The Southerner March 2024

Testing, Testing, 1,2,3... Testing, Testing, 1,2,3...

Testing, Testing, 1,2,3...

March is a month of exams, from the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) for primary school students, to mock exams for secondary school students doing CSEC and CAPE. Trinidad & Tobago has largely inherited this exam-based system from its British colonial past, although the exams are now administered by local and regional

bodies.

Although every year there is hand-wringing about the stress of these exams, particularly the SEA, on children, this system of assessment doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of standardized testing.

What do you think ?

Should we stick with the current system or does it need changing? Email your opinion to thesoutherner.tt@gmail.com

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

The Southerner is a community newspaper, distributed free of charge throughout residential areas in and around San Fernando, including Gopaul Lands, St. Joseph Village, Bay View, Bel Air, Bryan’s Gate, Coconut Drive, Gulf View, Palmiste.

For 2024, 4 issues are planned: March, June, September, November.

For information on placing advertisements or articles in future issues of The Southerner, please email thesoutherner.tt@gmail.com

For online versions of each issue, check us out on issuu.com or facebook.

Luxury plans for Sando waterfront

The gritty shing villages and low-income houses that have become synonymous with the San Fernando waterfront and wharf are poised to disappear soon.

In their place is a sweeping re-development project that has already begun along Lady Hailes Avenue, where developers plan to erect 224 luxury apartments and a commercial centre overlooking the Gulf of Paria.

In addition to this, the development will include a connecting bridge over the Avenue that takes tenants directly to San Fernando’s expected seafront boardwalk.

San Fernando Mayor Robert Parris says that the waterfront is envisioned to be the hub of activity within the city of San Fernando. Plans are afoot to use the water taxi to bring tourists to San Fernando from Port of Spain in the future.

The Southerner

Corporation investigates Palmiste Park encroachments

In January, the Penal Debe Regional Corporation opened an investigation into alleged encroachments on the Palmiste

National Park. The sprawling 40-acre estate is designated as a National Heritage Site, protected by the National Trust of

Trinidad and Tobago. However, people have been seen dismantling the perimeter fencing and driving on the greens.

President of the Palmiste Historical Society Terrence Honore says that the park is being invaded by illegal vendors, and even by a man who is virtually living on the edge of the park with a tent, hammock, cars and dogs.

Pan Trinbago gets Skinner Park office

will form part of a third lane of the highway to San Fernando.

In the early part of this year, motorists travelling to central and south Trinidad were caught in a tra c jam nightmare along the highway, as a result of the repair works being done on a depression near Macaulay. The tra c was so bad that vehicles were backed up to north Trinidad, and drivers were caught up in the gridlock for more than four hours. And with work being done on the temporary bypass lane, one lane was cordoned o along the north bound lane of the highway.

In January, the South Central Division of Pan Trinbago was given an o ce space in the recently-refurbished Skinner Park. The division's chairman Phillip Barker said the branch has been renting o ce spaces since its inception and is pleased to now be calling the Skinner Park o ce home.

The Trinbago Uni ed Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO) and the National Carnival Commission (NCC) are also expected to be given accommodation at the site.

San Fernando mayor Robert Parris said having Carnival interest and sports groups o ces at Skinner Park has been a dream of his since he took up o ce. He said San Fernando is just replicating the formula already used in Port of Spain. Describing Skinner Park as a "cash cow," Parris said these interest groups will be charged rent, but chose not to divulge how much.

Third lane for San Fernando highway

The temporary bypass lane being constructed along the Solomon Hochoy Highway, near the Macaulay Overpass,

However, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan that the $2.5 million being spent on the temporary roadway would not be wasted, as the temporary bypass lane will form part of the eventual third highway lane. The Solomon Hochoy highway will then consist of three lanes all the way from Chaguanas to San Fernando.

Migrant kids get Christmas treats from US Embassy

The United States Embassy brought Christmas cheer to several Venezuelan children in December when US Marines and Embassy sta donated toys to those taught by the La Romaine Migrant Support Group (LARMS).

