-Issue: No. 5
ISSUE 23
Q' Notes
- January/February 2021 AUG UST 2019
90
18
A message from our Communications Coordinator
Happy 131st Anniversary
(2019-2021)
QUEEN'S
Vern al Adde rley
COLLEGE
"Clas s of 2011 "
QCAA's January2021 Alumni Feature
On behalf of the President and Board of Directors of the Queen's College Alumni Association, I wish to extend a happy and prosperous new year to you!
Meet the Pinders....
Dr. Charles Diggiss
'Nothing lasts forever; embracing every season we are in with optimism will determine our fate.' 2020 has left an impeccable mark on each of us, but we are taught to look at EVERYTHING as a lesson. We were presented with a change no one would
page 2
JUNKANOO "You get lost in the music, syncing your body to movements that match the song and the weight of your costume keeps you grounded from a floating mind"
have ever anticipated or could prepare for, however, of all things it became a time of reflection. Many of us share the tale of being locked-down at home using the time to build stronger bonds with our families, catch-up on much needed rest, and for some, advancing themselves in their respective careers. Our reality is that we do not know when we will ever get back to some form of normalcy or, perhaps we should accept this may very well be our new normal.
page 4
Whatever it may be, we should cherish and embrace every opportunity with pleasantry, exude love in every way we can, and continue to do our part in this fight for a better world. Vernal Adderley
01
PAGE 7
....a comet love story page 3
'TINGS BAHAMIAN
page 4
THE QUEEN'S COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION'S
JANUARY 2021 FEATURE
DR. CHARLES WILLIAM DIGGISS
'Opportunity advantages those who are best prepared, best planned and best positioned'
-Dr. Diggiss' Mantra
After passing the entrance exam, Dr. Diggiss entered Queen's College in January 1965; he became one of the first 'persons of colour' to begin the 5th grade. He completed his A levels and became Deputy Heady Boy during his final year. Dr. Diggiss shared a few occasions that stood out to him during his time at QC and can recall almost every transitionary event, "Things changed in September 1967 when almost 50% of 'form 1' were students of color.", he shares.
CONGRATULATIONS DR. CHARLES DIGGISS ON RECEIVING THE 'MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE), 2021
While in form 4 (1970), young Dr. Diggiss became his class' representative in the Student Council and then became president of the Council in 1971. This year was yet another memorable one, for this was the year of the 'student revolt' at QC in support of Headmaster, 'Rev Nev' (Reverand Neville Stuart), he indicated. Dr. Diggiss graduated Medical School at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in 1980, his final fellowship in General Surgery in 1987, Glasgow, Scotland, and Master's Degree in Medical Management in 2011 at the University of Southern California. With his experience and wealth of knowledge, Dr. Diggis introduced the Bahamas to the then, new Laparoscopy in General Surgery in 1994/1995 and pioneered Laparoscopic procedures in Obesity Surgery. He became a Chartered Director of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute in 2018. He was certified as an International Arbitrator to the Chartered Institute of Arbitration in 2020. Since 2016, Dr. Diggiss serves as President of Doctor's Hospital Health System and lead the team in the battle against Covid-19. He and his wife Ciara, have had three children complete the QC experience, with two presently enrolled. "QC's magic is its culture of excellence. Committed teachers with their profound interest in student performance remain the priceless advantage of the QC experience.", Dr. Diggiss explained. He continues to sponsor and underwrite the cost of medical equipment and supplies at the school's Health and Wellness Centre via the Diggiss' foundation. The Foundation look to award two student internships, an award granted annually. The Queen's College Alumni Association SALUTES Dr. Diggiss for his continuous support to Queen's College and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
THE COMET CONNECTION | PAGE 2
Comets in Love February 2021 Feature
Meet the Pinders
Christopher + Lia (Class of 2010)
Our Engagement It's amusing for us when we look back at everything now, but our engagement has always been at work right before our eyes. For us it was simple, we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives. From the moment we knew that we were ready for this commitment, we laughed and hugged at the feeling that we were finally in the right time and place in our lives. We excitedly told our parents first, asking that they would bless our union. And so, in the fall of November 2019, we received their blessing. With their favor cosigning our many prayers for this moment
On January 07, 2021, Chris and Lia tied the knot right in time for the season of love, Valentines. Congratulations on your union!
