-T&T Film Company Ltd
-bpTT Ltd
Though he has a science degree, Cooper is determined to complete his master’s in information, communication and technology.
“Science in itself is a logical discipline, you have to use a little logic. The reason I picked up web design so well is because code is logic. I just thought IT was so much more interesting.”
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Some cool videos recently posted
http://vimeo.com/theartofstorytelling
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WELL DONE YOUTH! Who said nothing good come out of your community? Tell them to hush!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Open-schol-for-Laventille-youth-279224542.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Open-schol-for-Laventille-youth-279224542.html)
Open schol for Laventille youth
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NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Marvin McKenzie, who was featured recently in the Express series, “From Laventille With Love”, has yet another achievement to add to his list of successes.
The teenager is the sole Open scholarship winner at Fatima College, Port of Spain, this year.
The school won one Open scholarship and four Additional scholarships in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
McKenzie won the first Business Open scholarship at the Mucurapo Road school.
Contacted yesterday, McKenzie, who is currently studying economics and statistics at The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine, said he was “completely overwhelmed”.
McKenzie, who lives in the troubled Trou Macaque, Laventille, area, previously shared his inspirational story of overcoming hardship, saying there were days when he had nothing to eat but “pack soup”.
Despite this, the youngster remained focused, knowing education would grant him a way out of those circumstances.
“I feel like it is a dream come true. All my hard work over the last seven years has paid off.”
McKenzie said he could never have accomplished so much without the support of his church, his mother and his uncle, Marlon Danglade, who assisted him financially.
The UWI student said he has not yet decided if he will remain at the institution or take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Open-schol-for-Laventille-youth-279224542.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Open-schol-for-Laventille-youth-279224542.html)
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NICE !!
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-02/trini-breakthrough-nanotechnology-research (http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-02/trini-breakthrough-nanotechnology-research)
Trini in breakthrough nanotechnology research
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/field/image/Jabari%20Calliste.jpg)
PhD student, Jabari Calliste has been involved in major research in nanotechnology at North Carolina University, USA. Calliste, a past student of QRC, along with a team of researchers, has developed a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) technology that uses a novel multiple focal-spot X-ray source array with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the field emission electron source. This stationary approach can increase acquisition speed and eliminate the focal spot motion.
This study represents the first human tissue imaging with the novel carbon nanotube–based s-DBT device. It has been shown that the s-DBT device offers significant improvement in image quality, including improved modulation transfer function (MTF) and lesion conspicuity in breast phantom studies. This is particularly helpful for radiologists to enable them to make more accurate assessments for patients to have a clear understanding of malignancy diagnosis, and for medical personnel to allow for better determination of surgical requirements. It has been found that malignant lesions in the breast can be difficult to visualise using full-field digital mammography (FFDM) when significant tissue overlap is present.
Tissue overlap is most apparent in breast tissue that is thick and radiographically dense. Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) uses a small number of angular projections to reconstruct a pseudo–three-dimensional (3D) volume. The objective of this study was to compare the stationary digital breast tomosynthesis (s-DBT) system to a conventional mammography system in a study of breast specimens. Radiologist evaluation of image quality was assessed in a reader study.
This research represents the first human data acquired using a stationary digital breast tomosynthesis system with carbon nanotubes. The novel s-DBT system was found to be comparable to magnified 2D mammography imaging for malignancy diagnosis. Given the trend of preference for s-DBT over 2D mammography for both mass visibility and margin assessment, s-DBT could be a viable alternative to magnified 2D mammography for imaging breast specimens.
The s-DBT system was found to be comparable to magnified 2D mammography for malignancy diagnosis. Radiology readers preferred magnified 2D mammography for MC visualisation. However, readers trended toward a preference for s-DBT with respect to masses and surgical margin assessment.
What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nanoscale, which is about one to 100 nanometres. Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of extremely small things and can be used across all the other science fields, such as chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and engineering (www.nano.gov) (http://www.nano.gov))
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MORE POSITIVES !
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-05/qrc-boys-say-it-art
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-05/qrc-boys-say-it-art)
QRC boys say it with art
joint exhibition with Tara Bobart until Saturday
Shereen Ali
Published:
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Sixth form students at Queen’s Royal College enjoy expressing themselves during art class. Work by the students and artist Tara Bobart is on show at the College hall from October 30 until Saturday. Photo courtesy Sabrina Charran
Brightly painted parrots, black and white graphic prints and collage experiments are among the art on display in the roomy hall at Queen’s Royal College (QRC) at St Clair, Port-of-Spain. This group exhibition by QRC students and self-taught painter Tara Bobart has been on since October 30, and continues until Saturday from 2–6 pm.
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/QRC%20two%20boys.jpg?itok=Zm49OxdS)
It’s an exciting use of the hall space: the room, with rotating uses as backup classroom space and an assembly room, metamorphosed into an art gallery this week in a creative collaboration between an artist, an art teacher, a principal, his students and some very helpful businesses.
In the process, QRC students—many of them science students—discovered a whole new form of expression many had never previously considered—or had practised secretly, as a private hobby, never to be shown on a wall until now.
“I am very excited about the show,” said student Kamau Romano: “It’s the first time I am getting to show my work, and share with people what I felt through the process of making it,” he said. His artwork The Tide of Time, he says, is all about how to bring the past back into the present. It uses glued jigsaw puzzle pieces, overpainted as a grey wave, which washes over a more contemporary patio scene.
“I liked learning about the different techniques, like papier-mache” said Stephon Gilbert, a 17-year-old science student who experimented with building up different layers of texture in some of his art.
From nature to the surreal
Although clearly all student work, the pieces show different styles, interests and emerging voices. Some are naturalistic (depicting realistic objects in a natural setting), such as beach scenes, landscapes, animals and plants. Others have influences from graffiti and Leroy Clarke, such as Mikael Gilbert’s ink piece.
Aaron Raghunanan shows a clean graphic style in his black and white lino cut prints, while David Neils explores use of framing/bars in Melman Memories (about Melman the giraffe in the Emperor Valley Zoo), and the use of layered tiny symbols to create an atmosphere in Napa Air.
One interesting artwork is strongly surrealist, even Dali-esque: Xavier Peter-Henry’s collage piece called Heritage. This explores an imaginary, dreamlike world, where precise objects are arranged in an illogical, violent scene that evokes strong emotions about our attitudes to our own T&T heritage. He paints a detailed human heart being pierced by a tall wooden stake. Arteries from the heart radiate from it, ending in melting clockfaces: time running out as we murder our heritage?
Curated by Sabrina Charran
Having the confidence to create the images was half the battle, says QRC art teacher Sabrina Charran, who curated the exhibition and who first approached her principal to make it all happen at the QRC hall.
A slim, energetic Indian woman with glossy black hair which whips around her neck as she talks, Charran was a 2006 first class honours graduate of UWI’s Visual Arts programme. She began teaching art at QRC in 2008.
Dressed in jeans and a denim blue shirt, she said on Tuesday that part of her job as an art teacher is to help children express themselves, and teach them different techniques. In this, she has been successful. In the process of organising this exhibition, she has also taught the boys about curating, how to mount an art show, and the importance of cooperation, planning, and hospitality skills to manage successful event projects.
Charran credited QRC principal David Simon for his support in allowing the space to be used in this way. And she emphasised the truly collaborative nature of the exhibition. It couldn’t have happened without artist Tara Bobart, and without the generous loan of the Central Bank art gallery’s mounting screens, as well as invaluable help from Arnim’s Framing Solutions. Sponsors Royal Bank and Republic Bank both helped pay for lighting on the opening night.
Artist Tara Bobart: ‘I paint only what makes me happy.’
Artist Tara Bobart could have shown on her own – but she told the Guardian her intention was to help others, and give the youth a chance to show their work too.
Bobart’s work is inspired by nature and she is all about “cultivating a love for art.” For her, art is a way to have fun, relax, and express herself: “I paint only what makes me happy.” A former geology teacher at QRC many years ago, she later got into cake decorating for fun, and became a noted “sugar artist and wedding cake designer,” creating fabulous towering confections with great delicacy and detail, sculpting orchid petals out of white sugar paste and then “blushing” them in coloured dusting powders.
“If I can do this with sugar, I can do it on canvas,” she thought, and so began to paint in watercolours, oils and acrylics in the early 2000s. She paints landscapes, seascapes, still life images, animals, and nature scenes.
“One of my past QRC geology students, Neil Lewis, now a geologist at Petrotrin, was the one who suggested to me: ‘Why don’t you have a show at QRC with the boys?’ I loved the idea of sharing space with them,” she said.
“We are lucky to have a space to exhibit here,” said art teacher Charran, who said one of the biggest benefits of the show has been the interaction the art works have generated.
“These boys love to explore, and make things. New artists may always feel threatened by the flatness and emptiness of white paper, and then may feel shy to display it. But I feel it’s important to show work on a wall, to have people interact with it,” said Charran, adding:
“I hope this is the first of many exhibitions to come in this space.”
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The country future :beermug:
Theatre and technology brings beauty to the Beetham
http://looptt.com/2014/11/20/theatre-technology-brings-beauty-beetham/ (http://looptt.com/2014/11/20/theatre-technology-brings-beauty-beetham/)
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Last Saturday, the Beetham Gardens was treated to its first Evening of Theatre held at the Beetham Impact Centre and hosted by Steven Edwards Productions (SEP). Steven Edwards Productions (SEP) is a non-profit organisation based in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago. The organisation uses theatre and technology as rehabilitation, nurturing and transformation tools in vulnerable communities.
The evening highlighted the launch of SEP’s Transformation Through Theatre and Technology and Theatre For Tots to Teens programs. The afternoon’s proceedings delighted the audience as well as brought about some hope great things coming to the community entertaining and well received by approximately two hundred attendees from phases all five phases from the garden. One resident Joel said: “We feeling like somebody because all the time we was just left behind nothing , nothing, nothing and is good to see things happening now.”
The launch consisted of two theatrical performances, “King Hungry Belly and the Palace Pelau” and “Mirrors”. The first performance, “King Hungry Belly”, was a comedic children’s play filled with theatrics and dancing while educating children on cooperation and racial inclusion. The other performance, “Mirrors”, presented scenarios of child neglect, juvenile misconduct and poverty, while teaching the benefits of hard work, perseverance and good family values. A relatable performance that brought the audience to both laughter and tears. At selected intervals of the event, the attendees were given relevant information on the programme.
Transformation Through Theatre and Technology (TTTAT) is a programme created by Steven Edwards Productions (SEP) as a rehabilitation tool targeting at-risk youth. Through its four cycles of the programme it has reaped tremendous success evidenced by the testimonials of the graduates as well as their affiliates. Using theatre as an innovative rehabilitation tool, SEP’s TTTAT model not only provides training in specific areas such as performing arts, literacy and IT, it utilises motivation and counselling to build self-esteem and confidence.
Theatre for Tots to Teens builds morale and morals for young children, at the same time exposing them to dance, vocals, theatre and local culture. This is all done using Trinidad and Tobago various art forms and instills a sense of patriotism and national pride coupled with tolerance for others.
At the end of the event over 60 applications were received to attend the program with other persons wishing to inquire more about it. This initiative is being supported by the J.B. Fernandes Memorial Trust 1, The Canadian High Commission, The Community Development Fund and the IDB Cultural Development Program. Sessions have already commenced in the Beetham all geared toward building a better individual, community and Trinidad and Tobago.
Executive Chairman Steven Edwards vowed that the team would do their very best to change the stigma of the residents and the community. He also gave a two year deadline in which to do it.
Steven Edwards Productions is currently seeking volunteers for this and similar projects should you wish to be a part of this movement, or make any type of donation please feel free to contact them at 18683049159 or 18686847321 or email them at communications@stevenedwardsproductions.com or feel free to check out the organisation’s very active face book page www.facebook.com/stevenedwardsproductions.
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nice!!...keep it flowin
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Trinidadian wins Rhodes Scholarship
http://looptt.com/2014/11/27/trinidadian-wins-rhodes-scholarship/ (http://looptt.com/2014/11/27/trinidadian-wins-rhodes-scholarship/)
Trinidadian Cherrelle Dacon will be using her Rhodes Scholarship to further prepare for a career in the field of HIV/AIDS, with a special emphasis on the Caribbean.
Dacon is the latest Commonwealth Caribbean Rhodes Scholarship recipient, after being selected yesterday by the Rhodes Scholarship Committee. The 23 year old edged six other regional candidates who were interviewed for the prestigious scholarship, tenable at Oxford University.
Three Trinidadians, two Barbadians, one Antiguan and a Guyanese had been short-listed for interviews. Cherrelle, from Lower Santa Cruz, is a postgraduate student at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
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(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Fazad%20Mohammed.jpg?itok=Guug6imu)
Fazad’s red, black and white passion
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-26/fazad’s-red-black-and-white-passion (http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-26/fazad’s-red-black-and-white-passion)
When you enter his home studio in Diego Martin, the first thing that strikes you are the Buddhas. There are several of them, part of the eclectic décor of this quiet, well-ordered space where Fazad Mohammed has just put the final touches to the art pieces for his first exhibition Life and Passion. The show opened on November 26 and continues until December 3 at the Art Society of T&T in Federation Park, Port-of-Spain.
Upstairs, in Mohammed’s work studio, the place is spotlessly clean—no paint splatters, messy experiments or creative clutter disturb the clean white drawing table, or the well-organised storage areas. Supplies, from paintbrushes to all kinds of paint tubes, canisters and related design tools, are ordered neatly in large sectioned storage pockets hanging on two walls.
And surrounding us are many of the paintings from the current exhibition.
“A lot of people say—You’re too clean for an artist...but I function better in an ordered environment.” I think it’s my training from 14 years in the corporate world,” he comments.
Mohammed may be better known as a communications specialist in public relations and branding.
He worked for about eight years in corporate communications at BP T&T, doing an internship right after graduating from UWI in 2000 (he majored in sociology, with minors in human resource management and politics.)
After BP, he worked in corporate communications management at ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel and mining company, at their Pt Lisas plant.
He earned an MBA in 2011.
Why, then, the new interest in art?
n Continues on Page C12
“I’ve always had a passion for art,” said Mohammed, saying Art and Craft were his favourite subjects at El Dorado Secondary School. He remembered doing paintings of flowers for his retiring principal Hebe Millette many years ago. But he said as soon as he has ever had to sit an exam in anything, he started to hate it: so he never pursued art academically, because he wanted to preserve his enjoyment of it.
Years later, at work in BP, a colleague saw him doodling with red and black pens during a routine meeting. “You had fun at that meeting, didn't you?” asked the colleague. “Yes, I did,” Mohammed replied.
He dreamed then of having an exhibition done all in red, white and black.
“It's reconnecting with what T&T stands for....I am a Trini to the bone. I am very passionate about my country. I love my country. I love the energy and vibe of the people. We have so much talent and so much to offer this world that is so untapped at the moment.”
From doing personalised invitations to events, to discovering the joys of Photoshop and designing his own tattoos, he taught himself several graphic and photo-editing techniques. Mohammed said he is very grateful to Dianne Hunt (co-founder of Radical Designs, owner of DH Gift stores and Dianne's Tea Shop) who gave him his first big artistic break to design male costumes for her section in Island People. Mohammed designed Carnival costumes for five years for Island People.
