FEBRUARY 2024 - S.E.S.L Newsletter

Feb 2024 Security Executive Surveillance & Law-Enforcement Limited

T R I A N N U A L

NEWSLETTER

THE INFAMOUS SILVER FOX PAGE 1

THE START OF CARNIVAL PAGE 2

THE GROWTH OF CARNIVAL PAGE 3

INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH PAGE 4

T & T CALYPSO MONARCH PAGE 5

STAY SAFE THIS CARNIVAL PAGE 6

HEALTH TIPS PAGE 7

TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS PAGE 8

FUN CORNER PAGE 9-10

RECIPE PAGE 11-12

THE SPIRIT, LEGACY AND IMPACT LIVES ON:

MR. BASDEO PANDAY

The Infamous Silver Fox

The year 2024 started off with the sad passing of Mr. Basdeo Panday, a past Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and a man that was beloved by “the people”. However, Mr. Panday was this and much more. According to the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago website, on May 25, 1933, Mr. Basdeo Panday was born in a small Princes Town village. He worked as a cane weigher, primary school teacher and civil servant prior to attending university where he acquired degrees in Law (Lincoln's Inn 1962), Economics (London University - 1965) and Drama (London School of Dramatic Art - 1960). When Prime Minister Panday joined the Workers and Farmers' Party in 1966, he entered politics.

When he first began practicing law in private, he served as an advisor to several trade unions. When he was elected President General of the All Trinidad Sugar and General Workers' Trade Union (ATS&GWTU) in 1973, he carried on his fight for workers' rights.

He held this role till the time of his appointment as Prime Minister.

One of the founding members of the United Labour Front (ULF) was Mr. Panday.

September 15, 1972 was when he first entered Parliament as a Senator representing the Opposition. After that, he was elected to the House of Representatives, where he served as the representative for the Couva North constituency since 1976. From 1981 until 1986, he led the opposition before being named Minister of External Affairs and International Trade in the N.A.R. Government. He left the National Alliance for Reconstruction in 1988 to start Club 88, which later developed into the United National Congress, a new political organization. Mr. Panday was named Leader of the Opposition again, in 1989. He would eventually be named Prime Minister in November 1995 to 2001, and then be appointed Leader of the Opposition for a third time in October of 2002. Mr. Panday was appointed Leader of the Opposition for a fourth time in November 2007.

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ARTICLE 1

THE HISTORY, THE MUSIC AND THE CELEBRATION:

THE START OF CARNIVAL With customs from Asia, Europe, and Africa blended together, Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival heritage is a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Carnival's beginnings can be found in the French colonial era, when they introduced carnivals and masquerade balls to the island. African slaves brought bright music, dancing, and masquerade traditions to Europe, where they blended with the celebrations to create a distinctive and exciting event. The abolition of slavery in 1838 further transformed Carnival into a means of cultural expression and liberation for the newly emancipated population. The Canboulay Riots of the late 19th century, a series of confrontations between the Afro-Trinidadian community and colonial authorities, played a pivotal role in shaping the Carnival as a symbol of resistance and cultural pride.

Steel pans, which were created by marginalized people utilizing abandoned oil barrels and inventiveness, revolutionized the musical landscape of Carnival. A popular genre that originated in African and West African griot traditions, calypso provided a forum for satire and social commentary. In 1956, the government formalized the Carnival festivities, establishing the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival as an annual national event. Today, the Carnival stands as one of the largest and most famous in the world, attracting visitors from across the globe. The festivities include extravagant parades, vibrant costumes, and a kaleidoscope of music and dance, reflecting the rich cultural mosaic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a celebration that not only honors the island's past but also serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of its people.

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ARTICLE 2

The Growth and Significance of Carnival throughout the Years in Costume Design: The elaborate and 1. Innovation imaginative nature of costume design has

increased. Costume designers have the option to enhance the visual splendor of the parade by incorporating modern features such as LED lights and sophisticated materials into their creations.

2. Technology and Social Media Influence: Over the

past decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of social media platforms to share and showcase carnival experiences. Participants and spectators often share their costumes, performances, and festivities, contributing to the global visibility of Trinidad's Carnival.

3. Diversity and Inclusivity: An increasing number of initiatives are being made to make Carnival events more inclusive of individuals from all genders, backgrounds, and nationalities. This involves the carnival celebrations' portrayal of various cultural components.

Preservation: To ensure that Carnival 4. Cultural stays true to its origins while still evolving, efforts are consistently taken to conserve and highlight Trinidad's traditional cultural elements.

5. Security Measures: To guarantee the safety of

participants and spectators, security measures are often modified and improved periodically, given the significance of safety during major public events such as Mas, J’ouvert, and the host of parties/fetes held during the carnival season.

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THE GROWTH OF CARNIVAL

What a Fantastic Friday: The International Soca Monarch The International Soca Monarch, remains one of the most anticipated competitions that are held during the Carnival Season. This competition takes place on the Friday before Carnival, the day which is fondly referred to as “Fantastic Friday”. In Trinidad and Tobago, the First Soca Monarch competition was held in the year 1993. Top soca musicians and fans from the Caribbean and beyond have been drawn to Trinidad and Tobago for the International Soca Monarch competition, which has grown in prominence since its founding.

