The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper

The Sunday Guardian had the privilege, courtesy of the T&T Cricket Board, to sit down for a special interview at the Queen’s Park Oval with West Indian batting legend Alvin Kallicharran during his recent coaching stint here in T&T. This was his first visit back to the West Indies in 20 years. Now 65 years old, the sprightly and jovial Kallicharran had his young charges lapping up his coaching techniques when we met up with him. He even ended the session by having them bowl at him in the nets, showing flashes of his brilliant left-handed batting of yesteryear.

In 1975/76 calypsonian Maestro sang after the West Indies won the 1975 World Cup: It was a fantasy to see, tiny little Kalli hit Thommo and Lillee boundary after boundary. This was after the master batsman tore apart the bowling of the Australian great fast bowler Dennis Lillee during one of the World Cup matches (view at www.youtube.com). That onslaught is etched in the annals of cricketing history and folklore—Little Kalli in the days of no helmet and the myriad of other protective gear. In fact, Kallicharran also had the honour of representing the West Indies in their repeat triumph at the 1979 World Cup four years later. He was also a member of the Guyana Shell Shield winning squads of 1973 and 1975, and he scored five regional centuries including one against T&T of 184.

During his career, he played 66 Tests (4,399 runs at an average of 44.43 and 12 centuries) and 31 One Day Internationals for the West Indies from 1972 to 1981. He scored test hundreds in his first and second Test matches, a feat few have accomplished. In his first class career, he played 505 matches scoring 32,650 runs at an average of 43.64 with 87 centuries and 160 50s, while in his One-Day career he played 383 matches scoring another 11,336 runs with an average of 34.66 and 15 hundreds and 71 half-centuries. Out of his 12 Test centuries, four were scored at the Queen’s Park Oval—scores of 101, 158, 103 and 127.

He played county cricket in England for Warwickshire from 1972 to 1992, 20 years, ending in his early 40s. In between and thereafter, he played with Transvaal and Orange Free State in South Africa in the 1980s. He also had a brief stint in Australia for the state team Queensland in the 1977/78 season. After his Warwickshire days, he did some cricket consultancy and coaching around the world and then became the manager/player for ten years with the Lashings in Kent, England. “I’ve made the rounds,” according to Kallicharran. He had the honour of captaining the West Indies team in six matches during the infamous Packer era, losing just one game at the helm.

There is a memorable incident at the Queen’s Park Oval in 1974, when during what many regard as his finest innings, 158 in a match winning inning against England, there was a huge controversy. While on 142, he watched T&T’s Bernard Julien (who made 86 not out) play the last ball of the first day to Tony Greig at point before walking down the pitch towards the pavilion. Greig threw down the bowlers stumps and Kallicharran was given out by Douglas Sang Hue. The outcry that erupted then and overnight, led to Kallicharran being reinstated next morning after the future of the tour was put in jeopardy.

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: In Port Mourant (contrary to what is shown on Cricinfo).

What schools/institutions did you attend?
St Joseph Anglican School and Port Mourant Comprehensive High School. After high school, from the age of 16, my education was obtained from playing or being involved in cricket regionally and internationally. From then until now, you could say the ‘university of cricket’.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general?
All my uncles on both sides were cricketers. My father captained the local team, so it was cricket all around. We followed them around, fed off the passion and learnt a lot from them. Interestingly, it was a shopkeeper back in my village, Mr Ramsey and his family, who influenced me in the early days by providing money to travel to Georgetown to see and play cricket, and I was inspired by being in a village that produced so many West Indian cricket heroes like Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, John Trim and Robert Christiani. I also read a lot at the local libraries about earlier heroes like Learie Constantine, George Headley, Weekes, Worrell, Walcott (the 3 W’s), Frank Worrell and then came the genius Garfield Sobers. These were the people who influenced and inspired me the most, people who you copied mentally and physically and felt their vibrations and sense of purpose, those who set high standards and the strong foundations for us who came later.

Between your playing days as a professional cricketer and today, what have you done job wise?
Basically travelling to different parts of the globe doing cricketing consultancy and coaching. These days, I share my time between the USA and England.

What are your plans for the future? What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
We all have dreams but for me, being back in the West Indies after such a long time has had me thinking that it would be nice to finish my life’s work where it all started. But it’s only a dream, who knows.

Why do you think West Indies cricket has deteriorated like it has?
The feeder system leaves a lot to be desired. There are too many gaps from the grassroot to the national and international levels. These gaps are a lot wider than in my era. Also to be a success, you have to be hungry, to want it and be prepared to work hard. Most of all, you must have discipline. I don’t know how many have the upbringing and the influence in their lives to have that burning desire and discipline to make it happen. The mental strength and understanding that you are in a battle, in a war, you do not see danger or anxiety, but you must win the battle mentally and physically, whether as a batsman or a bowler. That’s how we played as a team in my era and were able to dominate for so long.

What else would you have been if you weren’t a cricketer?
You know Nasser, who knows, maybe a fisherman or a cane cutter back in my village, but my fate was to be a cricketer. It has and continues to be my life.

What is your greatest accomplishment in cricket?
It was to play a Test match for the West Indies which was my dream as a child growing up in my village. That was my greatest achievement in cricket, to wear the West Indies colours at an international level. It was the highest accolade, prize, award, whatever you want to call it. Of course, there are many medals and trophies, but playing that first Test match back then, nothing can beat that. Being recognised and being invited to contribute to cricket in the West Indies for the first time by the T&T Cricket Board is very special too, I must say.

Is an autobiography in the making?
Many people ask me this question. As a human being, sometimes it’s best to leave the past behind. To go back and dig up and bring out the truth behind the scenes that no one writes about is sometimes best left alone. There is so much to say but who knows, maybe one day…There is a lot I would say about South Africa, for example, and Packer and the West Indies administration in those days. I better keep quiet yes (laughing).

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: In Port Mourant (contrary to what is shown on Cricinfo).

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general?
All my uncles on both sides were cricketers. My father captained the local team, so it was cricket all around. We followed them around, fed off the passion and learnt a lot from them. Interestingly, it was a shopkeeper back in my village, Mr Ramsey and his family, who influenced me in the early days by providing money to travel to Georgetown to see and play cricket, and I was inspired by being in a village that produced so many West Indian cricket heroes like Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Solomon, John Trim and Robert Christiani. I also read a lot at the local libraries about earlier heroes like Learie Constantine, George Headley, Weekes, Worrell, Walcott (the 3 Ws), Frank Worrell and then came the genius Garfield Sobers. These were the people who influenced and inspired me the most, people who you copied mentally and physically and felt their vibrations and sense of purpose, those who set high standards and the strong foundations for us who came later.

Bridget Brereton is professor emerita of History at the St Augustine (Trinidad) campus of the University of the West Indies. She has served as head of the Department of History, as deputy campus principal, and as interim campus principal, all at St Augustine. She has been a visiting professor at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. She has served both as secretary-treasurer and later as president of the Association of Caribbean Historians, and is a past editor of the Journal of Caribbean History.

In 1996, she won the cross-campus Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Administration, the first woman to do so. She has been chair of the board of the National Library and Information System Authority, and also chaired the committee appointed by Cabinet to consider the nation’s highest award, the Trinity Cross, and other national symbols and observances. She has served on many university and campus boards and committees.

She is the author of several books, including Race Relations in Colonial Trinidad, 1870-1900 (1979); A History of Modern Trinidad, 1783-1962 (1989); Law, Justice and Empire: The Colonial Career of John Gorrie, 1829-1892 (1997); and From Imperial College to the University of the West Indies: A History of the St Augustine Campus, T&T (2010), as well as many published journal articles and book chapters.

She is the editor of Volume V of the Unesco General History of the Caribbean: The Twentieth Century (2004) and the co-editor of several other books. She has been a teacher for over 40 years, and pioneered courses at St Augustine in the history of T&T, and in women and gender in the history of the Caribbean. She has also written two school texts, Social Life in the Caribbean, 1838-1938 (for CXC) and An Introduction to the History of T&T.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? How did you end up in T&T? I was born in Madras, India (now Chennai), because my father served in the Indian Army during World War II, but by the time of my birth the war was over, and the family returned to Britain when I was a baby. I grew up in Scotland and England (Edinburgh and Exeter) and came to Jamaica aged 17, when my father became Professor of English at UWI, Mona Campus. I studied history at Mona and married a fellow student from T&T…and have been living here for nearly 50 years.

What schools and institutions did you attend?
I went to a little primary school in Edinburgh to age nine, then to the Maynard School for Girls in Exeter, where I did my O- and A-Levels. I got my BA at Mona, my MA at the University of Toronto, and my PhD right here at St Augustine. I was the first person to get a PhD at St Augustine in a humanities or social sciences subject.

Who influenced and inspired you the most in your career and in your life?
My father, an academic and a very humane and cultured man. My husband, who has always given me the space and support which we all need. Inspiring teachers, who later became colleagues, like Douglas Hall, Elsa Goveia, Roy Augier, Keith Laurence, Carl Campbell.

What is your teaching philosophy?
As a university teacher, I tried to inspire students with a passion for studying the past, and with a sense of respect for the people and societies we study.

As an educator, to what do you attribute the low levels of literacy rates?
At the university level, we have all noticed a decline in our students’ ability to deal with more complicated material—the majority, that is. They are less willing or even able to read, and to assimilate what they read; less interested or curious in pursuing intellectual work. Of course, this is part of a worldwide decline in the skills and habits of reading—a solitary and demanding business—and as so many have said, ours is not really a book-reading society. Since the study of the humanities, including history, is based on just that, it’s a problem for university teachers of these subjects.

What are your greatest accomplishments as a teacher and as an author?
I’m proud that I’ve researched and written on important aspects of the history of T&T and the Caribbean, and that some of my books and articles are still widely read, including by students at various levels. I’m pleased that I’ve taught many people who themselves have gone on to teach and research.

Which are your favourite books—not yours, of course?
I’ve read far too many books to be able to cite favourites, but perhaps the most influential in my early development as a scholar was Trinidad in Transition: The Years after Slavery by British historian Donald Wood, an important mentor to me and many others.

What advice/recipe for success would you give to young people aspiring to be teachers or authors?
The best advice for young people aspiring to be teachers or authors is simple and obvious: have a passion for your subject and work very hard at it.

Describe yourself in two words: one beginning with B, and the other with B, your initials.
I could say brainy and brave—but that would be very immodest.

No one has documented more of T&T’s history than Michael Anthony. The sprightly and spirited 84-year-old is this country’s go-to historian, a local literary giant, published author of some 30 books, with more looming on the horizon, he promises.

Born in 1930 and raised in Mayaro, his passion for research and writing is boundless, and his impressive list of publications dates back to 1963. Once an avid swimmer, an athletics fan and supporter of the Tottenham Hotspurs—he resided near their home ground in London for some 14 years in his early days—Anthony is in the midst of completing Volume 2 of his series History of Trinidad and Tobago in the 20th century.

While in England Anthony had the honour of communicating with Nobel prize-winning author VS Naipaul who encouraged him to pursue short story writing. Thus evolved his first published novel The Games Were Coming in 1963, followed by a long list of other novels up to High Tide of Intrigue in 2001. Other noted titles include The Year in San Fernando, Cricket in the Road and All That Glitters. Two of his notable non-fiction books are Towns and Villages of Trinidad and Tobago and Historical Dictionary of Trinidad and Tobago.

His latest, in 2012, is Christopher Columbus: A Close Look at the Man and his Voyages. A collection of his writings can be accessed at UWI, St Augustine. In 1967, Anthony was awarded a fellowship by the Arts Council of Great Britain. In 1979, he received the Humming Bird Gold Medal and in 2003 an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies.

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: I was born in the village of Mayaro. I stayed in Mayaro until I was 11. I spent a year in San Fernando—from New Year’s Day 1941 to Christmas Eve 1941. I returned home for Christmas and did not go back. I won a bursary to the Junior Technical School of San Fernando in 1944, went to work at the Pointe-a-Pierre oil refinery from 1946, when I left the school and remained at Pointe-a-Pierre until I went to England in 1954.

What schools/institutions did you attend?
My first school was Mayaro RC, then I went to San Fernando Government School in 1941 and the Junior Technical School in 1944.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most in your career and in life in general?
I was inspired by Canute Thomas, a school friend. In my literary life I was very much inspired by Charles Dickens, whose stories of childhood moved me very much. Later, I liked the styles of JD Salinger and Ernest Hemingway. While I can say their styles made me choose writing as a career, I cannot say they continue to influence me.

What prompted you to become an author?
I liked writing since infancy. I was always ready to learn and recite poems. In classes where you have to write compositions, I always made it my favourite subject. But I must say, I always wanted to seize the opportunity to write about Mayaro.

Which are your favourite books? Not yours, of course.
My favourite books are A farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger and An Island is a World by Samuel Selvon.

What motto do you live by and what is your recipe for success?
I live by the motto: Life is good; live it well. Success—if there is a recipe for success, I would like to know where to find it. I have a feeling that the formula is hard work and luck will follow.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?
I regard as extremely special being given a doctorate by the University of the West Indies.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do. What would you say and what advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours?
Inspiration is one of the words I don’t take seriously. If you like writing fiction, you think of a story to write about and if you have the ability, you make the scene vivid and charming; and on the whole, if you write your story well, it is good. If you want to write non-fiction, you try to think of what you need to write about. If you have worked hard at your craft and you

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are able to say what you want to say and express yourself clearly, that’s good.
My advice to anyone contemplating authorship is: Great! Go ahead. Write something every day. Don’t get downcast by rejections. Bounce back. Try and write simply, with the accent on saying what you mean. Don’t get carried away by grandiose words. Above all, be yourself.

Who was your hero or “idol” growing up—fictional or real or both—and why? And who do you admire most today?
I had two heroes while I was growing up. I liked Frank Worrell, the Barbados batsman. I also liked a college boy from Mayaro who lived in the same house with me in San Fernando and always defended me in disputes. He played cricket and football, he could skate using both skates, he was strong and muscular but very nice and gentle with people. He is now 87 and I am 84 and now we are friends, although in our youth he saw me as a little boy.

Which of your works do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable?
For me, in fiction, my best work I now think to be the historical novel In the Heat of the Day. I feel I happened to capture what I set out to capture, and to vent my anger about certain things I found ridiculous, and to [express ideas through] characters. The story is of the burning down of the Red House in 1903 and I am so glad I researched the story—so that if the man in the street or even Walsh Wrightson were to come back, they’d say: “Yes, it was like that.” So the book is really satisfying to me, and I hope, to others.

Which is your favourite calypso?
My favourite calypso was for years Death of Destroyer by the Mighty Ziegfield. Destroyer died in 1944, I think, but Ziegfield made him live by recalling so masterfully his life and times in calypso. I also liked Mae Mae by Sparrow and How Many More Must Die by Duke.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I have ever had to make was a decision to leave my son—who was in hospital for a few days when he was two—to go back home. I was really overwrought. This was when we lived in Rio de Janeiro. My son is now 46, but when I think back on that occasion, his crying after me because I was leaving—when I think of it I still feel pain.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
It had to do with a student. She liked Green Days by the River. It was the simplicity of what she said that moved me. I can’t remember her words.

