In a recent address by Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, the minister said he is “very interested in the idea of introducing chess clubs in schools where they don’t already exist,” and he promised to build a Chess Complex/Centre for the T&T Chess Association. This is a huge fillip for the sport of chess in T&T.

Along with that, another significant boost was provided when 17-year-old Javanna Smith was recently named Junior Sportswoman of the Year for 2014, at the First Citizens Sport Foundation Youth Awards Gala Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain.

In copping the First Citizens award Smith prevailed over 16 other females in the various competing categories of sport.

Prior to being awarded this prestigious honour, the then Holy Name Convent, Port-of-Spain, student had become T&T’s chess ‘queen’ in 2013, winning the Open National female championship tournament, ending the seven-year reign of Aditi Soondarsingh.

In 2014, she became T&T’s first-ever Woman Fide (Fédération Internationale des Échecs or World Chess Federation) Master after she finished third in the women’s competition at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Under-20 Championships in Costa Rica.

She also ‘captured’ five victories in ten games at the Chess Olympiad in Norway. At the Pan American Games in Mexico she won three matches and drew four and was also T&T’s Under-20 and Under-18 female champion.

Hers is a rise to the top from her first overseas competition in Florida in the Under-7 category in 2005, and winning locally in her age group for every year since then. In 2006 she participated in her first Pan Am games in Ecuador and won bronze at the CAC games in El Salvador.

She has represented T&T at four consecutive Olympiads in Germany, Russia, Turkey and Norway. In 2012 she checkmated her way to T&T’s only women’s gold medal at the first Carifta Chess Championships held in Trinidad and Under-15 silver at the Pan Am Games in Venezuela. 

In 2013 she took silver in the Under-16 category at Carifta in Jamaica and silver again at Under-17 level at Pan Am in Trinidad.

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

A: I was born in Maraval and grew up in Maraval and Barataria.

What schools did you attend? 

Holy Name Convent Secondary, 2009-2015, and Holy Name Preparatory School, 2003-2009.

What are your hobbies and interests other than chess, of course?

I also enjoy playing League of Legends, an online game, with my friends, as well as reading fiction based books.

How did you become so involved in playing chess?

My father taught all four siblings to play chess, as he is the general secretary for Fide on the American Continent. He would drag us along to almost all official tournaments. They were also champions in their age groups and won CAC medals in El Salvador and Puerto Rico so I had lots of learning also with them.

Tell us about your inspiration and motivation to play chess and becoming so good at it. 

Primarily, the only reason I played chess was because I had no other alternative. My dad put me in it, and I couldn't get out so I figured it made no sense to play badly, and so I didn't resist playing the sport (laughing). However as time progressed, I saw it as a fun activity; many of my friendships were made at chess. The game itself got more interesting, and as I got better, I slowly began to grow a liking towards it since I started seeing myself progress over the years. I was never exactly motivated at one point, it's all been a journey where I got better and better at the sport, and that in itself motivated me.

What are some of the challenges you face as a chess player?

There are two main challenges. First would be managing school work and chess training. Second would be getting funding for training and travel abroad to represent the country at international events. Half of the time my parents would have to pay for my trips, airfare, accommodation, meals, training etc. More support from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs would be greatly appreciated for my future endeavours.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Obtaining my Woman Fide Master title has to be my greatest pride right now.

Of all your prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?

My Female Youth of the Year award, from the First Citizens Sports Foundation, is very dear to me.

What is your most treasured possession?

That will have to be my life and family.

What goals and/or ambitions do you have?

At this point, several of my personal goals have been achieved, now I’m aiming towards a Woman International Master title and my university career.

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

In the whole world? Of course it would be the one and only Chino Moreno from my favourite band Deftones. He's my idol, he writes great music and has an amazing voice, he's very loving to his friends, family and to his fans. I think he's a great demonstration of "doing what you love most" and that's a quality that I truly admire.

Who was your hero growing up outside of your family?

Growing up, I had a chess coach who really influenced me. International Master Raul Perez Hernandez from Cuba. In all honesty, I always felt like I was his favourite student. He'd always be positive; even when I’d lose a match, I'd still get rewarded with hugs and sometimes even chocolates and sweet drinks. When everyone else was disappointed in me, he was always supportive and I really miss him for that.

Upcoming events, competitions?

Lots. There are the Pan Ams Under-18, CAC U-18, CAC U-20 and my A- Levels.

What do you see for the future of the sport of chess in T&T? 

There is a great immediate future for the female chess players since a lot of progress is being made for us females.

What makes for a really good chess player?

One who is always humble in victory, and graceful in defeat.

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

Study hard, dream big and work towards your dreams…and read this article! (laughing)

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

Hmm that would be jaunty and sincere.

According to the United Nations, one per cent of any population may be diagnosed on the autism spectrum. As Autism Month, April, comes to a close, the hope of people with the neurological disorder and their families is that they will be better understood and accepted in society. 

Amoy Boodoo spoke with the Sunday Guardian about how she copes with a child diagnosed with autism and the many challenges she and her family have faced. She is the mother of Kendell, a teenager with level one Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and is also the programme co-ordinator for the Autistic Society of T&T (ASTT).

According to the Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov), ASD is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioural challenges. There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to being severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives, others need less.

A diagnosis of ASD now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger’s syndrome. These conditions are now all called ASD. (Diagnostic Statistical Manual-5) People diagnosed with level one autism require some support, people with level two require substantial support, and people with level three (most severe) require very substantial support.

It should be noted that people can move across the spectrum according to their brain development, access to early diagnosis, early intervention, and appropriate educational and therapeutic treatment.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself.

A: I was born and raised in Arima, where I grew up in a large family of four brothers and three sisters. We would often refer to our noisy, fun-loving family as “Eight is Enough.” My family later moved to Warrenville, Cunupia, where at the age of 26 years I got married to my best friend. I am a proud mother of two handsome young men Kendell (17 years) and Kennedy (15). I am a parent advocate, volunteer and programme co-ordinator at the Autistic Society of T&T. 

The last 15 years of my life has been spent learning about ASD, working hard to support my elder son, Kendell, who has autism. Given that my own family struggles as one family and hearing the stories of so many others, I feel it’s very important for me as a parent and member of ASTT to reach out and help people to try and understand Autism Spectrum Disorder and the challenges faced by parents daily. 

As the parent of an autistic child, what is the most valuable piece of advice you would give to parents when they find out their child has autism?

Receiving a diagnosis of autism can be devastating to some parents but for others, it can be a relief to have a label for their child’s symptoms. Many parents can be overwhelmed by fear and grief for the loss of the future they had hoped for their child. However, I would like to say to them don’t give up hope. I would encourage them to learn more about ASD, especially become “experts in their child’s autism” as each person is unique on the autism spectrum. The diagnosis is important because it can open up doors to services and help parents learn about treatment their child can benefit from. I would encourage them to join parent support groups, and talking to others may also help. Much of the information that will be helpful to them is in the hands, heads and hearts of other parents like themselves. They are the key teachers in their child’s life and while we need the support of the educational systems and professionals to provide all of the services our child needs, it is also important to recognise what skills their child needs to learn so as to improve their overall quality of life. “You are your child’s biggest advocate, be his/her voice.”

When was the ASTT started?

After her son Kester was diagnosed (in Florida) at age seven with autism in 1988, Mrs (Teresina) Sieunarine, our president, wrote articles to the newspapers and spoke on radio. She shared information on autism and the trauma being experienced and asked other parents to meet at the Kiwani’s Club at St Helena, where the Nalis library is now. About 15 families met and formed the NGO on May 31, 1990. Parents came from all over Trinidad and so this year, the Autistic Society will be commemorating 25 years as a parent support group and have to be recognised as achieving this without a government subvention (to date).

What is the mission of the ASTT?

To work with families to help individuals with autism to achieve their fullest potential through education, training and advocacy for affordable and appropriate services. We also encourage an autism-friendly environment.

What are the T&T stats related to autism? 

We have read that autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the USA.

Local statistics are not available. However, the UN recently stated that one per cent of every country has people with autism so we may have about 13,000-plus in T&T, but the ASTT only knows of at least 600 people with autism who are members of our organisation.

What do you think is the biggest challenge and, conversely, opportunity for the ASTT? 

I think the biggest challenge facing ASTT is getting the Government to support as well as recognise the need for early diagnosis and screening, implementing early intervention programmes with trained teachers and aides, providing affordable therapies for the families. We would like to see the relevant authorities such as the Ministry of 

Health, Ministry of Education and the Ministry of People and Social Development implement all the plans written in many policy documents.

On the other hand, parents and families need to become empowered so they can become stronger advocates and demand the services their children need so they can achieve their fullest potential.

What are the some of the misconceptions or misunderstandings about children with autism?

There are so many misconceptions about persons with autism but I will just list a few at the top of my head:

• Many persons or the relatives feel that autism is caused by bad parenting. This is not so

• A child must make eye contact in order to understand verbal communication from another person. For some children, looking away from a voice often results in better communication. 

• All persons with autism prefer to spend their time alone. While I agree this may be so sometimes, but people with autism may want to interact socially but may not naturally have the necessary social skills. Some may also be fearful of typically developing persons

• A child will grow out of autism. It is a lifelong disorder, but early intervention and the right support at the right time can enhance a person with autism

• It is a mental condition/disease.  

• People with autism are dangerous. While there are many individuals who may exhibit aggressive behaviours, those behaviours are almost caused by frustration, physical and/or sensory overload and similar issues. It is very rare for a person with autism to act violently out of malice.

• Stimming (repetitive behaviour like flapping or rocking) is undesirable and should be stopped. Repetitive behaviour like flapping or rocking can help some people with autism deal with chaotic environments or stress, or it may be a form of personal expression and sometimes communication for people with autism

While these may be a few, there are many other misconceptions. I would like to encourage people to educate themselves about autism to dispel all the myths and learn the facts.

What do you wish someone had told you when you found out your son had autism?

First, I would like to say that Kendell was not officially diagnosed until age six when we had the opportunity to travel abroad in 2003. I learnt about autism after reading about it in a book I bought on the roadside in 1999 while on my way to work. His pediatrician at the time dispelled all notions and reassured me it was not autism and that he did not look autistic, he should be placed into a school so he could learn to conform by following other children. In 2000, ASTT was presenting a parent/teacher training workshop and my sister-in-law invited me along. I had the opportunity to learn more about autism, the challenges that lay ahead and strategies that will be useful

However, at that moment, I felt scared and depressed all at once about how the rest of our lives clearly was going to change. I questioned my inability to shield him forever from judgment, ridicule, and mean children and adults. As I sat in my seat sobbing inside I wished someone had held my hand at that moment and reassured me that everything was going to be OK, reassured me that getting the services that is needed will be easy to access and that my son will be fine.

What do you think T&T has to do to reach the level of North America and Europe when it comes to opportunities for people with disabilities and legislation protecting their rights? 

T&T has not yet ratified the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. We need binding legislatives to be enacted or amend the existing laws and then move on to the difficult but not impossible task of enforcement. Once we put the necessary support mechanisms in place as they did, I believe we can also be successful in T&T. I feel the Government has the responsibility to be the forefront of increasing awareness which would lead to acceptance of persons with autism and other disabilities. There is an urgent need for our society to become a more caring one. A society that is willing to accept differences and diversity. Persons with autism can contribute to our society and indeed some businesses in the developed countries are now employing persons with autism especially in the IT field.

If someone only reads a couple lines of this interview what would you want them to know?

I really wished they would read the entire article however, I would like the readers to know you can either fight autism or embrace it. I have done both and fighting takes too much energy. I am sure everyone else has already repeatedly told them about the downsides, heartaches and the difficulties facing them on their journey with autism. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing and my son is living proof of that.

Do you think fathers generally are fulfilling their roles as involved people in the support of their children with disabilities in T&T?

It can be very stressful for any person to walk this path alone and so many mothers have been doing it for such a long time. Joining support groups are not for mothers only! Over the years, I have seen an increase in fathers reaching out for support but I am sure it will make a tremendous difference if more fathers take an active role in sharing the responsibilities in raising a child with autism. 

While the financial support is necessary, I also feel many fathers try to bury their emotions and may not know how to be supportive or how important it is to share the responsibilities of raising the child with any type of disabilities. My husband recently said in a TV interview that autism brings families closer and it certainly did in my family. Kendell’s success came about with both of us working together as a team to give him the support he needs to face the many challenges ahead of him. I could not have done this alone! Let me rephrase that—I could if I had to but I am certainly glad I didn’t.  

How does the ASTT sustain its existence and does it engage in fund-raisers?

Our main funder for the last seven years has been Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference Programme. We have been receiving Deeds of Covenants from some companies, donations from individuals and various groups. Proposal for funding have been sent to relevant ministries (no response yet). We sell T-shirts and pins throughout the year. We will be having our first family day/bazaar as a fund-raiser on Saturday, May 23, so we are asking persons to donate the following items towards our first event: food items (cans and bottles), toys, plants, books which we can use in our various booths. If persons wish to donate they can do so directly to any RBL acct #340 005 630 201.

When is your next event?

The RBL Autism Awareness Walk which will take place on April 25, at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Our first family day/bazaar on Saturday, May 23, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Our monthly parent support group meeting on Saturday, May 30, at 2 pm–4.30 pm. 

We are at present preparing for our Therapeutic Summer camp for children and adults with ASD in July.

What is the biggest need/priority of the Autistic Society and how can people, the public, help?

Any organisation’s biggest need will be financial funding. At the moment, we rely heavily of RBL Power to make a Difference Programme. We would like to get a government subvention. Corporate organisations can donate by setting up Deeds of Covenant as part of their corporate social responsibility agenda (it is an incentive to receive tax breaks). Private persons can sponsor a child/adult for therapies and camp.

I think it is also important for members of our society to start viewing persons with any disability in a different way. 

We need to remove the stigma associated with autism. Members of the public can get to know a family who has a child or adult with autism. 

I also believe that persons in authority who have a child or grandchild with a disability should become advocates and not hide their child. It means that persons and families who have a child with a disability are still being stigmatised in T&T. I would encourage persons to visit Autism Place.

What other information about the ASTT would you like to share with our readers…contact info, social media etc? 

ASTT extends services to adults and children with autism. We have adult recreational groups, social/play groups for children, one-to-one sessions with parents and child, functional life skills training. Weekly music and art therapy sessions. A day therapy camp for children and adults in summer vacation, sensory friendly movie nights, parent social counselling to parents and persons on the spectrum, monthly parent meetings and trainings. Persons wishing to get more information can contact the office 646-5506 or 228-5508, e-mail autismtt@gmail.com. Persons can join our Facebook page and connect with us there also. 

What is the most valuable piece of advice or information you would give to those who are living with autism or people close to those with autism?

This is and still is my personal mantra “when they are at their worst, you must always be at your best.” A few years ago my sister said to me “you know, Amoy, we (meaning my family) all will help if something were to happen” to my husband and I, promising to help to take care of the boys, but they never had the opportunity to take care of Kendell for 24 hours without me being there and she wondered what it would be like and if they would have been able to manage with him. Over the years, I have always encouraged parents to help their children learn necessary functional life skills to be able to have some level of independence so they are not a “burden” for siblings or caregivers in the event they are not able to anymore.

I say this to my son all the time, that autism is just a word used by the doctors to categorise people who have certain difficulties in specific areas like the way they communicate, or how they behave, or how they socialise and make friends. I would say to him that all kids have challenges, it’s just that people with autism the behaviours show up more. We let him know every day how proud we are of him for being such a good child. We love him, and having autism does not change the way we feel about him or who he is as a person..

At just 16 years old, equestrian rider Amber Thompson is a champion showjumper who began riding at the age of four.

Thompson grew up riding only off-the-track thoroughbreds, and she successfully trained her two rescued horses to become jumpers. Thompson represented Trinidad successfully on multiple occasions in shows locally, regionally and abroad. She recently returned home from having  very successful season at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, where there were over 15,000 horses competing.

Thompson rode against 40-90 people when she showed, and placed second, third and fourth in her multiple respective classes. She also competed last summer in Canada, where she won twice and received both Junior Champion and Reserve Junior Champion. Thompson’s goal is to represent Trinidad in the Central American Games in four years, the Pan American games, and one day at the Olympics.

With Thompson's great ambition and passion for the sport, combined with her high work rate and dedication as a rider, she strives to forge ahead and accomplish all her goals.

Young Thompson has been described by her local coach, Patrice Stollmeyer, as “talented, dedicated and competitive, with a very bright future.”

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

A: I was born and raised in Bayshore, western Trinidad.

What schools did you attend (include primary) and are still attending?

I attended Maple Leaf International School from kindergarten to Grade Seven, and Grades eight-12 with Seton Home Study School, Virginia, USA.

What are your hobbies and interests other than showjumping or equestrian, of course?

I love doing yoga and going to the gym.

How did you become so involved in showjumping or equestrian?

When I was young, I started going to the stables to watch my sister, Kyna ride. When I was four, I took my first lesson and I have been hooked ever since. I always loved being around the horses and thought showjumping looked so exciting.

Tell us about your inspiration, motivation and becoming so good at show jumping.

My mother was always involved in the horse world, and I have had the support of both my mother and world, and I have had the support of both my mother and sister inspiring me to reach my full potential. The T&T Equestrian Association has always been very supportive of my endeavours.