Right now, he's taking a break from corporate T&T through his art on canvas.
His work in the Life and Passion exhibition shows use of expressive line, use of flat planes of colour to symbolically define various images, and a graphic obsession with fine, often careful detailing. One work shows a fascination with intricate patternmaking, using the photoshopped branches of trees, repeated and overlapped, to form echoes of faces and possibly spiritual or cryptic symbols in what seems like a linear version of a Rorschach test. Some pieces echo the lines of a mas band player, others have a more surface, decorative feel. Many show careful precision and a preference for symmetry.
“My works are 100 per cent planned,” he said. So, no happy accidents!
Mohammed has more than 32 pieces in the show, all produced over a six-month period. There are gemstones in the pieces, such as crystals, bronze mother-of-pearl, rubies or the 25-carat gold infused in the paint of some works. One piece includes textures built up by use of curved koa leaves, overpainted. The work includes acrylic on canvas, watercolours and graphic works reproduced on silk. He has vectorised all of the paintings so they can be used easily as prints or scaled up to large sizes as interior design accents for walls.
One series explores themes of love, and souls trying to find each other through time, he said. Other paintings show an interest in religious and spiritual subjects: a swirl of symbolic pilgrims at Mecca; the temple by the sea; images of Buddha. Another series explores different aspects of love: lust, passion and spiritual love.
Red, for him, is the colour of passion, the “bloodline of the people of T&T.” There's a lot of red in the art works.
Mohammed loves modern abstract art, but finds a scarcity of this style made by local artists – especially local abstract art that is about our own culture and rich history, he says.
He has simple advice for aspiring artists thinking about having their very first show: “Take the risk.” Sometimes in life, he believes things happen that are beneficial for you, even if they are not what you thought you wanted, he said.
He believes we need to free up our preconceptions about what makes up art. It can be any medium, he feels.
He says he's absolutely fine with people seeing their own meanings in his art works:
“You see for yourself. Make your own sense.”
MORE INFO
What: Art exhibition by Fazad Mohammed
Where: Art Society of T&T, corner Jamaica Blvd & St Vincent Ave, Federation Park, Port-of-Spain
When: Nov 26 – Opening reception, 7-9 pm. Nov 27 - Dec 3, 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Contacts: 681-5232;
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Wishing this young man the best :beermug:
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Mandela%20Patrick_0.jpg?itok=cUAy8bN-)
He’s a Naps boy at Harvard
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-08/he’s-naps-boy-harvard (http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2014-11-08/he’s-naps-boy-harvard)
Meet the Caribbean’s top Mathematics and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) student, 19-year-old Mandela Patrick. The former Naparima Boys’ student from Palmiste, San Fernando is currently an ICT student at Harvard University. Patrick received ten distinctions in his CXC examinations and is ranked eighth in the Caribbean in the game of squash. SHARLENE RAMPERSAD spoke with Patrick, who talked about some of the secrets to his success, gave an insight into his life at Harvard and the possibility of finding love at the University.
Q: Did you expect to top the region in Mathematics and ICT?
A: I had a very strong feeling that I would because I topped Pure Mathematics, placed second in IT and placed fifth in Applied Mathematics in the Caribbean during Year One of Cape and I had the highest marks in these three subjects in my school during Year Two.
What was your study routine like? How did you cope juggling sports and academics?
My study routine wasn’t very rigid, most of my studying was concentrated during the couple months before Cape examinations but I tried to do past papers throughout the academic year.
It was definitely tough juggling both squash and academics but I believe the best way to excelling at both is to know when to give each activity its due priority. For example, leading up to my exams, I had to give squash a break but when I had squash tournaments, I spent most of my time sharpening up my skills.
What do you think are the greatest challenges facing young people today?
One major challenge facing young people is the education system, it has become so competitive and there is constant pressure by parents for their children to succeed, so a lot of young people are unable to find time to enjoy their youth. Many students are sacrificing playing a game of football with friends to go to extra lessons and this can have a burn out and disenchanting effect.
What advice can you give to young students like yourself?
Dream big! Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. Secondly, success doesn’t come easy. You have to make sacrifices to reap the rewards.
Who contributed to your success? How?
God has definitely contributed to my success. I strongly believe that a spiritual background and a relationship with God is a necessity to succeed. Secondly, my parents, Raymond and Hyacinth Patrick, and my brother, Nku Patrick, contributed significantly. And my teachers. There are so many teachers that had a positive impact on my success.
What contribution do you hope to make for our country? What are the biggest challenges facing T&T at this time?
I think that technology is heavily under-utilised in the education system in T&T so if I can make an impact in this area, I’ll be happy. I’m hoping to make educational apps that simplify the learning process in core subjects such as mathematics, science and English.
What recommendations can you make to improve our educational system?
There should be an emphasis to promote innovation rather than the consumption of information. The current education system produces students who are extremely good at cramming and regurgitating information but who are unable to think critically and logically. Secondly, extra lessons are the main avenue to do well at examinations; however, a lot of the poorer students are unable to afford extra lessons. Therefore, this creates a vicious cycle where the poorer students find it difficult to excel academically and compete with the richer students. Thirdly, technical vocational subjects should be expanded so that students who are not academically inclined can still excel.
Why study ICT?
ICT, specifically computer science, is a burgeoning field. Every industry requires a computer scientist so a computer scientist is never short of job options. In America, there is a big startup culture and most of these startups are tech related. These startups are owned by some of the richest people in the world. For example, Snapchat, the popular picture messaging service, was a final computer science project of a couple of Stanford seniors who are now multi billionaires.
What has been your experience as a Caribbean student at Harvard?
So far, unbelievable! I’ve met so many brilliant students who are willing to share their knowledge. There is a big collaboration culture here, which is a boon to my experience. My roommate has his own software company and has already written a computer science book. I’ve met someone who speaks 26 languages and the top astrophysics student in the world. Harvard also is the number one ranked national squash team in the country and the squash team has made my transition to college very smooth.
Have you faced any discrimination at the college?
Thus far, I have not faced any discrimination as a Caribbean student. I must admit my accent is hard to understand for most, but everyone has treated me very well. I’ve made some great friends and I feel loved here.
Do you think you will find love at Harvard?
If I can find a girl who can actually understand my accent and what I am saying half of the time, finding love here at Harvard is a possibility, haha. I can’t predict what the future will bring but I will admit Harvard girls can’t compete with Trini girls. Trini girls are the best!
What life lessons have you learnt so far at Harvard?
The main lesson I have learnt is that in order to succeed here, you have to reach out for help. Never be ashamed to say you don’t understand a concept because no one judges you and all are willing to help you till you get it.
What do you miss most about T&T?
Trini culture and music is what I miss the most. Since I grew up singing and listening to calypso and soca music, they have become part of my identity. I miss Trinidadian parties because soca music is all the DJs play. Every Carnival Tuesday I would go with my dad and my brother to watch mas however, I will have to do without Carnival for the next four years because Carnival occurs during the height of my squash season. I miss Trinidadian food like bake and shark, doubles, roti, crab and dumpling. The food here is okay but it can’t compete with Trinidadian food. There are also no Caribbean restaurants near Harvard so it has been a struggle and I miss Matouk’s Ketchup as Heinz Ketchup ain’t cutting it. I also miss my family and friends because they actually understand me and I can totally be myself around them.
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(http://media.trinidadexpress.com/images/photo-expressnews1.jpg)
Another shining star from the Morvant/Laventille area :applause: :applause:
School winner Janaazie exceeding expectations
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Schol--winner--Janaazie--exceeding--expectations-284280311.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Schol--winner--Janaazie--exceeding--expectations-284280311.html)
St George’s College graduate and Open Scholarship winner Janaazie Coppin remembers being told that he would never amount to anything.
“In primary school, I was asked to spell a particular word and I couldn’t spell it,” he said. “I was told ‘you will never be good for anything, you will never accomplish anything.’ That really stuck with me for awhile.”
They were harsh words, but ones that didn’t entirely come as a surprise.
“Being from the community I am from, you are expected to fail,” Coppin said. “You are not expected to do well.”
But the youngster exceeded these as well as his own expectations, receiving top marks at the school in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), including seven distinctions. He is the sole winner of an Open Scholarship at St George’s College this year, earning his in the field of Languages.
Now, Coppin has two simple words for those who doubted he would succeed: thank you.
“Without their negative words, I probably would not have gotten that extra motivation to accomplish what I have accomplished,” he explained.
So just how did he do it? Coppin said he used his everyday surroundings as tools to help him learn.
“I would see signs on the highway in different languages and translate them. Even the instructions on bottles, I would try to read them in different languages to help me practise.”
Coppin said he sacrificed sleep in order to study, waking up at two in the morning to go over his work because “that’s the time I am most productive.”
The well-spoken youngster said he could not have done it without the support and understanding of his parents and older sister, who gave him the space and quiet he needed at times.
“My parents sacrificed tremendously to pay for my extra studies,” he added.
But Coppin made it clear that his life did not revolve around academics as he participated in a number of extra-curricular activities during his time at St George’s College.
“I played volleyball and a lot of music. I was in the school’s choir, the school’s parang group, my church choir and another parang group outside of school,” he said.
He is also a member of the St Augustine Steel Orchestra.
These activities served as positive distractions and kept him from becoming idle, he said.
Now, the young man is awaiting responses from several universities in England to which he has applied to study law.
He has applied to the London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary’s University, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Kent.
He wants to specialise in international law.
“I made the decision to study law because I believe I will be able to make a greater contribution to my country. I want to do international law because I think we need to establish greater connections with other countries and help Trinidad and Tobago, because we are a nation with potential.”
Never one to be idle, Coppin said he is currently seeking employment to occupy the time until he leaves to pursue his studies abroad.
Coppin said he is proud to be able to represent a positive aspect of his community, but said he is far from alone.
“I am not the first and I will definitely not be the last. There are people here who are continually excelling.”
The modest youngster sought to downplay his achievement, saying: “There are people who have overcome worse conditions and achieved greater things, in my opinion.”
Coppin said he was able to speak to pupils at his former primary school and it was a fulfilling experience.
“It felt good to be able to share some stories and advice with some of the younger ones so that they will know that it is possible for them to achieve, despite the Morvant/Laventille stigma.”
He gave credit to his teachers at St George’s College, including Gail and Jason Ganpat, and his volleyball coach, Peer Nasseir. He also expressed thanks to prinicipal James Sammy, who he said was one of his mentors.
Coppin said his dream for his community is to see an end to crime and for more persons to take advantage of education opportunities.
He has this advice for other young men with a desire to succeed: Trust God, study hard, work hard, and you can achieve whatever it is you want to achieve.”
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(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Teocah%20Arieal%20Anika%20Dove.jpg?itok=5YkklWUp)
Trini to get Queen’s award for leadership
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2015-01-14/trini-get-queen’s-award-leadership (http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2015-01-14/trini-get-queen’s-award-leadership)
Trinidadian Teocah Arieal Anika Dove is among 60 young leaders from across the British Commonwealth to be awarded with The Queen’s Young Leader Award.
Dove, 26, who originally lived at Enterprise Village, Chaguanas, is a Chevening Scholar with close to ten years of volunteerism, advocacy and activism experience.
According to an article via Buzzfeed.com, Dove is also one of the first female recipients of this honour, which she will receive from Her Majesty in June this year.
The award recognises exceptional youth, (aged 18-29), who have shown substantial commitment and verve as a leader in community development.
The nature of the award comes with a huge expectation, that the awardees will use the prestige and training package, mentoring and network endorsed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to continue their work in communities to transform and change lives.
The expectations of the award are well within the bailiwick of the 26-year-old, in addition to her educational pursuits and entrepreneurship, she is a great example of volunteerism and national pride.
With a passion for gender, vulnerable women, HIV/Aids, poverty alleviation, community, human rights and youth development, she has pledged to use the momentum of the award to continue national development in these areas.
In her biography, Dove thanked a few people who have been instrumental in her life, including media personality Lisa Wickham; her role model Abigail Ajim; Social activist Anderson Figaro and the late prison reform activist William Latchman.
At the age of 17, Dove volunteered to work with Wickham on the film premiere of A Winter’s Tale.
“It supplemented everything I was learning in college studying journalism/PR. It was to me, and remains today, not just a job, but a playground. I had fun and an institution of learning! From writing press releases to event planning, to film/music video production, to script writing, call sheets, everything media/PR.”
In 2010, while pursuing her BA at the School of Business and Computer Science, Dove met Ajim, who she said singlehandedly shaped her academic skills and ability.
“Although I graduated in 2011 and I’m no longer her student, she remains instrumental in my academic development to date. Despite her busy schedule, without hesitation, she makes time to read over any essay/article/ academic submission and provide feedback! Had it not been for her, I don’t know where I would be academically. She shaped my vision and ability to think critically. She is the only person I call my role model!”
Dove met Latchman at the age of 23, after she submitted her letter of intent and resume to serve as the country co-ordinator for Partners of the Americas Youth Ambassador Programme.
In addition to spearheading the Youth Ambassador Programme, she became a board member at Partners of the Americas–Trinidad Chapter and under the guidance of Latchman, who was president at the time.
“I had the opportunity to work with and impact the lives of many! He supported and mentored me in all my other societal engagements. He died one month before I left to pursue my Masters, I continue my journey in memory of his legacy.”
Her passion for social issues commenced when she became a volunteer member of the Voice of One Overcomers Club in 2004. This organisation laid the foundation that initiated her calling, and a few years later, her career.
“Through volunteering under his (Figaro’s) leadership, I learnt everything from peer education, resource mobilisation, activism, community engagement, transformational-servant leadership, engaging with multiple stakeholders, everything! He carved the first roadway in my path to fulfilling my destiny.”
In 2006, Dove became a member of the adult rank of the T&T Cadet Force. Through her years of active service (2006 – 2013), this organisation taught her all the world’s lessons.
“While my role as an adult member of the organisation was to mentor and guide young cadets, I too developed holistically as young woman. Work ethic, triumph, failure, success, inner-strength, transformational leadership, discipline and how to be a lady! This organisation gave birth to my understanding of the world, my being as an individual and my feminist activism (unknowingly).
Most importantly, they assisted me in understanding my duty to God and country. Iit was in the midst of these years I developed a true sense of patriotism!”
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Henrietta Frederick – Mother of Parrot Hall
http://www.thetobagonews.com/articles/item/2536-henrietta-frederick-mother-of-parrot-hall (http://www.thetobagonews.com/articles/item/2536-henrietta-frederick-mother-of-parrot-hall)
IN the small community of Parrot Hall, which is sandwiched between Englishman’s Bay and Parlatuvier, there are just over one hundred residents, but one of them stands out amongst the others.
The most prominent resident there is Henrietta Frederick and she can be described as an institution in the village, where the main family names are Burris, Edwards, Fredericks and Phillips.
The 86-year-old grandmother, who is known to all as ‘Ms Tilly’, is a respected elder in the village, and the oldest surviving member of the large Burris clan in the community. She explained that her grandmother, who was very fond of her as a child, was called ‘Tilly’ and passed on the name to her as a symbol of her affection.