The group’s approximately 40 students, according to founder Angie Ramnarine, received an experience of unmatched seasonal joy because of the Embassy’s “powerful contribution”.

The support group o ers free access to education to migrant children out of the St Benedict’s RC Church along Alice Street in La Romaine. Earlier this year, the group was awarded a US$25,000 Julia Taft Refugee Grant.

“News is only the first rough draft of history.”

- Alan Barth

Brinsley’s last opus: “The City around the Hill – The San Fernando Story”

Dr Brinsley Samaroo

Professor Emeritus Dr Brinsley Samaroo - distinguished Caribbean historian, retired university lecturer and government minister – died last July at the age of 83. His nal historical work, published posthumously in August 2023, is titled “The City around the Hill – The San Fernando Story”.

Book cover of “The City around the Hill – The San Fernando Story”, at its launch in August 2023 at the San Fernando City Hall auditorium. Photo from the facebook page of the San Fernando Heritage Trust.

Dr Samaroo, born in 1940, obtained his BA and MA degrees in History from Delhi University in India, and then his PhD from the University of London in 1969. He then taught New World and South Asian History at The University of the West Indies (UWI) in St. Augustine, Trinidad.

He rose through the ranks to become the head of the History department. After his retirement from UWI, he was appointed a senior research fellow at the University of

Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). He wrote extensively on the history of Trinidad and Tobago with a focus on working-class movements, Indo-Caribbean history, and political and institutional development.

During his political career, he was an opposition senator from 1981 to 1986, and then served in the NAR government from 1987 to 1991, as the Member of Parliament for Nariva.

Some of his previous books include "India in the Caribbean," "Glimpses of the Sugar Industry," "Adrian Cola Rienzi: The Life and Times of an Indo-Caribbean Progressive," and "The Price of Conscience: Howard Noel Nankivell and Labour Unrest in the British Caribbean."

“The City around the Hill” is arranged into ve sections and spans from 1900 to the present day. Many prominent San Fernandians are featured, in the elds of sport (Hasely Crawford, Rodney Wilkes, Mannie Ramjohn); the arts (Leroy “Black Stalin” Calliste, Samuel Selvon, James Lee Wah); business (Carlton Mack, Madame Ramdoolarie Maharaj); and politics (Roy Joseph, Patrick Manning, Basdeo Panday, Noor Hassanali, George Maxwell Richards, Christine Kangaloo).

Former Prime Ministers Patrick Manning and Basdeo Panday, both featured in the book.

San Fernando arts pioneer James Lee Wah

Ramdoolarie Maharaj

San Fernando-born Hasely Crawford, T&T’s rst Olympic gold medallist

Some of San Fernando’s “ugly history” is covered in section 2 of the book, such as the Muharram Massacre of 1884 and the June 1937 labour uprising.

uprising.

“The City around the Hill” also features beautiful photographs depicting the old and modern architecture, infrastructure and landmarks, such as San Fernando Hill, Skinner Park, King’s Wharf, Naparima Bowl, the general hospital and Carib House.

In section 4, there are brief snapshots on educational institutions as ASJA, Open Bible High School and San Fernando Central Secondary School. There is also information on some of

brief the churches, mandirs and masjids.

An overhead shot of San Fernando Central Secondary.

Source:

Some information from “Magni cent San Fernando”, Jerome Teelucksingh, Newsday 18/01/24

The building known as “Carib House” on Carib Street, around 1965. Photograph by Angelo Bissessarsingh.

A document commemorating the victims of the 1884 Hosay/Muharram massacre

Viewpoints

Deadly risk of poor road markings

Commuting recently from Fyzabad to San Fernando, as I approached the Gulf City tra c lights on red I had this sudden urge for co ee (and possibly a slice of banana bread) and, seeing a popular outlet to my right, I decided to enter into the lter lane to make the right turn on green - a decision that almost cost me my life!