What are some of the challenges you face as an equestrian?

The biggest challenge at present is finances to continue training and competing abroad at a level that is necessary to achieve the Central American Games qualifications for 2018. But like any other sport at a competitive level, I often have to sacrifice being with friends or doing other things because I am dedicated to my sport and horses.

Tell us more about you and abandoned horses.

The abandonment of horses is an ongoing problem in Trinidad, due to the lack of knowledge, understanding, and compassion for how to care for these animals. Most riding schools on the island consist of retired, rescued racehorses, so that is how I began riding and assisting in the training of them. I have always been very passionate about helping animals, and I would like to raise more awareness about this issue in T&T.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement so far?

Having such a successful season at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, earlier this year, has been my biggest achievement.

Of all your prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?

A very special award was when my rescue horse, Georgie, and I won ‘Horse and Rider’ of the year in Trinidad in 2013.

What goals and/or ambitions do you have?

I aim to compete in the 2018 Central American Games and the Pan American Games in the future, progressing to the Olympics. After graduating from high school, I also plan to go to veterinary school.

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

I would choose Pope Francis, because he is truly inspirational and humble.

Upcoming events, competitions etc?

This summer I will be showing and competing at Caledon Equestrian Park, Angelstone Tournaments and the Orangeville horse show in Canada.

What do you see for the future of the sport of show jumping or equestrian in T&T?

There are many talented riders with a lot of potential in Trinidad. There are also well-established riders that I would love to see come back into competing. It would be great to see more people involved in the sport.

What makes for a really good show jumping or equestrian champion?

I think dedication is the key to success. You also have to be very physically fit, have a healthy lifestyle, and make the necessary sacrifices.

If someone wanted to get involved in your sport how would they go about doing so? Is there an association, a club, places to learn, etc?

The T&T Equestrian Association has a Web site, http://www.ttequestrian.org/, where all information on the local riding schools is available, along with a calendar of upcoming events. It would be great to see more spectators and potential riders at our events.

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

I would like to inspire the youth of T&T to do what they love to the best of their ability and to be proud of their achievements. I would also like to encourage our generation to treat our country’s animals with more respect and dignity.

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

I would say I am Ambitious towards my goals and Thankful for all of my opportunities.

Katherine Bethel began her entrepreneurial journey almost 30 years ago at Prizgar Road, San Juan, with the founding of B’s Homemade Ice Cream. She and her husband, Andy, started selling ice cream from a humble roadside cart as a means of making ends meet for their young family during difficult economic times in the 1980s. As the popularity of their ice cream carts grew, so did the couple’s vision and today, their efforts have made B’s Homemade Ice Cream into a successful Trinidad-grown ice cream brand.

Since that time, she has used her innate entrepreneurial drive to launch a number of businesses—a shoe, clothing and accessories boutique, an international distribution centre, and given her deep passion for entrepreneurship and small business development in the Caribbean, she has become a sought-after motivational speaker, business strategist and business coach (she is an ActionCOACH business coaching franchise holder with ActionCOACH International, and the only certified ActionCOACH in T&T).

She holds an MBA from the Henley College of Business Management in the United Kingdom and an ACCA Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management. When she is not strategising to take B’s ice cream to the next level, inspiring young entrepreneurs, coaching small business owners, or shopping for new styles for her boutique, Bethel enjoys relaxing and spending quiet time with nature.

Q: Where did you grow up and what area do you now consider home?
A: I grew up at Prizgar Road, San Juan. Today, home is at Maracas, St Joseph.

Where did you attain your primary, secondary and tertiary education?
Primary—San Juan Girls’ Government; secondary—Barataria Junior and Senior Secondary schools; tertiary—John Donaldson Technical Institute, The University of the West Indies Institute of Business, Henley University, UK.

What led you specifically in the direction of the ice cream industry?
This venture began with my husband and I selling ice cream from a cart on Curepe Junction as a means of making ends meet for our family during challenging economic times in the 1980s. Andy had always had a knack for making punches, ice-cream, and milk-based beverages, and we decided to give it a shot. 

What has made B’s ice cream become so popular?
Our innovative, unique flavours with a tropical flair, consistency in maintaining our homemade style/textures of our products, the nostalgia associated with a true Caribbean homemade ice cream, our multiple distribution channels, our activity and involvement in the communities we operate in, our brand recognition, and our fun-loving spirit.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and how so?
My parents have had the biggest influence on my life. My father in particular instilled his values and doled out sound fatherly wisdom throughout my formative years. He was an example of strength and determination and encouraged my siblings and me to dream big. He always reminded me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to do. 

My husband has also been very influential. Over the years, he has been a great source of strength and support. Most importantly, the hand and favour of God has been upon my life from day one. God has been directing the course of my life and with him at the centre of it all, through all the hills and the valleys, I am a winner and an overcomer.

What inspires you to do the (various) types of work you do?
I am inspired by my passion to work with people and help them to achieve their purpose.

If you had the choice of meeting with any national or international individual who would that be and why?
I would like to meet past prime minister Mr Patrick Manning and present Prime Minister Mrs Kamla Persad-Bissessar. I believe they each have admirable charismatic leadership styles. We can learn so much from these two individuals regarding the do’s and don’ts of leadership.
Internationally, I would love to meet Oprah Winfrey and Joel Osteen.

What is your recipe for success?
Prayer and worship, plan, listen, observe, save, give, build valuable relationships, prepare and take action.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
When a business colleague told me to pursue my Henley MBA, and when my apostle Jemma Duncan advised that I study the bible.

What goals do you still have?
To take the B’s brand to the rest of the Caribbean and to the West Indian diaspora in the UK, US and Canada.

Where would you have loved to be a fly on the wall?
In Nelson Mandela’s cell while he was imprisoned, observing as he developed into the transformational leader he became.

How do you balance your family life with the demands/challenges of your hectic life?
My calendar is packed, but I ensure that there is time for fellowship, family, vacation, work, client support, and very importantly, time for me!

What is the most difficult decision you have had to make?
Deciding to pursue the biggest loan I ever engaged to buy a warehouse for B’s. This decision was to move from our family home operation to what at that time seemed like an enormous 26,000 square feet space, knowing we were very far off from that operational capacity. It turned out to be a very wise decision. 

Describe yourself in two words—one beginning with K, the other with B, your initials.
K–Kind-­hearted. B–Blessed.

Among the many hats Colin Borde wears, one of them is that of the manager of the T&T Red Steel T20 cricket franchise (as he has been since the inaugural tournament in 2013). The other hats he wears include or have included sports management consultant, former manager of T&T’s national team in regional cricket, the West Indies A team and the President’s XI, holder of a commercial pilot’s licence, former TTCB executive. He is also a real estate agent/consultant and currently involved in a project to maintain a viable sports Website, ttsportslink.com 

The Red Steel is captained by IPL star player Dwayne Bravo and has legendary South African allrounder Jacques Kallis as well as Trinis Samuel Badree, Darren Bravo and Kevon Cooper among its ranks. The other franchises competing around the region are the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and St Kitts/Nevis Patriots. The Guyana and Barbados teams are captained by Trinidadians Denesh Ramdin and Kieron Pollard respectively, taking franchise cricket beyond the boundary of country borders in terms of team representation.

News that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has bought into T&T’s Red Steel franchise for the upcoming third edition of the CPL (Caribbean Premier League) has set tongues wagging in the cricketing fraternity and with fans alike. Khan is the owner of the hugely popular IPL (Indian Premier League) team KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) that boasts among its players Trinidad’s mystery spin bowler Sunil Narine.

Borde chatted with the Sunday Guardian in this installment of the Getting Personal series about franchise and the changing face of cricket here and around the world.

Why has franchise cricket become so popular?
The format of T20 in particular is exciting, fast paced, and commercially viable. It is the way of the future. It affords the public and TV audiences across the globe an eventful evening of glitz, high levels of skill, and a mix of international superstars in a high intensity environment. Adrenaline for all.

How does it work and what goes on behind the scenes?
Each franchise is owned by private organisations that invest heavily in the players and administration of the game. The franchise then has strict guidelines as to how it should operate in keeping with commercial best practices. There is a salary cap for a team in which each team has to be able to manoeuvre to get the best players. An orderly process for bidding in a draft is set up and you pick players based on a number that you have pulled randomly. This system affords each team an even chance of acquiring players.

Behind the scenes is very hectic with sponsorship acquisitions, TV rights negotiations, ground accommodation, security, ticketing, marketing, and branding deals to be hammered out. Player contracts, clothing deals, and equipment for teams. Also, Espn arrangements, government and custom waivers for an array of production hardware.

Of course, there is also the aspect of bidding for games in countries for finals etc. It’s a full house of experts that work as a team to ensure that all areas are covered so that the public gets its monies worth of entertainment.

This is your third year in the manager’s position of T&T’s Red Steel in what has become a global phenomenon in the sport of cricket…that of franchise cricket. Who and what inspire you, and tell us a bit about your role and responsibilities. My parents have inspired and encouraged me to dream big, to share your dreams and never give up. They are lovers of the game of cricket.

My role in the team is primarily to ensure that all operations are coordinated to effect a focused-driven, comfortable environment which lends itself to the on-field expression of ability and professionalism by players and staff alike. This may include but not be limited to organisational structure, defined roles within team, logistics, media management, travel and hotel arrangements, sponsorship commitments, team kits and sponsors, television, security, team training programmes, player and technical staff contracts, monitoring and evaluation of staff and players…ultimately ensuring that the team is run smoothly and with guidelines that facilitate a harmonious environment for the players to function at their peak for sustained periods of time.
 
What are the challenges you face in your current cricket managerial role?
The Caribbean's laid-back approach can work for or against you. TV is time. We need to appreciate the value of being on time more!

What is unique about the CPL compared to the other T20 franchise differences in the various franchise-based competitions around the world, such as the IPL and the Big Bash league in Australia?
CPL is played in the beautiful Caribbean with beautiful, warm, rhythmic, diverse people who know how to have a great time and enjoy the moment. We invented party!

How does franchise cricket help the West Indies in terms of cricket especially?
The influx of international players brings and forges new relationships and approaches to the game that can only open up the minds of local players. The knowledge shared by people of the globe helps both the local and foreign players to grow. The commercial side affords a rekindling of efforts by corporate Caribbean to once again engage in partnering with a sport that was seen to be dying in the eyes of the fans. The CPL has brought cricket back to life in the Caribbean. Just ask the fans.

Is T20 cricket the beginning of the end of West Indies Test cricket and regional competitions in the longer versions of the game?
Not at all! All three formats can co-exist and thrive together. Each compliments the other in the approach towards playing it and gives the audience choices on the cricket menu.

What do you consider as your best cricketing achievement thus far?
Definitely as the manager of the T&T national team to the Champions League 2009 final in India. We didn’t have corporate assistance and were limited in funding and limited in international experience. But we were unlimited in belief and determination to make T&T proud.

Your favourite cricketers you have seen, no T&T Red Steel players eh!
Roy Fredericks, Deryck  Murray, Alvin Kallicharran, Brian Lara and Shane Warne.

What goals do you still have?
To qualify for Champions League this year and go on to win it. To ensure that West Indies cricket gets back to its rightful place at the top of the world.
To help to develop T&T as a nation. To become a better individual through helping people. To live long and prosper (shows Star Trek Dr Spock’s sign and laughs heartily).

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with C, the other with B, your initials.
Hmmm….Competitive and Benevolent, I’d say. Hope those who read this and know me would agree!

The T&T Red Steel cricket franchise recently welcomed Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan as its primary investor, in no small part due to the efforts of Jamie Stewart, an Australian based in Delhi, India, over the past 15 years. Stewart is currently in the West Indies, in his role as CPL (Caribbean Premier League)  commercial director, further developing synergies related to the Hero CPL.

An avid one-day cricketer back in his native state of Western Australia in the 1990’s (1992-2000), he is the founder of the Delhi-based company Commune Sports & Entertainment, formed in 2008, which has to its credit the original idea for the creation of cricket’s CPL, now in its third year. Stewart continues to work closely with stakeholders in the region to further develop the regional franchise cricket professional league, the CPL, in this part of the world.

The semi-final and final of the 2015 edition of the competition will be held at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, on July 28, 29 and 30, and sold-out crowds are expected at what is hailed as the biggest party in sports. CNC3 is carrying all the games live. The Sunday Guardian caught up with the busy Aussie recently.

Q: Tell us a bit more about yourself. For example, where did you grow up, how did you come to be based in India and become so intimately involved with Caribbean franchise cricket?
A: I grew up in Perth, Western Australia, which is in fact the most isolated city in the world. It’s a very prosperous and beautiful place, but that isolation is also a call to a lot of people to go out and experience the wider world. I had (and still do have) an interest in meditation and spiritual matters, so I used to spend some of the cricket off season in India on the “ashram trail.”

I had moved to Sydney in 1999 as part of a promotion in my media and publishing career (in the days when cricketers used to have to hold day jobs) and while I still had a professional contract (with NSW), my cricket wasn’t really going anywhere. Someone who knew me as a cricketer had heard of my interest in India and out of the blue asked me to open an office of a UK sports agency in India. 

The idea of a “life less ordinary” has always appealed, so I thought it was worth going for a year to have that life experience. That was in 2001. In 2011, India was touring the West Indies and I had an Indian client who was looking for a major cricket sponsorship opportunity. In short, we ended up being able to procure them the rights for that series and I spent three weeks in the Caribbean on that tour. 

It’s such an amazing part of the world, and I had such a good time I started talking to the then CEO of WICB Ernest Hilaire as to how we might potentially work together. He started talking about the Regional T20 Tournament that existed at the time, thinking perhaps that we could find a sponsor for the league.

However, I started to think that there might be a bigger opportunity of marrying Indian capital with a franchise-based league modelled on IPL. I’d worked with Mumbai Indians since the start-up phase and also done some consulting re Big Bash, so had a fair idea of the basic business model that could be a building block. We came up with a hybrid model that allowed for private investors, the board agreed to this if it could be funded, and the rest I guess is now history.

Who were some of the major movers and shakers involved in the formation of the CPL?
My agency put together the original plans with the current chief operating officer Pete Russell, who was deeply involved. There was the involvement of a seed investor in Ajmal Khan to jump-start the venture but really, it’s very fair to say that the main force behind making CPL a reality has been Digicel chairman Denis O’Brien. He ultimately had the belief that CPL was a great thing for the Caribbean and “wrote the cheque” that gave CPL the green light to move ahead in the first season.

That is when he brought our CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, into the mix and when ideas started to become reality.

From the board’s side, then CEO Ernest Hilaire was the main driving force in the early phase of signing the staging agreement upon which everything else rests. He is a very intelligent and principled guy and believed in the vision for what CPL could do for West Indies cricket, even if the board had to take a little bit more of a back seat in order to bring the required investors and money into the venture.

He had a lot of consulting experience with McKinsey and I think, understood better than any of us that private capital was required to create something that was going to be a “game changer.”

What is your role and what goes on behind the scenes in that role?
I essentially work on raising and managing certain revenue streams for CPL, principally via sponsorship and using India contacts where possible to help drive the league forward (eg,  with the Hero Title Sponsorship), as well as being a general management resource. 

We are a very small team which is what makes, I think, what this small team has achieved the last three years even more special. We’ve been fortunate in that many of the major corporations in the region (other than of course Digicel) have shared the vision for CPL, not least Limacol, Guardian Group, El Dorado, Courts and SM Jaleel, who have all been with us since before a ball was bowled.

This is the third year in what has become a global attraction for the sport of cricket, that of franchise cricket. Why has franchise cricket become so popular?
It’s been said a million times but it’s really cricket for the modern age—movie-length entertainment. As well as a ‘sport’ it’s a ‘spectacle’: you can come to watch the game or just “for the lime” as you say here, or a combination of both. Our lifestyles don’t really allow for carving out much more than three hours for a sports event on most days, and with the rise of the digital age people’s attention spans have drastically shortened with the way they consume entertainment content changing dramatically.

Sport is ultimately a form of entertainment and has to compete with all other forms of entertainment that are available in this digital age. So the time frame and the colourful packaging are one key component. The other would be the way that private investment has been unlocked for the sport of cricket, which hadn’t happened before IPL.

The sheer money power and the marketing muscle it brings shouldn’t be underestimated.  From my point of view, that was the single biggest factor in the success of IPL, which laid the groundwork for everything that has followed.  People want spectacle, they want scale and stature, and that requires investment.

How did Shah Rukh Khan end up being a major investor in the T&T Red Steel franchise?
In fact, SRK’s CEO (& KKR CEO) Venky Mysore and I have been friendly for over a decade—we first met when he was CEO of Metlife in India and they were looking at ICC sponsorship. When he heard we were planning this venture, he asked to be kept in the loop as there was clear interest to develop their franchise internationally.
There were some preliminary talks in the first year held by the seed investor but for various reasons, they didn’t fructify. I reached out earlier this year to see if perhaps now, moving into the third season, they might take a fresh look. Pete Russell flew down to India and I think there was a good atmosphere of trust and mutual vision that was created that subsequently, with very little time to spare, ended up in an agreement. Shah Rukh and his co-owner’s vision has always been keen to take the Knight Riders brand global—it’s really the obvious way to achieve scale—and they had been looking for the right opportunity. Cricket in the Caribbean has always had a romance and attraction, and I think the success of the league so far, and the comfort levels between KKR and CPL management meant that the Red Steel was able to become that first opportunity to expand their brand internationally.  