What are your plans for the future in terms of writing?
I don’t want to make my plans too long-range, but there are four books I have in mind to write. I hope I shall be able to write them. Anyway, as long as the writer has health and strength, he is always trying to write one more.

What are your greatest accomplishments as an author?
I have never really felt I had accomplishments. I am not being foolishly modest, as my friends might say, but I have never seen things like that.

What is your most prized tangible possession?
The love of friends and family. We are a big family. My sister has 11 children, I have four—Jennifer, Keith, Carlos and Sandra—my brother Rupert has five. We live well together. My family is almost all abroad but they are always here. As I write, my eldest child Jennifer has come to see me. Her fault is her generosity to me. This and writing make up my world.

If you could dine with anyone in history, who would that be?
Who would that be? The man everyone would like to dine with—that is, everyone in the literary world. The poet John Milton said of him: “...And so sepulchered in such pomp dost lie/that kings for such a tomb would wish to die.” Yes, I’d join the queue to dine with Mr William [Shakespeare].

What is your favourite meal or dish/food ...and drink?
My favourite meal is rice and pigeon peas with fish. As a drink, I like grapefruit juice.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with M, the other with A . . . your initials?
Mostly Ambitious.

How can our readers find out more about you or purchase your books?
99 Long Circular Road, Port of Spain; 628 2221; manthony@tstt.net; manthony@gmail.com; http://MichaelAnthonyTrinidad.com
https://www.facebook.com/CirclePressLimited

Recently retired from the Public Service where she spent 31 years of her working life, Delia Chatoor now has more time to devote to her role as president of the T&T Red Cross Society. Her retirement coincides with the society’s continuing celebration of its 50th anniversary since an Act for the Incorporation of the T&T Red Cross Society was assented to confirming the organisation as one of the new members of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies in 1963. The San Fernando native is a lawyer (admitted 1980) who devoted her career to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the following divisions over the years: Political and Economic Affairs Division, Legal and Marine Affairs Division, Administration Division, International Trade and Economic Affairs Division, Training Division, Multilateral Relations Division, Americas Division and finally, as acting deputy permanent secretary.

From September 1988 to February 1996 she was assigned to T&T’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, New York, and from June 1999 to April 2004 was appointed head of the Sub-Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross with responsibility for all Caricom member states except Haiti. Her stint in 2007 in the Multilateral Relations Division also saw her involved with the activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Her membership in various organisations include the World Wildlife Fund, the Institute of International Criminal Investigations, the Kingdom of the Netherlands—member of the board of directors, the International Criminal Law Network, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the T&T Red Cross Society—member since 1997, president from April 2005 to May 2008 and December 2011 to present. Her duties include representing the society at domestic and international meetings, covering disarmament matters, disaster management, and international legal issues (and human rights law). She is a commissioned lay minister at the Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, Les Efforts East, San Fernando.

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: Born on Rushworth Street, San Fernando, and grew up in San Fernando, except for periods away at university and on assignment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What schools/institutions did you attend including primary?
San Fernando Girls’ Government School; St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando; University of the West Indies (UWI), Barbados, Bachelor of Laws Degree; Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad, legal education certificate; University College, London, Master of Laws Degree; Institute of International Relations, UWI, Trinidad, diploma in international relations; St Andrew’s University, Scotland, advanced certificate in terrorism studies.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most (outside of your immediate family) in your career and life in general and how did they?
There were a few, Ms Irma Thomas (high school), literature and European history teacher. She encouraged me to be a critical thinker, to check and recheck all work, and to speak, dress and sit carefully. Frs Garfield Rochard, Carlyle Fortune and Clyde Harvey—they taught me about spirituality, the role of the Roman Catholic church in the society, and how to be patient with all. Career, permanent secretaries like Christopher Thomas, Frank Abdullah, Lennox Ballah (deceased) and Joan Mendez. They respected the views of young officers once they were substantiated by reasoned arguments, they encouraged, they nurtured, and they mentored. All these individuals allowed me to develop my self-confidence, my style of leadership and writing.

How and why did you become involved with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society?
I became a member of the society through Commodore Mervyn Williams (deceased). He had the uncanny knack of identifying people who had a particular skill and encouraging the development of that skill. Furthermore, it was a very brave person who dared say no to him. I was always interested in international relations and human rights, the plight of those less fortunate than me. Commodore recognised this, so he brought me in to cover all the international issues touching on the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement as well as how to build capacity in the national society. A background in diplomatic relations and international law were then a natural fit when I became a member. The years spent as a delegate with the International Committee of the Red Cross also added to my knowledge of international humanitarian law, the need to ban all weapons of mass destruction and more recently, I have been involved in the campaign to ban nuclear weapons because of the deadly and unpredictable humanitarian consequences of a nuclear incident. Finally, I have been looking at the causes of violence and human trafficking. These are some of the challenges affecting the region and which are engaging the attention of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

What goals and/or ambitions do you still have?
For me personally, to complete a research paper on the Role of and Relevance of International Humanitarian Law to T&T and to complete a module on human rights and international terrorism which I am due to begin in October. For the Red Cross, to see the replacement of the existing legislation which led to the incorporation of the society. The existing act is 50 years old and there have considerable changes in the roles and functions of the national society. New legislation would bring us into the 21 century.
And finally, a new and well maintained Web site so that all our activities, including events and training programmes as well as developments among our Red Cross Red Crescent partners could be disseminated.

What is/are the defining “aha” moment/s in your life so far?
The biggest “aha” occurred on September 20, 1997, when as a foreign service officer accompanying late president ANR Robinson on a visit to Rome, I was presented to St John Paul II. He blessed me and gave me a rosary. His hands, as I held them, were cool and comforting. At that time, there was no hint of him being canonised. He exuded peace and deep love. Another has to be holding my first nephew when he was just a few hours old and marvelling at the mystery of birth. The baby who I held in one hand is now over six feet.

If someone only reads a couple lines of this interview what would you want them to know?
I would like them to be aware that there is beauty around us, if we would only spend some time looking for and enjoying it; that we must care for each other no matter what our own personal circumstances may be; that hard work is essential for personal growth; that one should look for ways to mentor others and share knowledge; and the importance of family.

Most times not-for-profit organisations such as the Red Cross are led by women, and females tend to outnumber males in the membership. Why is that?
We are still the caregivers, the mother figures. We know how to multitask and do it successfully. We know how to make funds stretch and stretch. We are planners and organisers, and we do so with the feminine touch.

What is the biggest need/priority of the Red Cross and how can people help?
We are in the process of organising how to rebuild our northern branch which was badly damaged by fire in May 2014. The branch has many activities and the staff need a proper working environment until there is a firm decision on what we are going to do. We have, as an organisation, outgrown the space we now occupy which includes our headquarters. A new, ultra-modern building is required for the branch and headquarters to enable us to fulfill our mandates which have grown over the years. We need ambulances to carry out our duties which have increased as well. Citizens are aware of the “Red Cross brand” and as with all civil society organisations we must have resources (financial and human) to help us in our outreach programmes and to enable us to respond quickly, efficiently and effectively to emergencies. We rely heavily on our volunteer base which is broad-based and we do not discriminate on membership. We would encourage young people to become members and assist on duties which could range from manning first aid stations, mentoring others, working of communities on HIV/Aids projects, preparing communities to deal with the impact of natural disasters and climate change, developing healthy lifestyles, poverty alleviation exercises. These are only some of the activities in which citizens can bring their time, talent and treasure as we work together for the benefit of humanity.

What other information about the society would you like to share with our readers (eg contact information, events, volunteer recruitment, training etc)?
We have three branches: North—at the headquarters of the National Society; South—in San Fernando; Tobago—Signal Hill. We train people in life skills and First Aid/CPR. We are involved in health fairs at which we provide information on HIV/Aids and lifestyle diseases. Anyone can visit a branch or the headquarters, fill out an application form, have someone do the recommendation and pay a small fee of $60. We also welcome corporate entities to partner with us on our programmes and become members. Finally, please look out for our 50th anniversary commemorative publication which will be launched in October.

CONTACT
Headquarters: 627-8215, 627-8128; e-mail: ttrc@tstt.net.tt
North branch: 627-8214
South Branch: 657-5818
Tobago Branch: 639-2781

When Trinis think of Alaska, they think mostly of Eskimos and igloos. But when you meet retired Alaskan trial judge, Ray Funk, those stereotypes disappear quickly. The tall and bearded Alaskan is anything but an Eskimo. He has been a serious calypso, steelband and Carnival researcher for two decades or so, coming here annually for Carnival. The Sunday Guardian caught up with Funk, who is currently in Trinidad.

Funk has amassed a unique collection on calypso, pan and Carnival. He has been writing books (with collaborators given his limitations, according to him and scores of articles on Carnival, co-curated an exhibit, produced or wrote notes for reissue recordings, and done lectures and exhibits in New York, Florida, London, Leeds, Grand Cayman, and in Trinidad (at UWI, UTT and Nalis) on aspects of Trinidad music, theatre and Carnival. He was co-curator of a travelling and online exhibit with Steve Stuempfle at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida on the Calypso: A World Music that toured colleges and libraries in the United States and down to Trinidad several years ago. Funk also worked on a BBC4 cricket calypso radio show in 2005. He was named an honorary fellow of the Academy at the University of T&T in 2006. He has worked closely with Dr Hollis Liverpool (The Mighty Chalkdust), multiple-time calypso monarch winner at UTT on various projects and public presentations. He did a 13-episode TV series with Christopher Laird for Gayelle several years ago called Dingolay with Ratiray which has been aired several times. For the last couple of years, he has done annual presentations of rare film clips during Carnival for the T&T Film Festival. But that is just the beginning.

Recently, he finished a number of collaborative book-length projects. Two are finally coming out. Two more on pan are completed but are looking to be published. The first is a book of George Tang’s photos of the famous Stephen Lee Heung masquerade bands for which he wrote the historical text. George Tang is Stephen’s cousin and these are unpublished photos of a number of the classic years when Carlyle Chang, Wayne Berkeley and Follette Eustace designed the band. The book features a number of photos of the first band that Peter Minshall designed, Paradise Lost.
The second is a large study of the Calypso Craze of 1957. This is a coffee table box with over a thousand images and an exhaustive text that was just issued in Germany by Bear Family as part of a box set that has six cds and a dvd of very rare calypso footage. It was just released internationally and Lexicon is arranging for copies to be available in local bookstores.

The following is a condensed version from a wide ranging interview...

Q: First, let’s get a bit of background…tell us a bit about your early years.
A: I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the Chicago suburbs, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I went to the University of Notre Dame undergraduate, got a Masters degree in English from the University of Chicago, and a law degree at University of California, Berkeley. I came to Alaska in the middle of law school as an intern for the chief justice, returned after I graduated as his law clerk and been in Alaska ever since, working as a lawyer and judge. I started music research 30 years ago, specialising in early African American a capella gospel music and worked on over 50 reissue albums based on interviewing hundreds of singers. I switched my focus to Trinidad about 20 years ago.

What are your current and future projects, why are you in Trinidad in the “off season”?
I am here, as always, for the joy of being in Trinidad, but especially to launch the George Tang photo book We Kind ah People, The Carnival Bands of Stephen Lee Heung at Nalis on October 7 at 6 pm, and support the work of the Music Literacy Trust who are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a gala event on October 10 at 6:30 pm at the Renaissance. The book launch at Nalis will feature some extraordinary film footage from George Tang that will be shown for the first time and will show when mas was mas. I am working on several new projects such as a book with Jeannine Remy on steelbands from South (we completed a study on Invaders) and several more that are just getting off the ground. I am just in from a few weeks in Brooklyn, where I have been working with Prof Ray Allen on the history of calypso and pan music in New York and its relation to Carnival, first in Harlem and then in Brooklyn.

How and why did you become involved with the ‘Carnival’ art forms?
I keep telling everyone your country seduced me from the first time I visited a couple decades ago. With its overwhelming joy of calypso, pan and mas, I started coming for a week, next two and for several years, it is a month every year for Carnival. Now, hopefully, I will be coming at other times.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most in your career and life in general and how did they?
I am constantly influenced by a large number of people who I have worked with and those who have guided and supported me, so it is hard to name just a few. I had many mentors in my legal career. But let me mention one who has passed but who should always be remembered, and was central to my coming to Trinidad. That is the late Errol Hill. He was head of the theatre department at Dartmouth before he retired, he wrote the seminal study on the Trinidad Carnival and served as an adviser for the globalisation of calypso exhibit that Steve Stuempfle and I co-curated. We traded materials and he gave me many insights and support from the moment I first wrote him. Errol, along with Don Hill and John Cowley and Richard Noblett, helped me explore the early history of calypso and Carnival before I ever came to Trinidad. Collector/researcher George Maharaj brought me out to a calypso tent the first night of my first trip to Trinidad. We have been colleagues ever since and he now has me starting to research Trinidad ‘combo’ music.

Do you play mas when you are here for Carnival?
I have played mas for many years, often on J’Ouvert with 3 Canal and with Ashrath’s wonderful, small band as cow, corbeau and bat. I have been privileged to play in Minshall’s Sacred Heart band, fancy sailor with Jason Griffith, Boss and Senor Gomez. I was a midnight robber with Brian Honore several times. I was also in Marlon’s Griffith’s Hypnotic Night band this year. I let the spirit move me as each season approaches.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have in the areas of the carnival art forms?
To continue to find and uncover hidden pieces of the rich history of Carnival arts and help share them. I am starting to work with Hayden Strasser on a piece of his uncle Wilfred Strasser, and I hope to work the next year with Rosalind Gabriel and Exodus steelband as well as the other things I have mentioned. Yes, all this sounds like a lot, but different projects proceed at different paces. I am currently working with Ray Allen, a professor at Brooklyn College, staying with him for the second year and doing research on calypso and pan in New York. We have been doing exciting interviews on the transition from Harlem to Brooklyn Carnival, the labels like Strakers and Charley’s and the singers, arrangers and musicians on those recordings. When I can get to London, I have worked with Mighty Tiger and the Association of British Calypsonians on the history of calypso in Britain. Andy Martin and I have done ongoing research on the history of pan, writing many articles for the Trinidad Guardian, and that will continue. I am working to give back the complex and rich history of Carnival arts to Trinidad.

What other information about yourself would you like to share with our readers?
I am constantly looking to find old film, photos, audio of calypso, pan and mas, and to get in touch with singers, musicians, panmen! Feel free to e-mail me at rfunk99707@gmail.com if you have things like that or know who does.