Her humble home sits atop a ridge with a magnificent view of the bay; it is just a stone’s throw from the spot where she was born as Henrietta Burris on April 6,1928 and attended the Parlatuvier Anglican School. At the age of 13, she was finished with formal education, but had good groundings in the English language and arithmetic; it was then that she began learning to sew.
In those days, it was imperative that young girls be proficient in housekeeping, which meant the management and maintenance of the home by learning how to clean the house, wash, cook, bake, sew, purchase groceries, pay bills and to generally control the affairs of the home, including the care of the younger siblings.
Frederick showed much promise at an early age, and, in addition to her home duties, she assisted the post mistress at the small Post Office, which also served the villages of L’Anse Fourmi and Bloody Bay. In her teenage years, she left Tobago to seek employment in Trinidad and stayed with her aunt in San Juan. She later found employment as a domestic worker and had some interesting experiences. By far, the most memorable experience was around 1950, when she worked at the home of the brother of Dr. Eric Williams (who later became our country’s first Prime Minister), who was visiting from abroad. They asked her to prepare the typical European-type breakfast for him, but when he raised the kitchen towel and saw the meal he just covered it back.
He called her aside privately and asked her if she could prepare a ‘Tobago ting’ - a breakfast of roasted coconut bake, saltfish buljol, tomato/cucumber salad and lemon/lime drink in two hours' time; she set about the task and pleasantly surprised him, as she had it ready well within an hour. As a true Caribbean man, that was exactly what he longed for, so he requested her to prepare for him a ‘good Tobago pelau’ on the following day, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
In her early 20s, Frederick returned to Tobago to take care of her mother who was ill.
For several years, she was known as the village seamstress and was also employed as a female labourer and first aider, having been trained in first aid by the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade Officers; she was a member of the Mason Hall Branch. She was also a faithful member of the Parlatuvier Village Council, and was honoured for her dedicated service to her community.
Frederick has always loved gardening, which was her basic source of income, and remembers the days when the coastal boats, the SS Trinidad or the SS Tobago docked every fortnight at the bay, as her parents harvested large bunches of Gros Michel bananas, plantains, sweet potatoes, yams and tannia to sell to the traffickers.
Every week, she sets aside time to socialise with her peers at the Senior Citizens’ Activity Centre at Rockly Vale, where they learn dressmaking, embroidery, floral arrangement, shell craft, grow box culture and several other skills. She has produced some elegant pieces of handwork with embroidered decorations and exquisite patterns which she created in between her daily chores.
At church, she plays a key role as Welfare Leader, reaching out to the needy, enhancing the skills of the ladies and organising programmes, such as the ‘Evening of Songs’ which is held in the month of May. She notes, “Tobago needs good leaders”, and advises, “Leave off the worldly pleasures, follow God’s way.”
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Wishing you continued success Mr Defour :applause:
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Trinidadian Chef Hasan Defour opens Caribbean restaurants in Singapore!
http://news.asiaone.com/news/soshiok/tekka-ingredients (http://news.asiaone.com/news/soshiok/tekka-ingredients)
Caribbean chef Hasan Defour does not have to go far to source ingredients for his restaurants here.
In fact, he can find all that he needs in Singapore for the Caribbean dishes served at Lime House in Jiak Chuan Road and its sister outlet Lime Deli in Telok Ayer.
He says: "People always ask us how much we import from back home. But everything can be found here. It's just that in Singapore, the ingredients have different names."
The London-based Defour, who runs Caribbean catering company Defour Catering, returns every few months to check on the restaurants and introduce new dishes.
He says that what is called a Kerala banana back home is called a plantain here. Also, the roselle plant is known as Jamaican sorrel.
Life! joins the 37-year-old chef, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, on a trip to Tekka Market in Little India, one of his favourite places to look for ingredients.
As he walks through the market, he picks up various vegetables and fruits, and asks the shop owners about those unfamiliar to him.
Proving his point about the ingredient name game, he picks up a starfruit and says: "This fruit, we call it five finger back home. You see, it's just names, really."
Upon seeing tapioca, he makes a note to use it for side dishes.
Next, he picks up lemongrass and says that it is not used for cooking back home. Instead, it is used to make tea and drunk as medicine.
He chances upon dried ikan kurau (Malay for threadfin) and buys a packet, as he is hoping to use it as an alternative to salt cod.
But while he has had to substitute certain ingredients here and admits that sweet potatoes in the Caribbean islands have "more intense" flavours, he insists that the Caribbean taste here is not compromised.
He says: "The food doesn't taste different because the process of cooking is Caribbean. Our food is heavily marinated. Jerk chicken is marinated overnight. It is no less flavorsome."
Thyme and coriander, he says, are key ingredients for jerk seasoning, which he also calls "green seasoning" and says that each island has its own version.
He also has a roasted blend of fenugreek, mustard seed, caraway, cumin, chilli and turmeric, which he recommends for rubbing on meats.
Waxing lyrical about the diverse cultures of the Caribbean islands, with their French, Spanish, Indian and Portuguese influences, the chef, who is also a cooking show host, makes sure he showcases that diversity at Lime Deli.
Offerings include curry goat, considered a Trinidadian and Jamaican dish; and Doubles, a common street food from his hometown. It is a fried bread sandwich filled with spicy chickpeas and mango chutney and reflects Indian influences on the islands.
Spicy food is certainly not an issue for him, as he dismisses the local chilli padi as a walk in the park for him.
Naming spicy peppers, he says confidently: "A scotch bonnet will blow off the top of your head. What's hotter? A scorpion pepper. I can eat that too. No problem."
The chef, whose dreadlocks are tied into a bun, attracts attention in the market.
Curious stall owners whispers to Life!: "Is his hair real?" and "How does he wash it?"
A small group of Indian stall owners forms a mini audience as Life! speaks to him in the market. At the end, he releases his bun of hair to a chorus of oohs and aahs.
"I'm used to it," he says with much amusement. "And there is no secret to how I wash my hair. Soap and water, like everyone else."
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Trini wins Commonwealth Youth Award
http://looptt.com/2015/03/10/trini-wins-commonwealth-youth-award/ (http://looptt.com/2015/03/10/trini-wins-commonwealth-youth-award/)
The announcement was made during the Commonwealth Youth Awards ceremony in London this morning.
Lynch, 27, is a climate change and environmental sustainability advocate, whose work has impacted 15-20 non-profit organisations. She has helped to provide aid to impoverished communities and spearheaded sustainable agriculture projects in several Caribbean Countries.
She is a National Youth Award winner and her eco-friendly, all-natural skin and hair care line ‘Eco-Truffles’ uses sustainable raw materials from rural women producers throughout the Caribbean.
Lynch was chosen from four persons in the Caribbean and Canadian regions who were shortlisted for the prize.
Katherine Ellis, Director of Youth at the Commonwealth Secretariat, said: ‘Young people throughout the Commonwealth are creating and leading projects that have real and tangible impact. The work of our incredible finalists is proof that young people are integrally involved in the process of change, and not simply passive beneficiaries of development.’
The award recognises outstanding young people under 30 whose development projects and programmes have had significant impact on their communities, countries and across the globe. -
The 2015 Commonwealth theme is ‘A Young Commonwealth’. It recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who form over 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s population, and the vital role they play in nation building.
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Congrats young lady :applause:
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UN Secretary-General receives winning “climate” artwork by student from Trinidad and Tobago
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2015/03/un-secretary-general-receives-winning-climate-artwork-by-student-from-trinidad-and-tobago/# (http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2015/03/un-secretary-general-receives-winning-climate-artwork-by-student-from-trinidad-and-tobago/#)
A vibrant vision of a future powered by the sun painted by 17-year-old Coryse Wright was the winning artwork recently presented to the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon by H.E. Eden Charles, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the UN Mission of Trinidad and Tobago.
The painting by Ms. Wright, a student from Speyside High School in Tobago, was selected from among dozens of entries as the winner of the Bridging Borders through Art Competition run by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Entitled “Solar Cooler”, her picture now hangs proudly in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General at United Nations headquarters in New York.
The Ministry first developed the competition in 2011 to provide an avenue for students to creatively demonstrate their interpretation and understanding of International Relations issues through the medium of art.
Last year’s competition, which took place from 22nd April, 2014 to 29th May 2014, was themed “Climate Change and Sustainable Development”.
Ms. Wright was also the 3rd place winner of the competition in 2012.
The competition is one of the public diplomacy initiatives conducted by the Ministry to increase awareness of its work among the Secondary School population.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (right) and H.E. Eden Charles, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the UN Mission of Trinidad and Tobago (left) inspect the winning painting
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The winning painting
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(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Untitled-10_8.jpg?itok=n1IAzKHd)
Pan icon Terry Noel honoured by Queen
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2015-03-16/pan-icon-terry-noel-honoured-queen
Terry Noel, the longtime Leader of the Melodians Steel Orchestra UK went to Windsor Castle on March 6 this year where Queen Elizabeth II awarded him with an MBE, Member of the Order of the British Empire, for his contribution to steelbands in the UK. It was a fitting honor for a leader in the globalisation of pan.
In December last year, the band also issued their third album, Melodians Magic, the first album in many years. Both serve to recognise a long career in pan education.
Terry and the Queen had a brief conversation and discussed the fact that the Melodians had played for the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 as well as three garden parties at Buckingham Palace and eight years ago at the Commonwealth Day Services in Westminster Abbey.
For Terry Noel, it was the best. “It was a fantastic and memorable day. It was nice to know the Queen remembered the Melodians and enjoyed their playing.” The Melodians had a big celebration with friends, family and supporters the next evening and Terry wore his special outfit to play the basses with the band.
From Coryal Village to Arima to London. Terry Noel left Trinidad after being a police officer in the mounted branch and travelled to England to become first a psychiatric nurse and later a youth social worker. He retired after serving over 15 years as a magistrate. But he never was far from pan. He played in the police steel band in Trinidad and in Esso Tripoli.
In England he first formed a group called the Groovers and later after a spell in Trinidad returned to the UK. Noel founded Melodians, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012. He took the name of the Arima band he had just been playing in when he founded the band in London and ever since he has been the one connection between the two bands. All along, he taught pan in public schools in addition to his day job.
Formed in October 1987, the band has received two Performing Rights Society Enterprise Awards, a Royal Anniversary Challenge Award and a BT (British Telecom) Innovation Award. As part of the Making Music Adopt a Composer program, they worked with innovative young composer Neil Luck on a new composition Acirema that was played on BBC Radio 3 in early 2012 and available on Youtube as are several other cuts by the band.
For the last four years, the band has stored its steel drums at Henry Cavendish Primary School in Balham in South London and rehearsed there twice a week. In exchange for housing the drums, Melodians lets the students at the school play the instruments and provides a tutor. The result has been two new members of Melodians who are only 11-years-old.
The band keeps its maximum at 34 members and rehearses weekly on Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon. They are a versatile band performing from weddings and receptions to concerts with an annual Christmas concert. For many years they were sponsored by BT and did their annual Royal Albert Hall Christmas concerts. But for the band, their greatest joy is international travel.
Melodians have been to over 30 countries around the world including Azerbaijan, Australia, North Korea and Russia, becoming a band of choice for British embassies celebrating the Queen’s Birthday. They have become quite popular in doing so and they will travel for the love of spreading the joy of the instrument. When arriving at a country like Zambia, they will always play God Save the Queen but often the local national anthem as well, which has proved quite popular in showing their respect for the country they visit. Their audiences around the world are amazed and delighted to hear their national anthem on pan. Once when they were doing this in Austria, the ambassador got involved and joined them on trumpet. They have also been going to a festival in Turkey and France several times as well.
They have gotten new exposure with their involvement with the famous conceptual artist Jeremy Deller who made them part of a film called English Magic for British exhibit at the 55th Venice International Art Biennale in which they performed three disparate pieces of music chosen by Deller, from a section of a Ralph Vaughan Williams symphony to an acid house piece and David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold the World. Deller arranged for the band to go to Venice for the premiere of the exhibition and then for the opening of each of the three British locations on the tour of the exhibition.
The band’s new album features the three original recordings done for the English Magic film and recorded at Abbey Road studios plus a variety of selections from pop music by the Beatles, Lionel Ritchie, Boney M, Queen and the French electronica group Daft Punk as well as Brazilian composer Jorge Ben. Two numbers on the album were ones they had featured this fall in a concert in a collaboration performing them with an 80 voice choir called The Big Sing. It had been a long time coming but the recent new exposure caused many requests for the band to record a new album. The arrangements are largely by members of the band. It also includes an arrangement and original by Robert Thompson based in Arima who was active in Melodians here as well as supporting the British group.
• Ray Funk is a retired Alaskan judge who is passionately devoted to calypso, pan and mas.
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The hero of Harris Village (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/The-hero-of-Harris-Village-297783621.html) (Trinidad Express)
...man saves two people from burning house
By Susan Mohammed Multimedia Desk
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Story Created: Mar 27, 2015 at 10:23 AM ECT
A South Oropouche man is being credited with saving the lives of two people he pulled from a burning house on Wednesday night.
Amrit Butkoon, of St John’s Trace, said he did not think twice about risking his own safety when he spotted a house on fire on the way to his home.
Butkoon and another man, who did not give his name and did not stay at the scene, rescued 67-year-old Kaloutie Maharaj from her bedroom,
which was already engulfed by flames and smoke. Butkoon also saved Maharaj’s brother, Pundit Baldath Seegobin, and brought him out from the burning house.
When asked by the Express what were his thoughts on his act of bravery, Butkoon was modest.
He told the Express: "I really wasn’t thinking about myself, I was thinking about how people would have lost their lives in a very horrible way. In the hospital last night (Thursday) people kept coming up to me and calling me ‘hero’. I am not sure about that. But I do feel good that I saved somebody.”
Butkoon recalled that at around 8 p.m. he was driving along the Guapo Road, Harris Village when he saw a fire at the house.
He said he would usually see fires there since Seegobin is a pundit, and at times when Hindu prayers are being performed fire is used in the rituals.
“I knew that fire did not look like an ordinary ‘pooja’ when I saw the fire in the roof. I stopped my car in the middle of the road and went in when I realised that the place was on flames, I ran back to my car and parked it and ran back in the house”, he said.
“I ran downstairs and saw the pundit running up and down, frantic. I brought him out in the yard, but then I was still hearing screaming. I ran upstairs. Fire already was by the front door, going straight up to the whole roof. I went inside and the smoke and fire was all over the flooring and the passageway. But I kept hearing the bawling so I went in”, said Butkoon.
He said another man, Prakash Harrinarine, also came into the burning house, but the soles of his feet began to burn and he ran back out.
“I went into a back room and I found the lady curled up with a parrot next to her. Ash and firewood was falling on her, the bed was on fire and the skin from her shoulders and hands already started to burn. I went to her and I realise another guy came in to help. We picked her and the parrot up and the ash we brought them out fast”, said Butkoon.
He said by that time a crowd had gathered outside the burning house, “but everyone was watching, no one was helping”.
He said he ran to a neighbour’s house and got toothpaste wchih he rubbed on minor burns he sustained on his arms and legs, and on the soles of Harrinarine’s feet.
Neighbours called the fire and police officers.
Butkoon then used a water hose and began to douse the flames on the house, until fire tenders from the Siparia Police Station and Oropouche Police Station responded to the scene.