What are some of the challenges facing the relatively newly formed CPL?
In a nutshell: how to achieve scalability. Most sports leagues survive and/or prosper on the strength of domestic television revenues. In CPL’s case, obviously the home market is not large with respect to size of economy or the media market. So you have to find other ways of making things work:  sponsorship, ticketing and franchisees who bring value become that much more important.

Arguably, the biggest beneficiaries of the value that CPL creates are governments, so their support becomes absolutely critical which is why the Trinidad Government and the support and vision in particular of Ministers Hadeed and Sancho this year have been critical. It’s great that CPL has been able to repay that support by delivering a global film superstar to the nation as an enduring stakeholder in the country’s future journey.

It’s no great secret that CPL is looking further afield internationally to play games and perhaps even further into the future to place franchises. This was always part of the vision as it’s a way of more effectively globalising the league and unlocking more fans and revenue potential. It will be interesting to see how that vision evolves.

What is unique about the CPL compared to the other T20 franchises around the world such as the IPL and the Big Bash league in Australia?
It’s the people! The beauty of the islands, the people that inhabit them, and the joyful approach to life that everyone has. We offer a unique product in that the television pictures capture a spirit and a physical beauty that no other cricket event can deliver. Who doesn’t love the idea of a sports league played across a series of tropical islands.

T20 has always been about music and celebration, the Cricket Carnival so to speak, and these are qualities that make the Caribbean what it is. The West Indies players play a style of the game perfectly suited to the shortest format—power hitting and athletic fielding. With their exposure around the world many are household names. That style of play is a key ingredient of the CPL brand.

The other unique aspect is that CPL is far more a “collectivist” model. The league and franchises share everything in a much more equitable fashion, as we all have to take a slightly longer-term view and work together to make CPL an enduring success

How does franchise cricket help the West Indies in terms of cricket especially?
I think it’s fair to say that people in the Caribbean had become a little disenfranchised with cricket, due to various factors. The younger generation has grown up bombarded by American and UK sports, plus all the kinds of different forms of entertainment that the digital revolution has made available, and cricket really had lost its pre-eminent status. It just wasn’t engaging those age groups, and the older fans had disconnected.

I think CPL has connected the young generation to what is the Caribbean’s heritage sport while reconnecting older generations. Cricket is back at the centre where it belongs. This is the primary way it has helped—cricket’s place in the region has undergone a sea change, it has been refreshed and revitalised. 

The other way is that is has provided financial rewards for a whole new set of players who otherwise were struggling to get by. It’s provided a platform for those players to develop and be seen all over the world. The competition amongst sports for talented young athletes is more heated than it’s ever been, and cricket needed a ‘story’ to tell young people and get them excited about our great sport—it now has that. 

What do you consider as your best cricketing achievement thus far?
One season I was the leading wicket taker in the domestic ODI competition, so I suppose that might have been the highpoint of a long and very unremarkable career—I think I still hold the record for most 12th Man appearances in WA cricket. Cricket has been good to me and I loved playing the game—it’s good to still be involved and to see an idea/vision come to life and be seen by 60 million fans around the world, so that in fact might be my best cricketing achievement, writing the initial CPL concept note.

What goals and/or plans do you still have?
I am most fulfilled when being creative and building things, so let’s see... but I expect to be spending more time in the Caribbean as I have given the last four years of my life to the region, and it may be time to drop some more permanent roots. My agency has some blue-chip clients in India, so it’s about finding the right balance between India and the Caribbean. In the immediate future, there’s much to do re CPL so I am looking forward to that.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with S, your initials.
J is a tough letter to work with... will go with ‘Seeking Joy’... That’s at least what we should all be doing, even if we forget most of the time. And that’s one of the great things about Trinis, you don’t seem to forget that, and it’s why this place is so unique and such a great place for CPL to be reaching its crescendo this year.

Venky Mysore is the chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) since 2010. And the KKR is the IPL home of T&T’s cricketing superstar Sunil Narine.  Mysore is largely responsible for popular Bollywood film star Shah Rukh Khan and his business partners Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta’s acquisition of the T&T Red Steel Franchise in the CPL (Caribbean Premier League). 

These days, the KKR is on Mysore’s mind. Since he’s at the helm of the KKR, the team has won the IPL in 2012 and 2014 due to the strategies he has developed and spearheaded. The team is now a hugely popular and well-known brand around the world. KKR also qualified for the Champions League in 2011, 2012, and reached the final in 2014. KKR also became the first IPL franchise to break even and turn a profit.

KKR has launched a unique digital marketing initiative through which it has achieved a leadership position on the social media and online platforms. The fan community has grown to 14 million in 2015, which has helped in monetising the franchise. KKR also produced a documentary which has been broadcast by the Discovery channel titled—Living with KKR.

In 2013, Mysore was also asked to become the CEO of Red Chillies Entertainment, the film production Company owned by Khan. Since taking over, he has been working on building a new business model for Red Chillies to be able to produce films and content for various platforms. 

Prior to joining KKR, he had a very long and successful career spanning 25 years in the financial services sector. He was the India Country Head of Sun Life of Canada from January 2007 to October 2010. Prior to that, he had a long career spanning 21 years with MetLife. He started his career in the US in 1985 and held several positions of increasing responsibility in Washington DC, Pittsburgh, PA, and New York City.

He subsequently took on a senior role in MetLife’s International Operations in 1997 and was part of the start-up teams for MetLife’s businesses in Indonesia and Hong Kong. He was responsible for starting up MetLife’s business in India and was the CEO and managing director of MetLife India until December 2006.

He prides himself on having been an accomplished cricketer who represented the Madras University in cricket, played a lot competitively, and is a passionate follower of the game.

He and his wife, Veena, are the proud parents of three children.

The Sunday Guardian interviewed the affable Mysore earlier this week in anticipation of today’s CPL final at the Queen’s Park Oval. Here are some excerpts:

Q: Tell us about your early years in life. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
A: I was born in the southern city of Bengaluru (then Bangalore), India, and grew up in Chennai (then Madras). I was a good cricketer and had visions and aspirations of representing my country but academic pursuits put paid to that as I headed off to the USA for further academia, but I have come full circle back to my first passion in life, that of cricket, albeit on a different field of play. I did play at the fairly high level when I represented the University of Madras before I headed off to the US.

Any disclosures/plans related to T&T Red Steel 2016 and beyond to sensitise our readers?
Not as yet. As soon as we made the decision to acquire the Trinbago franchise, literally a week before the start of the tournament, my idea was for me and a couple of my KKR colleagues to come and observe and absorb everything that goes on here. We are going through a learning curve on how things work here and understanding the environment and any sensitivities so that we can achieve the right uniformity and integration to make it a success. Once we complete the tournament, we will sit down and formulate our plans.

Why do you think franchise cricket has become so popular?
Franchise sports has existed in other parts of the world—US, UK etc. I think the combination of the product and the entry of private enterprise creates the right combination for the fans and public at large to enjoy the entertainment. Over time, there is a strong emotional attachment that a country or city develops towards the team and it becomes “THEIR” team. This adds to the fan experience and is perhaps the main reason for the success.

What is unique about the CPL compared to the other franchise-based T20 cricket around the world?
IPL has by far been the marquee T20 tournament because of the commercials around it and the huge crowds, and the following. What I observe in the Caribbean is the “party” atmosphere and the unique way in which the fans enjoy the game with music as a common thread. So it makes it that much more enjoyable to watch and during those three hours, they have a great time. This is surely unique.

What is your role in bringing the 'Shahrukh/Kolkata Knight Riders' brand to the T&T Red Steel?
After I was entrusted with the role as the CEO, I have formulated plans for growth and was always on the lookout for opportunities. While we had been offered the Trinidad franchise when the league started in 2013, I suppose the timing wasn’t right and we had passed. This time around when CPL approached us, we felt we should evaluate it again. We are very glad that we have moved forward.

Coming from an international and global business background has positioned me well to position in T&T the vision of replicating the successful models I have developed…it’s a matter of “think global, act local.” We aim to be a success for the benefit of all the stakeholders.

“Mysore..." an interesting last name given that it is the name of a city in India, any connection?
Yes, Mysore is a very famous city in South India with a lot of history and heritage. My father’s side of the family came from there and hence the surname.

What has your experiences been like in this part of the world?
The first thing noticeable is the warm hospitality. People seem to be quite relaxed and always ready for a party! It’s great to see this. We also expect to build a very successful business around the franchise and hope that the people of Trinbago will be proud of what we build together.

How would you describe your management style?
I believe in leadership with a vision for growth. I also believe that this can be achieved only through collaboration and partnerships. People are always the biggest assets and when you treat them well, they will go to any lengths to achieve the common goals that are set.

What two words would you use to describe yourself, one beginning with ‘v' the other with 'm', your initials?
Never thought of this, but perhaps “Valiant” and “Magnanimous.” 

Any final words you would like to share with our readers?
I would like to thank everyone for the warm welcome we have received in Trinbago and the Caribbean at large. It inspires us to do a good job with the franchise and create a bond that hopefully will last for many years to come.

A PhD candidate in ethnomusicology at Florida State University and the current player/manager of Pastiche Steel Ensemble, Mia Gormandy is an accomplished pan player with an extensive CV to prove it. 

Gormandy, who will soon turn 27, began playing the steelpan at age five and won her first competition at age six. She was exposed to a number of competitions and shows where musical excellence was the hallmark. She has won many competitions in T&T and in the Caribbean, such as Twelve and Under, Pan in Schools, Pan Trinbago Junior Competition, Caribbean Junior Pan Festival (Antigua), just to name a few. 

She has performed in several different countries all over the world including Australia, Austria, England, USA, Canada, and the Caribbean.

At age 15, Gormandy attained a full scholarship to attend Northern Illinois University (NIU) where she graduated in 2009 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music (Honours). She studied under steelpan pioneer Cliff Alexis and steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague. In 2008, she became the first pan player to win the NIU Concerto Competition. 

Gormandy guest-starred at several American university steelbands such as University of Akron Steel Drum Band, Northern Illinois University Steelband (before she became a student there), and Humboldt State University Calypso Band. Several different committees awarded her over the years, including the Laventille Steelband Festival Foundation and the Port-of-Spain City Corporation. She was also awarded  NIU’s Most Outstanding Woman of the Year 2011.

Gormandy graduated in May of that year with her Master’s of Music degree in steelpan performance. She has performed with many world-renowned artistes such as guitarist Berta Rojas and 11-time Grammy-award winner Paquito D’Rivera. She recently graduated with a second Master’s of Music degree in ethnomusicology and is now pursuing her PhD where her dissertation is entitled Pan in Japan.

She is the recipient of the Howard Mayer Brown Fellowship awarded by the American Musicological Society. She and her fellow pan players formed the band Pastiche Steel Ensemble in 2009. Pastiche is an artistic word which encompasses the bringing together of various art forms for the greater good with people from around the world having similar goals…the steelpan though is the focus instrument of the band.

In today’s International Steelband competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah, she will be lining up with Trinidad All Stars. Where did you grow up?I lived for the first three years of my life in Macoya but since then, Belmont has been my home.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education? 
Newtown Girls’ RC, then for one year at South East Port-of-Spain High School, then on to St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain, from where I received a full scholarship to Northern Illinois University. Then it was on to Florida State University, where I currently am.
 
Who have been the biggest early influences in your life?
My parents, first and foremost. Outside of that, musically, Odessa Vincent-Brown from the age of five.

Tell us about your inspiration and encouragement to do the type of “work” you do. 
Again, my parents, my dad a piano player, who would accompany me as a child. Now, seeing people like Liam Teague, Cliff Alexis and Amrit Samaroo who are music professionals.

Which of your work(s) do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable?
It has to be our most recent concert a couple of days ago at the Hyatt in Port-of-Spain, our band Pastiche Steel Ensemble and the launch of the Virtual Steelband.
This was special and very different, especially with the launch of the Virtual Steelband, which was inspired by Eric Whitacre, a Grammy-winning composer and conductor, known for his Virtual Choir projects, which brought individual voices from around the globe together into an online choir. It’s the same concept except for the steelpan.

What daily motto/credo do you live by… your recipe for success?
Staying positive even when there are roadblocks in life, some doors may close but others will open, all God’s plan, his will, not yours.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? 
Whether to continue to study and pursue my PhD or start working. As fate would have it, I was able to do both as FSU allowed me that opportunity. Two more years to go to attain my PhD!

What is your favourite pastime /interest/hobby outside of performing/playing?
I am a movie buff, I love to go to the cinema when time permits. I like and appreciate the creative work that goes into films. Any type of movie except horror, please!

What goals and ambitions do you still have? What are your ‘steelpan’ plans for the future? 
I would like to build a career here at home either in academia related to music or in the music industry itself.

If you could interview or dine with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why? And what question would you be eager to ask? 
There are so many great people, but the one that comes to mind is Nelson Mandela. How did he survive and overcome? I would love to know what his personality was like by being up close with him for at least a couple hours.

Where do you see the future of the steelpan and the steel band movement?
The steelpan/steel band movement is so huge abroad, it is really mind-boggling that our national instrument, created right here in our island, is spreading so rapidly worldwide. So the future is bright. Our challenge is to attract younger audiences to our performances even though the majority of pannists are young…a contradiction yes, but certainly a challenge.

Which is your favourite piece of steelband music and a favourite calypso?
Woman on the Bass by All Stars, and I like the Lord Pretender’s Never Ever Worry because it echoes my philosophy in life.

What is your greatest accomplishment in the steelpan arena?
I have only just begun, so that’s yet to come.

Of all your shows, concerts, performances, which would you like a first-time audience, listener or viewer to experience? 
That would be my recital in 2009 at Queen’s Hall, where I was able to play a variety of music which is so important in showcasing the versatility of the instrument. So many people tend to associate the steelpan with calypso, soca and reggae.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special? 
All are special, just being considered for an award makes me so grateful.

What is an interesting facet of your personality that most people do not know about you?  
That I am goofy at times with my friends, the clown in a way, I like to make people laugh.

What is the best compliment you have every received? 
That I have a really nice smile. I like that since I consider myself very friendly and approachable, so I like to think that my smile puts out positive energy.

What advice would you give to the country’s leaders to create a better society?
Listen to the young people. Encourage them to be vocal. Include us in the decision making. Not just pay us lip service in that regard. Create a tangible mechanism and implement it for us to have input and be part of the decision-making process.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
To keep pushing forward and pursue your goals. Stay positive in the face of adversity, the road will be rocky, and things won’t always go your way. Try your best to always see the glass as half full. With that mentality and focus, you will be successful in life. Being happy and positive are choices you can make.

Describe yourself in two words—one beginning with M, the other with G, your initials.
Meticulous and Genuine. I am meticulous about my music and performance. I like to make sure that everything is right, well planned, and well rehearsed. People have told me that they think I am genuine. I try my best to stay true to myself.

Loosing your ability to see must be one of the toughest challenges to overcome. Just imagine losing your sight in your early thirties like Carlos Greene.

Born and raised in Waterloo, Carapichaima, central Trinidad, where he resides with his family, 46-year-old Greene became blind in 2000, within the space of four months, due to acute glaucoma. Losing his sight and his subsequent determination to overcome his disability has led to Greene, a Humming Bird Silver Medal awardee, becoming a top paralympic athlete over the years.

Greene recently represented us at the Toronto Parapan Games where he missed medaling by a narrow margin (ten centimetres) in the shot put event since an injury prevented him from competing in his pet event—powerlifting, for which he has become well known on the world circuit.

When Greene became blind over 14 years ago, he found an emotional outlet through exercise (the gym in particular). It quickly became a form of therapy for him. He said that when he exercises, he is on a natural "high". His instructors at the gym encouraged him to enter a competition and he has never looked back since.

His wife of 21 years and his three daughters are a tremendous source of inspiration to him. He is adamant about showing his children and others that a disability is no excuse to not strive to be the best. He also believes that his discipline, his training, and his eventual success will be a source of inspiration for all.

Over the past nine years, he has competed and medalled at several regional and international competitions. At the majority of these competitions Carlos was the only blind competitor. Among the many places he has competed are Guatemala, New Zealand, Aruba, Florida, Delhi, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands, London and most recently, at the Parapan Games in Toronto.

Some of his gold medal performances: 2008 at the IBSA International Blind Sports Association/IPF World Powerlifting Championships, Miami, Florida, where he broke 11 world records to become the first powerlifter to win a gold medal for T&T in a World Championship Event; 2009, the IBSA International Blind Sports Association/IPF 2009 World Powerlifting Championships, Miami, Florida, breaking seven world records; 2011, North American Powerlifting Federation/International Powerlifting Federation (NAPF/IPF) Championships, Miami, Florida; 2013, 11th Annual North American Powerlifting Federation/International Powerlifting Federation (NAPF/IPF) Championships.