After honing his football coaching skills in Canada for a number of years, his last assignment as that country’s national men’s senior team coach, 54-year-old Stephen Hart has been in the unenviable role as T&T’s Soca Warriors’ newest national coach. It’s a position he had longed for when he started thinking about plans to return to the land of his birth. Early years before, he headed off to Canada to further his studies in his late teens and to hopefully continue playing the sport he so loved. When the T&T Football Federation (TTFA) expressed an interest in his services in 2013, a position he keenly coveted, Hart jumped at the opportunity. Today, he is at the helm of a group of senior players, many of whom ply their skills around the world in various teams and leagues all with different styles of playing the game. Therein lies the unenviable challenge of coach Hart, that of bringing together as many as 20 selected players recently chosen to represent the T&T Soca Warriors.

Although San Fernando is where his roots lie, Hart also spent time in Tobago where his parents moved to when he was 17. Among his relatives are cousins Gregory and Richard “Dickie” Hart, who both cycled for T&T, as well as masman, uncle Edmond Hart. He is an avid Panorama fan and a keen supporter of the Fonclaire steelband. His first assignment came in July 2013 when he became the second coach, after Bertille St Clair, to take the Warriors into the knockout stage of the Gold Cup competition. Hart grew up in the era of late St Benedict’s College principal Dom Basil Matthews and with people like Leroy De Leon, Warren Archibald, Steve David, Bobby Sookram, Wilfred Cave and Jan Steadman as some of his local heroes. He played for the under-14 junior and senior teams.

After Matthews retired, the college withdrew from the schools’ competition to focus on its academics instead of football. At the age of 15, young Hart joined the popular Juniors and Hurricanes teams and played alongside Leroy Spann, Peter Mitchell, Bert Neptune and Michael Maurice in the Southern Football Association. He then played with Texaco before heading off to Halifax, Canada, to pursue studies in marine geography. “I always liked the sea and thought I would one day return to Trinidad and do environmental resource management. In fact, in 1986 I applied for a job hoping to become involved in coral reef management and helping in the preservation of marine life, but that didn’t pan out,” he said. Hart’s first coaching gig came in 1989 at semi-professional team Halifax King of Donair as player/coach. Ten years later, his career really took off when he was hired as a coach for Nova Scotia, an ice hockey country and province, taking the participation in soccer to an unprecedented level there. “There were 3,000 players in the province when I started, and there were 30,000 when I left,” Hart said. T&T’s latest round of matches are currently taking place in the 2014 Caribbean Cup semi-final qualifying, and coach Hart has high hopes that his Soca Warrior charges will put their best feet forward as he strives to put T&T on the world football stage once again.

Q: Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
A: Born in San Fernando, grew up in Marabella and La Romaine.

What schools/institutions did you attend?
San Fernando Boys’ Government School, same school as Michael Maurice and Bert Neptune; St Benedicts College; St Mary’s University Halifax graduate 1985.

What teams did you play for?
T&T First Division: San Fernando Hurricanes 1975-79; Texaco FC 1979-80; San Fernando Strikers 1982; T&T Premier League; Halifax Privateers 1981; Americas 1988-89; King of Donair 1983-1998; and T&T National team, where I was selected under Alvin Corneal in 1980 but departed soon after for university.

When and how did you get into coaching?
Just wanted to help youngsters enjoy the game, so I volunteered with children under 12 while still at university.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general?
So many touched your life in a special way as you grow: some encourage, some develop, some educate. It’s hard to single out individuals. Obviously my family, father and mother, whom were always supportive but never interfered. My youth and senior coach Ken Headley, who was a deep thinker of the game and encouraged me to do the same, and many of my teammates, both locally and abroad. A gentleman who gave

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me my first real coaching job, George Athanasiou, he took a chance on me.

Coaching has taken you to many countries. As a coach, which countries have you been to?
Wow! I have been to over 50 countries and I always go to football. However, in studying football and coaching, I have been to Spain, France, Netherlands, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Germany and Portugal.

Who was your hero growing up and why? Your favourite footballers?
Locally, Leroy DeLeon, Peter Mitchell, Leroy Spann, Leon Carpette, Bert Neptune, Steve Khan. All had something different to observe and learn from. Not to mention they were entertaining.
Internationally, Pele, Beckenbauer, Overath, Cruyff and Maradona

What are some of your coaching achievements?
Taking Canada to a Gold Cup semi final (2007) and quarter final (2009). I lead Halifax King of Donair as a player/coach, and coach to four consecutive league titles and six cups. However, for me, that was not important. The young players who played under me and went on to represent their country and play professionally are way more important achievements. There were many and I was not the only influence, just happy to have contributed.

What is your coaching schedule for the next year, and what are your plans for the future?
My schedule is largely dependent upon the funding of the T&T football programme. At present, I cannot answer that question with any certainty. However, the CFU Tournaments of October and November are a priority. I will also assist if required with the Under-17 and Under-20 teams.

What is a typical practice like?
It depends...unlike a club, the national teams have limited preparation time, usually four days. Recovery and rest have to be measured. Physically, we keep the players sharp with speed and power exercises incorporating the ball.
Our training is usually very specific and tactical in nature, outside of the physical element. We also work very hard at creating working relationships between the playing lines.

What is your coaching philosophy?
I always get scared at the word coaching philosophy. The TEAM is the most important factor, no one person is more or less important. Play for each other, bring your quality to the game, be dynamic, and play for the result. I want us to control the tempo of the game when we are in possession. Situational awareness is important for this. We should recognise when we need to build versus counter. When we are not in possession, try to also exert control by forcing our opponent to play uncomfortably. If we don’t have this balance in how we play, we will be weakened as a team.

What are some of the things that need improving in T&T’s football?
Believe me, I do not have all the answers, we have some excellent minds here. Player development needs consistency and continuity across the board. It must be measurable and subject to evaluation without being seen as criticism.
Coaching development and education are two different things. It cannot be general, we need to identify the strengths of our coaches and place them where they can contribute and have the most impact. There are no secrets…compete on the field, work together off it. We need to work together to make an overall better product. By this, I mean both players and the game…administrators, managers, coaches, players, schools, clubs, referees, grounds men, media. Everybody working for the good...the betterment of the game.
I have not even touched on the other potential economic spin-offs of an efficient product. A better product with continuous development and progression means we all keep working within the game.

Do you foresee T&T making it to the World Cup again as we did in 2006?
Why not? But it needs careful planning and nurturing with realistic timelines. We have the talent. If we say right “Project 2022” and develop a macro/micro plan, with consistent financial support and varied international exposure, it is very possible.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Education comes in many forms, especially today, understand that learning has no roof. Develop yourself daily and pursue your dreams with dynamic enthusiasm and passion.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?
Nothing material! Coming from T&T and making it in a foreign country as a coach and technical director of Canada. This is a bit ironic, I recently had a young man who played for me, a quality player, now a doctor, contact me and said, “I always wanted to thank you for the influence you had in my life, especially those times when I wanted to quit medical school.”

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
To remain in football and coaching as long as possible. I would love to have a real positive impact on T&T football. Qualifying for the World Cup once again is the goal, pun intended.

What motto do you live by, and what is your recipe for success?
Simplicity is genius. Be compassionate with people but hard on problems.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with S, the other with H…your initials?
Simple and happy!

With the threat of the Ebola virus, the question has been posed as to whether Carnival 2015 should be postponed or even cancelled. Many have pointed to a similar scenario in 1972 when Carnival was postponed from February to May because of the threat of the polio virus.

When Carnival was eventually staged in May 1973, the rains came and ruined the parade. This was vividly captured the next Carnival by Aldwyn Roberts, the Lord Kitchener in his 1973 Road March, Rainorama.

Here are the lyrics, crank up the volume and sing along.

Rain-O-Rama
—Lord Kitchener

Well they moan and dey fuss and dey say we want we fete

And dey ‘buse and they cuss and they say this is a threat

Yes, they damn and they blast, and they say we hope it ain’t true

They won’t dare to cancel we jump up 1972.

Chorus:

Mama, when they hear they go get the carnival

All masqueraders on heat

When they didn’t hear if it was official, but they started turning beast on the street

And they start to jump around, yaay, and they start to tumble down, yaay

And they fall down on the ground, yaay, if you see how they gay, yes

But what was so comical, in the midst of bacchanal

Rain come and wash out mas in May.

Some ah them even say is ‘cause they from Morne Coco so they wouldn’t let we play

And dey blaming polio, who they think they could fool

All we know they better do fast, polio or no polio, man we want we mas.

Chorus ….

When the news hit the town, the band leaders rail up then

Well they can’t slow we down, ‘cause a lot of money spent

And they know very well everybody have their minds bent

So they have to try and save us this embarrassment.

Chorus ….

One or two big shots say that it is impertinent to suggest they should play carnival after the Lent

Well the crowd start to bawl, they eh know what they talking ‘bout

Why the so and so hypocrites doh shut up dey mouths.

Chorus ….

The tumultuous and unfortunate aborted tour of India by the West Indies cricket team has brought to the fore the opinions and involvement of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), which is headed by 57-year old Azim Bassarath. Bassarath is now into his fifth year as president of the TTCB, one of the most important sporting bodies in the country. Charged with overseeing the operations of the board, Bassarath and his team are a busy bunch given that cricket is now a year-round sport. He also serves as a director on the West Indies Cricket Board.

His ascendancy to the position of president of the TTCB has seen him through a journey in the sport of cricket dating back to being a foundation member of the St Mary’s Superstars Sports Club in 1988 and becoming its president in 1997, a position he has held since then. Along the way, he has been a junior cricket coach, umpire, team manager, member and chairman of various TTCB committees and has received many awards for cricket and community work. He is employed at the San Juan/Laventille Regional Corporation as county superintendent.

Tell us about your early years in life, where were you born and where did you grow up?
I grew up in the village of St Mary’s, Moruga, where I still reside to this day. As a child, I belonged to a very close-knit family of hardworking parents, two older brothers, two younger brothers and a sister. I grew up in close proximity to the St Mary’s Recreation Ground, which I must say was a major aspect of my life growing up, as most of my time was spent there. I considered that ground as my second home. I think my love for the game of cricket originated from there.

At what schools/institutions (primary, secondary etc) did you receive your education?
I attended the St Mary’s Government School and some years later, on a scholarship, a private secondary school in Princes Town, Tagore High School, named after Rabindranath Tagore.

When and how did you get into the sport of cricket?
I held an interest in cricket from a very young age. As a child, I would collect the sport sections of all the daily newspapers and kept a scrapbook on all the latest cricketing news and profiles of the prominent players of the game. I also shared my time with other sports such as football and table tennis, but cricket has always been my preference. I even played cricket for my school and had a vision of becoming a professional cricketer. I had never imagined myself being president of the TTCB.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of “work” you do in cricket.
My sole purpose is to serve the game that I love so much. It is my vision to see cricket continuously advance and for the T&T brand to become more recognized both regionally and internationally. I work tirelessly and will continue to do so with the assistance and support of my executive, to see that this comes to fruition.

How do you see this saga currently surrounding the West Indies team unfolding?
What has happened in India is indeed very unfortunate. This incident will hurt West Indies cricket for a long time to come. It is unlike me to point fingers at anyone in particular, but this situation could have been avoided. We must now engage in discussion to move ahead with our cricket, and it is my hope that things fall back in place as soon as possible.

Now give us your answer, if you can, as an ordinary citizen, a fan even, like most of our readers.
I would probably have to say, generally speaking, that it is wise to get all the facts before passing judgment on any person or entity.

What are the challenges that face you and your board in achieving your goals and how will you overcome them?
Since assuming office in 2009 we were severely hampered with funding as most of you already know. Our youth programmes have been severely affected as a result of this, as we were not able to touch on areas that we felt could have assisted in developing and moulding even better cricketers.
The clubs, which are the backbone of the TTCB, were not assisted as we would have liked. We requested additional funding for our clubs but this never materialized, without so much as an acknowledgement from the relevant authorities.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life, outside of your immediate family, and how did they?
It would have to be Dr Alloy Lequay. This man transformed cricket administration in T&T. When I first met Dr Lequay, he struck me as an honest and humble individual who worked tirelessly for cricket. He would always give 100 per cent in any activities he undertook. He was
indeed a diligent worker who has made a sincere contribution to society.

If you could interview or dine with anyone, who would it be and why and what question would you be eager to ask?
Young Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai. I’ve chosen her because of the tremendous impact she has created wherever she goes. She is a very intelligent young woman who has captivated the hearts of so many people around the world. The one question I would ask her is “Where do
you get the confidence and energy to go on like this at such a young age?”

Being in the public eye, what would you like people to know about you that they probably don’t know?
I am a very family oriented person, and my grandchildren mean the world to me.

What are some of your achievements as president of the TTCB over the past five years?
There are several achievements but I will just name a few: T&T winning the Caribbean T20 tournament in 2011, 2012 and 2013; winning three consecutive terms as president of the TTCB; managing with minimal funding and successfully administering our programmes; safely guiding this ship for the past five years, without any distractions or obstacles along the way.

What goals do you still have to achieve in cricket and otherwise?
To see T&T win the Regional 4-Day competition, and to see West Indies cricket rise yet again to the top. I would also like to see the politics in cricket removed and for everyone to work together towards the betterment of the sport.

What would you say is your recipe for success?
I would consider a combination of hard work, humility and perseverance as the ideal recipe.

Describe yourself in two words—one beginning with A, the other with B, your initials.
I would have to say Amiable and Balanced.

Atiba Phillips is a young mover and shaker who has embraced the challenge of encouraging our youth through the use of technology, in areas such as agriculture. To that end, he set up a non-profit organisation in 2009, the Community HUB (Hope, Understanding, Belief) dedicated to this purpose. The HUB is an innovative social enterprise with a global vision for change through the development of youth and communities by leveraging Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs).

It is the medium through which Phillips and his board are determined to help build our youth capacity, by introducing underserved youth, especially through educational technology-based programmes, video, animation, digital media, web and mobile. The HUB works through a network of professionals in the ICT field as well as school principals, parents, and volunteers skilled in other disciplines who are advocates for youth. An ICT strategy expert, Phillips has served as chairman and CEO of the National ICT Company Ltd of T&T (iGovTT), where he was the State’s ICT lead in prime ministerial missions to India, Brazil and the USA.

He also currently advises local, regional and international bodies on ICT matters through his firm, Infocomm Technologies Ltd. Phillips is also a member of the ICT Programme Advisory Board of the University of T&T and has lectured at the masters level in Strategic IT in e-Business and e-Marketing through the University of Greenwich, England. He holds an MBA from the University of California at Berkeley, USA, and is both a Fulbright and Haas Merit Scholar.

The programme that has recently engaged students at schools such as Success Laventille Composite (Team Agriology) and St George’s College (Team Agri-Info), UTT (Team AgriTech), Costaatt and Team Bishop Centenary is the Agri-Hack Talent Competition which supports the development of ICT innovations and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Students were presented with six Caribbean challenges facing regional agriculture stakeholders from which to choose and tasked with developing an application to solve this. Their presentation included the elements of the problem, the proposed solution, the target audience for the application, clearly outlined benefits, and revenue streams. Since the HUB’s start-up in 2009 it has engaged youth in the areas of ICT’s and Education, ICT’s and the Environment and ICT’s and Crime.