Maharaj was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where she is warded in the Burns Unit in stable condition.
Harrinarine was also warded at hospital.
A team of officers from the Fire Prevention Unit visited the house yesterday, which was partially destroyed.
Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault.
“I am just glad to know that she is safe and did not lose her life. If I didn’t stop at that point, I don’t know what would have happened to her”, said Butkoon. “Yes I would do it again.”
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Good deeds, Breds!
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HOME SWEET HOME
By RICHARDSON DHALAI Friday, April 3 2015
PEOPLE who could not walk, the blind, deaf and others with varying disabilities filled a section of the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) where emotions ran high yesterday, as they received keys from government to home sweet homes, specially outfitted for them.
Over 100 differently-abled persons – representing collectively more than 900 years of waiting for government houses – were specially invited to the ceremony which was a continuation of government’s pledge to hand out 100 homes to new owners weekly, under its housing programme.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar, who was the chief celebrant on the occasion, had to navigate through a throng of wheelchairs to hand out keys, even having to walk some distance from the main venue to paraplegic Marcus Ganesh whose physical condition made it impossible for him to leave the vehicle which brought him to the ceremony.
With his eight-year-old daughter by his side in the car , Ganesh in a barely audible voice said, “I feel happy, I feel wonderful...it put a smile on my daughter’s face, on everyone’s face. When people figure the doors closed, God finds a way to open it for you. I went through some terrible things but God is good,” he continued as his daughter, who was peering over his shoulder in the car, held out hope that he would be on his feet again one day.
“My daddy will walk again,” she exclaimed.
Ganesh and the other recipients waited for an accumulated period of 908 years for a place to call their own. And for most recipients, the emotional relief was too much to bear. Corinne Lois Conyette, held onto Persad-Bissessar’s hand as she wept on being presented the keys to her home by the Prime Minister.
In between sobs, Conyette thanked the Prime Minister as well as the HDC saying she waited over a decade for the opportunity to have her own home. “I couldn’t believe it when they came to me and said I had qualified for a house,” she said. “I thought I was forgotten.”
Most of the recipients who were confined to wheelchairs, were visually impaired, blind or deaf were presented with their keys by Persad-Bissessar who, together with Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal, left their places on the podium and presented each person with keys to their new homes.
Ganesh, 33, was shot during a robbery at his St Helena home in August 2012 and was left paralysed from the neck down. Two armed bandits stormed his house while Ganesh was with his wife Karen and daughter Emily, and announced a hold-up. The thieves robbed the family of three cellphones and $30.
Police said the two men kept demanding more money and when Ganesh told them that was all the money they had, he was shot twice in the chest. Since he was unable to use a wheelchair yesterday to access the ceremonial site under several tents in the SAPA car park area, Persad-Bissessar made her way to the vehicle which had brought him to the function and presented him with his keys while daughter Emily and wife Karen, 29, looked on.
Another man, paraplegic Felix Jones was also so overcome with emotion that he remained transfixed, staring for several moments at the keys he had just received.
In her address, Persad-Bissessar recalled that when her administration assumed government in 2010, there was “very little support for persons with disabilities.”
“My dream is to create a disability inclusive and sensitive Trinidad and Tobago,” she said adding that Cabinet had mandated that five percent of all HDC homes be allocated to differently-abled persons as well as senior citizens.
In a video presentation produced by the HDC, a number of homes were shown under construction while several others were undergoing remedial work including the construction of remedial ramps leading to the units to accommodate the differently abled.
The Prime Minister also revealed that the HDC would hold a lottery or random draw on April 15 for applicants who were on the HDC’s database. While she did not state how many persons would be selected, the HDC has a database of approximately 200,000.
Also addressing the function, Moonilal said 5,670 citizens had received keys to new homes while a further 7,548 affordable homes would come onto the market over the next two years.
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Positive! :beermug:
(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Burt%20Sinanan.jpg?itok=fhjU2hOc)
Trini author serves up Universal Soup
http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2015-04-05/trini-author-serves-universal-soup (http://www.guardian.co.tt/lifestyle/2015-04-05/trini-author-serves-universal-soup)
Many often say science and philosophy should exist separately, but for author Burt Sinanan these two disciplines are the foundational ingredients intermixed solidly in his book Universal Soup.
Sinanan, 42, a chemical engineer based in London, formally launched his first book—Universial Soup Adventures in Story Collecting at his family’s home in Claxton Bay, last Sunday.
The book, which is self-published, traces the adventures of a young engineer Beni during the course of his career. Beni, through his travels to different places around the world, meets people of different races and cultures whose experiences and his interaction with them changes his view of life.
Sinanan, in an interview with Sunday Guardian before his return to London last week, explained that he always wanted to pen his own book and share the experiences and lessons he learned during his travels.
He explained that as a student in Naparima College he was exposed to various books that piqued his interest in writing, and with the motivation from his former teacher James Lee Wah, he decided that one day he would pursue his passion for writing. Six months ago he turned that passion into a reality.
Sinanan, who dedicated the book to his six-year-old daughter, Surya Belle, said the main character in the book is fictional, but every story is a real experience and is coloured with examples of the various shades of humanity.
“Every single story is true, but it was tied together by a fictional character. It is hard to believe that one person could have all of these extraordinary experiences, but there were many experiences of many different people. I chose to link them and get the best of their experiences and characters and tie them all together,” he said.
The book, which is loaded with historical titbits, some culinary gems and dashes of Trini humour, is a welcome addition to any local literary addict.
Sinanan said he needed to communicate his experiences to people all around him and the best way he could have done was through stories.
“It was to educate and entertain at the same time. So the book took a spin using science—which is my background—and the all-round part of me— the humanities—and try to merge it into one.
“We have covered so many real aspects of what human experiences are supposed to be and that is what is important to me the human experiences. Too often now people are sitting in their offices or sitting in their homes and the aspire for one thing and it is my humble view that is not a complete view, that is not life,” he said.
Essentially the book, he said, is “the process of meeting people and capturing experiences of mine and other people that is so broad and touching.”
Sinanan said that it would be “difficult and unfair” to choose one story or character as his favourite.
However he admitted that the female lead character, Beni’s Argentine love interest Fernandina, struck a cord in his heart.
“The trials and tribulations she went through and the strength she was gaining from her own experiences which were different. But she was to her counterpart (Beni) a love interest and when they went their separate ways, like any good love story, they got back together and understood that they have formed the complete circle of the rainbow. Most people do not know that a rainbow is a circle part of which is only visible above surface,” Sinanan explained.
The book, he said, is definitely a journey in many senses.
“I still try to bridge that gap between philosophy and science. There is a connection there and you cannot separate it from your own life, your roots and it is part of you and probably moulding you into some creature that you do not know who you are or who you are going to be it cannot be separated. It is like a love/hate relationship,” Sinanan said.
Sinanan, who is also an artist, did paintings of scenes related to each story and included it as an additional section in the book.
The book, he said, took him six months to produce and is also available on Amazon Kindle.
He said his second book is almost complete and will be launched in the coming months.
The new book, he said, will be a journal of his daughter’s adventures of her travels with him around the world. He is also planning to publish a book of poems.
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‘LA Times’ led by Trini wins Pulitzer honours
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/LA-Times-led-by-Trini-wins-Pulitzer-honours-301634261.html (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/LA-Times-led-by-Trini-wins-Pulitzer-honours-301634261.html)
\\\\\los angeles
The Los Angeles Times, led by Trinidad-born Davan Maharaj, has won two Pulitzer Prizes, American journalism’s top honour, for its coverage of California’s drought and for cultural criticism.
Staff writer Diana Marcum won the feature writing prize for her narrative portraits of farmers, fieldworkers and other Californians in drought-stricken towns in the Central Valley.
Mary McNamara, Times’ television critic and cultural editor, won the prize for criticism.
Times editor Davan Maharaj said the prizes, announced on Monday at Columbia University, spoke to the newspaper’s resiliency and commitment to excellence after years of adversity that included bankruptcy, lay-offs and changes in ownership.
“Through it all, the staff’s dedication to producing the highest-quality journalism and serving our community has been inspiring and sustaining,” he said.
The Times has now won a total of 43 Pulitzer Prizes.
Marcum, who is based in Fresno, California, wrote piercingly throughout 2014 about the financial and emotional toll of the drought in California’s agricultural heartland.
In one story from her winning package, she profiled 68-year-old Fred Lujan, a “gentleman farmer” in the town of Terra Bella who, she wrote, “called his pistachio trees his babies, his girls, and gave them names”.
As the drought stretched into its third year, the local irrigation district sealed off his water meter. “How am I supposed to just sit here and watch everything turn brown and die?” Lujan asked.
A former columnist for the Fresno Bee, Marcum became a staff writer for The Times in 2011—an ambition she said she had harboured since elementary school— after freelancing for the paper off and on for years.
‘Binge-watching has
become the new sex’
McNamara was honoured for 2014 columns on the death of Joan Rivers, Stephen Colbert’s departure from Comedy Central, the media circus attending the Sochi Olympics and myriad television shows.
She often ranged beyond television to examine broader cultural trends and controversies, including the debate about the role onscreen sexism might play in real-world violence.
“To argue that entertainment does not impact culture is absurd,” she wrote. “Hollywood doesn’t get to take credit for breaking ground with films such as Philadelphia and shows like Will & Grace or, for that matter, Girls, only to wash its hands of more destructive attitudes.”
In a column celebrating the diversity of such non-cable shows as Fox’s Sleepy Hollow, she wondered why “prestige” cable had not shown similar progress in “embracing the rainbow”.
And in a column exploring the joys of the series House of Cards, she noted Netflix released season two on Valentine’s Day, adding: “Binge-watching has become the new sex.”
McNamara joined The Times in 1990, and covered the film industry for four years before becoming a tel-
evision critic eight years ago. She was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for criticism in 2013 and again in 2014, and is the author of the novels Oscar Season and The Starlet.
Other awards
Also on Monday, Times staff writer Richard Marosi and photojournalist Don Bartletti were named Pulitzer finalists in international reporting for the series “Product of Mexico”, which explored the harsh working conditions at export farms across Mexico.
“Because of their series, millions of Mexicans will have better lives,” Maharaj said.
Marosi was a Pulitzer finalist in international reporting in 2013 for his stories on the plight of immigrants deported from the US to Mexico.
Bartletti, a Times photojournalist since 1984, won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography for photo essays about young Central American migrants.
The Times was also a finalist for breaking news for coverage of the Isla Vista shooting rampage. The staff mobilised reporters in the middle of the night to cover a deadly spree near the campus of UC Santa Barbara that left seven dead, including the killer, and wounding 13.
The Daily Breeze of Torrance won the Pulitzer for local reporting for the newspaper’s investigation of the Centinela Valley Union High School District. Pulitzer judges cited the paper’s “enquiry into widespread corruption in a small, cash-strapped school district, including impressive use of the paper’s website”.
—LA Times
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Trini Fashion Stylist gets Spotlight on BBC
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CF4ens5WEAEQZYG.jpg)
'Hijabistas': Hidaya Mohamad and Naballah Chi
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02rmj93?ocid=socialflow_twitter (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02rmj93?ocid=socialflow_twitter)
Naballah Chi is a 25-year-old fashion blogger, model and hijab stylist from Trinidad & Tobago. Her blog celebrates colourful clothes inspired by her Caribbean island home, but it also addresses the concerns and questions of her followers. Naballah has worn the hijab since kindergarten, but as an aspiring model she acknowledges that keeping the commitment can be a struggle and describes the guilt she felt when she removed it to take part in a beauty pageant.
Hidaya Mohamad is a Javanese-Malaysian graduate student in Japan and feels she looks "like an alien" being the only hijabi on campus. Her philosophy is that if you're going to get noticed, you should wear good clothes and have fun. She is a student of foreign affairs and a fashionista with her own style blog, who says the hijab enables her to control who sees her body, "it liberates me .... but it does not define me."
(Photo: Hidaya Mohamed and Naballah Chi. Credits: Ryuuzaki Julio and Luis Young)
Presenter: Kim Chakanetsa
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http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,212710.html
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,212706.html
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,212682.html
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Elections in full gear.
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Elections in full gear.
would have thought so, but at least it's completed projects and not addtl promises
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Trinidadian breaks world record: limbos under SUV
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150615/LOCAL/150619698/AR/0/AR-150619698.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150615/news/trinidadian-breaks-world-record-limbos-under-suv
HOW low can you go?
For Trinidad-born Shemika Charles also known as the Limbo Queen very, very low.
She has just broken a world-record by becoming the first person to ever limbo under a car in the United States, the Metro UK reported online on Monday.
The 22-year-old first landed a spot in the Guinness World Records in 2010 when she limboed down to eight and a half inches, an unbeaten record.
Charles' mother Sherrie Charles is also a limbo dancer in Trinidad and Tobago and said her daughter received her flexibility from her.
The younger Charles is now touring the United States with her family and has a session with her chiropractor once a week to keep her in tip top shape. She began her limbo career at age 14.
Her trainer is her uncle Bob who proudly sports a Trinidad and Tobago jersey in a video about Charles' unusual talents posted online.
After limboing under the red SUV, an ecstatic Charles, sporting a tight-fighting pink and black outfit said: "I wanna do it again."
Sport Minister Brent Sancho said he knew of the individual but did not know she was able to make another record.
He said: “That is a remarkable feat that shows her dedication for the culture. She has a passion to go for more and I hope she continues to keep the Trinidad and Tobago flag flying high."
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Trinidadian breaks world record: limbos under SUV
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150615/LOCAL/150619698/AR/0/AR-150619698.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150615/news/trinidadian-breaks-world-record-limbos-under-suv
HOW low can you go?
For Trinidad-born Shemika Charles also known as the Limbo Queen very, very low.
She has just broken a world-record by becoming the first person to ever limbo under a car in the United States, the Metro UK reported online on Monday.
The 22-year-old first landed a spot in the Guinness World Records in 2010 when she limboed down to eight and a half inches, an unbeaten record.
Charles' mother Sherrie Charles is also a limbo dancer in Trinidad and Tobago and said her daughter received her flexibility from her.
The younger Charles is now touring the United States with her family and has a session with her chiropractor once a week to keep her in tip top shape. She began her limbo career at age 14.
Her trainer is her uncle Bob who proudly sports a Trinidad and Tobago jersey in a video about Charles' unusual talents posted online.
After limboing under the red SUV, an ecstatic Charles, sporting a tight-fighting pink and black outfit said: "I wanna do it again."
Sport Minister Brent Sancho said he knew of the individual but did not know she was able to make another record.
He said: “That is a remarkable feat that shows her dedication for the culture. She has a passion to go for more and I hope she continues to keep the Trinidad and Tobago flag flying high."
https://www.youtube.com/v/tqI4NKLhhvU
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Good news to me. A nice gesture.
Penny gets her Street
...Commissiong-Chow: It's a wonderful idea
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150626/LOCAL/150629681/AR/0/AR-150629681.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150626/features/penny-gets-her-street
I think its a wonderful idea. This was the response yesterday from former Miss Universe Janelle Penny Commissiong-Chow to the news that the Port of Spain City Corporation intended to add her name to the already existing Queen Street.