While I am familiar with the area, as one approaches these lights the fading white lines demarcating the respective lanes are so poorly visible that I almost found myself face to face with oncoming tra c from the opposite end, travelling at warp speed.

The once-gleaming white lines drawn at this bustling junction are now poorly maintained due to the several ad hoc attempts at repaving or road repairs, or just plain dereliction of duty by those responsible for basic road upkeep.

This startling experience occurred mere minutes before 6 p.m., when daylight is just fading, and I shudder to think of unsuspecting commuters caught up in this deadly predicament in the dark of night.

I beg of the authorities: please, before any major collisions or deaths occur at this busy intersection, quickly correct this dangerous oversight as a matter of urgency.

Barry S Bissessar (Express, 23/11/24)

Expand water taxi service to ease South commute

Everyone knows that roadworks are going on night and day on the Uriah Butler and Solomon Hochoy Highways for the rest of the year, including road widening, resurfacing and guardrail installation. The worsened horrors of the morning commute for those in South and Central are all that some people can talk about every day. Solutions must be found.

My suggestion, because I use the water taxi every day and have seen a surge in ridership and witnessed scores of passengers turned away due to full boats at peak times every time the tra c worsens, is to expand the existing eet from two functioning boats to three in the interim and to four in the long term.

The service at one time operated with four boats and was reasonably utilised during peak hours. The Government Plaza near the Hyatt and elsewhere are sta ed by an army of water taxi riders. If the Government wants improved service to the public, workers must be able to get to work on time and be well rested.

With Tobago’s ferry service no longer in crisis mode, it should be remembered that the Trini Flash, one of the non-functioning water taxis, broke down on the high

seas between Tobago and Trinidad in March 2018 during the height of the crisis and had to be towed back to harbour. It has been non-functional ever since. The people of South sacri ced for Tobago in its time of need.

In 2013, then minister of transport Chandresh Sharma indicated that the service is heavily subsidised and transports fewer than 1,500 passengers daily between Port of Spain and San Fernando. He said it cost $50 million annually to operate the water taxis while the service brings in just $7 million in revenue. This was when four boats were operational.

Perhaps then, a 33% increase from $15 one way to $20 would be justi ed, making it still cheaper than a regular taxi, especially in light of recent Tobago sea and airbridge ticket increases. The two new/leased boats could have smaller capacities, thus lower running costs, to transport passengers during o -peak times when revenue is less. LNG-fuelled boats with a fuel cost of one tenth of diesel was an idea at one time oated.

An advertising campaign for the service to emphasise its advantages, like its general reliability and punctuality, in order to encourage new riders is needed as well. For example, there is now an arrangement for low-cost parking at the nearby high-capacity, eight-storey car park whereas before, there was more demand for parking than supply.

At one time, MovieTowne movie previews were shown on the screens and there were regular consumer product giveaways for passengers. There is free Wi-Fi service at the terminal but not on the boat, and data is unreliable in the open ocean. If planes can have Wi-Fi on board, so can the water taxis. Workers attending virtual meetings would appreciate this feature and may even pay a small fee.

In light of increased working from home post-Covid, understandably, there will be challenges in getting additional ridership, but for passengers who must report to o ce daily and use the water taxi like me, its bene t to work and family life is enormous. I have also observed tourists in awe when they approach Port of Spain in the water taxi - a good selling point for the country.

All of the above should be remembered when Cabinet responds to the legitimate concerns of the populace outside of Port of Spain concerning increased tra c.

C Welsh Palmiste (Express, 22/02/24)

Messing with our sporting venues

While attending the South-Central Panorama nals at Skinner Park, I noticed there was a gravel circle around the eld. I asked veteran San Fernandians if it was there before. Being one myself I was surprised.

Not having been there for a while I thought I should ask

others whose memory would be better than mine. Nope. This came with the upgrade which rendered the eld not suited for top-level football games. Yes, they built the new structure in such a way it diminished the eld.