THE COMET CONNECTION | PAGE 3
Da' Junkanoo Queen Onesha Adderley Class of 2010
What does Junkanoo mean to you? Junkanoo is a form of identity for me. Being a creative person I see it as a release from different everyday life situations. It's a hobby as well as a passion. I have heard many people say it is a spirit and the combination of music and I have witnessed it many times over. From theBass to the BBrass and the Bellers, you feel every note in your chest and it vibrates through the rest of your body. You get lost in the music, syncing your body to movements that match the song and the weight of your costume keeps you grounded from a floating mind.
Why do you think it is important for millennials to secure our rich culture? It is a part of us. It defines who we are as a people and is a form of artistic expression for our country. If you go to any country, they have their own culture, their own way of doing things. That's one reason people travel, to see something different or explore what is outside of their norm. To lose Junkanoo we ultimately lose a part of ourselves. The art has evolved so much over the years but the tradition remains the same, the meaning remains the same, and the history remains the same; freedom of expression.
How long have you been an active participant in this celebration and which group do you support? I have been with the Saxon Superstars since 2013. Most of my time has been spent rushing within the choreography section, Saxon Superdancers.
When did you realize that Junkanoo was more than just putting on a costume and performing?
I realized it was more when I was hands-on with constructing my costume. The first time I did something close to Junkanoo was in Grade 7 Arts class. We had this project where we got some cray skirts together and had to paste our shoes and decorate them for a performance. That was my first "taste" of the culture. I really got the full blast in 2013 on my first Independence rush where we had to create and decorate my first backdrop. The hard work and dedication it takes to make these costumes come to life are truly amazing. It is a gift not many are blessed with. To make a design or concept rather, come to life using certain resources requires more than the ordinary. The truth is in the detail with TIME and craftsmanship, the reward is the audience positively receiving it and seeing your hard work on display for everyone to see.
What was your most memorable experience? I would have to say any "battle" morning. I remember getting my clothes to paste for a New Year's Rush the day of the parade! To this day I still don't know how I made it on Bay with no brown or paint showing, but I can tell you that Rush was sweeter than ever!
FREDCLASS FERGUSON OF 1976 Bahamian musician and composer Fred Ferguson said as a Bahamian, culture means EVERYTHING that we do as a nation that identified as being unique. For him, it is a rich heritage on which we build. Fred notes that it is incumbent for all Bahamians to continue to pass on what is ours. He said, “It is the only way we would be able to preserve, build and maintain our heritage... and this is necessary to give the new generations the level of pride that will connect them to their Bahamian roots.” This proud comet alumnus never planned to be a 'cultural ambassador'. However, he was born and grew up in a time where Bahamian pride was rich and a normal part of life. His experiences of growing up on the Family Islands is where he gained his pride in the country, which was later solidified after relocating to Nassau. It was this same pride, tied to his wish to retain the rich heritage that was a part of him, that forced him to speak up and fight for the preservation of 'tings Bahamian'. With a glimmer of hope Fred, “I encourage all Bahamians to see the global pandemic as an opportunity for introspection and to use the time to build on the things that make us unique. Use the time to research our rhythms, our stories, our history, our CULTURE and come out of this period a richer nation.”
THE COMET CONNECTION | PAGE 4
Farewell WE WISH TO EXTEND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF
MS. OLIVIA MCCLEAN CLASS OF 1972
FOLLOW US
Today!
SEND AND SHARE ALL COMET NEWS WITH US: ALUMNI@QCCOMETS.COM THE COMET CONNECTION | PAGE 5