Q: Tell us a bit about your early years: where were you born, grew up, and where did you attain your various levels of education?
A: I was born and raised in Diamond Vale and attended Diamond Vale Primary School. From there, I went to Fatima College where as a cricketer, as a fast bowler, I used to bowl down Lara when he came to practice with us (laughing). I was captain of the school cricket teams at the Under-16 and Under-19 levels, and I also qualified for the national Under-19 team. After Fatima College, I went to UWI, St Augustine, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in management studies. I graduated from UWI with honours and picked up a position at the National Information Systems Centre on the Y2K Task Force. I then went to the University of California at Berkley on Fulbright and Haas Merit scholarships to pursue an MBA. Throughout all of my education, though they have business labels, each degree had a significant technology slant. I have been passionate about technology since my very early days and I have pursued it throughout.

What inspires you to do what you do? What was the motivating factor in starting the HUB and what challenges do you face?
During my stint at bpTT, there was an “Orphanage Project” which a group of us were invited to be involved in. When we visited the children’s homes I was broken-hearted by what I saw. The teenagers were just as bright and with all the potential as any of us, but they didn’t have money and a family structure around them to nurture that potential. Indeed they lived in very deprived conditions. I wanted to give the administrators all the money I had in order to assist, but I knew that that wouldn’t even be close to enough.

I saw that beyond just giving cash what was needed was the harnessing of a network of the resourceful and talented to give back in a structured manner. So I vowed to myself that, as soon as I was able, I would set up an institution to help young people such as these, and that is how the HUB eventually came about in our attempt to bring hope, understanding and belief to our youth. Finding that steady and sustainable funding source, as well as a suitable place, a home to operate training programmes out of, continue to be our basic challenges. I’d really like the private sector as well as the Government to get more on board with us. We are open to partnerships and collaborations to get things done. When I look around the country and see how many men—young men—are vagrants on the street, it is disheartening. Men are supposed to be the head of the household, the backbone of society…why are so many of us destitute?

I have a theory that it can take as little as two consecutive wrong decisions to land a person into a destitute situation. I am motivated to help our young men and young people in general to make better decisions and have better outcomes. If you are going to get into this type of work, make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. The populations such as the ones we try to assist have been abused. We try not to be yet another source of disappointment to our constituents. This is a highly sacrificial course. It is not something to pursue for personal gain or to earn points. The reward to be had is seeing the changed lives that are a result of our ongoing interventions.

If someone only reads a couple lines of this interview what would you want them to know?
I think that I would like them to see the potential in our youth today. Time upon time we have seen young people who were destined to be involved in violence and other types of undesirable activity change course. Some have really excelled to the extent that we have been able to stay in contact with them and continuously expose them to new educational life experiences. In short, I’d like them to know that if you make time for our youth, they will yield for us the greatest return. The HUB has seen developments in participants that go far beyond the technology skills training and into the realm of personal and professional development such as enhanced co-operation and teamwork, increased sense of self-worth, better familial and community relations as well as much brighter and clearer career vistas.

And what other thoughts and information about the HUB would you like to share with our readers?
We strongly feel that competence with regard to ICTs, particularly for underserved youth, can be an avenue out of disenfranchisement, an avenue for research, skill development, innovation and career advancement no matter what career you choose. It’s becoming a critical life skill and we don’t want pockets of youth and communities left behind.

Who was your hero or idol growing up (fictional or real or both) and why? And who do you admire most today?
When I was growing up, it was the Incredible Hulk! I guess as a boy, I could relate to the internal conflicts and duality of the character, while admiring his physical strength. Now I admire everyday people who work hard and support their children and families to excel. Some of the parents of students who have passed through our programmes are real heroes. Through whatever hardships and challenges they faced, they ensured that their children attended every session. In turn, they are able to celebrate with us when they see the change in their sons and daughters and what they are able to accomplish, much beyond their expectations.

What advice would you give to the country’s youths to create a better society?
At the end of the day, it’s up to you. Our future is in your hands. Live with care and diligence, rather than be taken by the latest fad.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
To leave a steady job which I enjoyed to found the non-profit organisation and launch out on my own into business.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?
Choose life, know your identity and recipe, hmm….eat lots of fruits and vegetables (laughs out loud)!

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with A, the other with P, the initials of your name?
Advocate. Patient.

Future programmes? Contact info, social media etc?
In the new year, we plan to run a programme on Disaster Risk Management and Response Education and deepen our partnerships in the agriculture space to do more in that area. You can contact us at the HUB at info@mycommunityhub.org or via our Web site at www.mycommunityhub.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/mycommunityhub.org. Telephone number 683-6300. We are located 10 Eighth Street, Barataria.

Electric and energetic are words that capture the spirit that 31-year-old Donell “Bravo” Thomas brings to his role as music director/drill master and more so, conductor of the PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra. If ‘conducting’ means bringing electricity to the band’s year-round performances, then pencil-slim Bravo, as he is popularly known, certainly lights up the venue wherever the steel orchestra plays.

The band’s signature piece, Phantom of the Opera, is an exciting and riveting performance that has audiences clamouring for more wherever they perform with Bravo stamping his unique conducting style.

Q: Tell us about your early days growing up.

A: I grew up in Malick, Barataria. I lived behind the Potential Symphony panyard with my parents, Donna Carter and Wayne Francis Thomas, along with my brother, Devon, and sister Prudence.

What schools did you attend?

I attended Barataria Boys’ RC School, Aranguez Junior Secondary School, and Arima Comprehensive.

How did you become so involved with the pan, and what are some of your early fond memories of playing the pan?

I probably became so involved with the steelpan because I lived behind the Potential Symphony panyard where my dad, at one point, was the drill master of the band. I started playing pan at age five in 1988 for Panorama with This Party is it by Tambu, and from 1989 to 1992, playing each year on the six bass pan.

I enjoyed playing bass because my sister, Prudence Thomas, was in that section, and I really loved the way I could work the six pans and have fun at the same time. Mom was always very supportive of me and would always be by my side every time we would leave to enter any competition or gigs with bands.

One of my fondest memories as a young player was the first Panorama competition I entered with Potential Symphony when we hit the bull track and the band began to jam, and I started playing the bass with my tiny, short self and the crowd went “wow!” At that point, it seemed as if the crowd felt like the “wow” was not enough and started throwing money round my bass pan.

How did you become so involved with Silver Stars? Tell us about your relationship with the late Edwin Pouchet.

I became involved with PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars when I was moving from band to band as a contract player, helping out the bands that needed the assistance for Panorama, due to lack of players. While band hopping, I passed by PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars where I met Edwin. We started talking and he voiced his interest in players. There and then, he realised who I was and told me to come and listen to the band’s stage side music after the Panorama season ended. After listening to the wonderfully arranged music, I decided that I would get involved with the band.

Edwin and I had a very close relationship and he was like a father to me. Someone that I looked up to and trusted to not lead me astray. Someone I knew that had my best interest at heart. That father-son relationship really fuelled my passion for the band and its further development.

Is this your full-time job? How do you balance things?

Yes, this is full-time. I have a schedule that I stick to in order to be on time and present when the band has performances.

Your future plans?

My future plans are to continue carrying PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars to higher levels, and my personal goals are to keep the crowd on their toes and engaged every time we perform.

What do you see for the future of the steelband movement? Any suggestions?

With the steelpan being the national instrument of T&T, I would like to see more frequent competitions other than Panorama. I would also like there to be more opportunities for pan to be heard and displayed throughout the country and for bands to tour internationally, sharing more of our music around the world.

What inspires you to do what you do, and what motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?

The great music that Edwin Pouchet arranged along with the passion and love I have for steelpan and music. Knowing that I can make people happy and show the crowd a good time really encourages me to put forth my greatest efforts.

What makes for a really good job of conducting?

I believe in being yourself, being completely involved and passionate with the music, and knowing the arrangement makes for a really good job of conducting.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you while conducting?

The most unexpected thing that happened while conducting was for Panorama finals 2010 when PCS Nitrogen took to the stage with Battlezone. Upon the very dramatic and explosive entrance, I stumbled to the ground but quickly regained composure and was able to mask the stumble.

What major challenges have you faced as a drill master/conductor?

I haven’t faced many challenges but so far, the most challenging was conducting and drilling the band for this year’s Panorama season while Edwin was away from the panyard due to his illness.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear was Edwin’s passing as he played such a key role in my life and there was still much to learn from him. Now that he is gone, I have no fears.

Who was your hero growing up (fictional or real or both) and why? And who do you admire most today?

I had no heroes growing up. I was my own hero. As a young boy growing up I had to make many decisions for myself and it has molded me into the person I am today. I admire my children and the wonderful young vibrant members of the PCS Nitrogen Silver Stars Steel Orchestra that I perform with.

What advice would you give to the country’s youths to create a better society?

Youths should get involved with steelpan. This allows many young children to use their time doing something productive and positive which would help keep them off the streets. Playing the steelpan would also encourage and help build a sense of pride toward T &T. Getting involved in other extra curricular activities such as sport and other cultural activities would also help the youths to create a better society as they would learn discipline and many other life and character-building skills.

What is the toughest decision you have to make in your job?

One of the most difficult decisions I have to make takes places during the Panorama season. Every year, I along with section leaders from the stageside have to drop some players who do not have the music correctly. It’s hard, knowing that players come often to practice with the band and have to get left out at any given part of the competition.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?

My daily motto is to just survive and to be the best that I can be. My recipe for success is being up to date and informed about all that takes place in the pan world.

Describe yourself in three words, one beginning with D, the others with B and T, the initials of your name.

Desire, Brave, Tough!

In this festive and holy Christmas season, the Sunday Guardian sought out the quiet-spoken and reflective Fr John Pereira, abbot of Mount St Benedict Monastery in St Augustine, for the last in this ‘Getting Personal’ series for 2014.

Abbot Pereira’s path is an interesting one which he shares with us as he gives his Christmas reflections from the Mount: He entered the monastery at Mount St Benedict in September 1985. He made his first profession on December 12, 1987, his solemn profession on November 25, 1990, and was ordained a priest June 27, 1993. Ten years after his priestly ordination, on November 15, 2003, Fr Pereira was elected by his peers as abbot of the monastery of Our Lady of Exile. Some readers may reflect on their Abbey boarding school days at the Mount which once boasted of being one of the finer schools in T&T.

Q: Tell us about your early years and your family.

A: I was born on July 12, 1955. I grew up in St Ann's, Port-of-Spain, within a stone's throw of the Rosary Monastery, a group of contemplative Dominican nuns. My parents had six children and I am the fourth. My eldest brother, Msgr Christian Pereira, is a Roman Catholic priest, currently the regional episcopal vicar for the Southern Vicariate. There are three girls and three boys. My father was one of the founders of the Catholic Evidence Guild, an organisation which promoted the teachings of the Catholic faith through literature and public debate. My mother was also quite active in the church. I was an altar server at the Rosary Monastery from the age of eight, until I was 18.

What schools did you attend, starting with the primary level?

I attended St Bernadette's Prep School in St Ann's, for my primary education. This school was founded and managed by Holy Faith Sisters. My secondary schooling was at St Mary's College, Port-of-Spain, run by the Spiritan (Holy Ghost) Fathers.

Tell us about your ‘journey’ to embrace your vocation/join the priesthood. When did you have your calling?

On leaving CIC (College of the Immaculate Conception), I worked in the accounting field, first at Trinidad Match Factory and then for several years at Carib Brewery. During this time, I did several computer and accounting courses to enhance my working skills.

After many years of soul searching, I left Carib Brewery in August 1985, and joined the monastery of Mount St Benedict in September 1985, at the age of 30. In addition to my monastic formation at the monastery, I attended the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Martyrs of Uganda, where I studied philosophy and theology. I was awarded a BA degree in Theology from UWI. I did courses in monastic studies and patristic theology at St John's University in Minnesota, USA, and I participated in programmes on monastic formation and leadership in Rome.

At this Christmas time what message would you like to give to T&T?

I offer a message of hope. If God has become human, then we humans have been touched in a special way by the Divine. This has implications for the manner in which we relate with each other. The possibilities for good are legion. We cannot be defined solely by the manner in which we relate with each other today. Because we each have a spark of the divine in us, then good is our destiny and good is our course. The present appearance of evil in our land with the rampant escalation of senseless crime cannot be our destiny. There is a good that is waiting to be tapped. This is the good which follows as a consequence of the incarnation. Good will only triumph over evil, however, if we would wake up to the reality of the fact that God has indeed taken flesh and has come among us.

What advice would you give to a young person who is contemplating a vocation such as yours?

I would ask the young person to consider whether he/she is willing to forgo self and live for the other. Life as a monk is one of service to God and to the other. One has to abandon a life centred on self and live a life centred on God and the other. If he/she is not willing to do so, then I would discourage him/her from embarking on this way of life. A monastic way of life is one of dedication and service, and one cannot live such a life unless one is truly seeking God.

What are some of the challenges you face in your “job”?

A major challenge is that of juggling limited personnel resources in meeting the pastoral demands laid upon us. Mount St Benedict is a centre of pilgrimage for people of all religions. To be faithful to this centre we need to be faithful witnesses of dedicated commitment to Jesus. Another major challenge is that of preserving the monastic element of our witness. Before being a centre of pilgrimage, Mount St Benedict is essentially a monastic community. The monastic values of prayer, silence and contemplation can be eroded if we are not faithful to our daily round of prayer and reflection. In other words, the balance associated with a life pleasing to God must be maintained if we are to preserve our identity as a monastery on the mountain top.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most?

My parents and my siblings...my family. It was in my family that I learnt the values which prepared me for life's journey.

Most people will not know what life as a priest is like, what would you say to them? What is your typical day like?

The life of the priest is one which reflects the life of Jesus. It is one of total service to God and the other. It can be described as a life of selfless giving.

A typical day in the life of a priest consists of prayer, work and reflection. My day is punctuated with intervals of prayer (both private and communal). Our community meets five times a day to pray. In addition to this, I have quiet times when I commune with God in private. Without these times of prayer, then our life of service becomes hollow and we can no longer offer to others what is uplifting and prayerful. At the Mount, a portion of my day is also spent meeting with pilgrims who are in need of some sort of spiritual guidance and counsel. As abbot of the monastery, I make time to meet with the monks, both at a personal and communal level. Reaching out to people in need of God’s mercy as in the Sacrament of Reconciliation is also a primary function. Each day, I put aside time to read the scriptures and other sacred writings so as to find resonance with God and also to be able to offer some spiritual food to those in need. To study the works of the spiritual writers help to ground my own spirituality and to be of greater service to others. My work also includes some administrative tasks that necessarily go along with any leadership role.

Can you give me an example of one such administrative task?

Sure. One which many people may be able to identify with has to do with our popular Pax Yogurt. It is sold in most of the recognised supermarkets in T&T. It is also in great demand in our own shop at the Mount: The Pax Abbey Shop. This latter is another one of my administrative tasks as the monastery owns the shop and is ultimately responsible for what is sold there.