 In 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012, he was nominated for the “Sportsman of the Year” Award. Thus far, he is the Caribbean’s only blind professional powerlifter. In July 2012, Greene participated in the American track and field paralympic trial, where he won a Silver Medal in the shot put and Bronze Medal in the discus event. He is currently in training for the 2016 Paralympics Games, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Q: Tell us a bit more about yourself. For example, where did you grow up, your schooling, meeting your wife, your children/family?
A: Carlos Greene was born in a little sugar cane and fishing village called Waterloo. I have five brothers and two sisters. I spent my first few years with my grandparents. I have always been involved in sport from a young age, and I have always been involved in community work.
I went to Waterloo Presbyterian School and represented the school in football, cricket, volleyball and running. Then I went to Chaguanas Junior Secondary and continued to represent in football, cricket, running and table tennis. I graduated from Junior Secondary and I received an award for physical education.

Then I went to Carapichaima Senior Comprehensive, where I represented in football, badminton and running, and eventually captained the football team. I then spent two years at the Presto Presto Youth Camp where I studied tailoring and represented the camp in running and table tennis.I met my wife in October 1989, and we got married in August 1993. We have three beautiful children, Rebekah, Reanna and Renee. Reanna was just successful in her SEA exam and she passed for her first choice, Bishop Anstey High School, Port-of-Spain. I am so proud of her.

As a blind person, what are some of the challenges you face both in your daily life and in your sport?
As a blind person, especially living in T&T, it is hard because the physical infrastructure (eg sidewalks, no building codes) is not designed for us. Vendors in the street block walkways, sidewalk DJs make it impossible to hear when you walk the street, disrespect by the heads of the same sporting associations that we represent. I have appealed to the authorities and even spoken to those sidewalk DJs. I keep pushing and not accepting the limits that are placed on me. I do see some little glimpses of hope that can make a better future.

When and how did you come to be involved in the sport of powerlifting?
After joining the gym in January 2003, I remembered a young instructor by the name of Justin Joseph telling me, “Do you know how strong you are? I have seen men in here for years and have never see them move weights like you. You should compete in an upcoming powerlifting championship.” 

He left only to return with the head instructor, Juan Carve, and my personal instructor, Kevin Da Costa, only to ask, "Would you think about competing?" My immediate response was, "I have nothing to lose." And the journey into the life of Carlos Greene, the strong man, began. I remember clearly 2004, 2005, there were no championships in T&T, then I heard of the North American Powerlifting Federation hosting a championship in Puerto Rico in 2006.

Immediately, I began to prepare for this championship. Then two months before the championship, I fell into an open manhole. The next three months was spent in bed, and thoughts of my powerlifting championship were dying. The moment I felt a bit better, I was in the gym. I missed the 2006 championship, but my heart was now set on the 2007 championship in Guatemala. In 2011, a new desire erupted in me to be the first blind person from the Caribbean to win a paralympic medal. By 2012, I was competing in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

What are your most prized possessions: one tangible, one intangible?
Intangible is the human spirit. Many people always ask me how I overcame, and I cannot take much praise for it because I got that strength from something within that was built in from creator God. When parents talk to me, they say thank you for inspiring my son and making an impact on society. My tangible possessions are the numerous medals and awards and honors that were given to me as I represented T&T, and won at various events.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a vocation/career such as yours?
Firstly, I would tell them do not look at the glamour that comes across on the TV. The life of the athlete is not easy, one bad move or one injury and it can all be over. I will never discourage a young person that is coming into sport.  I would also tell them to add education as a tool, believe in yourself and work hard, and it will all be possible.

What are a couple of your most memorable performances?
My first two memorable performances were my first two major championships, Guatemala 2007 and Christchurch, New Zealand, 2007. I remember working hard to go to Guatemala and walking the streets and people asking me “Why are you here?” And when I told them, they said that it is impossible for me to compete as a blind man.

I remember in Guatemala, one Saturday evening, when my name and country was called. I walked out with the coach, he said to me that I am on my own now and my knees buckled. I called on all my strength as I walked under the bar, and as the judge said squat and I squat, the crowd erupted.

It was almost the same in New Zealand six months later. I did not win, I came second on both occasions. However, everyone said that I was the real winner. Everyone wanted photos with me, and I could not even get to the washroom because I was bombarded. The New Zealand power lifting federation said they have never seen someone impact an entire arena like that.

Powerlifting isn’t just about moving a heavy thing—it’s about understanding how your body works in relation to timing and momentum and inertia, and basically the physics of movement. 

Tell us about that.
It is proven that when someone loses his sight, that coordination and direction also goes with it. Other than the dynamics to maintain a straight line with the weights, you have to train your body to stand erect and focus on that invisible line, it takes a lot of practice and determination and courage. Many people attempted to do the squat with their eyes closed and they were all unsuccessful for many different reason. I remember one coach saying he took the shot put and closed his eyes, and he couldn’t think of what was the next thing to do.

Tell us about your inspiration to do what you do so well.
Each person is born with specific gifts and talents and that is who or what makes you who you are. To me, it just comes naturally. When it all happened, I still can’t fully answer. I remember the first time I was asked to do powerlifting and I accepted the challenge, and I looked for someone to coach me with the shot put for five years, and then Lester Osuna answered the challenge.

Also, I had a dream from childhood to be a motivational speaker, and for many years, I did not have the courage to stand on a stage and face people. After a while, just like clockwork, everything began coming together. I believe it was the moment when I deleted “Can’t" from my vocabulary. We can be our largest obstacle and even deter ourselves from becoming the person who God has determined we should be.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?
The Hummingbird Silver Medal that I received in the 2010 Independence Award ceremony. Because as a child, I looked at the Witco sportsman and sportswoman award and Independence award ceremony and dreamt that someday that the President of our twin island republic will pin a medal on my chest.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
In 2012, I represented T&T at the Arnold Sports Festival in the Pro Deadlift category. Each year they chose five lifters from different parts of the world to compete on this stage. I was invited in 2012 and a few days after arriving at the Arnold Sports Festival, I met one of the organisers, Brad Gillingham, a world champion and hall of famer and world record holder.

He said to me that afternoon that they were looking for people to be invited to the event and, for some reason, my name stood out in his head and when he mentioned it, all the organisers agreed. He then said, “Carlos, I am honoured to have you at this event.”

Upcoming events?
I am focused on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Before that, I may participate at the world Track and Field Paralympic Games in October, and other championships, yet to be decided, that would build up to Rio 2016.
 
What advice would you give to aspiring athletes?
Be focused, determined, persevere, and follow your dreams. Life as an athlete is not easy but once we are determined to make it, sport has the ability to transform a simple person into a legend, with lots of rewarding moments.

What goals and/or plans do you still have?
Some of the goals that I still have are to see a stadium built in my area (maybe with my name on it), becoming a full-time motivational speaker, and running programmes in schools and correctional institutions for young people.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with C, the other with G, your initials.
The two words that will easily characterise me using my initials are Courageous and Gifted...if I may say so! (Laughing).

NOTE: The T&T Blind Welfare Association, of which Greene is a council member, recently launched its 100th year (1914-2014) commemorative publication. In it, Greene’s success story is highlighted.

T&T recently celebrated 53 years of Independence on August 31. We now turn our attention to celebrating our attainment of the status as a Republic 39 years ago on August 1, 1976, an occasion that is celebrated on September 24, because that is the date when the first Parliament met under the new Republican Constitution.

Being a Republic nation means the supreme power rests in all the citizens who are entitled to vote (the electorate) and that power is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them and who are responsible to them. Instead of allegiance to the monarchy/queen, the country is now represented by a President, its Head of State.

There have been many heroes, pioneers and role models in our nation’s history in the various spheres of endeavour. When calypsonian David Rudder lamented some years ago that many had been asking him whose voice was at the beginning of the calypso Three Colours (2008/9—you can listen to it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMRcBc9WhdY), it hit home how little we know of our past! In this case it was the distinct voice of Dr Eric Williams, our country’s first chief minister from 1956-1959, first premier from 1959-1962, and first prime minister from 1962 to 1981.

Many people have made outstanding contributions to the development of our twin-island Republic in the various spheres. Those include our leaders, from our colonial governors to our national leaders; those in agriculture; business; community, social work and volunteerism; culture and the arts; economics; education; environment; fashion and beauty; law; medicine; oil; politics; public service; radio and television; religion; science, engineering and architecture; sports; trade unionism; writing and journalism.

It is important that our young people in particular learn about, appreciate and be inspired by their contributions. 

Profiles of those listed below by area of endeavour can be obtained from the free e-book download at http://www.safaripublications.com/firstcitizenstt/heroesprofilestt/.  

Emphasis is placed on those who have spent at least part of their lives in T&T contributing to our country’s development and enrichment as a nation.

THE EARLY DAYS: PHILIPPE-ROSE ROUME DE ST LAURENT (1743-1805); GROS JEAN (Around mid to late 1700s); JONAS MOHAMMED BATH (1783-1838); JOHN JACOB THOMAS (1841-1889); EMMANUEL MZUMBO LAZARE (1864-1929) 

COLONIAL GOVERNORS: ANTONIO DE BERRIO (1520-1597); JOSE MARIA CHACON (1749-1833); RALPH JAMES WOODFORD (1784-1828); LORD HARRIS (GEORGE F R HARRIS) (1810-1872); ARTHUR H GORDON (1829-1912); WILLIAM ROBINSON (1836-1912); EDWARD BEETHAM (1905-1979) 

OUR NATION’S MODERN LEADERS: SOLOMON HOCHOY (1905-1983); ERIC E WILLIAMS (1911-1981); ELLIS I I CLARKE (1917-2010); GEORGE M CHAMBERS (1928-1997); ARTHUR N R ROBINSON (1926-2014 ); BASDEO PANDAY (1933- ); NOOR HASSANALI (1918-2006); PATRICK MANNING (1946- ); GEORGE MAXWELL RICHARDS (1931- ); KAMLA PERSAD-BISSESSAR (1952- ); KEITH C ROWLEY (1949- )

AGRICULTURE: NAZEER AHAMAD (1932- ); STEPHEN BENNETT (1922-2011); FRANCIS COPE (1913 -2004; JULIAN DUNCAN (1933- ); WILLIAM FREEMAN (1909-1988); FREDRICK HARDY (1889-1977); GEORGE MOONSAMMY (1922- 1986); JOHN SPENCE (1929-2013); LAWRENCE A WILSON (1934-2013) 

BUSINESS: GEORGE ALSTON (1854-1918); ETHELBERT “MEG” BATTOO (1904-1980); JOSE MARIA BERMUDEZ; KARL BOOS; ERNEST CANNING; JOSEPH CHARLES (1910-1965); MARCUS and REGINALD DAVIS; SARAN TEELUCKSINGH (1889-1952); GOKOOL MEAH (1848-1940); TIMOTHY ROODAL (1884-1952); YLDEFONSO DE LIMA (1861-1927); CYRIL DUPREY (1897-1988); WILLIAM GORDON (1848-1923) and GEORGE GRANT GEDDES GRANT (1866-1934); CHANG HONG WING (About 1870-1929); GEORGE F HUGGINS (1870-1941); SHEIK MOHAMMED (S M) JALEEL (1895-1977); IBRAHIM KHAN; ISHMAEL M. KHAN (1907-1980); KEWAL K MAHARAJ (1920-2009); CHARLES MASSY (1897-1968) and HENRY NEAL (1875-1963); CHARLES McENEARNEY; RAHAMUT (1866-1941); B H ROSE (BERNARD HAYWARD) (1881-1953); ABDOU YUSSUF SABGA (1898-1985); EDUARDO SA GOMES (1893-1955); NORMAN SAMAROO (1920-2011); W H SCOTT (WILLIAM HENRY) (1885-1972); CARLOS, LUIS and ALFREDO SIEGERT; CONRAD STOLLMEYER (1813-1904); ASGARALLI SYNE; LOUIS JAY (L J) WILLIAMS (1897-1968); LOWELL YEREX 

COMMUNITY, SOCIAL WORK, & VOLUNTEERISM: JAMES A ALVES (1883-1969); JAMES A A BIGGART (1877-1932); LADY THELMA E HOCHOY (1910-2010); AUDREY JEFFERS (1896-1968); CHRISTINA LEWIS (1919-1974); RHONDA MAINGOT (1946- ); DOON PANDIT (1900-1958); CLIVE PANTIN (1933- ); FR GERARD (GERRY) PANTIN (1928-2014); BELVIDIARA E MARESSE-PAUL (1838-1900) 

CULTURE & THE ARTS: AUBREY C ADAMS (1919-2007); JOHN AGITATION (1927- ); M P ALLADIN (1919-1980); RAYMOND “ATILLA THE HUN” QUEVEDO (1892-1962); WINNIFRED ATWELL (1914-1983); EDWIN “CRAZY” AYOUNG (1944- ); SHEIK MOHAMMED (S M) AZIZ (1905-1963); GEORGE BAILEY (1935-1970); LIONEL “LANKY” BELASCO (Around 1880-1955); WAYNE BERKELY (1940-2011); PAT BISHOP (1941-2011); JOSE and IGNACIO BODU; HUGH BORDE (1933- ); LORD BRYNER (KADE SIMON) (1937-1980); PATRICK S CASTAGNE (1916-2000); PAUL CASTILLO; MICHEL JEAN CAZABON (1813 –1888); CARLISLE CHANG (1921- 2001); RUDOLPH CHARLES (1938-1985); PATRICK ‘PAT’ W. CHU FOON (1932-1998); ALFREDO CODALLO (1913-1970); EDRIC CONNOR (1913-1968); ALVIN DANIELL (1943- ); CHAMPA DEVI/FATIMA RAHIM (1923-2001); WINSFORD ‘JOKER’ DEVINE (1943- ); WALTER DOUGLAS (1895-1977); THORA DUMBELL (1924- ); SEL DUNCAN (1924-1983); FELIX EDINBOROUGH (1943- ); JULIA EDWARDS (1933- ); JACOB D ELDER (1913-2003); DENZIL “DIMES” FERNANDEZ (1944- ); ROSALIND GABRIEL (1948- ); PHILIP “LORD EXECUTOR” GARCIA (Around 1880-1952); GEORGE ‘ SONNY’ GODDARD (1924-1988); EDMUND HART (1923- ) and LIL HART (1930-1991); OU EDWIN HING WAN (1932-1976); BOSCOE HOLDER (1921-2007); FREDERICK “HOUDINI” WILMOTH (1885-1973); RUPERT “LORD INVADER” W GRANT (1914-1961); JOYCE KIRTON; FREDDIE KISSOON (1933- ); ALDWYN ROBERTS (LORD KITCHENER) (1922-2000); HARBANCE KUMAR; THELMA LANE; NORMAN LE BLANC; ELLIOT “ELLIE” MANNETTE (1927- ); BERTRAM ‘BERTIE’ MARSHALL (1936- ); BERYL MCBURNIE (1914-2000); IRVIN “MAC” MCWILLIAMS (1920-2007); PETER MINSHALL (1941- ); KEN MORRIS (1924-1992); NOEL P NORTON (1927-2012); MARJORIE PADMORE (1928-1981); SUNDAR POPO (1943-2000); NORMAN “KING RADIO” SPAN; DRUPATEE RAMGOONAI (1959- ); CALYPSO ROSE (MCARTHA LINDA SANDY-LEWIS) (1940- ); HAROLD “SALLY” SALDENHA (1925-1985); RANJIT "JIT” S SAMAROO (1950- ); BERNADETTE T (LAUGHLIN) SCOTT (1946- ); LENNOX (LEN) “BOOGSIE” SHARPE (1953- ); RAS SHORTY I (GARFIELD BLACKMAN) (1941-2000); WINSTON ‘SPREE’ SIMON (1930-1976); THE MIGHTY SPARROW (SLINGER FRANCISCO) (1935- ); WILFRED STRASSER; CITO VELASQUEZ (1928-2006); DAISY VOISIN (1924-1991); OLIVE WALKE (1911-1969); ANTHONY WILLIAMS (1931- ); DUNSTAN “DEW” E WILLIAMS (1935-2004); JOHN ‘BUDDY’ WILLIAMS (1911-1995); STEPHEN (1921- ) and ELSIE LEE HEUNG (1925-2006) 

ECONOMICS: LLOYD BEST (1934-2007); WILLIAM G DEMAS (1929-1998); ARTHUR LEWIS (1915-1991) 

EDUCATION: CLARENCE C ABIDH (1884-1952); BISHOP ARTHUR H ANSTEY (1872-1955); BRIDGET BRERETON (1946- ); KNOLLY A BUTLER (1931- ); JOSEPH O CUTTERIDGE (1887-1952); SHAMSHU DEEN (1947- ); RAPHAEL DOUGLASS (1927-2012); FR LEONARD J GRAF (1884-1970); ROBERT J L GUPPY (1836-1916); PATRICK KEENAN; ARTHUR LAI FOOK (1919-2013) PAULA LUCIE-SMITH (1960- ); MAX MURPHY (1902-1973); ARCHBISHOP FINBAR RYAN (1881-1975); CHARLES SOODEEN (1849-1926); FREDERICK STREETLY (1893-1952); HAROLD F SWANN (1890-1982) 

ENVIRONMENT: PETER BACON (1938-2003); JOHN A. BULBROOK (1881-1967); THOMAS C CAMBRIDGE (1906-1967); MOLLY GASKIN; WILLIAM INGRAM (1847-1924); JULIAN KENNY (1930- 2011) 

FASHION & BEAUTY: JANELLE PENNY COMMISSIONG (1953- ); WENDY FITZWILLIAM (1972- ); GISELLE JEANNE-MARIE LARONDE-WEST (1963-); MEILING ESAU (1946) 