Port of Spain Mayor Raymond Tim Kee made this announcement yesterday at the Statutory Meeting at City Hall, Knox Street, Port of Spain.
Tim Kee said originally an aircraft was named after her after she won the title in the Dominican Republic. But he felt it was important to honour her for having brought renown to T&T as the first black Miss Universe and the first woman of colour to have won the coveted title.
Tim Kee said: I am sure there will be some longevity on the street. She grew up on Oxford Street, Port of Spain. She has done something that has stood out.?
Via a telephone interview yesterday, Commissiong-Chow said: ?In another three weeks, I would be celebrating 36 years of having won the crown (July 16, 1977). I am extremely pleased. It is quite an honour.
Reminiscing on her childhood, she said: ?I was born on Duke Street and grew up on Oxford Street. My backyard was Memorial Park. That's where we played. Port of Spain was suburban. Oxford Street was nice. There were nice little small houses. There was a lot of culture around. There was the famous masman Harold Saldenah. In the back of Oxford Street, there was a lot of culture. Port of Spain was a great city and a great area for growing up.
She added: My family were very happy at the news. They are very happy with this pronouncement. My Oxford Street posse was very happy.
Commissiong-Chow also thanked Tim Kee and the Corporation for the honour in naming a bustling city street after her.
About Penny
She is a Trinidadian beauty queen, who migrated to the United States at the age of 13, and returned to Trinidad and Tobago ten years later.
In New York City, she studied fashion at the Fashion Institute of Technology, but returned to Port of Spain in 1976. The following year, Commissiong won the Miss Trinidad and Tobago title, and she went on to be crowned Miss Universe 1977 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She was elected Miss Photogenic four days before the final, becoming the first black woman to win the award in Miss Universe history.
On July 16, in the National Theatre of Santo Domingo, Commissiong was crowned Miss Universe, attracting international attention as the first black winner of Miss Universe. http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150626/features/penny-gets-her-street
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Nice., keep striving :beermug:
Tennessa Lawrence: Making a mark in law
TENNESSA Ebony Lawrence nee Fraser is an exemplary Tobagonian young lady who is going places.
(http://thetobagonews.bugsi-designs.com/newsline/media/k2/items/cache/a6922ff8cfad5d7f36649c0f9c77253b_XL.jpg)
TOBAGO- A graduate of the St. Andrew's Anglican Primary School and Bishop's High School, Lawrence completed her secondary school education at the University of the West Indies School of Continuing Studies at Signal Hill. She then went on to read for a Law Degree from the University of London External Programme through the Academy of Tertiary Studies in Trinidad.
She completed her journey to becoming an Attorney at Law at the Hugh Wooding Law School.
Lawrence was a member of the Interschool Christian Fellowship (ISCF) in secondary school and credits this group with reinforcing her character traits of honesty and integrity. “Through ISCF my peers and my teachers held me to a higher standard,” she says. Professing Christianity openly meant that she had to live up to the standards of the faith. Her public speaking skills were also developed by the fact that she had to make regular announcements with respect to meetings of the ISCF at school assembly.
Lawrence explains her reasons for becoming an Attorney at Law. “I always wanted to be a voice for the voiceless; to articulate and advocate the needs of others,” she said.
With respect to travelling, Lawrence thinks that she has not done enough, and her ambition is to visit every Caribbean island, as well as Europe. These visits are part of her agenda for the future.
She is the daughter of Yolande “Pompey” Fraser and Melver Fraser. Of her parents she said, "My parents taught me that I should study hard, remain humble and be content in whatever state I am.” She is delighted at the fact that she has made her parents proud, since they made many sacrifices to ensure she achieved success. She is still very close to her parents and they both assist in her current work as a lawyer.
Professionally, her role models are Ian Benjamin, Attorney at Law and former High Court Judge and as an inspiring example of marriage and family life, Oswald and Rhea George.
Lawrence says that for relaxation she binge watches her favourite television programmes. Currently she is into season four of the Good Wife.
When asked what advice she would give to young people, Lawrence repeats what her mother told her on several occasions when she was a teenager, “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight; for they, while their companions slept were toiling upward in the night”; a quote from the American poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
With respect to Tobago, Lawrence points out that there are many issues that need to be addressed, especially if the island aspires to full autonomy.
A major issue is the workforce, and she believes that the island needs an efficient and proactive workforce so that it can move forward. However, she has no desire to live elsewhere.
Lawrence has been the wife of ‘her best friend’, Garnet Lawrence for two-and-a-half years. “I unashamedly profess my love for my husband wherever I go…because I believe the superb quality of our marriage is directly linked to the man that I married,” she said. “Marriage is honourable, marriage is enjoyable and marriage must be Christ centred.”
The funding for her tertiary education was provided primarily by her parents. She was also assisted by the Tobago House of Assembly, her church (the Wesleyan Holiness Church at Cinnamon Hill) and her husband. In the next five years, Lawrence is looking forward to being a mother, continuing to be happily married, as well as running a successful law practice.
- See more at: http://thetobagonews.bugsi-designs.com/newsline/index.php/features/on-the-rise/item/1019-tennessa-lawrence-making-a-mark-in-law#sthash.nglV9C99.dpuf
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Trinis ready to climb Europe's highest
Scaling mountains for charity project...
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http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150712/news/trinis-ready-to-climb-europes-highest
Trinidadians Safiyyah Ali and Henry Mungalsingh have embarked on their charity-driven mission to climb Europe's highest mountain—Mont Blanc in Western Europe.
The duo left last Friday for the Swiss Alps and were expected to begin the climb on Saturday. They will be tackling two mountains, a warm-up mountain—Gran Paradiso, Italy's highest mountain, and then Mont Blanc which stands at a little under 18,000 feet.
Ali, 30, and Mungalsingh, 29, have committed themselves to climbing the five tallest mountains in the world over the next five years, the final being Mount Everest in the Himalayas in a bid to raise funds to build a home in Trinidad to house pregnant teens and babies of rape.
They have established the non-governmental organisation (NGO) called Home for Angels and Little Ones (HALO) and the mission is not just to climb mountains, but to plant the Trinidad and Tobago flag at the top of the highest peaks in the world.
Ali, a civil engineer at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, told the Express that her nerves were getting to her but she was confident she and Mungalsingh will reach the summit.
“I am now beginning to feel extremely nervous. I remember the penetrating cold of Kilimanjaro and I am somewhat scared of what lies ahead. But I am trying to stay positive and know I will come out a stronger person. I am also curious to see how I will react when under that kind of stress, now that I have been doing exercise to strengthen my mental capability,” she said.
“I am not particularly afraid of death. I did not prepare a will, I don't think death is a reality to me at this point, nor have I ever felt near to death,” she added.
She said her personal mantra is to keep strong. “I always say 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going' and that's me, I'm a badass!”
“...We will summit, though. I will suffer and I know I will cry, I'm a bit of a crybaby, I won't ever quit, but I will cry,” said Ali.
Both Ali and Mungalsingh will be on the mountain this week without any warm, clean, running water for showering or even a toilet.
They will have to utilise mother nature as their bathroom.
“There are no bathrooms. We poo on the mountain and cover up with snow. While on the mountain no showers as well. We have one night of rest between Gran Paradiso and Mont Blanc back in Chamonix. I'll be sure to carry too my Lifebuoy soap!” said Mungalsingh.
Mungalsingh, an actuary based in London, said he remains focused on the mission.
“Occasionally fear gets in. Fear that something goes wrong. I slip and fall and Safiyyah falls with me as we are roped in together... or vice verca. I keep thinking we both have to remain co-ordinated—moving at the same pace, fast or slow. The last 60 metres of Gran Paradiso is more exposure than I would like. On Mont Blanc there is the Grand Couloir, which takes lives every year due to avalanche and rock fall. My state of mind is that—in spite of, I will and must always keep climbing,” he said.
He said he does fear death, but since the death of his father, former United National Congress (UNC) senator Harry Mungalsingh, he learned that fear can be very crippling, but nothing is more crippling than failure to act.
Mungalsingh said on every climb he attempted, he pretended there were two imaginary ropes attached to his harness.
“Jesus was pulling one and my father the other. In fact, it was never me climbing. When things got really bad I would shoot out two more imaginary ropes and my mother and sister would pull as well. For Mont Blanc I have in my arsenal five ropes, one included for my girlfriend,” he said.
He said there were no second thoughts about the climb and the mission.
“I believe this is what God has asked me to do with my life. So I will keep trying and I will keep climbing until that which is supposed to be accomplished will be accomplished... or I will fail trying. As a minimum, I'm confident God will never think 'I gave my son hands, feet, a brain and a heart'...He didn't go out to seek and live the impossible,” he said.
“I want more than anything for God to reveal himself in this project. I want people to look and see and feel hope again. If we do this correctly, Safiyyah and I should become more and more anonymous and God's hand more and more visible. This entire project is about God's love for his own Trinidad. And I say that fiercely,” added Mungalsingh.
Anyone wishing to donate to the building fund can visit HALO's website www.climbfortriniangels.com or their Facebook page: Project Halo.
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^^ So allyuh eh notice how dem holding the flag? :D
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^^ So allyuh eh notice how dem holding the flag? :D
Yeah :D
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150731/LOCAL/150739926/AR/0/AR-150739926.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
Meet Anusha, who topped the SEA and speaks three languages
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150731/features/meet-anusha-who-topped-the-sea-and-speaks-three-languages (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150731/features/meet-anusha-who-topped-the-sea-and-speaks-three-languages)
Study hard, work hard and chase your dreams.
This is the message from Anusha Saha, who scored the highest at this years Secondary Entrance Examination (SEA).
Anusha, 11, attended the Grant Memorial Presbyterian Primary School. Her dream is to become a neurosurgeon. A shorter term goal is winning the President's Medal.
Anusha is not only a dedicated and disciplined pupil but also a well-rounded child enjoying extra-circular activities, whether it is competing for her school, and as an individual.
Scoring higher than over 18,000 pupils who wrote this year's SEA examinations, Anusha passed for her first choice and in September will attend Naparima Girls High School.
Inspired by a trip she took with schoolmates to attend the President's Medal Award ceremony held last year, Anusha said that she felt overwhelmed and encouraged when she observed others receiving their medal and hoped that one day she too will receive the medal.
She said, ?When I saw other children receiving their medal from the President, I thought to myself that I want to win one of those someday. This pushed me to study harder?.
Anusha is multilingual as she fluently speaks Bengali, Hindi and English. She participates in chess, spelling and art competitions and has won several first place trophies. Anusha has entered the Caribbean Chess International competition which will be held at the Queen's Park Oval on August 9, where she will compete with players from other countries.
Her impressive trophy shelf holds 16 trophies and awards and she hopes to add more to her collection.
Anusha is also an avid tennis player, a vocalist and has learned to play the harmonium at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute. Religion also played an integral role in her life as she regularly attends temple service with her parents.
Anusha spends her leisure time reading adventure and mystery books, watching television or going shopping at the Gulf City Mall with her mother.
Despite knowing that her schoolwork will now be more difficult, Anusha said that she will not give up on her extra-curricular activities. She said, ?I will maintain my extra-curricular activities because I like doing these things. I don't have a favourite one, I like them all?.
Father Jayanta Saha, an engineer and mother c**tala Saha, an attorney turned housewife came to Trinidad and Tobago from India more than 15 years ago. They said they were very proud of their daughter and all her accomplishments.
Anusha'a wish is to visit the U.S. and her father said that he will make this a reality. He said that he always knew that Anusha had great potential but it was when her private tutors told him that his child had the capability to reach in the top five, did he encourage and support Anusha with her studies.
Mother, Saha (K) said that Anusha is always with a book. ?When she is eating she will have a book with her and I have to remind her to take a bite, unless it is KFC which she loves?, said c**tala.
Tutor Anand Basdeo said that he too is proud of Anusha's accomplishments and knew that she would top the island. He said, ?Anusha showed great potential from the very start. She is always willing and dedicated to her work. She would question me when she got something wrong and that is when I knew she will make it?.
He also praised the parents for their dedication to helping her reach her highest potential.
Basdeo, a senior SEA examiner said that he also tutored last year's SEA winner Shivana Chatoor and third place winner Arielle Rambharose. And the 2010 first place winner Ashaish Mohammed. He has also trained a number of pupils who placed in the top 100 and 200 over the last five years.
Anusha and her family praised her teacehrs and tutors, educator Anand Basdeo, and Mr and Mrs Daniel for helping her to reach this milestone.
Anusha's parents said that Guardian Media Group presented her with a SEA package, TSTT has offered a telephone package to the top pupils of the SEA and Movietowne has arranged VIP passes to the top pupils.
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This is rhel positive vibes ! :beermug:
(http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/assets/12046860/t-t.jpg)
T&T groom weds ailing bride at hospital
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/T-T-groom-weds-ailing-bride-at-hospital (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/T-T-groom-weds-ailing-bride-at-hospital)
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Trinidad Express) — A bride and groom yesterday took the 'in sickness and health' part of their wedding vows more seriously than most when they got married on a ward at the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital in Trinidad.
Groom Jason Lezama and his bride, Janine Lezama, had all intentions of getting married at the St Joseph RC Church, with the reception to be held at the St Augustine Community Centre, but yesterday morning, the bride fell ill.
Relatives took her to the Mt Hope Women’s Hospital where after being examined, she was told she could not leave the hospital as doctors needed to monitor her undisclosed condition.
The Sunday Express was told the couple had been together for 12 years, were engaged for one year and wedding plans also began one year ago.
All seemed lost yesterday but then groom Jason stepped in.
“There is going to be a wedding today,” he told relatives, and spoke to the nurses running the ward.
Supervisor/head nurse Kathy Cadogan; Kathleen Melville, head nurse of the ward; evening supervisor Rhonda Black; and Vijay Bhaggan, the administrator of the Women’s Hospital, were told of the plans and, together, they made it happen.
Fuad gives thumbs-up
Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan was also told of the plan and was said to have given it a thumbs-up for the ceremony on the ward.
When the Sunday Express arrived on the ward yesterday, the room had been converted into a chapel of sorts, with a bride in her dress, the groom in his suit, complete with a maid of honour and six bridesmaids, along with a best man and six groomsmen.
There were chairs for guests and a wedding cake.
The priest had already left by the time the Sunday Express arrived, but as the bride sat on her bed with her new and doting husband next to her, the couple seemed oblivious to everything around them.
Cadogan said of the ceremony, “We were really happy to be a part of this.”
They said that nothing like this had ever happened at the Women’s Hospital.
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Alicia Riley: From Poverty and Adversity to Success
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150731/features/alicia-riley-from-poverty-and-adversity-to-success
I always say life is an obstacle course; it’s not what you meet but how you defeat what you meet…for life is all about perspective…
It’s a philosophy which I have always held close to my heart. If you were to walk in my rubber slippers when you were a child and proceeded through the chapters of hardship, adversity, poverty and low self-esteem as I did, then your survival mechanism would be the same philosophy. Survival… I would not have made it to adult life without adjusting my lens and my perspective on life and seeing obstacles as opportunities. It’s a healthy attitude. I could still hear the wise words of my best friend’s father echoing in my head: “Half the time where a man is or where he isn’t is because of his attitude…” Back then and up to today I strongly believe that humans consumed themselves with excuses- the government, time, taxes, the weather, family, friends all sorts of excuses… It’s a form of slavery. Instead of claiming responsibility for our own life situations we pass the blame on everything else. This parasitic mindset creates the very chains and bondage we accuse others of doing. You see it’s not what happens that determines the quality or quantity of your life, because what happens happens to everybody, the sun goes down on us all, the rain and the taxes affect us all… But, it’s how you respond to these triggers that changes everything… What happens is the constant, what you do is what makes it different.