With regard to Pax Yogurt, it is the brainchild of our most senior priest at the abbey, Fr Cuthbert van der Sande, who grew up on a farm in the Netherlands and at the abbey was always experimenting with improving the diet of the monks using milk products. He is now 90 years of age and still reports for duty at the yogurt factory each day. He started making goat cheese for the monks. Eventually, he introduced the production of yogurt as a small cottage industry, primarily for the monks. We started sharing it with our employees and with some of the embassies in Port-of-Spain. Little by little, the word was spreading that the monks were making yogurt. The demand increased daily and so on March 14, 2003, the Pax Yogurt Company Ltd was established at the Mount. The manager, Mr Maxime De Comarmond, is a former student of the abbey school. In addition to the yogurt, the company also produces a yogurt spread and a yogurt drink, both of which are now very popular.

What goals and aspirations do you still have?

I aspire to continue witnessing to the monastic charism and to allow the contemplative face of the Caribbean church to shine out in the midst of our Caribbean people. It means as well recognising the thousands of anonymous monks who make up the membership of an invisible monastery.

What do you consider your most significant accomplishment?

My most significant accomplishment is remaining faithful to the monastic journey in spite of my own failings.

If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world today, who would it be and why?

Pope Francis. I am inspired by the manner in which he lives out the joy of the gospel.

What advice would you give to the leaders of our country, separate and apart from our earlier question about advice to the nation?

I would advise the leaders of our country to rise above party politics in the national interest and always to seek the way of collaboration.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with P, your initials.

I describe myself as jagged and patchy, yet seeking joy and peace.

Energetic and in command is the best way to characterize the tall, shaven-head Jessel Murray, artistic director/conductor of the T&T National Steel Symphony Orchestra (NSSO). Murray and the NSSO were recently featured at the President’s annual Carols by Candlelight Concert at the bandstand in the botanical gardens, Port-of-Spain. Those in attendance were treated to the melodious sound of our national instrument that reverberated sweetly in the evening breeze that kept the proceedings cool and enjoyable.

His full-time job, though, is senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, and the head of the Department of Creative Arts. He also directs the UWI Arts Chorale, co-directs the UWI Steel, and teaches advanced singing and piano as well as courses in choral methods, including conducting.

Murray is a well-travelled conductor (USA, Guyana, Suriname, Costa Rica, Japan, China) under whose leadership the NSSO has championed the original works of local composers including that of Jit Samaroo, Ray Holman and Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, as well as calypso arrangements of many of the masters and classical transcriptions.

Among his many awards, the UWI Arts Chorale and Must Come See Productions (MCS) have been awarded 14 Cacique awards over the last five years, including awards for Best Production in 2007 (Oliver! ). Mr Murray himself was awarded a Cacique for Best Music Director in 2006 for Fiddler on the Roof. He is both the chairman and music director of MCS.

Murray has conducted many of the choral masterworks with the UWI Arts Chorale and the UWI Steelband, including Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, the Fauré Requiem, and the J S Bach Magnificat. With the National Sinfonia Orchestra (NSO) he has conducted many of the orchestral masterworks, including the complete Beethoven Symphony No 5 as well as the Schubert Symphony No 5, the Rachmaninov Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 with concert pianist SothyPaul-Duraisamy, as well as the Grieg Piano Concerto with Sean Sutherland.

He has a deep interest in music theatre and has been the music director for over 20 productions in the USA, Japan and Trinidad, including ten productions for Must Come See Productions (MCS), The Sound of Music; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; and Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. The UWI Arts Chorale and MCS have received 14 Cacique awards over the last five years.

Tell us about your early days growing up.

I grew up in a house in Mt Lambert, where I currently reside. Actually, I was born in that house via midwife delivery.

What schools/institutions did you attend, including primary and post-secondary?

I attended Mt Lambert RC and St Xavier’s Private school (where I completed my Common Entrance), then went on to St Mary’s College, and finally successfully repeated my A-Levels at Sixth Form Secondary. After that, I returned to St Mary’s College to teach for two years in the sciences. Eventually, I studied at Temple University, in Philadelphia, where I attained a Bachelor’s in Music Education (piano with voice) and then a Master’s in Choral Conducting (with advanced Piano Accompanying). Further to that, I participated in two orchestral conducting workshops in Oregon and Connecticut.

How did you become so involved with the steelpan and what are some of your early fond memories of playing the steelpan?

I became involved with steelpan in two ways: in 1982 Desmond Waithe introduced me to arranging a classical piece with the Trintoc Sun Valley in Point Fortin for a national steel competition. It was my first memory and it is still special to me.

Then I did not have any involvement since I left the country in 1983. However, in 1999 I was teaching at a high school in Massachusetts (Amherst Regional High School) and the then department head of music and I decided to start a steelband there. So, I flew to Trinidad to undertake a ten-day intensive workshop with Major Edouard Wade. I then returned to the US and started that ensemble which is still performing to this day.

How did you become so involved with the NSSO?

I became involved first with the G-Pans in 2007 when I was invited to lead the team of players to debut the G-Pans at the UWI. After that successful experience, I was appointed as the artistic director of the unnamed national group which became the NSSO.

How do you balance things given the many hats you wear?

It is not easy to balance being a head of department, a lecturer (which includes individual teaching), and a performer (which includes the directorship of three ensembles—the NSSO, the UWI Arts Chorale and the UWI Steel.

I may be adding back soon directorship of the National Sinfonia Orchestra and the musical direction of Must Come See Productions. The ‘secret’ is to rigidly schedule my activities and to be disciplined in the approach to planning and execution of the priorities of each activity. My work at the UWI is primary but the bulk of the teaching is seasonal during the academic year. The administrative work is continuous (and sometimes onerous) but rewarding when one views the outcomes. I have to always make sure that the work of the NSSO is balanced with other matters and so far, I have been successful except for the odd clash. When the clashes come I make the best decision at the time.

Your future plans?

All of my future plans revolve around upgrading the visibility of the ensembles which I direct and those of my current and past students. This is not meant to be serving, however, but to increase the viability of the groups as future professional groups which will provide meaningful and sustainable employment as part of a larger arts industry. I have been successful in establishing myself within the arts industry (with lots of assistance from many persons). It is my mission to assist as many persons as possible to do the same and to join (even influence) larger national conversations about the establishment of a viable arts experience past the recreational.

What do you see for the future of the steelband movement? Any suggestions?

The steelband movement has to move out of its constant preoccupation with Panorama and to embrace the many other issues involving its sustainability. Failure to do so will allow the fast growing sectors outside of Trinidad to overtake us. I could go on in detail about suggestions, however the main suggestion is that the movement has to be open to bold decisions and risk-taking in many areas not limited to diversification of repertoire, literacy, and the critical areas of instrument research, innovation and instrument care.

What inspires you to do what you do, and what motivates you to put forth your greatest efforts?

I am driven to succeed at what I do. Also, I am pressured (in the best way possible) by the faith of those who trust me to lead them in the various ensembles that I direct.

What makes for a really good job of conducting?

There are a number of factors. One has to be a teacher cum psychologist to convince others of one’s musical intent; this has to be done without with firmness and humour but no tantrums. Also, one has also has to be a strong musician who researches repertoire and possesses a knack for combining repertoire to unified programmes. Finally, on the podium it helps to have strong technique with a certain shrewd type of showmanship that does not overshadow the efforts of the ensemble.

What’s the most unexpected thing that has ever happened to you while conducting?

Hmmm. Perhaps, when my cummerbund slipped off as I stepped on to the podium in Massachusetts! I have always checked it since then. The only other time was when I was conducting a pit orchestra for a musical and the technicians turned off all of the lights but the orchestra managed to keep playing!

Of all your performances/productions which would you like a first-time viewer to experience?

That is a difficult one but certainly, the one that remains in memory is when the National Steel Symphony Orchestra performed in 2013 in Martinique. The NSSO played gloriously and the reaction of the audience is one that we all shall never forget.

What major challenges have you faced as an artistic director/conductor?

With Must Come See Productions the major challenge has always been about finance to keep the institution on sound footing. This financial challenge is also not limited to them but as well the chorale and the steel. With the NSSO, the major challenges have been artistic and administrative. One must constantly be commissioning repertoire for the NSSO since there is not a body of literature on which one can draw. Also, that ensemble is drawing nearer to a permanent mandate but it has taken quite a while.

What is your greatest fear?

The non-completion of my work and passing it on to persons to take it forward.

Who was your hero growing up (fictional or real or both) and why? And who do you admire most today?

I greatly admired my late mother and strangely enough, the admittedly romanticised character of the ‘Godfather’ Vito Coreleone. Strangely enough, both of them believed in taking care of family and community, success against the odds, and reasoning with persons past the point of patience. I am a huge fan of the former president Bill Clinton who persevered in public despite personal difficulty.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?

I am a big fan of cricket and so I believe that after a century that the next innings starts at zero.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with M, the initials of your name.

Judicious and musical.

As the new chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), Lorraine Pouchet brings a wide range of experience and abilities that are well-suited to taking on the challenges that come with ensuring a progressive and successful Carnival 2015.

Succeeding Allison Demas as chairman, Pouchet leads a diverse board of commissioners in providing governance and oversight, as well as guidance on priority matters such as the regulation, co-ordination, and conduct of all Carnival activities throughout the country held under the aegis of the Government.

She intends to oversee the transformation of Carnival from an annual event into a sustainable industry, one that creates year-round employment and investment.

Prior to leading the NCC, Pouchet has operated in the T&T Tourism sector for more than 30 years. She is the current president of The T&T Incoming Tour Operators Association (TTITOA), and is the director of the T&T Coalition of Service Industries. She also serves on the Standing Committee for Policy Development of Sustainable Tourism in Trinidad, and has served as the chairman of the sub-committee for product development. Pouchet has also served as a board member of the National Entrepreneurship Development Company Ltd (Nedco), and has sat on their Human Resources and Promotions & Development committees. She has also been a long-standing member of the T&T banking community.

When Pouchet is not lending her wide range of expertise to state and non-governmental organisations and committees, she operates as the marketing director of In Joy Tours, a destination management company that she owns with her husband, Elton.

As a native of Woodbrook, pan, mas and calypso has been an integral part of her life for over 40 years. Her experience ranges from production to administration. Over the years, she has supported many steelbands, mas bands and calypsonians by working with them in the delivery of a top tier tourism product to locals and visitors alike.

A natural leader with strong entrepreneurial spirit and a proven record of transitioning strategy into action and achievement, Pouchet is a trained hospitality assured standards adviser by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), holds a diploma in Psychology & Counselling, and holds certificates in event management from The George Washington University, School of Business, the Green Globe 21 Ecotourism Standard, Tourism Marketing from the University of the West Indies, and Quality Enhancement for Education & Training from The National Training Agency.

Adding to her extensive list of professional and personal accomplishments, Pouchet is also a certified original pain therapist, specialising in workshops on inner healing, personal growth and self-development.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?

I was born on Picton Street and grew up on Woodford Street (both in Newtown), with a short stint—from two to nine years old—in St Lucia.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education, including elementary?

St Theresa’s Girls’ RC, Holy name Convent, Roytec, Niherst, UWI, Arthur Lok Jack.

What’s your vision of a perfect Carnival Monday and Tuesday?

Carnival represents a time of excitement and pageantry; it is a time when, as we celebrate freedom, we also pay homage to well-loved traditions, we enjoy and display ourselves for the world to see, and we do it all balanced with a sense of responsibility.

A perfect Monday and Tuesday, therefore, is one in which all Carnival enthusiasts can do these things in a safe and secure environment, and one in which all mas bands and masqueraders operate as seamlessly as possible along the parade route, with effective management and control, and minimal disruptions or backlogs.

How did you come to be appointed for the position of NCC chairman?

The Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism, Dr the Honourable Lincoln Douglas, had sight of my extensive career in the art fraternity, tourism sector, and my management ability, and when he invited me to serve as chairman of the board, I saw it as a unique opportunity to contribute positively to one of our nation’s most beloved and celebrated cultural traditions. And I embraced the opportunity to once again be of service to my nation.

What do you envision to be the favourite and least favourite part about your stewardship as NCC chairman?

I really do not have a least favourite. I thank God for every opportunity, and embrace all challenges and see them as learning curves, which make me realise I am only human.

I do have a favourite part, however, and it is being able to lead such an immensely talented, driven and committed board, management team and staff, as together we come up with creative and innovative ways to make the Carnival industry more relevant, marketable and attractive, not just for our citizens, but to our regional and international audiences.

It is exciting to think of the endless possibilities of the human imagination and the ingenuity of the people I work with and interact with, all of whom are the creative minds that make Carnival happen.

What challenges are you and your team facing for Carnival 2015?

At this stage, we are just inside of six weeks to Carnival, and the NCC board and management are working along with the security services to ensure that Carnival 2015 operates in a safe environment, with little or no disruptions.

I have already met with the Minister of National Security and other partners in the security service sector and I am reassured that safety is a paramount concern for all, and they are doing all in their power for us to have an incident-free season.

How would you like your post-analysis of Carnival 2015 to read?

Carnival 2015 should reflect an event in which all citizens can be proud of and the participants benefit through enjoyment of the experience. It should also signal a movement of all stakeholders to co-operate in a mature and forward-thinking manner with results that would resound to the benefit of all.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

A Carmelite nun—Sr Helena Profiero—who passed away last year. She was my friend and mentor, and she introduced me to original pain therapy, a specialised area of psychology, some 26 years ago when she recognised that I possessed the gift of counselling. I went on to become certified as a therapist and counsel individuals, married couples and victims of trauma.

I also conduct workshops on self-development and inner healing. She was a humble and very wise person, and I miss her guidance and counsel. She impacted on my life in a very powerful way.

Do you play or have you played mas?

I have been involved in Carnival, specifically mas and steelpan for over 40 years. In fact, I have played with Mavericks, Wayne Barkley, Barbarosa, Spice, and countless other bands and have been involved at all levels from junior to senior administrative. Additionally, I have had intimate involvement in Silver Stars Steel Orchestra and worked with many other bands and cultural artistes to deliver the tourism product through the family business In Joy Tours.

What are your favourite calypso and soca songs of all time?

There are too many beautiful and infectious songs that have been produced over the years to have a favourite.

What is your favourite thing about Carnival?

At Carnival time, I marvel at the creativity, talent and skills of my countrymen, and I’m always in awe of how the celebration brings our people together. Carnival is unlike any other season, as it unites us and allows us the ability to see greatness in each other.

Anything else about Lorraine Pouchet that you would like our readers to know about?

What you see is what you get.

Which super power, if you could have, would you like to have and why?

To help people to learn to forgive—the past is gone, the future is a promise, all we have is the now.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of “work” you do.

I am a people person, and my inspiration is the Holy Spirit. As a Roman Catholic and a Christian, I make no decision about my life until I pray about it.

Whom do you admire most today and why?

My husband, Elton. He is a humble man with integrity and principles that are second to none. He is my soul mate.

What daily motto/credo do you live by?

Love unconditionally and accepting the truth that I am a spiritual being on a physical journey.

What is your greatest accomplishment to date, personally and professionally?