LAW: FRANCIS EVELYN MOHAMMED (F E M) HOSEIN (1882-1936); JEAN PERMANAND; LENNOX A P O’REILLY (1880-1949); CHARLES WILLIAMS WARNER (1807-1887); HUGH O B WOODING (1904-1974) 

MEDICINE: BERT ACHONG (1928-1996); COURTENAY BARTHOLOMEW (1931- ); MICHAEL BEAUBRUN (1924-2002); ANDRE CIPRIANI (1908-1956); LOUIS A A DE VERTEUIL (1807-1900); SAMUEL EBENEZER ELLIOT (1901-1969); SAMUEL F GHOURALAL (1925-1991); BARBARA HULL (1939- ); WINSTON INCE (1930- ); ANTOINE LEOTAUD (1814-1867); ARTHUR MCSHINE (1876-1948); HALSEY MCSHINE (1912-2006); J LENNOX PAWAN (1887-1957); HENRY PIERRE (1904-1984); THEODOSIUS POON-KING (1928- ); ELIZABETH QUAMINA (1929 – 1997); LALL SAWH (1951- ); LESLIE SPENCE (1922- ); ELISHA TIKASINGH (1927- )

OIL: ARTHUR BEEBY-THOMPSON; WALTER DARWENT (1821-1868); GEORGE R GILKES (1863-1914); HANS G KUGLER (1893-1986); JOHN LEE LUM (1842-1921); RANDOLPH T H RUST (1854-1930) 

POLITICS: RUDRANATH CAPILDEO (1920-1970); MAKANDAL DAAGA (1935- ); ALBERT GOMES (1911-1978); ALPHONSO P T JAMES (1901-1962); BHADASE SAGAN MARAJ (1920-1971); MURIEL DONAWA McDAVIDSON (1929-2001); KAMALUDDIN MOHAMMED (1927- ); MICHAEL MAXWELL PHILIP (1829-1888); KARL T HUDSON-PHILLIPS (1933- ); LIONEL F SEUKERAN (1908-1992); ISABEL TESHEA (1911-1981) 

PUBLIC SERVICE: JOHN BRIERLY (Around 1835-1915); RANDOLPH BURROUGHS (1930-1996); EDWIN W CARRINGTON (1939- ); WILLIAM DE BOISSIÈRE (1872-1947); KAYE DOWLAND; JEAN (GENE) MILES (1930-1972); JESSICA PHILLIPS (1925-1986); ENOS SEWLAL; JOYCE WONG SANG 

RADIO & TELEVISION: IAN ALI (1937-2007); SALISHA ALI (1951-1987); HOLLY BETAUDIER (1925- ); HANSLEY “HANS” HANOOMANSINGH (1942- ); ALLYSON BRENDA HENNESSY (1948-2011); RALPH “RAPHIE” KNOWLES (1915-1975); SURUJPAT “PAT” MATHURA (1923-2007); SHAM MOHAMMED (1936-1994); HAZEL WARD (1933- ); KATHLEEN “AUNTY KAY” WARNER (1904-1996)

RELIGION: AMEER ALI (1898-1973); SYED ABDUL AZIZ (1862-1927); PUNDIT CAPILDEO (1871-1926); THOMAS DE BARCELONA; KENNETH GRANT (1839-1931); ELTON G GRIFFITH (1913-1992); MOHAMMED IBRAHIM (1890-1956); CHARLES D. LALLA (1880-1958); HENRY MACLEOD; RUKNUDEEN MEAH (1865-1963); BHADASE SAGAN MARAJ (1920-1971); JOHN MORTON (1839-1912); SARAH MORTON (1843-1929); JOHN G MULHAUSER (1810-1844); ARCHBISHOP ANTHONY PANTIN (1929-2000); CHARLES B RAGBIR (1865-1951); RICHARD RAWLE (1812-1889)     

• Continues on page B35

He turned 32 on October 7, and Santa Cruz’s Dwayne John Bravo has risen to and maintains his global cricket superstar status as one of the world’s leading allrounders. He now has his heart set on achieving the same status, entertaining the world on a different stage, that of music and singing. Since a very young age, first at Harvard and then at the Queen’s Park Cricket Club, the right-hander, with his infectious enthusiasm and passion for the game, has been a crowd-pleaser on the field of play. That infectious enthusiasm is reflected in his hit release earlier this year of the popular Indo/Anglo fusion song Chalo Chalo, under the moniker DJBravo. It was a collaboration with local chutney star Nisha B. Expect more releases from him after Carnival 2016. His cricketing bio is quite impressive and lengthy 

(see www.espncricinfo.com/westindies/content/player/51439.html), one rising to the position as the regional team’s successful ODI/One Day International captain in August 2014 (a team that today he questionably cannot even make due to perceived differences with the controlling body, the West Indies Cricket Board). He made his debut for the national team in regional competition at the Queen’s Park Oval in 2002 against Barbados and for the West Indies team in the Test match at Lord’s/England in July 2004. 

He was a member of the West Indies teams that won the ICC Champions Trophy (ODI format) in 2004 and the ICC World T20 Cup in 2012.

In June 2015 he made history by being the first cricketer to be nominated by the prestigious ESPN in the ‘Best Play’ category for his stunning one-handed catch, along with the likes of NBA’s Steph Curry and football’s Lionel Messi.

He is the proud father of two children, Dwaynice and Dwayne Bravo/DJ Junior, and the older brother of fellow West Indies batsman Darren Bravo.

Q: What schools did you attend, including primary?

A: Santa Cruz RC at the primary school level, then Aranguez Junior Sec for one-and-a-half years, and Tranquillity Government at the secondary level.

When and how did you get into playing cricket?

I think I was born to play cricket! My dad used to take the youngsters in our Santa Cruz village along with me, from the age of five, to the Harvard Coaching Clinic. Ever since then, I have been hooked!

What do you consider as your best cricketing achievements thus far?

There have been so many, but I’ll say that the most recent captaining the T&T Red Steel and winning the 2015 CPL in front of our home crowd at the Queen’s Park Oval was up there with the best of them. Also my performances coming back after injury after missing out on the 2014 IPL for the Chennai Super Kings and playing for them in the Champions League and being their leading wicket taker.

Top three cricketers you have seen in action (non-West Indian) who you admire?

Jacques Kallis of South Africa, Matthew Hayden of South Africa, and MS Dhoni of India.

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

There are so many opportunities out there and so much to be achieved once you do the right thing in pursuing your dreams, whatever they may be. Use your talent to be the best you can be. Do what you love and enjoy. It’s easy to say, but you must give it your best.

Who was your hero and inspiration growing up? 

Definitely Brian Lara, who is also pumpkin vine family.

Do you feel like you are fighting against the wind as far as West Indies 

cricket goes compared to the other teams you represent?

It’s a lot harder playing for the West Indies than any of the other teams I represent locally, regionally and internationally. We do not value our cricketers like they do elsewhere. We’ve seen in the past and currently too, if things do not change it will continue in the future. That is an ongoing problem that has contributed to our decline. It’s a mentality of disrespect by those in charge. I wish things were different because we have so much talent in the region, but it is not managed properly.

How hard is the constant travel from country to country, living out of a suitcase, and even the distances within countries?

It’s very hard being away for so long, as much as ten months for the year, being away from your family and friends. It’s not easy not sleeping in your own bed, but as a professional who has to ply one’s trade across the world you have to deal with the stresses of living out of a suitcase while having to move every few days to a different location and hotel. Even here at home, you have to be with your team in a hotel so you are still not in your own bed!

Does it get lonely on the road, and is it important to have a happy dressing room and teammates that you can get along with?

Teammates, team spirit and team unity are all very important especially on the road, so much so that your teammates are like your family, like brothers. When you have the spirit and unity it makes life a lot easier.

How much pressure is it to be playing in front of different crowds in different conditions around the world?

For me, it’s no added pressure and actually I like the challenge presented. As a professional you have to know your job and be ready to do it well. Having said that, there is that extra drive in front of your home crowd but I won’t call it pressure.

Have you patterned your game, including your captaincy, against anyone?

Not really. I just play my game, but I do try to pick up the best qualities from players and captains I play under or against by observing them in action.

Financial stability is important to everyone. What advice would you give to young aspiring players regarding how they manage their finances, if and when they earn the bigger bucks?

Managing money is very important, whether you earn a lot or not so much. In cricket, while we do not earn as much as in some of the other professional sports like football, basketball and baseball, it is important as a professional player to put aside and invest for the future for when your playing days are over, since there is really no structure in place otherwise.

How do you give back to the game that so far has given you so much?

While I cannot give of my time now, I do, along with a few of the other professional players, sponsor at least two players per year to attend the Sir Garfield Sobers Cricket Tournament in Barbados. We also have the Dwayne Bravo Kids Day annually in Santa Cruz, which has been going for the last six years. Recently, we held an event with bmobile where part proceeds went to literacy and the disabled.

Who are the people who have influenced you the most in your cricket career?

Brian Lara as mentioned before, Charles Guillen my childhood coach, Richard Smith, who when I was 16 and he was the captain of the T&T team, insisted that I be included, so he was a big influence. And of course my mom and dad. 

Tell our readers something about you that you would really like them to know about you?

That I do not drink alcohol, I do not smoke or gamble. I love to party but that only comes on the back of my successes. Also that I train every day!

What motto do you live by and what is your recipe for success?

Nothing in life is easy. Even if you have the natural talent you have to work hard every day while believing in your talent. Enjoy your life to the fullest, you only have one life to live. Always try to help others as you no doubt have been helped along the way.

Most prized possession/s? 

Most definitely this year’s Humming Bird Gold Medal award. It’s something that means a lot to me. I really, really treasure it. 

You are now pursuing a singing career. Do you put the same energy into this as you do to your cricket?

Yes, now I do as I have been encouraged by the success of the song Chalo Chalo, which I did with Nisha B. It has become a top party song internationally. Music, like sports, brings people together, and I am blessed to be able to do both, so I intend to continue to work hard at both of them. 

Cricket has taken you to many countries…where else would you like to visit?

I have always wanted to go to Nigeria, so that would be it.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?

Back in 2004, when I first played for the West Indies, my goal was to be part of a team that would take the regional team back to the top of the table. So much has gone against us in achieving that goal at the Test level, but I would still like to be part of the team that takes us to the top of the ODI and T20 format of the game.

Who/what influenced your love for music and encouraged you to actually become a recording artiste?

Being a fan of Beenie Man and wanting to meet him and being star struck when I met him in 2006. We struck up a friendship which led to us doing a recording called Beenie Man and Bravo. I am also a great admirer of Machel and Bunji and hope to collaborate with them sometime if they would have me. These three artistes are so energetic in their performances, so I do see that similarity among the four of us.

Which is your favourite calypso/soca tune?

Machel’s Like a Boss and Bunji’s We Ready, which was the theme song of the national cricket team.

Tell our readers about obtaining your music.

Chalo Chalo is available on iTunes. I will be releasing some songs after Carnival, at least five, so stay tuned!

Nickname/s?

With the various teams I play for: Big Dog in India, Johnny in Australia after my middle name, Pro in South Africa…it varies.

Favourite food and drink? 

Callaloo, macaroni pie, and stew chicken and malta.

What is your cricket schedule for the next few months?

Two T20 games in Sri Lanka for the West Indies, then some T20 games in South Africa, then to Australia, then back home. 

Life after playing cricket?

To be home in Trinidad and having one of the leading recording studios around and furthering my music career and, of course, giving back to cricket in whatever way I can.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with D, the other with B…your initials?

Dreamer and Brave.

Since we started paranging in September, we can also start gearing up for the pigeon peas season too, as this staple crop starts to appear in abundance throughout T&T from December to March. “…Like peas” no doubt comes from this season of abundance when the trays of vans along the highways and market vendors’ stalls overflow with this easy-to-grow legume (seed in a pod). 

This feature, the second in the series Food for Thought, looks at the popular pigeon peas, an essential ingredient in a delicious Trini pelau, a must in any good Trini lime. Food for Thought seeks to educate and inform about some of the many crops that are grown in T&T.

Did you know that Diego Martin held its first annual Pigeon Peas Festival in March 2015? The inaugural festival, all about pigeon peas, featured the launch of a commemorative cook book, featuring 78 pages of ‘pigeon peas’ recipes and a CD. The festival’s objective is to use pigeon peas to create economic activity that will generate employment and a level of sustainability for those people in Diego Martin who are involved. 

Among the recipes featured that contained the delightful savoury dish were pelau of course, curried pigeon peas and potato, soup, cupcakes, roti, cakes, sweetbread, pastries, bread, muffins, pizza, pies, patties, cookies, ice cream, lasagna, accra, pholourie, punch and even wine.

Did you know too that the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation recently celebrated World Food Day (October 16) with a farmers’ market and exhibition of local produce and agro-processed products at the Norris Deonarine Northern Wholesale Market in Macoya. Hopefully more of such initiatives will be held around the country on a more regular basis.

Did you know that there are about 149 crops grown in T&T? With our $4 billion food import bill, citizens can assist in reducing this figure by planting some of these crops at home—in your balcony or porch, gallery, back or front yard. You can experience the joys of eating, literally, the fruits of your labour with these healthy home-grown produce, while saving a few dollars.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s website has a wealth of information on “how to grow” a variety of crops, visit http://www.agriculture.gov.tt/publications/home-gardening/vegetables.html and http://www.agriculture.gov.tt/downloads.html

Pigeon peas are easy to grow. They tolerate most soils and can survive with limited water. A mature pea tree takes up a good bit of space and should be spaced about four feet from any property line or fence. 

This should permit easy picking from all sides. With proper care, you might get two pickings from each tree. Keep the soil well drained and fertilise every month with red (12-24-12) salt. This crop takes about six months to bear. The plant usually lasts about five years and reaches a height of one to two metres. 

It possesses a very deep and fast-growing tap root system that facilitates the characteristic drought-tolerant features of this crop. Harvesting begins approximately five-eight months after planting. Pigeon peas are what we call short-day crops, meaning that they need a shorter period of light exposure (12 hours) and longer dark hours to promote the initiation of flowering in the plant…they are photoperiodic plants. 

They are thus confined to flowering and production during the three-month span that coincides with the ending of the calendar year. 

TRINI PELAU

Ingredients 
3 pounds chicken cut up, 
2 tablespoons green seasoning, 
2 teaspoons finely grated garlic, 
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 
1 tablespoon soy sauce, 
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup, 
Salt and pepper to taste, 
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, 
3 tablespoons brown sugar, 
2 cups parboiled rice, washed and drained, 
3/4 cup chopped onions, 
1/2 cup chopped pimentos or sweet peppers, 
1 cup diced carrots (optional), 
2 cups cooked pigeon peas, 
2 cups coconut milk, 
2 cups cooking liquid (stock, water or reserved cooking liquid from peas), 
1 whole scotch bonnet pepper, 
1/2 cup sliced green onions (white and green parts)

Directions 
• Add chicken, green seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup to bowl along with salt and pepper. Toss to mix thoroughly and set aside to marinate for at least one hour; 
• Add oil to pot and heat on medium high heat; when oil is hot (not smoking) sprinkle in sugar in an even layer. 
• Let melt until the sugar starts to froth and bubble. Immediately add the chicken and stir to mix. Let cook for 7 – 10 minutes; 
• Add rice and stir to mix. Let cook for 3 minutes; 
• Add peas, peppers and carrots (if using); cook for 1 minute; 
• Pour in coconut milk and other cooking liquid; season with salt and pepper, toss in whole pepper. Cover pot and bring to a boil; 
• When pot comes to a boil, remove lid partially and let boil until you can see the surface of the dish—rice, peas and chicken clearly. 
• Cover pot fully, reduce heat to low or simmer and let cook for 25 – 30 minutes or until all the liquid has evaporated; 
• Sprinkle the green onions on top and fold into rice; 
Serve hot or at room temperature.

STEWED PIGEON PEAS
Ingredients
3 cups fresh pigeon peas 
3 tbsp vegetable oil 
2 cloves garlic 
2 pieces salted pigtail 
1 cup pumpkin chopped 
1 medium onion chopped
3 pimentos chopped 
3 chicken bouillon cubes 
4 - 5 cups water
Few dashes of soy sauce
3 sprigs small thyme
2 - 3 blades chadon beni chopped
3 blades chive chopped
2 tbsp chopped celery
2 tomatoes chopped
1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 oz cooking margarine
Few dashes Worcestershire sauce
Few drops pepper sauce

Directions
• Heat oil in large pot
• Add the 2 cloves garlic and let burn in the oil. Remove the garlic; 
• Add pigtail to the oil, followed by the peas and stir
• Add the pumpkin, peppers, onion, thyme and the bouillon cubes
• Add the water and soy sauce and let come to a boil and let simmer for approximately 30 minutes
• Add the tomatoes, salt, black pepper, celery, chadon beni, Worcestershire sauce and chive
• Cook for approximately 20-30 minutes more over medium high heat or until the peas are tender.
• Remove the thyme sprigs; Add the ketchup, pepper sauce and margarine.
• Taste and adjust seasonings
• Let simmer for 10 more minutes and then serve.