Skinner Park and Guaracara Park for southerners were what the QP Savannah and the QP Oval are for northerners. But the PNM is great so that heritage and history are swept away in one fell swoop of upgrade. In the case of Guaracara Park, it is simple neglect. I told a top regional sporting o cial with deep, deep family roots in the South of this and he could barely contain his laughter. Maybe someone could tell if there are any such major football venues in the region. Or the world.

Hey, maybe we could get the Prime Minister to publicly boof his Sports Minister to spook some meaningful change?

Rae Samuel (Newsday, 26/02/24)

N.B. Letter edited for length.

Naps ‘old boys’ recall good times

The reunion of Naparima College 56ers at Dolly Street, Gasparillo, on Thursday, February 15 was much more than than a meeting of First Formers from 1956. Memories of the intimidating Doc beating all of us when we dared to come late after “ending up” at Gaiety Cinema, having your doubles squelched out your hands as you tried to pull it through the many hands striving for same from Singh’s cart, salivating over Amin’s jumbo pallet from Herdes when we could only a ord the teeny ones.

On the home stretch, looking like a bu oon with my father’s jacket hanging loosely on my frail-looking frame on grad night at Empire Cinema, and dreading the traditional grad waltz at the ball later, even with all the practice, knowing for sure I would crush her toes, completing the misery of the night...and then on leaving...to go hither and thither and yon into the eld of dreams.

It seemed less of a mere reunion and more a kind of “ageing in reverse”, with us in the late winter of our lives almost “crossing the bar” (Tennyson), feeling reinvigorated and refreshed, sensing the surge of our youth of a long time ago coursing through our veins.

And herein lies a message: for even as you grow older, instead of fearing the ultimate which will come, we can put together not only our youthful days at school, but all the little moments in our lives that made us laugh or cry, feel pain and feel happy, and such would be a tting collage to draw sustenance from as you near the end.

Dr Errol Narine Benjamin (Express, 26/02/24)

N.B. Letter edited for length.

Esperance Soroptimists Advocate for Change

As a part of the international Orange the World campaign, Soroptimist International Esperance hosted an event at The Arts Café, Gulf City, with featured speaker Onika Mars, domestic violence survivor and founder of Women of Substance in Tobago. She gave a heart-wrenching account of her experience as a domestic violence survivor, and a cheque was presented for her organisation. Other presenters included Claire Guy-Alleyne, Head of the Special Victims Unit of the TTPS; Marcus Kissoon, Gender and Child Advocate; Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, General Manager of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence; and Veronica Landreth-Smith, Director of The Halfway House.

has a responsibility to step up to help create a culture of non-violence. Do not be a Bystander!

In addition to the Orange Café, many other activities were undertaken to raise awareness. An electronic billboard was strategically placed at the high-tra c Gulf View Medical Centre intersection and had 3 messages running 600 times per day for each of the 16 Days of Activism. SI Esperance made daily posts to its social media platforms, and physical signs were posted. This added to the Orange the World signage and the benches painted in orange with relevant messages. Six Human Tra cking banners were placed in strategic locations and club members participated in the National Task Force Against Human Tra cking event which distributed 10,000 brochures.

commemorating the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. The theme this year is Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls. It focuses on the importance of nancing di erent prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the rst place. The event held was to promote support for domestic victims, and to create greater awareness among members and other interested persons.

At the Orange Café, an appeal was made to everyone present, including the men, to be an ally and to take a stand publicly against this stain on our society. Many women su er in silence due to stigma, shame and an inability to survive nancially. Often we do not suspect abuse, and even when we do, we do nothing. Each of us

On its Facebook page, the club launched a video which comprehensively addressed domestic violence from a legal perspective, prepared by members. This was in addition to the other YouTube videos on the subject, including the Love is Kind, and the Men Who Stand Up For Women series.