My life story is different. Not your regular entrepreneurial success story. As I look at my brainchild business, Orange Advertising which started off as a small office space in Stumpy’s Strip Mall, Tobago courtesy my very first Dell laptop, a gift from a great friend and my fascination with Adobe Photoshop, I sigh. I sigh in gratitude to God because of His blessings (Orange Advertising is successful and a Caribbean brand) and His investment in my talent (talent I never knew I possessed). I sigh because the young girl who moved house constantly from Chaguaramas to Belmont to San Juan has finally found a comfortable space.
Sigh. Memories of my childhood are like a golden mist. When I try to classify my earliest impressions, I find that I have tried so hard over the years to reinvent myself by consciously suppressing these “memories” remembering proves more challenging than the first time I tied my shoes. A few impressions stand out vividly from the first few years of my life- shadows of disappointments… The fourth of five siblings, the daughter of a single mom- the hard-working , Rosealba Riley also known as “Rosie” who was a house and office cleaner, security guard and CEPEP worker, I grew up with very little. My father’s family bore roots in Tobago whereas my mother’s family was Grenadian, but their origins didn’t matter. It mattered however, when my dad deserted us before puberty with no real excuse. I never knew much people on his side of the family only my Aunty Monica, who to this day still show (sic) us the utmost respect and kindness.
After my dad left, the entire dynamics of my life changed. Besides shifting around to the abodes of friends and family, walking to Melville Memorial Girls’ Anglican School almost every day, having to wake up extra early to ensure we got breakfast from the Church, wearing the same uniforms and shoes term after term, toting water up the hill to take a shower, the environment was also emotionally unstable. My siblings and I fought constantly physically and verbally as we all battled with a mixture of anxiety, anger and a confused mental state as we tried to figure out who we were. I didn’t do my best at school because the only thing that consumed my mind was “where daddy gone?” He wasn’t even around to protect “Rosie’s girl children” from the sick and twisted sexual predators but that’s another memory tucked too deep to re-awaken.
If you get lemons make lemonade…
Fast-forward to an educational journey in which I got my fair share of lemons. After I graduated from primary school I passed for Belmont Junior Secondary School, an experience in which I was bullied and teased because I was the daughter of Rosie the school cleaner.
But I had to be strong. My mother was a strong woman even when her meagre salary couldn’t pay the rent. My sister called her “mother giver”; she wasn’t perfect but she worked really hard to ensure we had a good education. A good education was as good as gold even when you all slept in one room and couldn’t touch anything your aunt owned from food and toiletries to wares.
Enter Success Laventille Secondary School into the story, as we relocated. It was within those walls that I discovered the real racism- being discriminated against by your own kind. I remember being mocked repeatedly by girls a little lighter in complexion. Success opened doors to my own success nevertheless as it was at this juncture that I truly adopted the philosophy to see brighter sides of adversity and see opportunity rather than obstacles.
And so the blessings came slowly but surely…Upon graduating from school I got my five subjects- my mom was overjoyed. Our prayers were being answered. My slumped shoulders and bowed head began rising bit by bit as my self-worth increased.
Ironically I was eager to further my studies but lack of funds crushed my hopes. I didn’t want to grow up broke and unhappy though. I couldn’t… That was when I began inventing my own coping philosophies.
You can have more that you’ve got because you can become more than you are, but unless you change how you are you would always have what you’ve got…
At age 17 my life strategy changed and I started my own school, Genesis Tuition Academy. Marketing for the school was simple yet effective- a flyer design in Microsoft Word and distribution to the various primary schools. I remember getting blackboards donated for my debut business venture and encounter with graphic design…
I got the first tantalizing taste of business and I loved it!
Some years later I would move on to greener pastures investing my profits from the school into new clothes for an interview where I scored a job at the Hilton Hotel Tobago. It gave me the hope I needed and through my newfound confidence and laptop, my passion for advertising and graphic design were ignited. I got a scrapbook and clipped out every single advert, which I found “nice” by my standards. I started building ads in Microsoft Word, until one day I created a sign and I took it to a print shop and the guy couldn’t believe this level of design was achieved in Microsoft Word, his facial expression was priceless… It spurred on my continuous climb in a budding career in advertising despite the tragedy of my mother’s death from cancer. As I drowned in my grief, devoured by a cacophony of sadness and anger, my faith lead me to Orange Advertising as my healing path.
In life bravery is the capacity to believe…to perform at your maximum capacity although you are scared half to death…
Starting my own business after Hilton closed and using my severance money to purchase my first printer for $60,000 (which I still own) were the best decisions I have ever made in my life. From a flourescent orange room to a popular orange tent to the popular regional brand of Orange Advertising, my growth as an entrepreneur was rapid. This growth was centred on my daily routine- I got up, I prayed, I recited my goals…, this routine revolutionised my life economically, socially, spiritually.
Through God and prayer I obtained an upsurge in clients from my design studio. I soon earned a spot amidst the advertising greats of Ross Advertising and McCann-Erickson.
Vision gets your dreams started. Dreaming employs your God-given imagination to reinforce the vision.
Through it all I would daydream about where I want to be and then plot a strategy to get there. My dream to purchase a 54-inch Roland printer, my first wide-format printer became a reality and then it never worked one day. I had experienced my first con artist. Business is its own teacher and I was a good student. Jehovah had better plans for me. I would go on to acquire not only one printer but two wide-format printers, the largest in Tobago and the third largest within Trinidad, a high production digital press and six wonderful employees.
Between my life transitions, the main mentorship and guidance I got came from God and the inspiration from my best friend Casey I have lived to enjoy the light at the end of the tunnel.
From the abyss of obscurity and uncertainty to all-round stability and a happy ending, the daughter of Rosie, the cleaner didn’t do too badly. Imagine today I can empower others to always remember life is more than a party, a hot dress, a boyfriend (which I don’t have) or reality TV, it’s about hard work, instilling discipline, focus and an optimistic attitude towards attaining success but most about it is about a firm faith in God.
My concluding philosophy- To shape the rest of your life, create your own reality in your mind, daydream, strategise and put into action, never ever give up!
BIO
Alicia Riley is a 30-year-old self-taught graphic designer with advanced diplomas in Marketing and Business Management courtesy the School of Business and Computer Studies (SBCS).
The brainchild behind popular regional advertising company, Orange Advertising, Riley is a national of Trinidad and Tobago and has lived in Tobago since 2007. Since the company’s inception in 2009, the mentor and community motivator has been the dynamic managing director and is responsible for revolutionising the design and print industry on the island of Tobago.
Her cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community sponsor roles while business prowess renders her one of the most outstanding entrepreneurs on the local landscape.
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North Eastern College pupil achieves whopping 21 CSEC passes
Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150814/news/super-girl
SANGRE GRANDE
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150814/LOCAL/150819731/AR/0/AR-150819731.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
ARTI RAMROOP of North Eastern College yesterday received passes in all 21 subjects she wrote in this year's Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
Sixteen-year-old Ramroop got 18 Grade Ones, including 14 distinctions and three Grade Twos.
Ramroop's accomplishment may have set a record for the highest number of subjects ever written at one sitting of the examination.
The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) offers 34 subjects at the CSEC level.
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150820/LOCAL/150829962/AR/0/AR-150829962.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
LITTLE SUPERMAN
See Video Report; https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6/videos/930762020299324/ (https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6/videos/930762020299324/)
A four-year old boy is being hailed a hero after the car he was traveling in drove off a cliff while heading to Maracas. He climbed out of the precipice and was able to flag down a car to get help. His name, Kal-El... a name well known to comic book fans.
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150820/LOCAL/150829962/AR/0/AR-150829962.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
LITTLE SUPERMAN
See Video Report; https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6/videos/930762020299324/ (https://www.facebook.com/CCNTV6/videos/930762020299324/)
A four-year old boy is being hailed a hero after the car he was traveling in drove off a cliff while heading to Maracas. He climbed out of the precipice and was able to flag down a car to get help. His name, Kal-El... a name well known to comic book fans.
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20150827/LOCAL/150829654/AR/0/AR-150829654.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
'Little Superman' honoured in 'Grande'
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150827/news/little-superman-honoured-in-grande (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150827/news/little-superman-honoured-in-grande)
Christmas came early for four-year-old “Little Superman” Kal-El Alleyne yesterday, as the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation showered him with toy trucks, board games and a tablet computer for his heroic actions last week Tuesday.
Kal-El's mother, Amanda, had lost control of a her vehicle while driving along the North Coast Road, Maracas, and skidded off the roadway. The car plunged about 100 feet down a precipice before coming to a stop.
The young boy's mother and aunt, Antonia, were injured and trapped inside the vehicle. Although injured himself, he climbed up the precipice and flagged down a car for help.
He has since been called “little Superman”, as he also bears the birth name of comic superhero Superman.
Joined by his cousins, aunt and grandmother yesterday, the young hero was taken through the streets of Sangre Grande by regional corporation chairman Terry Rondon, where he was greeted and congratulated by passers-by.
“They're calling my name. My name is Kal-El,” he said, as a loud speaker announced his presence in the area.
“Just smile and wave, smile and wave,” he repeatedly told himself, much to the amusement of those around.
Kal-El was later invited back to the corporation's office at County Hall, Ramdass Street, where he was honoured with a plaque, toys, and even a cake.
'A hero, icon and scholar'
Also honoured was North Eastern College graduate Arti Ramroop, 16, who received passes in all 21 subjects she wrote in this year's Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, 14 with distinctions.
Toco-born novelist and playwright Earl Lovelace was honoured in absentia.
“We are very happy because today we are honouring a hero, an icon and a scholar. Could any corporation want better than that?” asked Rondon.
“When I read that story about Kal-El the morning, I remembered a similar situation I faced with my mother in the garden in Matelot.
“She fell, and anybody who knows my mother knows that she was close to 350 pounds. I was eight years old at the time and I couldn't lift her.
“I had to run a mile and half at the time to get my uncle to lift her,” he added.
Rondon said young Kal-El's actions show he was full of love. “My advice to parents is to hold on to your children and make sure they have a strong spiritual life and they get a proper education,” he said.
He also saluted Kal-El's grandmother, noting she was respectable and humble when the corporation called to ask for her grandson's attendance yesterday.
“They were on time this morning. There was no disrespect by the family, so you could see where that young man took that training from. He was moulded to be brave.”
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:applause:
Soca artiste Shurwayne Winchester gives $100,000 to the Bishop's High School, in aid of their cafeteria. @tv6tnt
https://twitter.com/EWilliamstv6/status/647438179012882432 (https://twitter.com/EWilliamstv6/status/647438179012882432)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPwpkODWIAApX_t.jpg)
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Some of us can only dream to see 100 years, but only a very fortunate few reach such a milestone. On Friday, we met Elfrida Elliot - more loving called 'Tanty Alfrida' - who has joined that elite group. C News Cherrylene Lewis and Shaka Telesford visited the Moruga Centenarian's birthday celebration at the St. John's Londons Baptist Church in Port of Spain
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https://www.youtube.com/v/2wR5PIImNTo
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Salute to this young woman 'Fay Richardson'.
Some of us can only dream to see 100 years, but only a very fortunate few reach such a milestone. On Friday, we met Elfrida Elliot - more loving called 'Tanty Alfrida' - who has joined that elite group. C News Cherrylene Lewis and Shaka Telesford visited the Moruga Centenarian's birthday celebration at the St. John's Londons Baptist Church in Port of Spain
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https://www.youtube.com/v/2wR5PIImNTo
LOVE IT! we need more young people like this in our country. Salute this young woman 'Fay Richardson' for her wise words.
https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153688836787996/ (https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153688836787996/)
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TOP OF THE CARIBBEAN
https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/posts/10153703489332996 (https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/posts/10153703489332996)
Vasha Maharaj, in the first picture below, an Open Scholarship winner for Naparima Girls High School has topped the Caribbean Region in the field of Foreign Languages for CAPE 2015.
Nadia Phoebe Ali in the second picture (wearing the black and white top) a Naparima Girls High School National Scholarship Winner, has topped the Caribbean Region in Modern Studies/Humanities for CAPE 2015.
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtl1/v/t1.0-9/12115598_10153703484117996_7611756676344768833_n.jpg?oh=c86b8e31ccf9de78063535fc3a121cb4&oe=56C0418A)
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/12108176_10153703484112996_8038115958006278955_n.jpg?oh=c4f3429fa19362024e40c7fd7c5da48a&oe=56C01F86)
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Blue Waters has come up with a way to showcase the creativity of the youth in Trinidad and Tobago, while at the same time beautifying their calendars. The company held a competition where they invited students from across the country to draw images and make models in the most creative way possible.
https://www.youtube.com/v/EFFnOe4S9a0
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One Tobago student has made it in the Top 10 in the Caribbean, in the field of Art and Design at the CAPE Unit 2 level.
This young scholar not only excelled in Art and Design but in all other subject areas she did at both CXC and CAPE levels.
See Video https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/vb.377693645609/10153684575215610/?type=2&theater
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Well done little man :applause:
(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20151130/LOCAL/151139961/AR/0/AR-151139961.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
LITTLE hero: Waterloo grandmother Ursula Henry looks at her house which was destroyed by fire, and at little Jeremiah Baird who rescued two of her grandchildren from the blaze on Friday. Little Jeremiah, six years old, took her three-year-old twin grandchildren out of the house. —Photo: DAVE PERSAD
Boy, 6, saves infant twins from fire *
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151130/news/boy-6-saves-infant-twins-from-fire (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151130/news/boy-6-saves-infant-twins-from-fire)
Carapichaima
WHEN fire broke out at the Carapichaima home of stroke-victim Ursula Henry on Friday, she could do nothing but call for help to get her twin grandchildren to safety.
As she limped out of the burning house bawling, help came from her six-year-old neighbour, Jeremiah Baird, who went into the house and brought the three-year-old twins out to the roadway.
Henry was yesterday thankful that no one was hurt.
And to the child who helped save the twins, Henry said:
"I just want to tell him that I love him."
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God Bless, lil man!!!
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:applause: :applause:
Naps launches ‘Smarter on de Road’ campaign*
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160127/news/naps-launches-8216smarter-on-de-road8217-campaign
PUPILS simulating injured people at a crash scene were part of the road safety awareness campaign launched at Naparima College yesterday.
The pupils lay next to two wrecked vehicles in the car park of the school as a simulation of the pain and anguish at crashes sites.
The campaign entitled “Smarter on de Road” is a project of the Interact Clubs of the college to target all road-users, in particular young drivers.