In 1966 Divali was proclaimed an annual public holiday in T&T. This year, it will be celebrated on November 10. It is observed on the new moon day (Amavasya) of the month of Kaartik in the Hindu calendar. The Sunday Guardian spoke with 40-year-old high school teacher, Pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj about this significant occasion in the Hindu calendar. He has been a pundit for the past 13 years.
    
Q: How would you describe Divali to non-Hindus so that it resonates with them?
A: Divali is derived from the Sanskrit fusion word Dipawali, formed from dipa, “light” or “lamp” and āval, “series, line, row.”  Dipavali thus means a “row” or “series of lights.” It is marked mainly by the lighting of earthen lamps (deyas) dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness. All schools of Hindu philosophy share the belief that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite and eternal called the atman (soul). 

The celebration of Divali as the “victory of good over evil” refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one’s true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things, and knowledge overcomes ignorance. Divali is the celebration of this inner light over spiritual darkness, knowledge over ignorance, right over wrong, good over evil. 

Today, we live in a society and in a world at large where destruction and evil have become fairly prevalent. There are natural disasters and poverty in many areas. As non-Hindus, we can use this auspicious occasion as we do with all others, to think about the betterment of our lives, the betterment of our fellow men, and the betterment of the society on the whole.

How did you become a pundit? 
I was born in the home of a pundit and at a very early age, I was inspired by my father and the other elders in the community to become a pundit. I believe that it has always been my calling to serve the people and to be a servant of my religion. My paternal great-grandfather Pundit Parmeshwar Chaubay, came from the Bihar district in India, his son, my paternal grandfather Pundit Radhey Kishore Chaubay and his son, my father, Pundit Ramesh, and his two younger brothers are all pundits so from very early, I was exposed to what the life of a pundit was. 

One who wishes to become a pundit must first as a Brahmin undertake the Upanayan Sanskar or what some will call the “janeau ceremony.” In the course of this ceremony, the young Brahmin becomes a holder of the sacred thread or janeau and he pledges his life to upholding the knowledge of our scriptures. I am fortunate in the sense that I have had the benefit of having a father who is a pundit and I was able to learn a lot from him.

Being initiated into the fold of my guru, Pundit Krishendath Byragie, a rigorous and stringent course of study of scriptures and rituals of our dharma ensued. I also attended classes at the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and was officially ordained as a pundit in 2002. The point is though, as a pundit there is continuous learning and ongoing development. The learning process never stops.

Who/what is a pundit…what makes you or qualifies you to become one? And what is your role?
A pundit cannot be defined simply. A pundit is a guru (spiritual teacher) to his godchildren. It is under his care and guidance that they hope to realise the supreme goal of life which is to be closer to God. He is responsible for the destruction of darkness from their lives by making their lives better, imparting knowledge, offering guidance, and keeping them on the right path of life, the dharmic path. The role of a pundit, however, is not limited to such alone, since he performs many religious ceremonies in his community and in the wider society. He is accessible to all who wish to seek his help and advice. There is no greater gift than service to those around us. As Hindus our religion/dharma is our identity, it defines who we are and in doing our intrinsic duty to others, we are in turn doing our duty to God, thus fulfilling the dharma of our birth.

What advice would you give to the young people of our nation…and to the older folks as well, in the context of the occasion of Divali?
As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, I ask the younger generation to remember the struggles and the sacrifices of their forefathers and the others before them to make their lives better today, and for them to enjoy greater opportunities in the field of education. 

As we gain knowledge, may we remember true wisdom dawns from a matured mind. A matured mind cultivates virtues, to develop these virtues one has to elevate ones consciousness to a higher level. Only in this elevated state one can realise that all living beings are merely reflections of the supreme divinity. Only then does true knowledge dawn. I advise them to embrace the many opportunities available to them to make a positive change to society. 

To older folk, I can only express my gratitude to them for all that they have done for their children and for our country. Indeed, there was an inherent sense of sacrifice and purpose of duty, feelings of warmth and compassion, eagerness to serve with the proceeding generations. If anything, I humbly ask for them to share their experiences with those of the younger generations so that our various cultural traditions can be preserved. I encourage them to continue to be visible in our communities and to share their wisdom and knowledge with us.

To everyone for this Divali, the underlying tone of the festival carries with it a deep spiritual and divine purpose. As we sit to offer our prayers, we ask for the divine blessings of health, happiness, contentment and destruction of the inner enemies, lust, greed, anger, hatred and envy. Spend time with your loved ones, your families and your friends. Divali is a festival of joy, splendour, brightness and happiness. Cherish those around you and embrace the happiness of others.

What are the biggest challenges facing Hinduism?
One of the main challenges facing Hinduism is the fact that there has been to a certain extent, a lack of understanding of the fundamental philosophical thoughts and concepts of our religion, and this has contributed to a lack of respect towards our religion to some degree in the society. It is essential for respect to be displayed to all religions regardless of our personal beliefs and opinions. At the end of the day, the objective of every religion is to mould us into better individuals.

At the same time, I believe that it is imperative for the younger generation of Hindus to become more involved in religious and cultural activities, assume leadership roles and responsibilities in our mandirs and faith-based institutions, develop a deeper understanding of our traditions and culture from a spiritual perspective, display a sense of pride, and inspire confidence in their hearts.

As Hindus we need to return to and contemplate on the basic tenets of our dharma outlined in our scriptures, live by truth, possess limitless compassion to all beings, and adopt a most charitable disposition towards all of mankind. Hinduism is not simply a religion, it is a way of life, and it carries with it a code of ethics. Hence, young Hindus need to embrace these fundamental tenets, and with this will sprout a greater sense of dedication and purpose to our religion.

What advice would you give to a young person who is wondering about becoming a pundit? 
To any young person who wishes to become a pundit, I will advise him to accept his true calling. If his calling is to serve the people and to uphold our dharma, then by all means he should follow his ambition and become a pundit. At the same time, he must be willing to commit to a learning process that simply never ceases, endure great penance and sacrifice, and he must be willing to put service to the people and sense of duty to dharma/religion first.

What are your plans for the future…goals?
My goals are simple—self–enlightenment, personal and spiritual development through the grace of God and guru. I wish to continue to be there for my family and for my loved ones, and to be of service to my dharma/religion and to the people of T&T.

Where were you born, where did you grow up?
I was born in Todds Road, Chaguanas, and later on, my family moved to Lendore Village, Chaguanas.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education? 
Primary, Montrose Vedic School; Secondary, St Mary’s College; Tertiary: Valsayn Teachers’ College/Teachers Diploma; University of London (London School of Politics and Economics)/BSc Management and Info Systems; University of the West Indies/Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Technology

What would you say is your greatest virtue? 
I believe that my greatest virtue is the search/quest for knowledge.

What daily motto do you live by? 
Service to mankind is service to God.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with O, the other with M (your initials). 
Optimistic and marvelous, ahem... 

We tend to gravitate towards things that are not local as is the case in our food intake. Estimates have it that our food import bill is at $4 billion annually and growing. This series, Food for Thought/Grow and Eat Local, seeks to inform about the 149 crops that are grown in Trinidad (not counting the varieties within many of them). 

Did you know that in the 1960’s the Macqueripe Valley was lush with citrus and banana fields, producing more than enough to supply the nation? Oil centricity, industrialisation and non-agricultural business have put paid significantly to the agricultural sector. Today, there must be innovation in agricultural production to assist local farmers if we are to reduce our huge food import bill.

In this installment we will focus on the delicious and nutritious avocado (zaboca, Persea americana). Native to Mexico and Central America, they are also grown in its many varieties in tropical and Mediterranean climates. Did you know that the type of avocado grown here (and across the Caribbean and Florida) belongs to the ‘West Indian type’ which is characterised by a larger fruit with smooth skin, thick flesh and contains less fat than the other two sister types, the Mexican and Guatemalan, which have dark, rough skins and have a longer bearing season?

Avocados are a favourite on most of our dining tables, with its flavourful and buttery texture (nature’s butter), the perfect addition to any meal or salad. In days of old zaboca trees were abundant throughout the country and were simply given away so you hardly ever saw it being sold. Today, it is a backyard tree that survives in soil that is well drained and aerated. 

Most of the varieties are green-skinned and are pear, egg-shaped or spherical. Avocado trees are partially self-pollinating and often are propagated through grafting to maintain a predictable quality and quantity of the fruit. An avocado these days can cost on average $15-20, and even more for the imported ones when not in season here. They are picked when full and then left to ripen which takes one to two weeks. Placing the green fruit in a paper bag helps with the ripening process. 

A ripe zaboca yields to gentle pressure when pressed with your thumb. Since one avocado will sometimes have some remaining after a meal it is recommended that you leave the seed in, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The flesh oxidises and turns brown quickly after exposure to air. Lime or lemon juice can be added as well, after they are cut or peeled. Trinis love to eat it just with salt. The fancy name guacamole is essentially an avocado/zaboca delicacy.

Encouraging information from the Agricultural Services Division (ASD) shows that approximately 6,000 grafted avocado plants are sold to farmers and the general public annually. The main varieties include Pollock, Lula, Collinson and a small-sized unnamed variety (there are also many local natural crosses of these varieties). Work is currently taking place in the major avocado producing countries in relation to screening varieties with commercial potential, and also the use of chemicals to alter/extend the period of bearing.

Avocado by nature is an alternate bearer, a characteristic that poses a challenge to producers and eventually the consumer, as one year there is an abundance of fruits and the next year little or no fruit. Countries with similar climatic conditions as T&T are now focusing on structured irrigation and fertilisation regimes of their avocado orchards in order to achieve the maximum yield and extend the bearing season.

The Ministry of Agriculture is encouraging more growing and farming of this important crop which will assist in reducing our import food bill. They plan to establish one hectare of avocado trees for the use as rootstock.

Attempts are being made by the ministry to select quality varieties that come into maturity later in the year, thus extending the season.

On the health front, the fruit that once had a bad reputation as being dangerously high in bad cholesterol, most probably because some people wanted to sell their processed products, is now the proven source of many healthy nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Of all fruits, the avocado is highest in proteins whose natural oils are good for your skin and provide a refreshing alternative to over-the-counter facial products. (See nutrient table)

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds is associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. 

Believers in bush medicine use the leaves to make a tea to cure fever, pains in the body and high blood pressure. In country areas, the seed was grated, mixed with lard and applied to the toes and areas of the feet infected with jiggers. Some swear by its ability as an internal cleanser by boiling four dried leaves with three cups of water, cooling and refrigerating it, drinking a little each morning for seven consecutive days.  

Guacamole
1 tbsp minced sweet onion
1 clove garlic crushed
1 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Dash of salt (less that 1/8 tsp)
1 med-large ripe avocado
1 tsp minced cilantro or shadon beni
Hot pepper to taste

METHOD
Place garlic, hot pepper and salt in a bowl or mortar and crush to a fine paste. 
Peel and slice avocado and add to paste and crush.
Add minced onion and cilantro to mixture. 
Add lemon juice, stir and taste for salt 
Add 1 tsp of extra virgin olive oil if you desire
Enjoy with roti, fry bake, bread, Johnny bake, crix….

Salfish buljol and Zaboca
1 pack boneless saltfish
Juice of ½ lime
3 tbsp oil
1 tbsp shadon beni, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 – 3 small tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 – 3 blades chive, chopped finely
1 – 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ tsp pepper sauce
1 small avocado, peeled and diced. 

METHOD
Boil saltfish in water for 5 – 10 minutes and drain. Repeat procedure and let cool.
Place saltfish in a bowl and flake. 
Add all ingredients except avocado and mix well
Add the avocado and stir gently so not to crush the avocado
Cover and place in refrigerator for at least half hour for flavours to blend before serving.                                            

Eight possible health benefits of avocados:

Protection from chronic disease
According to the Department of Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences Program of the University of Kentucky, high fibre intakes are associated with significantly lower risks of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increased fibre intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance weight loss for overweight individuals.

Great for vision
Avocados contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two phytochemicals that are essential to eye health. These two carotenoids act as antioxidants in the eye and can minimise the damage and reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Osteoporosis prevention
Vitamin K is often overshadowed by calcium and vitamin D when thinking of nutrients important for maintaining healthy bones, however, eating a diet with adequate vitamin K may be just as important. Vitamin K can improve bone health by increasing calcium absorption and reducing urinary excretion of calcium.
Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk of bone fracture. One-half of an avocado provides approximately 25 per cent of the daily recommended intake for vitamin K.

Cancer fighter
Low levels of folate have been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Adequate intake of dietary folate (from food, not necessarily supplements) has also shown promise in protecting against colon, stomach, pancreatic and cervical cancers.

Healthy babies
Folate is also extremely important for pregnant women. Adequate intake protects against miscarriage and neural tube defects. Recent research has also shown that a father's folate status before conception may be just as important. In a study from McGill University, paternal folate deficiency in mice was associated with a 30 per cent higher number of various birth defects than in offspring with no paternal folate deficiencies.

Lowered risk of depression
Another benefit of foods with high levels of folate is a lowered risk of depression. Folate helps to prevent an excess of homocysteine forming in the body, which can block blood and other nutrients from reaching the brain. Excess homocysteine can interfere with the production of the feel-good hormones serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which regulate not only mood, but sleep and appetite as well.

Improved digestion
Despite its creamy texture, an avocado is actually high in fibre, with approximately six to seven grams per half fruit. Eating foods with natural fibre can prevent constipation, maintain a healthy digestive tract and lower the risk of colon cancer.

Natural detoxification
Adequate fibre promotes regularity, which is crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool. 

Meet Sharifa Ali-Abdullah, the director/CEO of the Children’s Authority of T&T who has successfully led the pioneering work which resulted in the landmark establishment of the authority in May this year. 

This is no surprise, given her previous positions which have all centred around the social and economic development of T&T and further abroad. She successfully co-led the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) conference in T&T, worked in the Ministries of Finance and Planning and at the Office of the Prime Minister, and completed stints at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank as well as undertook project work in Kosovo as part of her International Master’s Programme at Columbia University. Ali-Abdullah also represented T&T in various capacities in Uganda, India, Qatar, Brazil and Malaysia.

Beyond all these endeavours, Ali-Abdullah’s heart has always been with children. She first spent eight years as a teacher, she has developed and implemented numerous programmes, projects and seminars for women and children, and she is president of the M2 Hope Foundation, a charity set up in honour of her parents to assist and inspire underprivileged children to realise their potential. 

Ali-Abdullah and “Muslim woman+progress” are indeed synonymous, away from the opposite stereotyping that is at times attached to her faith. Today, she is a sought-after motivational speaker, facilitator and presenter.

Q: Tell us about your early years and your family.
A: I am the eldest of four girls. I had a very happy childhood growing up in a small, diverse community with three younger sisters who are my best friends. My parents came from a very modest background and saw education as a route to upward social mobility. Not having had the opportunity to be educated beyond primary school, my mother in particular ensured that we got a sound education as she viewed this as key to independence. 

I have been married for 24 years to my soulmate and my number one supporter. My elder daughter is a fifth-year medical sciences student and a national scholarship winner, whilst my younger daughter is in high school and trying to decide whether she wants to be a lawyer or a fashion designer.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?
Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College and St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph. I graduated with distinction from Columbia University, NY, with a master’s degree in Economic Policy Management after earning an honours degree in Economics from UWI, St Augustine.

What prepared you and led you to the Children’s Authority?
The programme Economic Policy Management was reserved for socio-economic policymakers from across the globe…this training was critical to the work that I would do at the Ministry of Finance as an economist/acting senior economist in the preparation of the national budget and medium-term socio-economic plans.

My supervisor always assigned the social sectors to me, about which I did not complain. I had a huge interest in that sector, as economic growth without development is not sustainable. After leaving the Ministry of Finance, I took up a senior position at the then Tourism and Industrial Development Company Ltd (Tidco). 

As manager of research my aim was to champion informed decision-making for investment, trade and tourism. The environment was fast-paced and exciting. Tidco provided me with numerous opportunities to develop professionally and to represent my country across the globe. During this stint, I visited many countries to promote T&T as a place to visit, invest and do business.

This international exposure provided me with insights into best practice and afforded me the opportunity to understand global dynamics and trends, and provided me with additional skills to assist Government with the development of the country’s national strategic plan, Vision 2020. This plan is perhaps the most comprehensive strategy ever produced to move the country forward. 

At the end of 2007, I was recruited as the senior co-ordinator in National Secretariat for the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the CHOGM, which were to be hosted in 2009. This was a huge challenge as it was a pioneering initiative. We were stretched and challenged but did a fine job particularly with the CHOGM, which earned us the distinction of being one of the better organised global meetings.

I had the honour of leading this country’s delegation to the Commonwealth Secretariat as well as to Buckingham Palace to engage with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Palace Officials in the lead-up to CHOGM. It was also an opportunity to meet presidents and prime ministers from across the globe as well as HM Queen Elizabeth II. 

I also co-ordinated the associated events namely the Commonwealth Youth Forum, the Commonwealth People’s Forum and the Commonwealth Business Forum. 

Whist these experiences have been life-changing, I believe I made the most significant impact as a teacher for some eight years at the start of my career. I also had a few short stints at the University of the West Indies. Teaching is a vocation and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the hundreds of teenagers in the many secondary schools where I taught. Being a few years older than my students, we connected easily. 

Having been involved in creating and implementing programmes and activities for children and young people for most of my life and investing in their development, I was excited at the prospect of setting up a specialised agency to address children’s issues. So I responded to the advertisement for the director’s position and got the nod after a rigorous screening process.