The Evolution of International Soca Monarch: The Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch, which was mostly centered on calypso music, gave rise to the Soca Monarch competition. With the rise in popularity of soca, a distinct competition was required to highlight and honor this genre.

Sponsorship and Expansion: As the competition grew over time, more competitors and spectators attended. Corporate sponsorship started to play a big role in the development and prosperity of the Soca Monarch.

Two Groups: Power Soca and Groovy Power Soca and Groovy Soca are the two categories into which the Soca Monarch competition is split into. Power Soca stresses highenergy, quick-paced songs, whereas Groovy Soca emphasizes lyrical, slower-paced soca tracks.

Modifications and Advancements: Over the years, the competition has changed to reflect the changing scene of soca music. To keep the event exciting and relevant, changes have been made to the rules, formats, and judging standards.

This year, it was however reported that for the second year in a row there will be no International Soca Monarch Competition.

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INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH

T & T CALYPSO MONARCH The Calypso Monarch competition is a significant event in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural calendar. Calypso, a form of music and social commentary that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, is a key component of our nation's cultural identity. The Calypso Monarch competition showcases the talent of calypsonians who use their lyrics to address social, political, and cultural issues.

ORIGINS: Calypso itself has a long history in Trinidad and Tobago, dating back to the 19th century. The Calypso Monarch competition likely evolved from the earlier calypso competitions held during Carnival festivities.

STRUCTURE: The competition typically takes place during Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival season, which occurs annually in February or March. Calypsonians compete by performing their original calypso compositions in front of judges and a live audience.

CRITERIA: Judging criteria often include the quality of the lyrics, the melody, the performance, and the calypsonian's ability to connect with the audience.

Calypsonians often use the platform to comment on contemporary issues, political events, social challenges, and cultural developments.

MULTIPLE ROUNDS: The competition usually involves several rounds, with calypsonians advancing through preliminary rounds to reach the finals.

TITLEHOLDERS: Winners of the Calypso Monarch competition are awarded the title of Calypso Monarch for that year. Many calypsonians have gained national and international recognition through their success in this competition.

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T&T CALYPSO MONARCH

FUN WITHOUT SAFETY CAN SOUR THE VIBE:

STAY SAFE THIS CARNIVAL SEASON Be Aware of Your Surroundings Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid poorly lit or secluded areas, especially at night.

Save emergency contacts, including local authorities and embassy/consulate information, in your phone.

Practice Responsible Drinking

Secure Your Belongings Keep your personal belongings secure, and be cautious of pickpockets.

Know Emergency Contacts

If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and be aware of your limits. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, & keep an eye on your beverage at all times.

Follow Carnival Rules and Guidelines

Have an Emergency Plan

Familiarize yourself with the rules and guidelines set by Carnival organizers.

Have a plan in case you get separated from your group.

Establish meeting points and ensure everyone has a charged phone

Respect Local Customs and Laws Familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws to ensure you are respectful of the culture

Arrange Transportation in Advance Plan your transportation ahead of time, especially if you're attending events in different locations.

Stay Informed

Travel in Groups Whenever possible, travel with a group of friends or fellow revelers. Ensure that everyone in your group is aware of the meeting points and has a way to communicate.

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Keep yourself informed about any changes in the schedule, safety updates, or weather conditions.

STAY SAFE THIS CARNIVAL SEASON

HEALTH TIPS FOR THE CARNIVAL SEASON Stay Hydrated The Carnival Season often involves a lot of physical activity and exposure to the sun. Drink water frequently to prevent any discomfort when out on the road. To make sure you get the quantity your body requires, set a reminder on your phone for every hour, if that helps. If alcohol intake is not controlled and moderated, it can also result in dehydration. Drink alcohol in moderation and make sure you have water after each drink to prevent any mishaps

Protect your ears & maintain hearing Since loud music is usually associated with Carnival season, it's crucial to take precautions to preserve your hearing whilst having fun. To help reduce some of the noise while having fun on the road, think about investing in earplugs. Extended exposure to loud music can cause permanent damage to your hearing, such as ringing in the ears and hearing loss.

Protect yourself from sun damage Whether you’re basking in the sun or periodically exposed to direct sunlight, remember to apply a sunscreen to all exposed skin. Prolonged sun and UV ray exposure can lead to skin discolouration, sunburn and skin damage. To avoid the after effects of sun exposure, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun and ensure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

When buying food, exercise caution It's possible that you'll consume more street food if you're out and about for extended periods of time. Be sure to look out for food vendors’ certification to ensure they’re properly licensed to sell food. Steer clear of food that has been cooked in an unhygienic environment, and be mindful of how food is handled.