My family—my husband, my four amazing children, and my three gifted and talented grandchildren.

Do you pattern your work after any other person or people?

No. I am Lorraine, a unique creation of God, and I allow him to mould, guide and transform me through my life experiences.

It’s Carnival time again!

Many of our readers have probably been piloted by Monique Nobrega on their trips abroad without knowing it. They also may not have known that they were being taken safely to and/or from their overseas destination by someone who has been one of the major driving forces behind the creation of the hugely successful carnival bands Tribe and Bliss, as well as the offsprings Red Ants and fete producers Ultimate Events.

Born in Guyana under the horoscope of Libra, Nobrega is true to form as such people are said to love being on the road, being out in the open, and also have a great liking for the arts and entertainment…all true to her Carnival and flying pursuits.

At Tribe/Bliss she is the head of design and production. Married to co-founder of Tribe, Dean Ackin, for the past 13 years, Nobrega is the mother of two children, ages ten and six. She started off as a flight attendant in 1989 before becoming a pilot with BWIA in 1999. Her dad, Mike Nobrega, was also a pilot. By the way, she also inherited her good looks from her mom, Fay, once a beauty queen in Guyana.

Prior to the start of Tribe 11 years ago, Nobrega, her sister, Lana, and now husband, Dean, designed and produced a section in mas band Poison from 1989 to 2003, under the direction of Michael Headley.

As if she was not busy enough with her parenting, flying and Carnival duties, Nobrega started a line of resort wear called JMadison, sold exclusively at Bikini Cabana, 31 Carlos Street, Woodbrook.

How do you juggle the many hats you wear? You must have a strong support network.

Yes, I could not do it without my family who are my biggest support team at home.

It is always hard to leave my children but I know when I do leave, that they are being well taken care of.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in north Valsayn in Trinidad.

Which schools did you attend—primary, secondary, post-secondary?

I attended St Joseph Girls’ RC and Curepe Presbyterian School as primary, St Augustine Girls’ High School as secondary, CAV air Aviation School in Florida where I did my commercial pilot’s licence and multi-engine rating. I then attended The Aviation Academy in Coventry, England, to study aviation theory.

To which destinations do you currently fly with CAL?

Toronto, New York, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jamaica, St Martin, Antigua, Barbados, Surinam, Guyana, Caracas.

What are the plans for your mas band for Carnival 2015?

To stay at the top of our game, to develop new and innovative ideas for the band, and to always think one step ahead of the competition. Tribe will be portraying “Wings of Desire” and Bliss, “Blue.”

What advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours?

Work hard, strive to be the best, learn to take criticism and use it to your betterment, never let others set boundaries for you, set your own boundaries but make sure you can live with yourself at the end of the day with the decisions you have made.

What is your favourite thing about Carnival?

Seeing the band on the road and the masqueraders enjoying themselves in a costume I have designed and produced.

What is your greatest accomplishment in Carnival?

The Carnival bands of Tribe and Bliss and the improvement in the quality and construction of the costume product which the masquerader now receives.

Who was your favourite childhood superhero?

I think Wonder Woman, she was a working woman with super power strength.

What is your greatest fear in life?

Not being there for my kids when they need me the most.

What would be your most perfect day?

Relaxing with my kids at the beach with family and friends

What is your greatest accomplishment?

My children. They are two of the most loving people I know.

What was your first paying job?

From early in my life, I have been involved in business. My sister, Lana, myself and a friend opened a gift wrapping stall in Valpark Shopping Plaza every Christmas for a few years. We started when I was 12.

If you could dine with someone past or present, with whom you haven’t, who would you choose?

I think Richard Branson. He is such a great business mind, and I believe there is so much I can learn. Also Nelson Mandela, he was such a strong-willed man who was dedicated to a cause which consumed his life. It is very selfless. I admire that.

What is the most difficult decision you have ever had to make?

I have not made the decision as yet, but it is something I have been struggling with for a while now, and it is to leave my aviation career for the betterment of my children.

What would you say is your greatest virtue?

A small word with a big meaning, honor—honesty, fairness or integrity in one's beliefs and actions, a person of honor. Strive not to BE honored but to be a person of honor.

What daily motto do you live by?

Treat others as you would have them treat you, and let your conscience be your guide.

What is the most meaningful gift you have ever received?

The gift of my children from God, they are my greatest treasure.

My favourite piece of advice is…

Hard work never hurt anyone.

I wish I had known sooner…

That life is not always fair and probably never will be.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with M, the other with N, your initials.

Motivated, Nonpartisan.

Retiring from the T&T Coast Guard/Defence Force in 2011 after almost 30 years, visions of relaxing and taking it easy with his family were just a dream for Lieutenant Commander Garvin Heerah.

Called to national duty, he has assumed positions in various arms of the country’s national security landscape as it is the nature of military personnel not to shirk such challenges, especially as they relate to maintaining law and order.

Today, Heerah holds the position of executive director of the National Operations Centre (NOC).

Commander Heerah’s task of steering the inter-agency framework of the NOC, along with his team of dedicated specialists, is what consumes him, as the centre is being positioned to optimize homeland security solutions for T&T and by extension the region.

The modern concept of Safe City Operations for T&T is also high on the agenda, with T&T poised to benefit from the establishment and effective functioning of the National Operations Centre.

As the executive director of the NOC, Heerah has re-emphasized the need for the co-ordination and support of all agencies by optimizing resources, planning and executing operations, and by allowing the agencies to maintain lead and command. This approach has shown the improved capabilities of national security and enhanced operation co-ordination from one focal point.

In spite of his busy schedule, Heerah also lectures on the MBA programme at School of Accounting and Management (SAM). He is a module leader and member of the board of governors for Anglia Ruskin University, UK.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born and grew up in Port-of-Spain, Clarence Street, St James, to be exact.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education (including primary school)?

I attended Woodbrook Presbyterian School, Queen’s Royal College, UWI and Anglia Ruskin University, UK.

What are the goals you, your team and your bosses have for the relatively newly established National Operations Centre (NOC)?

Our...the team’s one goal is to restore Trinidad and Tobago once more to a safe and secured country by working with all agencies of law enforcement establishments using a holistic approach. Crime is everyone’s business, and we must effect sustainable social change so that we do not ever revert to crime and criminality. All hands on deck, as we’d say on the high seas from my coast guard days. The proverbial ‘chain being as strong as its weakest link’ is at stake here as we follow international best practices and models pertaining to the development of ‘Safe City’ status. Tactics must be revisited that aren’t working. We must also partner with our regional and international partners in the fight against gangs, narco, human trafficking and white collar crime.

Tell us a bit about your life before assuming your current position?

I devoted a significant part of my life to the military. Serving with the Colours in the TTCG for 28 long hard years. I worked at the Air Wing Division, CG headquarters, National Helicopters, TTDF HQ and the Sautt.

During my hard-fought career, I saw the necessity for both professional and personal development and with passion and commitment, embarked on a number of programmes to enhance my development, both professionally and personally. Most of these programmes I sacrificed and paid for myself. I saw it necessary to become marketable and to strive for excellence in the highly competitive environment of the military.

What are some of your achievements prior to assuming your current position as the executive director of the National Operations Centre?

Accomplishing my tasks.

Achieving my objectives. Completing my MBA. From a personal standpoint, I and my wife have been able to establish a marriage ministry that works with married couples, and conduct seminars and workshops to this effect. The name—You are My Beloved Ministry.

With Carnival around the corner, are there any special plans to be put in place to assist with minimising criminal activities?

There is a robust security plan in place to ensure safety and security for all citizens for the Carnival period. One must note that the lead on this initiative is the TTPS, and the Commissioner of Police has appointed a gold commander to oversee all such activities. The NOC will support all such initiatives and maximize on the inter-agency co-ordination for all operations. There will be an intensified effort from all law enforcement agencies with air, land and maritime patrols, and a higher visibility of law enforcement officers and a greater interaction between National Security and the citizenry. It is the intent of the Minister of National Security to not only present safety and security by presence and visibility but to communicate this approach to all, by reassuring T&T that the Ministry of National Security is out there working around the clock to keep T&T safe during the Carnival period.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and how eg, in you becoming a member of the Defence Force?

My father, deceased now, was a pillar and a driving force behind me. He was an influence then and is an influence now. His wisdom is everlasting.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do.

My inspiration first and foremost comes from My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I have trusted my experience and training to remain calm in crisis situations, be always professional, and rely on my integrity, honesty and humility to be the spinal cord of my character and stability.

Which of your accomplishments/work(s) do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable?

My mission as the Strategic Air Liaison Officer for the Summit of Americas held here in Trinidad and Tobago. That task was monumental, involved critical decision making and the interface with key international stakeholders all in a planning and coordination platform, including The White House Command.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?

You are the future of this beloved nation. Your identity must reflect your country, you are a positive influence to society, therefore do not adopt an approach to life that will destroy yourselves and your country. The time to change your position is now.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?

To one day be a motivational speaker. I have already started to push towards this, especially when I conduct my Leadership and Training workshops.

What are the defining “aha” moments in your life so far?

Seeing my children grow up before my eyes and experiencing the comfort and satisfaction of a healthy family life. My mantra is: family first...when all is done and removed, they are all we have!

If you could interview anyone from your life living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?

CLR James. I was moved by the book Beyond the Boundary. I was amazed at his philosophy and his deep-rooted love for the game of cricket, but more so how he analyzed the game against the backdrop of politics and social issues. His use of the English language and the challenges in a UK dominated atmosphere/world was inspiring to me as a youngster growing up and achieving my education in the hallowed halls of Queen’s Royal College.

Who was your hero growing up and why?

My father. He inspired me and drove me hard to achieve my best. He was a simple man, a taxi driver by trade, but he was a philosopher on life and a lover of the game of cricket. He was quite good too, in his days, and I strived to follow in his footsteps. I remember his words now as I sit back in my professional arena, “‘No man is bigger than the game, keep focused, occupy the crease and the runs will come…’ ”

What motto/credo do you live by, your recipe for success?

Phillipians 4:13—“I can do all things through Jesus Christ, who strengthens me.”

What is an interesting facet of your personality that most people do not know about?

I am a stand-up comedian. (Laughing out loudly, of course).

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

You have a strong family bond. Yours is a model family.

Describe yourself in two words one beginning with G, the other with H, your initials.

God-fearing and Humble.

Today, NASSER KHAN starts a two-part series that takes a look back at the contributions to our Carnival art forms—mas, calypso and steelpan.

The first features the legendary masmen and women who captured a large share of the Band of the Year titles from the 1950s to the 1980s and who pioneered and paved the way for the more modern-day legends. The second part, next week, will look at the heroes and pioneers in the calypso and steelpan arenas.

Harold Saldenah

Harold “Sally” Saldenah (1925-1985) had a deep love of history and intensely researched his topics to ensure that he was able to recreate the moments in time in history.

These historical epics are renowned for the magnificence, colour and splendour of their costumes. In the first of his six Band of the Year productions in 1955 Imperial Rome, 44BC to 96AD, he designed and created costumes using velvet, leather and copper to portray centurions, gladiators, vestal virgins, Caesars and Nero, even his soldiers in short skirts to be as “real” as possible. Norris Eustace was one of Saldenah’s chief designers while Ken Morris (1924-1992), a master of the art of copper crafting, fabricated the copper breastplates. The use of foils and copper and having “sections” in a band were innovations introduced by Saldenah into mas.

His first major production was Quo Vadis in 1953, based on the movie of the same name, and featured Roman soldiers with helmets made of papier mache painted to look authentic. El Dorado, City Of Gold in 1968, the last of his six victorious presentations, in which he used a lot of foils, has been described as creating a glistening spectacle in the setting sun at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Saldenah copped six Band of the Year titles (1955, 1956, 1958, 1964, 1965, 1968) before moving to Canada in 1977 where he assisted his son Louis with his Toronto Caribana bands. Following that hiatus, he returned to Trinidad in 1983 to produce the last three of his bands. He was awarded the Public Service Medal of Merit Silver in 1972 for Carnival Development.

The following is a listing of his presentations: 1953-Quo Vadis; 1954-Conquerors of Kisra; 1955-Imperial Rome 44BC to 96AD, 1st; 1956-Norse Gods and Vikings, 1st; 1957-The Glory That Was Greece; 1958- Holy War, 1st (Tied); 1959-Cree Indians of Canada; 1960-Siam 1250-1767; 1961-Zambesi Head Hunters; 1962-Julius Caesar's Conquest of Gaul; 1963- Controversy of Time; 1964-Mexico 1519 to 1521, 1st; 1965-Pacific Paradise, 1st; 1966-Asia; 1967-Epic of the Zulus; 1968-El Dorado, City of Gold, 1st; 1969-Psychedelic Latin America; 1970-Atlantis-Land of Seven Cities; 1971-Festival of the Tembu Warriors; 1972-Fantasy in Jewels; 1973-Fashionable Sailors from Paris; 1974-Sun Kingdom of the Amazons; 1975-Cult of the Leopard; 1976-A Sailor Is a Sailor; 1983-Masquerade to Carnival; 1984–Name that Tune; 1985-We Mas Have Clas.

George Bailey

George Bailey (1935-1970). Carnival 2010 saw a return of the spirit of the genius of the late George “Sir George” Bailey, via the Stephen Derek and Associates produced band Call that George, a 15-section presentation, each named and designed after bands produced by Bailey from 1956 until his death in 1970 (it should be noted that it was his brother Albert who was the band leader in 1956 although George himself did the designs). “Sir George,” so nicknamed due to his personality and the high standard of his art, along with Harold Saldenah, between 1955 and 1969, each captured six Band of the Year titles (1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1969). He was the first to capture a beaver trick of Band of the Year titles. One can only imagine the number of titles he would have added to his tally had he not passed away at such a relatively young age in 1970. A number of his bands were portrayals of periods of African history and before Bailey, one could not conceive of “African” mas matching the grandeur of Roman, Greek or any other European themes. George thoroughly researched his portrayals and came as close to the original thing as was possible.

Carnival presentations: 1956-Timu and the Leopard Kingdom; 1957-Back to Africa; 1958-Of Pagan History; 1959-Relics of Egypt; 1960-Ye Saga of Merrie England; 1961-Byzantine Glory; 1962-Somewhere in New Guinea; 1963-Realm of Fancy Bats and Clowns; 1964-Age of Gods and Heroes; 1965-Indian Lore; 1966-Kings Go Forth; 1967-Deities Spectacular; 1968-Fantasia; 1969-Bright Africa; 1970-Tears of the Indies.

In 1962, when T&T gained Independence he was a member of the committee that designed the emblems for the new nation. In 1969, he was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Gold for his contribution to Carnival development.

Irvin McWilliams

Irvin “Mac” McWilliams (1920-2007). During his band producing years from 1956 to 1988, he provided T&T with some 32 spectacular presentations many of which were based on themes of T&T, its history and its culture. The first of such local-themed bands was in 1961, Hail La Trinite. The last band, Stay up Trinbago, was in 1988. Such presentations, one might say, were learning tools for Trinbagonians as our folklore and culture were depicted through the vivid imagination of another legendary masman adept at portraying things local and who was credited as being the first to present a totally local theme on the streets of T&T in his category. He was also the first bandleader to use multiple mas camps to assemble costumes in their large numbers as bands grew, and he was the first to start selling off costumes if registrants did not collect them on time.