SI Esperance gave a donation of $4000 to The Halfway House, which was founded in 1986, the rst of its kind in the Caribbean. Over the years, over 3,000 women and girls have been helped. Battered women are accepted through the police (800-SAVE) and o ered physical and emotional support.

Early last year, members participated in an ‘Embrace Everyone March’ with other women’s organizations around the Savannah in Port of Spain, advocating for women’s rights. Additionally, the Club participated in an Art Competition with the theme “IMAGINE a society free of violence against women and girls” for secondary school girls. This e ectively raised awareness among young people.

SI Esperance supports the 4 major actions of The Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence:

• Strengthening laws and policies and increasing resources

• Scaling up evidence driven prevention programming

• Scaling up comprehensive, accessible and quality services for survivors

• Increasing support and resources to women’s rights organizations.

Soroptimist International Esperance has joined the global call to action to raise awareness about all forms of violence against women and girls and to advocate for change.

The club urges you, "If you see something, hear something, know something, say something!”. Although the task is huge and daunting, inroads are being made in awareness, advocacy and education. In terms of action, the members o er support while enabling and empowering.

UNiTE! with Esperance Soroptimists to End Violence Against Women.

Counter-Tra cking Unit: 800-4CTU

Domestic Violence: 800-SAVE

Veronica Landreth-Smith, Director of The Halfway House; Rabbia Khan, Advocacy O cer, SI Esperance; Onika Mars, featured speaker; Gemma Casimir Redman, President SI

Esperance; Superintendent Claire Guy-Alleyne, of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Gender-Based Violence Unit; Marcus Kissoon, Gender and Child Advocate; Sabrina Mowlah-Baksh, General Manager of the Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

San Fernando West Secondary’s 'Dream!'

The San Fernando West Secondary school put on its rst ever large-scale drama production on March 1st, at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA).

“Dream” was a dramatic adaptation of Machel Montano’s 2009 children’s tale, “Boy-Boy and the Magic Drum.” Written by the school's drama teacher, Dellon Mathison, the play told the story of a young man and his love for music, while

also serving as a way to raise funds for the repair of the school's musical equipment.

Despite its nearly 50-year status within the San Fernando community as an educational institution, the school had never undertaken a production of this scale before. The production used the book’s premise as the backbone of the plot and emphasised themes of national pride and patriotism. The play added life to the

characters and highlighted the beauty and power of the country’s national instrument, the steelpan. Work from the integrated arts was involved, and music by the school’s steel orchestra was incorporated.

Machel Montano attended the play’s opening, as did Minister of Education Nyan Gadsby-Dolly.

Sando Central are Make Your Point champs

The team of Genesis Pereira, Lakisha Maynard, Samantha Singh and Jabari Vialva brought debating glory to San Fernando Central Secondary School, when they lifted the title in the season nale of CNC3’s “Make Your Point,” televised in early January.

Debating before an audience at the Daaga Auditorium at the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus, rst speaker

Maynard and her team beat Presentation College, Chaguanas, to secure the $10,000 rst prize.

The debate topic was “Should we have mandatory national service for children 15 years and over?”

According to Charlene Sinanan-Hansraj, the acting head of the school’s English Department who took on the role of

leading the debate club at the school, the competition gave them a chance to test their abilities against other students in a real competition setting.

The debate series spanned ve episodespreliminaries, quarter nal, semi- nal and nals, providing a platform for secondary schools to engage in meaningful discussions on a diverse range of topics.

Apart from the two nalists, the other participants were Bishop Anstey High School East/Trinity College East, Holy Name Convent (PoS), Presentation College (San Fernando), St Joseph’s Convent (PoS), Naparima Girls’ College, Queen’s Royal College, ASJA Boys’ College, St Anthony’s College and Holy Faith Convent (Couva).

Machel Montano at San Fernando West Secondary’s production “Dream!”, based on his children’s book “Boy-Boy and the Magic Drum”.