While I had two job offers at the same time, I opted to take up the position as director of the Children’s Authority as it was an easy fit for me. I had acquired strategic planning and project management skills, had the socio-economic technical training, exposure to international best practice, and connection to children and their issues. 

I was surprised that the agency has not yet been set up as this was a policy initiative which was identified in earlier national development plans I had worked on at the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The board did an amazing amount of work, particularly the two chairmen, Justice Annestine Sealy and Stephanie Daly, SC, whose leadership and contribution must be acknowledged. It was time for an operational head to advance the work.

Child protection is not for the faint-hearted. I was offered condolences rather than congratulations, had to deal with some angry, frustrated, cynical stakeholders. People scoffed at our plans and optimism. But we pressed on and championed informed decision-making and engaged deeper in rigorous planning, conversing with mature child protection experts locally, regionally and internationally, collaborated with UNICEF and learnt from best practice. 

And so, armed with the largely unproclaimed package of Children’s Legislation and one OJT, foundation work done by two previous directors, we set out to recruit the small team of about ten pioneers, develop a strategic plan and expedite operationalisation of the authority. Six line ministers, three boards of management later—the authority is up and running. 

What is the biggest challenge/need/priority at the Children’s Authority? 
Public expectation remains high, but this must be tempered with a recognition that the authority is only one agency in the child protection system—and that child protection is everybody’s business. The child protection system has been broken for a long time and it is not an easy fix. Demand for services remain high as measured by the record number of cases received—over 2,500 inclusive of over 150 emergency cases.

The major issue remains the inadequate infrastructure required to support the Children’s Authority and new child protection system—accommodation for children in conflict with the law, transition homes, facilities for children with special needs, therapeutic homes for children with mental illness, just to name a few. Referral services also need to be expanded to cater to the increased demand in child protection cases. 

The recent placement of the authority under the Office of the Prime Minister signals that Government is serious about child protection and has accorded it among its highest priorities, and we welcome this move. 

What is the role of the Children’s Authority and what is your function there?
Children’s Authority is at the heart of the new child protection system. It acts as the guardian of all children, championing their rights and safeguarding them from abuse and neglect. It also provides care and protection for those vulnerable and at risk. Among my key functions as director, I implement the decisions of the board, provide strategic direction, inspire my team, oversee line managers, monitor, evaluate and re-engineer operations, coach and collaborate with key stakeholders. 

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of "work" you do. 
As a teacher I was bombarded with stories of abuse and the impact on my students. Issues affecting children and their families are at the heart of our social structure and if this foundation is unstable, then the society will be in disequilibrium and implode. 

When our children are hurt or neglected and there is no treatment, they grow up to become angry, disempowered, disconnected adults who perpetuate the cycle of abuse. I am driven by the need to have children enjoy their childhood. I am inspired by the success we’ve seen with children received into care and their progress to date—some of whom are well on their way to leading productive, fulfilled lives.

I am motivated by the big hearted people who have come forward to care for children. I am heartened by the resilience of our children who bounce back after such horrific experiences. 

How would you describe yourself?
Results-oriented, pragmatic and optimistic. 

Who has influenced you the most (outside of your immediate family), in your career and in life in general?
Strong women—my grandmother, aunts, teachers, and towering and powerful women from the annals of history. 

What daily motto/credo do you live by and what is your recipe for success?
Excellence in all things. Every good action done with the appropriate intention is an act of worship from which blessings accrue. 

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with S, the other with A, the initials of your name.
Strategic and action-oriented.

Did you know that there are 149 crops (84 fruits, 35 vegetables, 12 root crops and 18 herbs) that are grown in Trinidad, not counting the varieties within many of them? Estimates have it that our food import bill is at $4 billion annually and growing. Oil centricity, industrialisation and the non-agricultural business sector have put paid significantly to the agricultural sector. Our fertile soil, such as in the Macqueripe Valley can once again be put to agricultural use to help reduce our dependence on foreign and often processed foods.

In this installment in the series FOOD FOR THOUGHT, GROW & EAT LOCAL, we focus on sorrel (scientific name Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and will feature ginger (scientific name Zingiberofficinale) in the next, the two popular drinks associated with T&T’s Christmas season.

A common sight which heralds the coming of Christmas is vans parked on the side of roadways filled with the bright red sorrel. Sorrel—Hibiscus sabdariffa belongs to the hibiscus family and is a short shrub that bears flowers quite like ochro and hibiscus. Once the flower falls off, the calyx at the base of the flower swells and thickens and grows to cover the seed capsule. This cover is what we know as sorrel and is used in the delicious drink of the same name.

While there is no definite conclusion, some experts have identified the region from India to Malaysia as the origin of the plant (mainly due to the wide variety of species which occur there, including one that is used for fibre) while others claim it is from West Africa where it is used as a tea and for medicinal purposes. What is for sure though, is that seeds of sorrel moved from West Africa to the Americas via the slave trade. 

Where once the bright red variety sorrel was only available during the Christmas season, introduction of new varieties which are daylight insensitive, makes production possible year-round. Also, there is a popular variety that is now in cultivation with deep maroon to black calyces with a stronger sorrel flavour. There is also a variety of sorrel with white calyces.

Sorrel is traditionally used for making a popular Christmas-time drink where the fresh calyces are removed from the seed, washed and either boiled or left to steep overnight (the addition of spices such as cinnamon, cloves and ginger can be added to enhance the flavour). It can be used either in its fresh state or dried. The resulting maroon liquid is then strained and sweetened.

Sorrel is inherently tart which makes them the perfect medium for other food items like jam, jelly, syrup, gelatin, dessert, pudding, cake, ice cream and flavouring. Sorrel can be used for the making of tea and is also used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Infusions of the leaves or calyces are regarded as diuretic and hypotensive. They have also been found to have antispasmodic, anthelmintic and antibacterial properties and are used as a cooling herb which increases the flow of blood to the skin, dilating the pores for the cooling effect. The leaves can by cooked like spinach and the seeds dried and eaten.  The seeds can also be roasted and ground into a powder and used in soups and sauces.

The sorrel plant grows to a height of 1.5 to three metres with many branches and flowers and bears annually. The tree should be planted around July/August. With varieties that can be cultivated year-round, production is now not limited. Research has been conducted on sorrel at UWI and CARDI in the ‘80s and ‘90s focusing on its use as a natural food colouring agent and extraction of its high pectin content.

Research has also been carried out on pests and diseases of sorrel which can be a limiting factor to successful production. When the Hibiscus Mealy bug was ravaging plants across the island in the late ‘90s, sorrel was adversely affected and production fell drastically until biological control was established.

Last year sorrel was being sold during the high season at an average of $5-7 per lb. In December 2013, The Ministry of Food Production unveiled the first ever seed stamp produced in the Caribbean region. The stamp was inspired by the World Food Day’s 2013 theme Sustainable Food Systems for Food Security and Nutrition and was selected as the feature for the stamp as all parts of the sorrel are edible.

This series is written by Nasser Khan in collaboration with Cynthra Persad, retired Director of Research, Ministry of Agriculture. For information on acquiring copies of the two Crops of T&T charts, email fruitstt@live.com

SORREL DRINK

Ingredients 

1.5 lb fresh sorrel flowers
8 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
2 pieces of dried orange peel
4 cloves
thick slice of ginger
sugar

Method

• Remove the core from the sorrel flowers and discard

• Place all ingredients in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil.

• Reduce to a gentle simmer for about 30 minutes.

• Remove from heat, cover and let it steep for a few hours, even overnight. 

• Double strain with a very fine strainer or cheese cloth. 

• Chill and sweeten to your liking. For a stronger drink, increase the amount of sorrel petals you use. Significantly increase the amount of sorrel petals and the brew can be used as a concentrate. Simply bottle and store in the fridge. Use as needed (add a small amount to water, sweeten).

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:

Description    Calcium (mg)    Iron(mg)    Potassium(mg)    Sodium (mg)    Zinc (mg)    Vit.A    Thiamin(mg)    Riboflavin(mg)    Niacin(mg)    Vit C
(Per 100 mg)  

Sorrel—Raw    110    2.2                5    0.04    0.06    4    18 
          —Dried    659    9                    0.12    0.28    3.8    7

Sister Annetta Alexander is a nun with the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, whose headquarters are at The Provincialate at St Joseph’s Convent in Port-of-Spain. 

She has been the Provincial Leader since 2009, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St Augustine, since 2000, and principal at St Xavier’s Private School since 2002. She was the principal of Sacred Heart Girls’ RC School from 1994 to 2002, having started as a teacher in 1986. 

Sr Alexander is also chairperson of the Cluny Central Board of Education—under whose purview is the running of the St Joseph’s Convent in Port-of-Spain, San Fernando and St Joseph; Providence Catholic School and two private primary schools, Maria Regina and St Xavier’s in St Joseph, as well as schools in Grenada, St Vincent and St Lucia. 

She is president elect of the T&T Reading Association, president of the Conference of Religious of the Antilles 2015 and has been vice president of the Girl Guides Association of T&T since 2013, representing that organisation at events in Cyprus, Costa Rica, Jordan, South Africa and London.

The Sunday Guardian recently caught up with the very busy Sr Annetta for her reflections:

Q: Tell us about your early years and your family, where you were born, where you  grew up?
A: I was born in Kathleen Street, St James, and grew up in Upper Bournes Road,in St James, with my mother and father and four other siblings—  one boy, the eldest, then myself and three others  among whom were  twins. 

At this Christmas time what message would you like to give to T&T?
As Catholics, we celebrate the Advent season in preparation for Christmas.  During this time we prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ, we prepare our homes as well. My mind goes back to Christmas at home when we spent time  preparing by way of cleaning, scrubbing, painting. My mother sewed cushions, curtains and the works. The Sacrament of Reconciliation was always on the list. Then came time for the cooking of all the Christmas fare. We girls were all involved, assisting my mother with the cooking and baking. 

One thing that stands out is the fact that my mother encouraged us to take  time to think of others who might be less fortunate. She therefore allowed me to invite someone who was not as fortunate as we were to come home to share Christmas with us. I always opted to go to the orphanage to bring  home one of the children. On one occasion I asked for one child, only to be told that the particular child had a sister and a brother and they did not want them separated.

You can imagine my mother’s face when instead of walking in with one child I walked in with three children. So instead of having seven mouths to feed, she had ten but we made do. Actually we extended this to the school holidays as well. If every family would do this, there would be fewer lonely people at this time. 

When and how did you receive your calling to become a nun?
My call to the convent I can say  came about by simply asking God each time I prayed to tell me what he wanted me to do with my life. I knew I wanted to teach, but how to live out that dream of being a teacher was not in my thoughts. Then one day after I left school, while teaching at the Mucurapo Girls’ Primary School, I distinctly heard the call to religious life.

After attending a come and see session to which I was invited by the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, I knew then that God had answered my prayer. Six months later, I entered the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny Novitiate in Arouca. After three years in training I was sent to various islands to teach for brief periods of time, then on to the Catholic Women’s Training College where I prepared for my teachers’ diploma. 

Who were the people who have influenced you the most?
I was heavily influenced by my mother, who I saw as a woman of strength with a determination to let nothing prevent her from achieving her dreams. She was a prayerful woman. I witnessed her getting down on her knees in our home and praying to God for her needs and those of her family. She encouraged us to pray together as a family. She, with my father, accompanied us to Mass every Sunday.
She taught us to make do with what we had. She never borrowed from anyone so she owed no one. We learned to do without that which she and my father were unable to give us. And above all she taught us never to be envious of what other people had because one never knew how they achieved it.
I have been influenced by my youngest sister who seemed to possess some of the virtues I wish I had, for example, that of gentleness, and thoughtfulness and being very sociable. I was also influenced by a few close friends who strive for excellence in all that they do, who are simple in their lifestyle and generous. I also surround myself with people who are positive thinkers.

What attracted you to your order? 
I was attracted to the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, I think, for the simple reason that I went to Providence Girls’ where I was taught by Sr Regina, who is a sister of St Joseph of Cluny. The principal, Sr Pius, was a sister of St Joseph of Cluny, so I guess that  drew me to the congregation.
My desire to give service led me to Girl Guiding, so I became involved in the Girl Guides Association of T&T where today I am the president.

I see guiding as an organisation whose objective is the development of the young women of our country, helping them to reach their fullest potential and do their part in service of God and their country. This is so important today when our young women are under threat, some of them having very little self esteem, so they are prepared to allow themselves to be treated without dignity.

What advice would you give to a young person considering religious life? 
The advice I would give to any young person considering religious life is to give it your best shot. If God is calling you, listen to Him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. God is never outdone in generosity. I am happy and blessed that I listened and responded positively to God’s invitation. If I had to do it again I would make the same choice. Be generous. God is generous with us. Don’t let Him down. Turn deaf ears to those who dissuade you—and there will be many—they would give you every reason why you should not. Be strong in your conviction.

What else would you like our readers to know about you? 
I love nature. I love to drive around the Queen’s Park Savannah during the dry season when the yellow poui is in bloom. I love to look at the hills which are sometimes dotted with the yellow poui which heralds the rainy season. I feel at home when I am in a place where there is much green space, green grass, flowering trees.

I have climbed the Maracas hills three times taking Girl Guides with me. We travelled via Santa Cruz and came out opposite Maracas Beach. We swam a bit then returned via the same route. We also climbed to the Sobo Falls near Blanchisseuse, and on another occasion made our way to Cumana—walking along the river bed, walking in the shallow areas of the river, being pulled across by rope in the deeper areas, for about one hour and a half before arriving at a beautiful waterfall.

I visited the Niagara Falls in Canada on two occasions, as well as places of interest in different parts of Europe. I climbed the Soufriere Falls in St Vincent on two different occasions. Those were the days, I can’t do that now.

I have what I call my sacred space, which is a kitchen garden at the southern side of our building in the heart of Port-of-Spain. Here, I spend about 45 minutes almost every morning tending to different vegetables and fruits. I love to spend time there. It is for me a stress reliever. I feel so proud when I produce vegetables plentifully, like tomatoes, patchoi, lettuce, sorrel, pigeon peas, cassava, ginger, and seasonings, and all of this without pesticide. So much so the community simply has to come out to pick whatever is in season. Recently we had a fine crop of sugar apples.

What educational institutions did you attend?
I attended Mucurapo Girls’ Primary for one year of my primary education and Providence Girls for the rest of my primary years as well as my secondary schooling as in those days it was an all-age school. Bachelor of Education (honours) University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica. Teachers’ Diploma, Catholic Women’s Teachers College. MA in Distance Education. Computer Literacy, University of the West Indies. Basic Quality Education (OAS).

What daily motto do you live by?
My motto is God’s holy will.  When faced with a situation I repeatedly ask myself, what would Jesus do if he were in my place at the moment in time? I also believe in entering fully and joyfully in what one is asked to do, no matter how unimportant. This makes the burden lighter.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with A, the other with A, your initials?
I would describe myself as action-driven and assiduous (devoted, attentive, persistent, unremitting).

If you have any suggestions of persons who should be featured in this series please email Nasser Khan at nkhantt@gmail.com

We tend to gravitate towards things that are not local, as is the case with our food intake. Given the recession that we are in, now is the ideal time to grow and eat local. Plantain (Musa sp), the featured crop in this installment of the series FOOD FOR THOUGHT…GROW AND EAT LOCAL, is a staple carbohydrate food that can be used instead of imported white potato.

Estimates have it that our food import bill is at $4 billion annually and growing. This series seeks to inform about the 149 crops that are grown in Trinidad (not counting the varieties within many of them). Note that these crops are all illustrated in alpha order along with their scientific names on two charts which were sponsored by First Citizens and distributed to all schools and libraries. Adaptations of the charts were done for Barbados, St Vincent and St Lucia. Efforts are underway to do so in Jamaica and Guyana as well.

Did you know that in the 1960s the Macqueripe Valley was lush with citrus and banana fields producing more than enough to supply the nation? Oil centricity, industrialisation and non-agricultural business have put paid significantly to the agricultural sector. Today, there must be innovation in agricultural production to assist local farmers if we are to reduce our huge food import bill.

Plantains are a member of the banana family, a versatile superfood, with many ways of preparation and cooking. They are starchy, low in sugar variety, high in some nutrients, and cooked before serving as it is unsuitable raw. Its skin is thicker than the banana’s and it is longer. It can be eaten both in the green and ripe stages and can be fried/sauteed, boiled or baked/roasted.

Plantains make their way into a variety of meals and are a staple in many households, in the traditional Saturday soup to the popular provisions and saltfish delicacy, and the Sunday callaloo and macaroni pie meal. Have you ever eaten on a “fig leaf” in a traditional Indian wedding? The plantain or banana leaf is used as a substitute for a plate instead of the Sohare leaf that was used back in India by indentured labourers who came to T&T.

Plantains are a reliable all-season food since they fruit all year round and can be used for cooking at any stage of ripeness, and some even eat the raw ripe plantain. Very ripe plantains have softer, deep yellow pulp that is much sweeter than in the earlier stages of its growth. Steam-cooked/boiled plantains are a nutritious food for infants and the elderly.