Band of the Year Titles: 1971 Wonders of Buccoo Reef; 1972 Anancy Story; 1978 Know Your Country.

Carnival presentations: 1956 King David and the Ammonites; 1957 Ten Commandments; 1958 Rulers of Persia; 1959 Feast of Belshazzar.; 1960 The Grandeur That Was Rome; 1961 Hail La Trinity; 1962 Tribute to India; 1963 Festival of Mexico; 1964 Monarchs of the Nile; 1965 She and the Tibetans; 1966 Effigies of the Gods; 1968 Conquerors of Niniveh; 1969 Realms of the Kings; 1970 One Day in Persia; 1971 The Wonders of Buccoo Reef; 1972 Our Anancy Stories; 1973 Mama Look Ah Mas; 1974 Somewhere in the Caribbean; 1975 Root of All Evil; 1976 Toute Monde Ca Danse; 1977 Season Greetings; 1978 Know Yuh Country; 1979 Our Famous Recipes; 1980 The Rains Came; 1981 Among My Souvenirs; 1982 Dance Zulu Dance; 1983 We Money; 1984 A Woman's World; 1985 The Days of Moses; 1986 Mas Trinidad Style; 1987 The Wedding of Montezuma; 1988 Stay up Trinbago

McWilliams was awarded the 1971 Humming Bird Medal Silver for his contributions to Carnival development.

Power couples of Mas, Edmund (1923-to present)/Lil Hart (1931-1991) and Stephen (1921-2014)/Elsie Lee Heung (1925-2006) actually started off as mas players with Harold Saldenah in the 1950s. Together they captured a total of ten Band of the Year titles, five apiece, between 1966 and 1988. In total, these two power couples produced some 62 bands between 1961 and 1994.

Power couples—Harts and Lee Heungs

Harts’ winning bands: 1966, 1970, 1983, 1986, 1988

Their presentations: 1961-This Was Greece; 1962-Flagwavers of Siena; 1963-The Etruscans; 1964-The Maya; 1965-Mesopotamia BC; 1966-Playing Cards; 1967-Oriental Fantasy; 1968- Brazilian Fiesta; 1969-Life in the Waters; 1970-Inferno; 1971-Butterflies and Moths; 1972-Four Seasons; 1973-A Medieval Dream; 1974-Mexico; 1975-Whe-Whe; 1976-The American Indians; 1977-Tribute to Broadway; 1978-Adventure on the High Seas; 1979-Faces and Places; 1980- Reflections of Childhood Days; 1981-Let’s Make Waves; 1982-Anthony and Cleopatra; 1983- Mas Sweet Mas; 1984-Tribes; 1985-Time for A Tale; 1986-Islands in the Sun; 1987-Local Sights and Delights; 1988-Out of This World; 1989-Polynesia; 1990-The Witches Brew; 1991-Come Leh We Dance; 1992– Bacchanal.

Lee Heungs’ winning bands: 1967, 1975, 1976, 1977, and 1983

Their presentations: 1964-Japan-Land of the Kabuki; 1965-Les Fetes Galantes Des Versailles; 1966-Crete; 1967-China, The Forbidden City; 1968-Primeval-The Rites of Spring; 1969-1001 Nights; 1970-Conquest of Space; 1971-Yucatan; 1972-Russian Fairy Tales; 1973-East of Java; 1974-Terra Firma; 1975-We Kind A People; 1976-Paradise Lost; 1977-Cosmic Aura; 1978-Love Is...; 1979-Hocus Pocus; 1980-The Bermuda Triangle; 1981-Shangri-La; 1982-Victory at Trafalgar; 1983-Rain Forest; 1984-Regatta; 1985-Charade; 1986-Sombrero; 1987-Cocoyea Village; 1988-Laserium; 1989-Pow Wow; 1991-Toute Bagai; 1992-Columbus 1492-1992; 1993- Safari; 1994-Festivals.

Some names that are noteworthy of mention in the area of pioneering mas works are Cito Valasquez (1928-2006), Ken Morris, previously mentioned, Wilfred Strasser and Carlyle Chang.

In part two of Legends of Carnival, Nasser Khan takes a broad look at the steelpan and calypso art forms and some of their major pioneers and exponents. These art forms make up the triumvirate of the major components of T&T’s world-famous Carnival. The first part of this series last week featured the legends of mas, those who had captured the larger share of the Band of the Year titles from the 1950s-1980s and laid the foundations for those to follow.

Steelpan

The steelpan evolved from the rudimentary stages of skin drums from the 1830s to 1884 when a ban on all drum beating was imposed during the Carnival celebrations at the time. That ban led to the creativity of the Carnival celebrants looking to the bamboo with its hollow sounds as the alternative…dried bamboo of various thickness, when cut to different lengths and struck (beaten), produced different sounds.

Bands of players of the bamboo instrument that now produced the legal alternative to the skin drums were called Tamboo Bamboo bands. The first report of such a band taking part in Carnival was in 1891. Tamboo Bamboo bands became a part of the Carnival celebrations and flourished until the 1930s when a new instrument emerged on the scene, that of the steelpan, the only acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century.

The steelpan emerged in the 1930’s from the determination of the disenfranchised in communities such as Laventille, to continue their musical and traditional habits of expression through music. To that end discarded materials such as milk cans, paint cans, garbage can covers, car hub caps, pots, old brake drums, and biscuit tins were being used.

The biscuit tin is said to be the first true steelpan which was hung around the neck, upside down. It is believed in many quarters that Andrew Beddoe, an accomplished Orisha drummer and one of the best biscuit pan players in John John, Andrew "Pan" De La Bastide, Winston “Spree” Simon, Victor “Totie” Wilson and Emmanuel “Fish Eye” Ollivierrie, were among those who created the sparks that led to the transition from the tamboo bamboo to the “ping pong” and the steelpan. Recommended reading: http://www.pantrinbago.co.tt/;http://www.trinbagopan.com/steelpan/ and the free download of the book on our Heroes, Pioneers and Role Models (Culture and the Arts, pages 38 to 79) at http://www.safaripublications.com/firstcitizenstt/heroesprofilestt/

Of interest, the East Indians who had brought their own indigenous drumming traditions (the tassa as we know it today) to accompany their celebrations were restricted (to a lot lesser extent) in their drumming which created a cultural empathy between the Africans and Indians from which emerged a cross-cultural association.

Many have contributed to the development of and innovations related to the pan since the pioneering efforts of those like Beddoe, Simon, De La Bastide, Wilson and Ollivierrie. Their strides and decades of hard work and dedication to the artform paved the way for the later pan pioneers, arrangers and tuners to follow. Among the notable names, all of whom have contributed to no small way are, in no particular order: Hugh Borde, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ranjit “Jit” Samaroo, Pat Bishop, Rudolph Charles, George “Sonny” Goddard, Neville Jules, Ellie Mannette, Bertram “Bertie” Marshall, Denzil “Dimes” Fernandez, Anthony “Tony” Williams, Oscar Pile…

Of course any feature on pioneering pan players must include similarly the steelbands, Alexander Ragtime Band, All Stars, Taspo, Invaders, Tokyo, North Stars, Desperadoes, Casablanca, Renegades, Silver Stars, Starlift, Tripoli, Dixieland, Cavaliers, Harmonites. CALYPSO

The roots of calypso come from the period of African slavery through the slaves, who, not being allowed to speak to each other for the most part, communicated through song. Errol Hill, Carnival historian, suggests that West African Tribal songs were the foundations which led to the calypso’s evolution while The Roaring Lion (Rafael De Leon) asserted in his book that calypso descended from the music of the medieval French troubadours. Hollis Liverpool states that calypso had its roots in the West African custom of griot court singing. The griots usually sang songs of praise and derision and were storytellers. It is believed that these songs were introduced during the period of French settlement.

Gros Jean, an African slave, is said to have been the first calypsonian, named “Mait Caiso” (Master of Caiso) by the Diego Martin estate owner Begorrat in the late 18th century. In the early days, the songs were sung in patois, in the extempo format and contained colourful and aggressive language as well as messages to the community.

The calypso art form has spawned sub genres such as soca, power soca, groovy soca, rapso, chutney soca and ragga soca.

The list of calypsonians who have left an indelible mark in this area of Carnival include Norman Le Blanc, Frederick “Houdini” Wilmoth, Raymond “Atilla the Hun” Quevedo, Walter Douglas, Ebbert “Lord Beginner” Moore, Phillip “Lord Executor” Garcia, Rupert “Lord Invader” Grant, Norman “King Radio” Span, Thelma Layne, Raphael “Roaring Lion” De Leon, Kade “Lord Bryner” Simon, Aldwyn “Lord Kitchener” Roberts, Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco, McCartha “Calypso Rose” Lewis, Garfield “Lord Shorty/Ras Shorty I” Blackman, Edwin “Crazy” Ayoung, Sundar Popo, Calton “Blakie” Joseph, Alric “Lord Pretender” Farrell, Andrew “Brother Superior” Marcano, Fitzroy “Lord Melody” Alexander, Lancelot Layne, Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool…

Lionel Belasco was one of the pioneers in the recording of T&T music while foreigners like The Andrew Sisters and Harry Belafonte helped to give the calypso art form international exposure.

Recommended reading include http://www.tucott.com/ and The Roots of Calypso, Volumes 1 & 2.

NOTE: My apologies for any errors or omissions.

At 82 years old and one of T&T’s most avid and prolific historians, Fr Michael Anthony de Verteuil CSSp, former principal (1978-1992) of his alma mater of St Mary’s College in Port-of-Spain, still teaches at the college, conducts televised masses at Trinity TV, and of course, he researches, writes and produces historical publications.

In fact, Fr de Verteuil excitedly talks about his latest work (his 38th book, 32 of which are on Trinidad’s history), titled The Great Eight, about the magnificent houses around the Queen’s Park Savannah, to be released in May, around his 83rd birthday.

As I caught up with my former A-level geography teacher at Spiritan House on Oxford Street, Port-of-Spain (which adjoins the college), Fr de Verteuil showed no signs of letting up.

Ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1962, he has taught at CIC since returning to T&T in 1963. His term at St Mary’s was interrupted briefly from 1966-68 when he served as vice-principal at Fatima College. He received the T&T national award, Humming Bird Gold medal in 1993, and an Honorary LLD degree from the University of the West Indies in 2004…both for his work as an educator, author/historian and his commitment to the church and service to his fellow human beings.

His publications include: The Living Rosary 1968; O-Level French for West Indian Students/1971; Field Studies for O-Level Geography Students/1972; Life Lines–Poem for Junior Secondary Students/1972; Changing Reality–A Catechetical Book for Form 5/1973; Facing Reality–A Catechetical Book for Form 4/1973; Sir Louis de Verteuil, his Life and Times/1973; And Then There Were None, a history of the Le Cadre Family/ 1974; Trinidad's French Verse 1850-1900/1978; The Years Before, Trinidad 1829-1833/1981; The Story of Gene Smile and the Gas Station Racket/1981; The Years of Revolt, Trinidad 1881–1888/1984; Sylvester Devenish and the Irish in 190 century Trinidad/1986; A History of Diego Martin–Begorrat and Brunton 1784-1884/1987; Eight East Indian Immigrants/1989; Seven Slaves and Slavery, Trinidad 1777-1838/1992; Scientific Sorties/1993; The Germans in Trinidad/1994; Martyrs and Murderers/1995; History of Surgery in Trinidad/1996; Holy Ghost Fathers of Trinidad/1996; The de Verteuils of Trinidad/1997; To Find Freedom/1998; Great Estates of Trinidad/2000; Shepherds of God/2001; Western Isles of Trinidad/2002; Temples of Trinidad/2004; The Corsicans in Trinidad/2005; The McShines of Trinidad/2006; Sylvester Devenish, Trinidad's Poet/2007; Leon de Gannes, Trinidad's Raconteur/2008; The Black Earth of South Naparima/2009; Trinidad's French Legacy/2010; Governor Grant/2011; Charles Le Cadre/2012; Murder Most Foul/2013.

He offered some Lenten perspectives for reflection during our interview.

Q: At this post-Carnival Lenten time what message would you like to give to T&T? What does Easter mean to you?

A: Enjoy Lent—experience the happiness of getting closer to God. Easter means “resurrection,” putting aside my sins and failures of the past and with the help of Jesus, beginning a new life of generosity, compassion and joy.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most?

My parents and my older twin brother, Eric, who all provided in their own special ways a constant incentive as well as a sense of togetherness.

What does it mean to be Catholic?

A follower of Christ, a member of a church community which is open to all and follows the successor of St Peter.

What are your essential duties as a priest?

My opinion of my essential duties was reflected in the commemorative card I had printed for my priestly ordination: At the back: ‘Every priest taken from among men is ordained to serve men in the things that appertain to God.’

At the front: A picture of a priest celebrating mass—and below: ‘Purify my heart and my lips O Lord that I may worthily announce the gospel.’

Tell us about your inspiration to join the priesthood...at what age did you have your calling?

I stayed an extra year at St Mary’s to study A-Level Science in view of entering Bangor University, Wales, to do a degree in Forestry and during the course of that year, I became convinced—after much prayer and deliberation—that God wanted me to be a priest in the Holy Ghost Fathers. I left the next year for the Novitiate in Quebec, Canada. I was then 20 years old and working with an accounting firm.

What advice would you give to a young man who is wondering about a vocation such as yours?

Make sure that in your life you are serving others and becoming less self-centred. Pray about it and consult a priest about it. Remember that no one is really worthy to be called to the priesthood, so don’t let your weakness hold you back.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

From age ten months to 20 years I spent all my life in Trinidad. I was born in London where my father, a doctor, was doing a postgraduate degree. My mother was then aged 46 and in poor health and

was diagnosed with a tumour of the womb, which later turned out to be twins! (Two more not tumour, according to my brother Eric). Thank God, as a good Catholic she refused the doctor's advice to have an abortion!

What educational institutions did you attend?

I was home schooled and then spent 11 years at St Mary's College from prep to Upper Six; Novitiate of the Holy Ghost Fathers, Lac-au-Saumon, Quebec, Canada; Kimmage Manor Scholasticate, Dublin, Ireland; University College, Dublin, Ireland.

Teaching at St Mary’s College…

I taught A-Level English literature, history, geography and religion. Still teach Upper and Lower Six religion. At St Mary's I was involved in playing and coaching hockey and tennis for the college, organising camps, field trips and retreats, concerts, wrote and produced three 'Modifications' of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas. At one time or another was dean of Form Four, Five, Six, and games master. Oh, and principal from 1978-1992.

Research and writing of books related to T&T’s history…which was the most challenging and which was the most satisfying?