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HEALTH TIPS

TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS Bats Usually brown or black, the bat costume fits snugly over the masquerader's body. The entire head is covered by the headdress, which is composed of papier mache, swansdown, and round eyes, nose, and fangs. The mouth is used to see, and every now and again, the mask is raised to the forehead to take a breath. It is customary to wear leather shoes with metal toe claws. You can also modify regular shoes by adding a second sole, metal claws, and long socks. The same skin-tight material that is worn on the body covers the wireand-cane wings, which have a wingspan of 12 to 15 feet. The outfit is completed with matching gloves.

Jab Jab This character's name comes from the French patois for "Diable Diable," which refers to a pretty devil mas that looks like a costume from a medieval jester. The outfit consists of satin shirts and kandals, or satin knickers that are separated into panels of contrasting colours at the waist with cloth points that hang bells. A shaped cloth panel embellished with mirrors, rhinestones, and swansdown is located on the breast.

On the feet, stockings and alpagatas are worn, and a hood with inflated cloth horns serves as the headdress

Jab Molassie The French Patois word for "Devil" is "Jab," and the word for "Molasse," or Mélasses, is Molassie. There are various varieties of devil mas. The basic outfit is made up of pitchfork, mask horns, wire tail, and short or knee-length jeans. The jab malassie would carry a pitchfork, carry chains, and have locks and keys around their waist. The entire body is covered in paint that is either red, green, or blue, or grease or mud. Their imps play on tins or pans as the jab molassie "wines" or gyrates to a steady beat.

Dame Lorraine

The Dame Lorraine was a mas character played by the 18th and early 19th century French planters, who would dress up in elegant costumes of the French aristocracy and parade in groups at private homes/yards and Carnival Sunday night.

They performed two sophisticated dances of the period. The first part featured a parade of people dressed in costumes of the 18th century French aristocrats. A haughty butler introduced arriving couples, after which a stately dance was performed while a slave gaped through a window at the proceedings. In the second part the butler was transformed into a schoolmaster calling the pupil's roll.

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TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARATERS

CROSS WORD

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FUN CORNER

TRINIDAD / CARIBBEAN SAYINGS EXPLAINED SAYING

TRANSLATION

1. “Playing dead to ketch Corbeau alive”

To pretend to be unaware of something in order to bait a person.

2. “Doh let de lef’ hand know what de right hand doing”

Never let the people close to you know all your business.

3.“Common sense make before book sense”

You can’t learn everything from books, experience is sometimes the best teacher.

4. “De candle cost more dan de funeral”

The little things in life, if left unattended, can lead to bigger problems.

5.“Doh cut off yuh nose tuh spoil yuh face”

Don’t try to please everyone at your own expense

6.“Gopaul luck eh Seepaul luck”

Everyone’s luck is not the same, we all don’t get the same opportunities.

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FUN CORNER

Recipe Corn Soup Ingredients: 1 cup dried split peas rinsed and drained 8 cups water 1 pound bone–in meat of your choice optional (or use stock or concentrated bone broth) 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 onion chopped 1 whole hot pepper. Chopped 6 tbs green seasoning 1 lb sweet potato 1 large ½ lb potato 1 large

Flour Dumplings:

¾ lb pumpkin cubed 1 medium carrot 8 oz, 1 cup chopped

2 cups all-purpose flour

Cream style corn 15 oz (canned or

1 tsp salt

homemade)

1 tbs brown sugar ¾ cup water to knead

2 cups coconut milk 2 tbs all-purpose seasoning 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp turmeric, 2 tsp black pepper

For Finishing:

2 whole corn sliced into rounds each about 1

4 bandhania

1 ½ cups fresh corn kernels about 2 ears of

¼ cup chopped celery leaves

fresh corn shaved

2 pimento peppers chopped

5 tsp Himalayan salt or to taste

inch

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CORN SOUP RECIEPE

Instructions: 1. To make split peas stock, add water to a stock pot over medium heat, pour in washed split peas and whatever meat if using. Boil until meat is cooked and dhal is a smooth consistency. Can be made ahead. If using salted meat, rinse off the salt and boil under cooked but still firm. You may need to repeat if it is still salty. Once done you can add it to the split peas or add in step 4 below.

2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and hot pepper and cook for 1 minute until translucent.

3. Stir in 4 tbs green seasoning and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add cubed potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrot, and pumpkin and stir to combine.

Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for 7-10 minutes or until potatoes are cooked but firm.

5. Add dhal stock, coconut milk and cream style corn. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

6. Stir in whole chopped corn and corn kernels, ½ finishing herbs, 2 tbs green seasoning, thyme, hot pepper, all-purpose seasoning, about 4 cups of hot water(or more or less according to your preference) and salt if required. Raise heat to high to bring to a boil, then immediately reduce it to low and simmer while you quickly prepare the dumplings (or make ahead).

7. Meanwhile, in a bowl, add 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt and 1 tbs sugar and mix to combine. Gradually add water and knead to form a firm dough, about 3 minutes. Shape dumplings and add to the pot. Wait 1 minute, then stir to combine. Add more water or stock if too thick, finishing herbs and salt, if required.

8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes more.

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CORN SOUP RECIEPE