A ripe plantain is used as food for infants at weaning,  mashed with a pinch of salt. It is also a gluten-free food. In the green mature stage, plantain is used to make fried chips and is sold commercially in packets as a popular snack. The leaves of the plantain tree are used for wrapping of paime and pastelle prior to their cooking/steaming. For a nutritious snack, try some homemade plantain chips. After removing the skin from unripe fruit, it is then thinly sliced and deep fried in boiling oil. It can also be boiled, of course.

Here is some scientific information for those of our readers so inclined: All modern plantain cultivars have three sets of chromosomes (ie they are triploid). Many are hybrids derived from the cross of two wild species, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. The currently accepted scientific name for all such crosses is Musa × paradisiaca; cultivars which are cooked often belong to the AAB Group, that is, two acuminata genes and one balbisiana gene.

Bananas, on the other hand, belong to the AAA Group. The two common varieties cultivated are Horse (large) and French (smaller but sweeter).

This plant grows from an underground horizontal plantain stem which puts out lateral shoots. The mature tree reaches 12 to 15 feet tall with huge leaves which wrap around the trunk. It takes ten to 15 months to produce flowers and another four to eight months to grow plantains. Once the fruit is harvested, the entire plant will be cut down to the ground and others will rise up from the underground lateral shoots. See brief YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1PePNHJncQ on how to plant a plantain tree.

Plantains, on the other hand, are widely used in the world of natural cure as they are said to contain health-promoting properties, being especially high in potassium and vitamins A and C. It is also a good source of carbohydrate, low in protein and fat. As a potent source of minerals and vitamins, having plantain in your diet offers many health benefits.

It releases energy and provides tissue-building elements. Studies have also suggested that plantains may be useful in preventing or treating kidney and bladder problems. It is recommended for those needing treatment for dropsy, water retention and bed-wetting, since it is known to dry out excess moisture. Plantain is also used to heal cuts and wounds. Regular consumption of plantain also aid in maintaining healthy skin.

The following history about the plantain in Trinidad is excerpted from noted T&T historian Angelo Bissessarsingh’s article in the Sunday Guardian of April 26, 2015:

There was abundance of plantains and bananas in the 19th century as cocoa production boomed. When the young cacao trees were set in the ground they required a lot of shade and so, in their formative years, were sheltered by banana or plantain trees. Such was the alimentary value of plantains in particular that in 1858 Dr Louis De Verteuil wrote:

“The plantain is extensively used in Trinidad, and on the neighbouring continent: it is a cheap, wholesome and nutritious diet, and perhaps the most productive of all alimentary plants in fact, field labourers contend that it is better suited to the support of their strength, in manual labour, than bread at any rate, it forms the staff of life to the generality of Creoles. Its nutritive value has not yet been ascertained, but Boussingault considers it superior to that of potatoes; it is also superior, in general opinion, to that of cassava and rice: it may rank as a farinaceous aliment, containing albumen and gum. The plantain is used either in the ripe or green state: in the former it is eaten either as a fruit, or prepared in various ways with sugar and spices, as confectionary. When green, it is either roasted, dressed with meat, or simply boiled, and afterwards crushed in a mortar so as to form a thick paste, which is used instead of bread.” Such was the consumption of this article that local production could not supply the demand. Well into the 1930s, more than seven million plantains and more were imported from Venezuela to plug the gap. Bananas became a vital cash crop in the early years of the 20th century. Although never produced in the same quantities as the Windward Islands (which even today are heavily reliant on this produce), considerable acreages were planted especially in the rolling hills of the Central Range. Large banana plantations producing fruit mainly for domestic consumption and occasional export to Europe existed in Tabaquite, Talparo, Biche and Rio Claro. At the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture (forerunner of UWI St Augustine) numerous experiments were carried out in an effort to produce disease-resistant stock and increase yield of both bananas and plantains. In the annual bulletin from the Department of Agriculture for 1928, production tables showed an annual tally of more than eight million pounds of bananas being grown.”

This series is written by Nasser Khan in collaboration with Cynthra Persad, retired director of Research, Ministry of Agriculture. For information on acquiring copies of the two Crops of T&T charts, email fruitstt@live.com

Plantain Casserole

INGREDIENTS
3 very ripe plantains, unpeeled
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar

Topping
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2cup brown sugar
1/2 cup grated coconut

METHOD
• Preheat the oven to 350F. 
• Bake plantains for about 25 minutes. Cool and peel. 
• Mash the plantains and add eggs, ground cinnamon, coconut milk, 1/2 cup melted butter and sugar. 
• Pour into a casserole dish. 
• In a bowl mix all the topping ingredients. Sprinkle over the plantain mixture and bake at 350F for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Baked Plantain

INGREDIENTS

4 very ripe plantains
1 cup low fat milk
1/2 cup white or brown sugar 
4 tbsp margarine

METHOD

• Peel plantains, place them in a baking dish, and pour the milk and sugar over them. 
• Spread one tbsp of margarine over the top of each plantain. Bake at 400 degrees for about 1/2 hour.

Foufou/cous-cous/pong plantain

INGREDIENTS
1 lb plantain
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD
• Place unpeeled plantain in pot and cover with cold water and bring to a boil for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the plantain is cooked through and tender. Drain and let cool.
• Peel, chop them into pieces and place into a large bowl with the butter, salt and pepper. 
• Mash until very smooth or squeeze through a potato ricer and then mix with the butter, salt and pepper. 
• Place into a large serving bowl. Wet your hands with water, form into a large ball and serve.

Nutrient table

The benefits of eating plantain date back to 327 BC when first discovered in India by the conquering Greeks and then spread to Africa by Arab sailors. Here are its nutritional contents:

Plantain    Calcium (mg)    Iron(mg)    Potassium (mg)    Sodium (mg)    Zinc (mg)    Vit.A    Thiamin (mg)    Riboflavin (mg)    Niacin (mg)    Total Folacin (µg)    Vit. C
Green, raw    9    0.5    500    4    0.1    60    0.1    0.05    0.7    22    15
Green, fried slices    5    0.7    505    740    0.2    95    0.05    0.06    0.7    12    14
Ripe, raw    3    0.6    499    4    0.1    113    0.05    0.05    0.7    22    18
Ripe, cooked    2    0.6    465    5    0.1    91    0.05    0.05    0.8    26    11

Driving along the Diego Martin highway it is hard to miss the expansive, brightly coloured green home of Cathy George and her husband, panman Clyde “Lightning” George.

Cathy George (nee Crowley) is an American-Trini who met Clyde in 1978, during his stint with the band Sunny Days aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean. The next 20 years saw them living in her hometown Chicago, where she operated a travel agency and Clyde performed in clubs with his Chicago trio Steelin' Jazz, astounding audiences with his execution of jazz on the pan.

For his musical prowess he earned the nicknames Thelonius Clyde and the BeBop Panman. He got his Trini nickname Lightning from the legendary Bertie Marshall who discovered young Clyde had the ability to quickly learn a piece of music.

Cathy says her passion is for pan, calypso, jazz and hospitality. It is in the latter regard that she and her husband have set up their home, which sprawls along the Diego Martin River, as the D’Lime Inn. Over the years the couple have produced annual tribute shows to honour Clyde’s teacher and mentor, Bertie Marshall and the grandmaster of calypso, Lord Kitchener. Together they have run pan camps for children.  Clyde teaches pan and Cathy teaches yoga for children, with a training programme called brain education. 

Conference, banquet and wedding facilities are also available at D’Lime Inn in the idyllic setting of the Diego Martin Valley.
Q: Tell us about your early years and your family. Where you were born, grew up, etc?
A: I was born in Chicago. My parents, Pat and Patty Crowley, were social activists in the 60s. I have three sisters, two brothers, 13 foster brothers and sisters and about 100 foreign brothers and sisters. My eldest sister entered the convent when I was ten years old. Claudette Austin, a foreign student from Chaguanas, Trinidad, came to live at our home at that time and she soon became my surrogate oldest sister. She lived with my family for five years and through her I first fell in love with Trinidad. We are still close and now I am more Trini than she is. She lives in New York and hasn’t been to Trinidad in 20 years!

What attracted you most in coming to live in T&T? 
Calypso, pan and Las Cuevas beach. I fell in love with steelpan when I met my husband. He played Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Bach on the steelpan the first night I met him. I studied piano and I had performed that piece in a competition when I was 16 years old. I have a college degree in piano performance from Webster University.

 What is/are your current and future project/s at D’Lime Inn?
“Lightning is the musical director for the BMPI’s unique and newly instituted Panyard ‘Round the Year workshops. For most pan students, the weeks leading up to Carnival provide the only opportunities for participating in steelpan and engaging the panyard experience.

The BMPI and Clyde will provide this opportunity year-round, with six different five-week sessions scheduled annually and eight to 26 students will be admitted to the course each session. Trinidad will always be the Mecca of pan. To understand an instrument one must go to the source. These five-week programmes will also offer college credit.

What are some of your favourite pieces of Trini music?
Everything by Kitchener. My favourite is Those Were the Days, a calypso in reggae tempo he recorded with David Rudder.

Do you play mas? What thoughts do you have for the improvement of Carnival?
I have played Monday mas a few times and have joined J’Ouvert many times. Bring back calypso and real mas to the Carnival days and turn down the loud music. I love extempo.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most in your career and in life in general?
My parents influenced me the most. I grew up in a very ‘white’ suburb of Chicago but my home was fully integrated and like a United Nations. When I was in high school there were four of us living in one bedroom. My sisters from Sierra Leone, Argentina, Panama and I named our bedroom The Purple Planet  because everything was purple. We played and studied hard together. We are still close friends.

What is your teaching philosophy, ie brain education for children?
Brain education includes physical, emotional and cognitive exercises, as well as postures, breathing techniques, guided imagery and games used to stimulate healthy, dynamic and productive functioning of the body and brain. It develops the full potential of the brain, eliminates stress and enlivens total brain functioning. The most valuable thing we can do for our students is to give them the knowledge of how to fully use their brain to create the life they truly want to live.

Tell our readers a couple of funny ‘Trini’ experiences.
I often brought my American friends and family to the Calypso Revue and took them back stage to meet Kitch. One time, at the Arima opening, my friend Ann Quinn and I were looking for Kitch—really chasing after him—to get some photos and an autograph. We didn’t realise that Ann’s husband was on stage dancing with Denyse Plummer at the same time. We were sorry to have missed that but we got our photos and autographs.

At one of our Kitch tribute shows in our backyard venue, CroCro was singing D Road Make to Walk and suddenly he threw down the mic and jumped into our swimming pool that is in front of our stage. No one could believe it, especially our MC Wendell Ettienne.

Also at one of our Kitch Tribute shows, Gypsy had come to a rehearsal and practiced Love in the Cemetery with the band. Sugar Aloes came to the show but not to the rehearsal. Sugar wanted to sing the same song. I suggested that they do the song as a duet and they indeed did that. I have a piece of this performance on YouTube/mrslightning. It was amazing.

My friends often misinterpret the songs they hear. One liked Small Thing Does Chook Hard but understood Dancing in Stuttgart. My husband, Clyde, used to play and sing No Woman No Cry at family reunions and my nieces heard No Woman, No Clyde. Also, one year at our family reunion we sang Rudder’s High Mas and changed the words to “Hey, hey, we love you Patty,” (our international Mom) instead of “Hey, hey we love our country”.  We sang it at our family mass and the priest led the singing and fell in love with the song.

What is your favourite Trini meal? 
Callaloo, all ah we is callaloo

What daily motto do you live by?
Challenge is growth.

What other information about yourself would you like to share with our readers?
D'Lime Inn, 75 Benjamin Street, Diego Martin, 221-0876; 494-8432. D’Lime Inn is also an apartment hotel and can accommodate up to 32 guests. It’s a backyard venue and is popular for small weddings, parties and events.

I change my hair colour often! One year I tried to do my hair like the flag of Trinidad. I went to a fancy hair salon in Chicago and my hairdresser asked me to come late as not to make a scene at the salon. My hair is curly, so not many people realised that I was wearing the flag of Trinidad on my head. When I had pink hair one of my guests from Jamaica asked me what was my race.

We have one son and two beautiful granddaughters ages three and seven who will visit Trinidad for the first time in March. I love to scuba dive in Tobago. My dive master is Kern Spencer and he has taught many of my friends and family to dive with me. He is the best dive teacher in the world.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with C, the other with G, your initials?
Challenge is growth.
  
If you have any suggestions of persons who should be featured in this series please email Nasser Khan at nkhantt@gmail.com

Arranger, composer, producer, teacher Natasha Joseph has been an ambassador for the steelpan, representing T&T in many countries such as USA, London and Japan, Tobago Jazz, Barbados Jazz, St Lucia Jazz and Grenada Jazz festivals. 

After placing second in the Pan Ramajay soloist skills competition in 1993, Joseph went on to join the Panazz Players and toured extensively with the group. Panazz won the Sunshine award in 1997 for Best Recording by a steelband.

A self-taught musician, Joseph has shared the stage with many local and international jazz artistes such as Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ken “Professor” Philmore, Elan Parle, Chantal Esdelle and Moyenne, Michael Boothman, Clive Zanda, the late Raf Robertson, Arturo Tappin of Barbados, Joe Baione, Kim Waters of the USA, Jeremy Ledbetter of Canada, Alexis Baro of Cuba, Charlie Sepulveda, Fidel Morales, and Gabriel Rodriguez of Puerto Rico.

For the past five years, she has been the steelpan facilitator for the FCB steelpan and jazz workshops in Trinidad, and also teaches steelpan and guitar privately. Her teaching includes stints at St Andrews Private School, Bishop Anstey Junior School, Sacred Heart Girls’, private classes in music theory, improvisation and steelpan rudiments, Blackman’s Private School, and founder of Music JYM (Juntos Y Mejorar).

In June 2012 she received her diploma in Recording Engineering and Production from The Audio Institute of America.

A well-known drillmaster, Joseph has helped to bring Phase II Pan Groove to victory in 2013 and 2014, and second place in 2015 in the National Steelband Panorama. She has been working with their arranger Len “Boogsie” Sharpe for the past seven years. She is also the arranger for the Starlift Junior Steel Orchestra, which placed fifth in the non-schools category for Junior Panorama 2015. She also arranges for Platinum Steel Orchestra, an all-female single pan band taking part in the National Panorama 2016, a first in the competition’s 53-year existence

Q: Tell us about your early years and your family…where born, where grew up, schools attended including primary, etc?
A: I was born in Barataria. Both of my parents were from south, so my early years between the ages of three to seven were spent back and forth between Thick village, Fyzabad, and Barataria. During that period, I attended Pepper Village Government School and St Theresa’s RC School in Malick. I attended Malick Secondary Comprehensive School, and I’m currently a student at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, UWI, pursuing a certificate in music. My father was an ace pannist with Solo Harmonites. 

What attracted you most to the steelpan?
As a younger person growing up I did not like pan at all. I always found that it was too noisy until one day, I heard the beautiful arrangement of the song Sailing by the late Clive Bradley for the band then known as Fertrin Pandemonium and also, Catelli All Stars’ performance of Curry Tabanca. I was captivated by their performance and enjoyment of the music. 

What are some of your favourite pieces of Trini music?
The music of Clive Zanda, the late Andre Tanker and Earl Rodney.

Which of your work do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable?
Working with young people. The work I do with the Ethnic Jazz Club which is led by Chantal Esdelle, and Panazz Players’ history of performances, tours and recordings. I have learnt and continue to learn a lot from these experiences.

What is your favourite pastime/interest/ hobby outside of performing/playing?
Listening to music, playing table tennis and just relaxing.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have? What are your ‘steelpan’ plans for the future? 
One of my goals is to ensure all pan players have an applicable understanding of music theory. It will make a huge difference in the understanding, execution and the time it takes one to learn an arrangement.

Of all your shows, concerts, performances, which would you like a first-time audience, listener or viewer to experience? 
Kaisoca Quartet, which is led by Kyle Noel, is a group committed to keeping our culture alive while staying current. Other members of the group are Chantal Esdelle, Douglas Redon and I.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special? 
Second place in the 1994 Pan Ramajay soloist skills competition. 

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Never stop believing in yourself, there is no end/stopping point when it comes to learning. Apply yourself at all times, whether it be towards schoolwork, band practice or training. There is nothing that you cannot do—cannot means will not, so push yourself especially when things feel hard, and always have patience with yourself, your peers and your teachers.

If you could pick any singer and/or band to perform just for you who would you choose? 
Earl Rodney and Jason Baptiste

Do you play mas? What thoughts do you have for the improvement of Carnival, especially as it relates to the steelpan?
I have never played mas. But if I ever decided to play it would be with All Stars, I have loved their sailor mas since I was a child. I hope one day we can figure out how to have Panorama without the competition aspect of it. 

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general?
My biggest inspiration and encouragement came from Mr Richard Gaskin who was my form teacher in Malick Secondary Comprehensive School. There is where I learned to play steelpan and was always in awe of his skills as a musician. He is a multi-instrumentalist with perfect pitch who taught me some valuable lessons in arranging and approach to playing music. Earl Rodney, Clive Zanda, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Robert Greenidge and the late Clive Bradley have also been great influences in my career.

What daily motto do you live by?
Once you believe you will achieve.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with N, the other with J, your initials.
Nice and Jazzy.

• If you have any suggestions of persons who should be featured in this series please email Nasser Khan at nkhantt@gmail.com