I have now completed 32 books on Trinidad's history. The most challenging was Seven Slaves and Slavery, Trinidad—1777-1838, because nothing substantial had been written about slavery in Trinidad and there was a great deal of prejudice and attributing to Trinidad, the treatment that was meted out to slaves in the other islands—and this even at university level. The most satisfying book (which will be published this May) was The Great Eight about the magnificent houses around the Queen's Park Savannah and the life and psychology of their owners as reflected in these buildings.

What is your greatest fear in life?

That something I did or didn't do may cause discouragement to others or lead them astray.

What would you say is your greatest virtue?

Keeping cool.

What daily motto do you live by?

God is good.

Describe yourself in two words—one beginning with A, the other with D?

Actually, Nasser, my twin brother, Eric, always reminds me that my full name is Michael Anthony De Verteuil, so my initials are really MAD, which I’m sure he would say is the appropriate answer (laughing).

From being a licenced/registered pharmacist in the public sector to a pharmacy manager in the private sector, this International Masters of Business Administration (Health Management) holder is the president of the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders (haemophilia, sickle cell anaemia, thalassaemia). Championing the cause of inherited and severe blood disorders has become a life cause for 31-year-old Issa Ali.

The Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders Ltd emerged in 1987 from the Thalassemia Association of T&T that was formed in 1983. Since then, the organisation has represented not only parents and patients with thalassaemia but also of haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia.

The society is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), a registered charitable organisation, a member of Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) and member of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). The society’s main objectives are: to offer support—psychological and otherwise—to affected families; to disseminate information about inherited and severe blood disorders to the public; to offer services of screening and counselling to both parents and patients, and to ensure access to optimum treatment to all parents.

Haemophilia is a medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced, causing the sufferer to bleed severely from even a slight injury. It affects approximately one in 10,000 people and is treatable, but treatment can be very expensive. Of the estimated 400,000 people worldwide with haemophilia, only 25 per cent receive adequate treatment. (See www.wfh.org)

What is sickle cell anaemia? Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inherited disorder of the red blood cells. In SCA the red blood cells contain an abnormal haemoglobin called sickle haemoglobin, which causes these cells to change to a stiff, sticky, curved shape like sickles or crescent moons. Sickle cells die prematurely, resulting in anaemia. They also pile up and become stuck in small blood vessels, thus slowing or blocking blood flow and oxygen to certain parts of the body. (See www.thalassaemia.org.cy)

What is thalassaemia? Also called mediterranean anaemia, cooley’s anaemia or homozygous beta thalassaemia, it is an inherited disorder in which there is a fault in the production of haemoglobin (oxygen carrying pigment found in red blood cells) which causes low haemoglobin levels and a high rate of red blood cells destruction causing anaemia. (See www.thalassaemia.org.cy)

One day of the year internationally marks each of the main inherited and severe blood disorders: April 17, 2015, is World Hemophilia Day; May 8 is World Thalassemia Day; June 19 is World Sickle Cell Day...to raise awareness about these inherited and severe blood disorders and the need to build a family of support for those living with them. These three days provide an opportunity to meet, discuss and network with extended family and friends, colleagues and caregivers to raise awareness and increase support for those living with

inherited and severe blood disorders.

To commemorate these three days, the T&T Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders hosts a National Annual Walkathon & Fund-raiser around the Queen’s Park Savannah. It is scheduled this year for May 17, starting at the paved area opposite TGIF at 6.30 am. All are invited. For more details call 288-0877.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I am from St Augustine and most of my schooling was in that area. I am a graduate of Hillview College and later graduated from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, with a BSc in Pharmacy. After working for a few years at the North Central Regional Health Authority as a pharmacist, I began reading for my International Masters of Business Administration with a specialisation in Health Management in 2010, graduating in 2013.

What was the motivating factor in becoming so passionately involved with the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders?

When I was four years old I was given, as they say, a second chance at life. My parents from a very early age always encouraged me to ‘give back’. It has always been my dream to see patients with inherited and severe blood disorders treated with optimal world class, all-round high quality healthcare inclusive of extensive screening and counselling. At this point, as president I am happy to report that this plan is on the right track.

What do you think is the biggest opportunity arising in championing this cause?

Over the years, the many challenges we have faced have taken a severe toll on all our patients. As such, this situation created an opportunity for the executive members of the organisation to do something to influence change in the current situation. The time had come for the construction of a National Treatment Centre for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders, a solution that would most definitely eliminate some of the major challenges we currently experience. I would like to thank my hard-working executive who despite all other commitments, give their 100 per cent to the championing of this lifelong challenge of inherited and severe blood disorders.

Additionally, I would like to thank publicly our medical technical director and consultant hematologist Dr Waveney Charles for all her hard work, perseverance, determination and willpower over the past 30-plus years, ensuring this organisation is where it is today. Finally, on behalf of the membership of the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders we thank the minister and the Ministry of Health for the granting of a treatment room at the San Fernando General Hospital for all our patients as well as a parcel of land at the newly constructed Couva Children’s Hospital for the construction of a National Treatment Centre for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders.

What are some of the misconceptions or misinformation about those with inherited and severe blood disorders?

Our haemophiliac patients are believed to bleed continuously to death; sickle patients are believed to be pain medication addicts; thalassemia patients are nicknamed vampires.

Another common misconception that many people have is that if they are not sick they could never have any blood disorder. Additionally, many people believe once you are diagnosed with a blood disorder it is an automatic death sentence.

What is the most valuable piece of advice or information you would give to those afflicted with or people close to those afflicted with inherited and severe blood disorders?

Never feel that you are not like any other person. Never give up as the sky is the limit and with faith, hard work and determination, the impossible is always possible.

What is the biggest need/priority at the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders?

Currently the biggest need for our patients is to have a place where all our patients can be successfully treated at world class standards and call their own. As such, the priority is to expand on the current location of Ward 44 at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital to the southland of having an area or ward at the San Fernando General Hospital.

As mentioned before, the Government of T&T through the Ministry of Health has agreed to grant to our patients a parcel of land at the Couva Children’s Hospital to construct a National Treatment Centre. We are therefore calling on corporations to come on board and partner with us as we embark on the construction of our National Treatment Centre and the refurbishing and setting up of a treatment room for our patients at the San Fernando hospital. Again, feel free to call us at our office number on Ward 44 POSGH—288-0877 or come and visit us on Ward 44—Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.

What is the slogan of your organisation?

Our slogan from inception has been: Become a registered blood donor now and become a friend for life.

How can the public assist your cause?

The best way for the public to assist us is to become registered blood donors and start donating blood on a regular basis. The blood you donate today will help keep our children alive.

What other information about the Society for Inherited and Severe Blood Disorders would you like to share with our readers…contact info, social media etc? Upcoming events?

Feel free to visit us on Facebook: SISBD Society. Contact us at: 288-0877. Our office is currently on Ward 44 POSGH and is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 3pm.

Our next event is the partnering with the group SW Touring in hosting a Hemophilia Awareness Youth Football Challenge in memory of one of our late members Junion Gonash to be held on March 28, at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. And of course, on May 17, we would be hosting our annual walkathon and fund-raiser at the Queen’s Park Savannah.

What would you say and what advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours in the pharmaceutical industry?

Being a pharmacist is a very noble profession and it gives you the opportunity to impact positively the lives of many. With hard work and determination all things are achievable.

What daily motto/credo do you live by and in three words, your recipe for success?

Belief in God. For me, faith in God makes the impossible possible.

What are two words that best describe you, one beginning with I, the other with A, the initials of your name.

Integrity and Ambitious.

Her e-mail address, steelpanlady@... is the handle which epitomises the passion for which yet another non-national, though resident in T&T, has for our national instrument.

Enamoured by the pan since her first introduction to the instrument back in the 1980s at Northern Illinois University, Dr Jeannine Remy, senior lecturer in music, Department of Creative and Festival Arts at UWI, St Augustine, has recently completed, with another non-national, retired judge Ray Funk from Alaska, the 75-year history of the Invaders Steelband. This publication is ready to go to print but is awaiting sponsorship for its initial print run, an exercise that is taking a lot longer than anticipated.

At UWI she teaches courses in percussion, pan (arranging, literature, history), world music, and musics of the Caribbean. Many of Dr Remy’s compositions for pan can be found in the UWI Pan exam books that the Department of Creative and Festival Arts/DCFA created to promote music literacy.

Her first trip to Trinidad was in 1989 as part of her doctoral research at the University of Arizona. Since then, she has received numerous faculty research grants, including a Fulbright in 2000-2001 to research and archive Trinidad’s pan music.

In 2003, she shipped what remained of her private collection of instruments in a container from Idaho to the pan theatre at UWI and thus started the UWI Percussion Ensemble, a dream come true for this self-confessed “pan jumbie.” Prior to that, she had arrived in Trinidad with her two children and six suitcases.

The Percussion Ensemble group has produced two CDs—Rain Makers and DCFA Percussion Ensemble. With percussion now a major area of study at the DCFA, the programme has produced students who are currently pursuing their Masters degrees in percussion abroad. The Percussion Ensemble is now in its 12th year at UWI as the music students have become attached to the unique learning and performing opportunities the group currently offers.

Dr Remy connected with Franka Hills-Headley’s Golden Hands to create a programmatic musical drama titled The Rainmakers for pan and percussion that was featured on a showcase concert for Percussive Arts International Convention in Austin, Texas, in 2008.

She is the first foreigner and woman to arrange for large conventional steelbands for panorama and music festivals, including Invaders in North and Hatters in South. In 2010, she became the first woman to win a steelband competition, titled Pan in the 21st Century, with Sforzata. During panorama Dr Remy can often be found working for GISL TV doing musical commentary and analysis of steelbands as they cross the stage.

Q: First, let’s get a bit of background…tell us about your early years (where you were born, where you grew up, primary, secondary and tertiary education).

A: I was born in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, with Lake Michigan in my backyard. In fact, I am the person to whom the calypso Iron Man is all about.

I attended primary and secondary school in a rural farm community known for its Belgium and Scandinavian ancestry, in the Southern Door School District, Door County being the northeast peninsula of Wisconsin. It is a beautiful vacation land riddled with cherry, cedar and birch trees, and is part of the Niagara Escarpment.

In 2013, I was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at Southern Door High School for excellence in performance and teaching.

I earned my BM and MM degrees from Northern Illinois University (NIU) and my DMA from the University of Arizona in Tucson.

How and why did you become involved and enamoured with the steelpan?

As an avid collector of recording, my first experience of hearing a steelband was from an LP but the sounds of those instruments were from the earlier years, whereby the pan was not yet “ringing.” When I was in high school I attended a summer music camp (the percussion session) in Door County that featured pan as one of the electives. The steelpan teacher was G Allan O’Connor (seen in Trinidad many times as a judge for Pan Is Beautiful) who eventually brought a Trinidadian, Clifford Alexis, to NIU. Upon hearing the instrument up close and personal, I fell in love with the sound and musical capabilities. I transferred to NIU where I completed and finished my BM and MM degrees.

As a percussionist, the pan was an instrument that I wanted to master. I had a lot of experience as an orchestral percussionist but the pan was an instrument that completed my yearning for world music.

How do you incorporate pan in your teaching programmes at UWI?

I incorporated the steelpan just like teaching any other musical instrument. When I first began teaching pan at UWI, I saw a need for an exercise book with scale patterns and sight-reading… all components for pan assessment at UWI. These are things all of the tutors do with their pan students, in addition to learning exam pieces. Prior to that, in 1995, Dr Osborne devised a graded exam for pan. These pieces also added to the repertoire to develop music literacy in T&T. But as time went on, I realised that some of my students were exceptional players who needed music composed specifically for them. This is all what the “C” category of the three pan exam set pieces is all about…local compositions promoting pan literacy.

As for my percussionists, I am very proud of them. Most having no percussion at the elementary or secondary school level, I have to take them from point A to Z very quickly. I am so proud of the fact that I can boost about three of my percussion majors getting scholarships to study percussion at the masters level abroad. That means we are doing something very right here at UWI and that all of the music faculty should be complimented for their success.

What is/are your current and future project/s?

Pan history and research has always been very important to me and my colleagues (Kim Johnson, Ray Funk, Andy Martin, to name a few). I began researching for the 75 Years of Invaders Steelband 25 years ago, beginning the process by doing interviews with pan pioneers back as early as 1989. Ray Funk joined into the project in the last five or more years to help collect data.

The importance of the 350-page Invader’s book is the fact that many of the stories would now be lost as many historic members have passed away. Additionally, many photographs were shared during numerous interviews. With the assistance of many pan elders, now fallen, the book is an accurate account of the history of steelband as seen through the eyes of Invaders. The book has been completed and is ready to go to print but now seems to be on hold as Rubadiri Victor has tried to assist us through the Ministry of Culture to obtain the required funding for its printing and distribution. We have been told that funds would be released so we are anxiously waiting. Before that, Caribbean Airlines were hot on the trail to assist financially with the printing and launch, but we are not sure what is happening as so many hands have changed. We are still hopeful they will assist. The manager of Invaders, Michael Dinchong, was given the book in hopes that it would be sold in the panyard and become a main item to help promote cultural heritage…especially with the International Conference and Panorama (ICP) around the corner.

Archiving steelpan newspaper clippings over the years has been another big project, http://uwispace.sta.uwi.edu/dspace/handle/2139/17577.

My next project with Ray Funk is a book on steelbands from south Trinidad. We have already began the research and with the assistance of Pan Trinbago South (kudos to David Balbosa and Michael Joseph) who are allowing us to use their conference room for interviews.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most in your career and life in general and how did they?

I would have to say this would be people like Al O’Connor, Cliff Alexis, Ray Holman, Andy Narell and many, many pan elders who were so generous in sharing their stories on their role in a steelband.

What goals and/or ambitions do you still have in the areas of the steelpan?

Any pan arranger would say “win a Panorama!” but for me, mainly to bring the joy of music in the hearts of any eager listener.

What are some of your favourite pieces of Trini music?

I love listening to vintage soca…like listening to 107.7 Soca Train on Saturday! But one has something to learn by listening to all kinds of Trini music. That is a hard question. My favourite arrangers are Ray Holman, Boogsie Sharpe and Clive Bradley. This year I really liked Ducking and Vagabond.

What other information about yourself would you like to share with our readers?

My most memorable moments as steelband conductor were in 2000 with Invaders and conducting Toco Band while being about six months pregnant. The other was conducting Hatters in 2002 with a piece called 911 when the audience gave us a very long standing ovation and recently, 2013, the ensemble category of the Pan Is Beautiful in Napa. Of course, conducting Bust Your Windows for the Pan in the 21st Century was also a blast.

This year, I really enjoyed playing Chuku Chuku/Denise Belfon with Hatters in Skinner Park. That performance was top notch and regardless of what the rating was, we really performed and had a good time.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with R, your initials.

I don’t know about the J part, but the R for sure is rebellious. When I left my last job in Idaho to move to Trinidad my colleagues thought I was crazy. They asked me why would I move to a third world country with enough pan players and arrangers already. I just smiled and waved goodbye to them.

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Pan jumbie