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STUDENTS MARCH FOR PEACE
Hundreds of Secondary School students marched through the streets of the Capital City on Wednesday to offer support for people affected by various forms of violence. The students were 'standing up' against crime in the country; most notably the shooting death of success Laventille students Mark Richards and Denielson Smith.
https://www.youtube.com/v/ZLVySUUQG1I&feature=youtu.be
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WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153922857350610/
Last week, Jahhiem Daniel and Naiym Antoine were honoured at their Tranquility Government Secondary School for helping an elderly visually-impaired man cross the busy Tragarete Road. A picture of that good deed went viral on social media and even earned the boys flying lessons with New York based Trinidadian pilot and the owner of Eagle Wings Aviation Mission, Mr. David Leader, and commercial pilot, Mr. Jensen Kangalee.
Today, another good deed was caught on camera. Four girls from Bishop's Centenary School in Port of Spain were recorded escorting an elderly lady across Tragarete Road, near Mario's Pizza. The girls also stopped a taxi and got the appreciative lady inside of the car.
On Friday, President of the Afterschool Mentorship Programme, Wayne Alonzo, hoped the action of the two Tranquility boys would have started a positive trend among school children.
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(http://ybtt.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brian-Benoits-Press-Photo1.jpg)
ENTREPRENEURIAL PROFILE – BRIAN BENOIT
http://ybtt.org/entrepreneurial-profile-brian-benoit/
Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT) continues to create and nurture successful young entrepreneurs who can now tell their story to motivate their young counterparts. One success story to be told is that of 21 year old Brian Benoit who is destined to take the national instrument to unprecedented levels. “I grew up in the pan industry from the age of 7, and from then to now, I have not only fully developed my skills, but I am now able to impart important knowledge about the steel pan to young students” said Benoit, who has turned his dream and passion into a full-time sustainable business. In describing his experience with YBTT, he stated “the entrepreneurial training received assisted me in developing the financial aspects of the business as well as proper management of my finances. The life skills’ component of the training has also helped me in becoming a better person.” He has also successfully completed the five (5) grades of the Royal School of Music (London).
Benoit began to soar up the entrepreneurial ladder with the implementation of two (2) business models. One is the facilitation of training programmes related to the steel pan industry in both primary and secondary schools, whilst the second focuses on four (4) products which he developed and offers for sale throughout primary and secondary schools, a project which has been receiving excellent reviews from school principals. The first product is the Steel Pan Instrument Chart which demonstrates the various types of instruments that contribute to a final sweet melody! The second product is the Steel Pan Glossary of Terms which identifies and explains the meaning of all the terms used in the industry; the third is the Story of the Steel Pan which depicts how the industry started to its current evolution and success, and the fourth is the Ten-Step Process in the manufacture of the pan.
It does not stop there, as Benoit is set to officially launch the “Benoit Academy of the Steel Pan” next Wednesday 1st July, 2015, an institution earmarked to provide a broad range of training in areas such as music theory, arranging music, ear training, steel pan ensemble, sight reading, the making of a steel pan, the art and craft of the steel pan and not forgetting the history of the pan. The operationalization of the Academy starts with a “Steel Pan Camp” which runs from July 6th to 24th, 2015 – Mondays to Fridays. The camp caters for students ages 7 – 15 years, who will be exposed to training in the areas identified. Benoit’s vision for the academy is to become the global institution for steel pan development within the next five (5) years.
This business venture is indeed an historic one which sets the national tone for youngsters to explore the many entrepreneurial possibilities available within the steel pan industry. Benoit’s advice to young persons who may be thinking of taking the entrepreneurial leap “the sky is not the limit – if you have a dream or passion, pursue it. Don’t be fearful, because fear is a false evidence which appears real. Being an entrepreneur is hard work, but once you’re willing to go the extra mile, success is yours.”
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20160315/LOCAL/160319709/AR/0/AR-160319709.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
Rio Claro Student Lands US Space Scholarship Well done :applause:
https://www.facebook.com/961wefm/photos/a.434065493680.191101.23378023680/10153620025903681/?type=3&theater
17-year-old Amit Ramoutar was selected from thousands of entrants from over 36 countries across the world to be a part of the Honeywell Leadership Challenge Program (HLCP) in the United States.
The HLCP is a week-long program that takes place at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) facilities in Huntsville, Alabama and provides students 16 – 18 years old with a unique opportunity to build and hone their leadership skills by tackling real-world challenges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Amit, who hails from Mayaro and attends the Rio Claro College, was recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Creative Thinking after he created a "fix" for an out of control Lunar Module during a simulation.
(Photo Credit: Rushton Paray)
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^^ Future Leaders!
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(http://www.cnc3.co.tt/sites/default/files/tt%20environ_0.jpg)
T&T ranked 2nd best air quality in the world after Seychelles
http://www.cnc3.co.tt/press-release/tt-ranked-2nd-best-air-quality-world-after-seychelles
Trinidad and Tobago has been ranked as the country with the second best air quality in the world.
The ranking is contained in the Environmental Performance Index 2016, released Wednesday.
This country achieved a score of 97.2% in relation to the quality of air, putting T&T just behind the number one ranked country, Seychelles, which achieved a score of 98.24%.
A total of 180 countries are ranked across the globe, with T&T ranked higher than Maldives (97.1%), Iceland (97.04%), Australia (96.13%), Guyana (95.72%) and New Zealand (95.67%).
Bangladesh (21.86%) has been ranked the country with the worst air quality in the world, below China (23.81%) and India (28.07%).
The Air Quality ranking is just one part of the Environmental Performance Index.
While T&T ranks 2nd in that category, it ranks 62nd overall where the environment is concerned, with a score of 74.34%.
That represents a 8.51% improvement over the previous year.
The following are all the rankings that make up T&T's overall score, with "Agriculture" being the lowest:
CATEGORY RANKING PERCENTAGE
Health Impacts 23 92.81%
Air Quality 2 97.2%
Water Sanitation 66 86.61%
Water Resources 85 59.48%
Agriculture 164 11.14%
Biodiversity and Habitat 58 88.51%
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A young, disabled Tobago man has overcome a number of obstacles in his life and is using his talent to inspire others like him to do the best they can, in spite of adverse situations. This brave man spoke with C News about his rare condition, the challenges he faced as a result and how he's reached this far after being told by doctors that he wouldn't.
https://www.youtube.com/v/Qm6px65OZps&spfreload=10
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(http://m.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/keion%20dennis%202.png?itok=T2PVuvpv)
Young chef aims to be his own boss
http://m.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-04-14/young-chef-aims-be-his-own-boss?utm_content=buffera5086&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer (http://m.guardian.co.tt/news/2016-04-14/young-chef-aims-be-his-own-boss?utm_content=buffera5086&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Young Keion Dennis, 20, a certified chef, comes out early every morning and sets up two tables at the side of the gas station in Montrose, Chaguanas. He spreads a plastic tablecloth over them, rests two styrotex boxes filled with fried bakes and saltfish and pies he made himself on them and mounts his large colourful umbrella over everything. And he’s ready for the day’s work.
Dennis began occupying the strategic spot recently after it was vacated by a doubles vendor. It has a constant flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Although he looks humble and unassuming, Dennis has an associate degree from the Hospitality and Tourism Institute and worked in the kitchens of top restaurants like Chaud’s in St Ann’s, the Hilton Trinidad, Woodford Cafe and Ruby Tuesday.
“It was a good world. I enjoyed it but the treatment you sometimes receive from bosses is a bit harsh. I wanted to see if I could create my own business.”
Dennis’ goal is to open his own restaurant and be his own boss and also provide a non-hostile environment for aspiring chefs in which to train. His pies and bake and saltfish stand is the first step.
“The biggest thing is to take that first step. This is my first step. It started off a bit slow but I’m building a clientele.
“Apart from my good looks, when they taste my product, they come back,” he joked.
“I also try to be lenient with my prices. Yes, you can be lenient and still make a profit,” he insisted.
“People pick up on your kindness. You will be rewarded.” His winning smile and courteous manner also draws customers.
Dennis, of Edinburgh 500, said he started off with 15 fried bakes and saltfish and ten beef, chicken and potato pies. “I am making a lot more bakes and pies now” he said. Determined and positive, he said it was “really a fear thing” that stopped people from realising their full potential. “You must go with God. It’s kinda tough to not have Him in your thoughts.”
Dennis learned that wisdom the hard way. He said his parents separated when he was very young and he ended up living with “granny”.
“My father died when I was 11 and I never developed a close relationship with my mother.”
To help granny raise him, Dennis said he began working at age 12 to fund his schooling.
“My first job was at age 12 in an upholstery place. Then I washed maxi taxis to help buy my textbooks.”
While working, Dennis studied hard while attending the Tunapuna Secondary and graduated with six passes, two 1s and four 2s.
“When I left high school I started working at KFC to pay my way through the last two years at the Hospitality and Tourism Institute.
“I graduated with an associate degree in Culinary Management and I’m a certified chef.”
Sending out a word of advice to young people who may be fearful of pursuing their goals, Dennis said: “No matter how hard you must be determined and go forward.
“When you want to do something, the whole world will want to stop you but go with God. When you recognise Him, He will show you the way and tell you what to do and what not to do.”
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20160508/LOCAL/160509611/AR/0/AR-160509611.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article) giving back: Calypsonian Brian London yesterday at Harris Promenade, San Fernando. Every Sunday, London distributes meals to the homeless, including at least 20 mothers. —Photo: DEXTER PHILIP
Calypsonian feeds homeless mothers*
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160508/news/calypsonian-feeds-homeless-mothers
Published on May 8, 2016,
At least 20 homeless mothers receive meals weekly from calypsonian Brian London.
Yesterday, London, a former Extempo king, again fed the women at Harris Promenade, San Fernando, a task he does after attending church in Fyzabad
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RG reminded me of this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNy-XytidOU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAwXAFz6cmA
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RG reminded me of this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNy-XytidOU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAwXAFz6cmA
RG?
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(http://news.co.tt/public_html/images/articles/2014051605451498_1.jpg)
T&T national earns perfect score in forensic psychology :applause: :applause:
http://news.co.tt/public_html/article.php?story=2014051605451498
A Trinidad & Tobago national has scored a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) in forensic psychology at John Jay’s College in New York City, an e-mail from her sister, Verena, said Thursday. Verena is a former Synergy TV presenter.
Venetia Siblal, 26, out of a graduating class of 3200, earned the Salutatorian award and the Elaine Noel Award for having an excellent record in forensic psychology. Venetia scored a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Prior to John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Venetia had received an associate of arts degree in liberal arts, social sciences and humanities at LaGuardia Community College.
At LaGuardia Community College, she graduated with honors, made the dean's list, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and won first place in the college-wide research paper competition in 2011. The paper focused on the practice of stoning in Islamic countries adhering to Sharia law and highlighted the disproportionate use of the punishment against women.
Her passion for understanding people’s mental processes and behavior, as well as her desire to tackle crime in a sophisticated manner, has steered her to forensic psychology.
Venetia plans to help end violence against women and children by volunteering with organizations that help women live independent lives, free from violence; and that help children who have been abused or neglected.
"In the past I have encountered many obstacles that prevented me from continuing to get my bachelor of arts (BA) degree right after secondary school but as Carl Jung said, 'I am not what has happened to me; I am what I choose to become.' And I choose to become an educated woman who will fight for justice in her country and our global village," Venetia was quoted as saying in the e-mail.
"When I got the call informing me that I got the second highest GPA, making me salutatorian for the class of 2014, I did not know how to respond - partly, because it was the first time hearing the word salutatorian. I thought to myself, why am I not feeling a rush of excitement.
"To understand my 'abnormal' reaction to the wonderful news I had just received, I engaged in some good old fashioned introspection.
"I started to ask myself why didn't I feel this was possible? Why didn't I feel worthy? I did work extremely hard.
"I started to think of subjects like labeling perspective, stigmatization, systematic inequality, sexism, the effects of stereotypes, the intersecting effects of gender, class, and race, and how those notions may have influenced my identity.
"By exploring those topics, I reaffirmed that education was certainly vital in unmasking the roots of the toxic views one may have of one’s self. Likewise, education is vital for unmasking injustice everywhere."
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RG reminded me of this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNy-XytidOU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAwXAFz6cmA
RG?
Richard G, but he not I, aren't the messenger here doh. what u think of the message
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RG reminded me of this guy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNy-XytidOU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAwXAFz6cmA
RG?
Richard G, but he not I, aren't the messenger here doh. what u think of the message
Really good positive message. His main point is not to fear failure as failure can lead to success, and to embrace failure unlike the popular notion which insist failure is the end of you. Good message and will resonate with anyone.
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Some good news here that most people tend to overlook. "There were no holiday weekend road deaths"
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160601/news/there-were-no-holiday-weekend-road-deaths
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Some good news here that most people tend to overlook. "There were no holiday weekend road deaths"
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160601/news/there-were-no-holiday-weekend-road-deaths
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:applause:
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Congratulations! 🇹🇹
T&T wins Caribbean National Team of the Year at Taste of the Caribbean
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Trinbagolife/permalink/2016868075204541/?comment_id=2016900525201296¬if_t=group_comment¬if_id=1465700501658666 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Trinbagolife/permalink/2016868075204541/?comment_id=2016900525201296¬if_t=group_comment¬if_id=1465700501658666)
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(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13508992_10153766329115829_9062481870912203672_n.jpg?oh=386379fe7318e6b194b436f34ea809ca&oe=580872ED)
Purple Dragon Atiba Barton from Trinidad, Arima dojo takes the Grand Championship in Spain. :applause: 🇹🇹
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Trinbagolife/2026016094289739/?notif_t=like¬if_id=1467053651885903
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:applause: Traffic Warden Sara Partapsingh was honoured by the San Fernando City Corporation yesterday for her act of bravery.
On March 6, 2016 Sara while on duty on Lower street San Fernando she saved the life of a 2 year old girl who had strayed into busy High Street, San Fernando, running in front of a motor vehicle pushing the child to safety. :applause:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=266168530416413&set=gm.2027546147470067&type=3&theater
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(https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/responsive/cover/main/desktop/2016/07/18/636044047818144003-364443090_IMG_7956.JPG)
Meet The Two Trinidadian Techies Who Just Developed A Breakthrough App
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/trinidian-techies-developed-breakthrough-app
Small island, big dreams.
Every Trinidadian, young or old, knows how serious the "pump" is. For those who are confused about what "pump" means to Trinidadians, your confusion ends here. To "pump" means to party hard, which Trinidadians are notoriously known for. Most parties, usually referred to as "fetes," are found out about by word of mouth, radio ads or Facebook event pages. Usually, it can be a hassle trying to gather all the necessary details of parties on one forum. Things like price, venue, etc. can be somewhat annoying to find out. I, myself, have always said that I wish there was one forum where every fete was listed and detailed to my liking. Thankfully, Andel Husbands and Jonathan Agarrat, both 21 years of age, came to not only my, but thousands of Trinidadians' rescue when they developed the app, "WhereDPump."
WhereDPump, which was launched on the App Store on June 23 2016, was something of an overnight idea. Andel Husbands, who attends the University of South Florida in Tampa, developed a website for the same purpose and of the same name in September 2014. Around the same time, he had contacted his long-time friend, Jonathan Agarrat, about the website. It had turned out that Jonathan was working on a similar website with the name "On D Avenue". The two decided to create a partnership and build on their skills together. They then launched the "WhereDPump" website in December 2014. The duo set to work on the iOS app in December of 2015 and balanced university, internships and coding to produce "WhereDPump" which has over 600+ users as of July 2016.
On the app, which is free to download on the App Store, users can see a list of "pumps" and are able to click on them to get the details, such as venue, where or who tickets can be collected, times, etc. Users can click "pumpin" or "not pumpin" to indicate if they would be in attendance. For club events, there are options to be able to get listed on a committee member list which is highly beneficial. Users can also "like" events to see a list of their favorite past events. Additionally, there is also a point system for users to accumulate points in certain ways which occasionally can be redeemed for free passes to events and such
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20160811/LOCAL/160819933/AR/0/AR-160819933.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
Meet Laura the limer: She's 101 today
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20160811/news/meet-laura-the-limer-shes-101-today
Laura Stafford-Charles turns 101 today. She has lived her life to the fullest and credits the grace of God for her longevity.
She was sprightly enough to visit the Express office earlier this week to tell about her life and shared some cherished moments. She was born in Guayguayare to parents Richard and Dora Stafford, and the eldest of four siblings and the only girl among them. Stafford-Charles left Guayguayare as a teenager and moved to Upper Hillside San Fernando.
Eventually she moved to Chacon Street. Currently she resides at Corinith Hills. She was married to Conrad Charles and had one son, Kurby who died several years ago. Stafford-Charles has one granddaughter who is currently attending university in the US. Stafford-Charles received her education at Mother's School now known as St. Gabriel's Girls RC primary school. She recalled working at the Colonial Hospital, now called the San Fernando General Hospital as a St John ambulance brigade member. She said she took up nursing duties. She also did handicraft.
Stafford-Charles has heart complications, shortness of sight and slight hearing loss. She is able to move on her own with the aid of a walking stick. Her message to the youngsters is to always believe in God and ask God for pardon. In recalling her days as a youth, Stafford-Charles said she loved to fete. She said: “Yes, we would go to fetes (and) overload the car and hide in the bush (when police would pull the car over)”. She wholeheartedly laughed when she recalled this moment.
Stafford-Charles said she is a devout Roman Catholic and attends church service throughout the country. She credits God for her long life and said that she prays for everyone in the country to be blessed. Stafford-Charles intends to celebrate her birthday by having a small prayer service and having a pastor blessing the food.
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MATH WHIZ GOES AGAINST THE TIDE
by AKILAH HOLDER Wednesday, August 24 2016
Newsday
(http://www.newsday.co.tt/aktualnosci/fullfront174wed%20front.png)
A 12-year-old Gasparillo boy has scored a distinction in mathematics in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CESC) examination, perhaps the youngest student in Trinidad and Tobago to have attained such a feat.
Frederick Thomas Jr, a student of the Open Bible High School in San Fernando, and felt by Education Ministry officials to be too young for such an exercise sat the examination in May when he was just 11 years old. The exam is one that is usually done by students five years his senior.
“All the hard work paid off so I’m feeling very excited,” the pre-teen told Newsday yesterday.” When I got the results during the night, I couldn’t sleep. I was too excited to sleep. When I got the results, I was in Tobago. And, my mom told me, ‘Now Freddie, I’m going to show you the results; I got through online,’ because before, she wasn’t getting a connection to the site, because too many people were on it. And she got on, and she saw my results.” Frederick’s achievement comes on the heels of Education Minister, Anthony Garcia’s declaration last week that there has been a decline in the math pass rate in the CSEC in Trinidad and Tobago.
Seated calmly and confidently on one of the benches in Assing’s Classes where he studied for the math examination and where Newsday chatted with him, Frederick, discussed his passion for the subject but his math lessons teacher, Bernard Assing, referred to fondly as “Dad” by Frederick chimed in: “He got inspiration from reading the article on my grandson. His mom took exams in Form 2, she’s a student of mine too.
And he got inspired by this (gesturing to a previous Newsday article on his grandson – Kiran Christian Dyaanand – who also achieved a distinction in Math last year at the age of 12 that he had laminated).
And when she (Frederick’s mother Sharon Thomas) came in, I said, ‘Well, why don’t I take him, if you want him to write within the year?’ And he was all keen on doing it, and I said ‘Ok.’ Kiran took three months to do it. He took the year.
That is because he couldn’t sign up.” Frederick’s mother explained that when she tried to register him for the January exam, it was already September 2015, and the deadline for registration had passed. Therefore, she resolved to register him for the May exam, but even then, she encountered resistance from ministry officials entrusted with the task of registering candidates, who advised her that he was “too young” and “should not be put through that stress.” Thomas ignored them and registered her son for the examination anyway. Furthermore, she rebuked the officials saying, that as a parent, if your child wants to do something, then you ought to encourage him or her. It took a lot of sacrifice, however. For each day of math lessons, Thomas, a teacher at San Fernando Girls’ Anglican, waited at Assing’s Classes until her son’s lessons, from five to seven pm, were over.
“I came from work, sat down and waited until the classes were finished and then we went home together,” she told Newsday. “Sometimes we reach home around 8 o’clock or 8.30; because if it’s an evening class, a five o’ clock class, it will finish around seven or a little after seven, and we travel home. So for me, it was all about supporting his decision. When he was ready to do his exam, I was there on the day, and sat down, waited for the whole day. Mr. Assing and Mrs. Assing came and supported us, and we chatted while he was in the exam room to give him that support.” She continued, “On the day, he was relaxed, and I was nervous.
He said, ‘well, mommy, I did the work...’ When he saw Mr. Assing, he was very happy, and he went in the room very joyous, and he took it at his pace.” Frederick. sat the exam in Marabella South Secondary School. Frederick comes from a single home. Any communication he has with his father is via skype.
Nonetheless, he pushed past this challenge and succeeded at a young age, in the CSEC exam.
According to his mother, Frederick was and remains “really padded” at home, having the benefit of living in an extended family: his mother and grand-parents.
Thomas also said that he received support from his aunt and her twin sister, also a teacher and a former student of Assing.
When asked if he had any advice for youngsters undertaking math studies, Frederick said, “Anybody could do mathematics. You just have to put your heart and mind into it and say, I want to get top marks, I want to get a distinction, and of course, if you study hard, and even if necessary, you could take extra classes, then anybody could receive a distinction.” Frederick intends to begin studying for CSEC additional mathematics in September of this year, and hopes to sit the exam the following year. He may also pursue English and some science subjects in the future.
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well done young man Frederick :applause:
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(http://i0.wp.com/www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Sheetal.jpg?resize=696%2C928)
:applause:
Trinbagonian – American: Dr. Sheetal Maharaja, The Healthcare Warrior
Dr. Sheetal Maharaj
The Healthcare Warrior
The 29-year old native of Trinidad and Tobago and resident of Cooper City, Broward County, has been dedicated to providing healthcare to her community from she was a young girl.
She pursued several courses in nursing at Barry University in North Miami graduating cum laude with the Bachelors of Science in Nursing and summa cum laude with a Master’s of Science in Nursing and ultimately summa cum laude with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
“As I grew older I also developed a love for the sciences and ended up joining a specialized program in high school called HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). I then realized that working in healthcare was what I was meant to do. I enjoy treating and caring for the sick, and providing my patients and their families support during tough times. Being able to go to work each day knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of others gives me a true sense of fulfillment.”
She commenced her nursing career in 2009 as a registered nurse. Today, she is fulfilling her ambition as a nursing practitioner, and cardiac electrophysiology. She has organized several free health fairs for the West Indian community at a local Hindu temple (including a free health screening to those who are uninsured or underinsured), and volunteered to provide free vaccines to children in Broward County.
She also attributes her career growth to her Trinbagonian heritage. “My parent’s desire, ambition, and work ethic to do better are a driving force behind everything I do. I know the hardships that many in Trinidad face, and appreciate the opportunities I have living in the US. I try to never take that for granted and push myself to achieve all that I can.”
She would like to see more young people involved in healthcare, “Try to volunteer at local hospitals, or shadow healthcare professionals.”
She says her culture, diversity and unity, and the kind nature and “happy-go-lucky attitude of our people” makes her proud to be a Tobagonian-American. “I’m proud of the accomplishments we continue to make worldwide in music, steel pan and soca, literature, with Sir V. S. Naipaul being Nobel Prize winner in literature, and medicine with Dr. Lall Shawh, the pioneer of kidney transplant in the Caribbean and a leader in urology. We Trinidadians, no matter where we live, will never forget our heritage and culture.”
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:applause: Shout out to Trinidadian Stylist Crystal Ivy London for her "Street Chic" feature in Essence Magazine.
Essence Magazine took to the streets of New York City during New York Fashion Week, SS/17 to spot the most trendy and stylish fashionistas and Crystal was one of the females who wowed the the street style fashion photographers.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=311737549192844&set=gm.2084564825101532&type=3&theater
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A special lady celebrates a special birthday.
https://www.youtube.com/v/i4CgkTlHrYc
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Lieutenant Commander Kele-Ann Bourne, of the T&T Coast Guard, created history by becoming the first female Naval officer from the southern Caribbean to captain a vessel on a cross-Atlantic sailing.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=345664445800154&set=gm.2130665943824753&type=3&theater
Ms Bourne is captain of the TTS Carli Bay (CG 28) one of two vessels acquired by the Coast Guard from Damen Shipbuilders. The other vessel is the TTS Moruga (CG 27) under Lieutenant Commander Aldon Jasper.
(https://scontent.fsnc1-5.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15267655_345664445800154_7318501122015712971_n.jpg?oh=6a5532f25ab4a37d9c0954183c3b276d&oe=58F89F93)
Both vessels left the shipyard in the Netherlands on Friday and should arrive in Trinidad before Christmas.Breaking ground is not new for this dynamic woman.
Bourne, who hails from Arima, was one of the first female ship captains and one of the first female officers to successfully complete training at the prestigious Britannia Royal Naval College in the United Kingdom. She left the Royal College with the Queen’s Award of the “Admiral Binoculars”, which is the highest award given to an international student.
In 2014, Kele -Ann, became the first female commissioned officer on horseback to officiate at the Independence Parade in T&T’s history.
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You Go Girl!!! Sorry ah mean Woman!!!
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(http://www.guardian.co.tt/sites/default/files/field/image/KING_LEMON.jpg)
Grande woman reaps mega lemon
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2017-04-07/grande-woman-reaps-mega-lemon
Merlyn Pierre, a resident of La Sieva Road, Vega De Oropouche, Sangre Grande, is now surprised by the size of rough skin lemon she is reaping from the she planted at the back of her home three years ago.
She is amazed and believes one of the lemons she picked yesterday was the biggest for sure in T&T. The lemon weighs 3.2 kilograms and has a circumference of 54 centimetres.
Pierre said they got the seed from a friend in Manzanilla. The friend was also shocked to see the size of lemons Pierre’s tree has been producing, as his trees produce ordinary sized lemons.
Pierre yesterday cut the lemon to show its inside to T&T Guardian and only found that it has more core than juice.
At the back of a house where the tree was planted, Pierre showed the amount of lemons on the tree. One the other lemons was the same size as the one she reaped. However, Pierre said she is leaving that one to see if it will get bigger. —Ralph Banwarie
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(http://www.trinidadexpress.com/storyimage/TT/20170409/LOCAL/170409530/AR/0/AR-170409530.jpg&MaxW=730&imageversion=Article)
Ivy League schools vie for Trini teen*
Jamieson aces SAT...
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170409/news/ivy-league-schools-vie-for-trini-teen
A seventeen-year-old Trinidadian aced the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and has landed acceptance letters from several United States Ivy League universities, including the prestigious Harvard University.
Malcolm Reid III, also known as “Jamieson”, will make his decision by April 25 on which university he will choose as he will spend the next couple weeks visiting the institutions and meeting the staff and alumni.
Malcolm was also accepted into the College of William and Mary, University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University and Brown University.
Reid migrated to the United States two and a half years ago.
His father Malcolm Reid lives in Washington, DC, where he works as a security expert and adviser to international organisations.
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From dailyMail
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4876884/Reunited-50-years-couple-marries-NY-hospital-room.html#comments
American man, 73, and Trinidadian woman, 72, who met and fell in love while he was stationed at a Trinidad and Tobago army base are reunited after 50 years and marry in hospital room as he battles leukemia
Stephen Walbert, 73, and Jennifer Meyerink, 72, got married in Rochester, New York
They met in Trinidad and Tobago, where Walbert was stationed on an army base in 1965
He loved Elvis Presley and spun records for the US Navy radio station and they were introduced by Meyerink's brother
Walbert wore a black sequined outfit, a purple scarf and aviator sunglasses while Meyerink wore a black dress and a purple hat
They got married in a hospital where Walbert has been undergoing treatment for leukemia
He was an Elvis Presley-loving American sailor who spun records for the U.S. Navy radio station on the Caribbean base where he was stationed. She was a local woman whose brother worked at the base.
More than a half century after the brother introduced Jennifer Meyerink and Stephen Walbert, the long-separated couple's love was finally sealed in Rochester, New York.
They were married Monday in the hospital where Walbert has been undergoing treatment for leukemia.
'That eternal flame turned into a bonfire, and it's still roaring today,' the 73-year-old Walbert said as relatives and staff at Rochester General Hospital crammed into his room to view the marriage ceremony officiated by the city clerk.
In a nod to Elvis, Walbert wore a black sequined outfit, a purple scarf and aviator sunglasses. The bride wore a black dress and a purple hat.
Walbert, a Chicago native, was stationed in 1965 in Trinidad and Tobago, where he worked nights as a disc jockey for the base's radio station.
The two fell in love, but Walbert was transferred back to the states. He gave his dog tags to Meyerink, telling her 'Darling, I'll be back one day for this.'
But he never returned to the island nation. The two lost touch, and each got married and started their own families - Meyerink in Ontario, Canada, and Walbert in Wisconsin.
After Meyerink's spouse died, her sister used Facebook to find Walbert, by then a widower and living in Waupaca, in central Wisconsin.
The two began corresponding via email, and reunited in 2015. Walbert moved to Canada in March 2016.
'I never stopped loving him, I realized that,' the 72-year-old Meyerink said.
In October, Walbert was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He decided to seek treatment in Rochester, where his son lives.
Later this week, Walbert and his family will decide whether to continue his treatment at the hospital or choose hospice care, WHEC reports.
'I haven't given up hope on myself yet,' said Walbert, the dog tags Meyerink had saved for 50-plus years hanging from his neck. 'I never will. But I have her back. And that gives me all the strength I need to get through the rest of my life.'
As the church lady from Saturday Night Live would say. "Isn't that Special". But that is real sweet. She looking good for for 72, yuh know! ;D
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^^^^^^^ aaaaawwwwww!!!! This is too sweet!!!! :) :)
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:applause:
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/forever1085/images/9/9c/Lorraine_Toussaint.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20141207013229)
Award-winning Trinidad and Tobago-born actress, Lorraine Toussaint is set to star in a new Netflix series, scheduled for release later this year
Read More https://socamusictv.blogspot.com/2018/06/trini-actress-lorraine-toussaint-to.html
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Detroit's First Trinidadian-Caribbean Restaurant Opens This Week
https://socamusictv.blogspot.com/2018/08/detroits-first-trinidadian-caribbean.html