The Westerly - June 2020

ISSUE 108 JUNE, 2020

a SEE PAGE 2

2 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

I can see clearly now... a true story about bottled water

by David Allan Van (an American Market Researcher who lived in Diego Martin while teaching courses in Human Behavior at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business)

One of the joys that came my way from serving many years in the research trenches around the world was having a front row seat to history.

In hundreds of investigations of all sizes and shapes, I got to see up close how decisions got made and how things evolved over time. When we look back at things we now take for granted, we can easily see how we got to where we are today. Here's a tale from our archives about how one company nearly upended an industry but didn't because they shot the messenger.

Once upon a time in the U.S., bottled water was a commodity sold mostly in frosted plastic gallon jugs exactly like the ones milk came in. It was a cutthroat business with very thin margins and no real differentiation between products. The brands that sold the most were whichever ones were on sale. Looking for an edge where there was none, a beverage company executive asked us to see what we could learn about bottled water consumers' perceptions and behaviors.

In what later became an MBA school case study, we found bottled-water buyers scoffed at the security blankets industry insiders clung to so dearly.

[This disease – thinking from the inside-out – afflicts insiders across every product and service category I have ever studied. The

most stunning visual example of inside-out thinking was the company that installed the giant logo sculpture at their headquarters so that it would appear correct to those inside the building, but backwards to visitors and on the cover of their annual report.]

Saddled with the myopia of experts, our bottled water industry insider clients told us that the words distilled, purified, and ionized said "purity" to consumers. They were shocked when they listened from behind the mirror as study subjects told us those words were nothing more than cheap tricks companies used to avoid saying “treated tap water”.

When we asked how they defined purity, bottled water buyers told us a different story. They said you could tell water was pure when it was completely clear and had no visual imperfections.

You can see through it.

We suggested the client could shake up the industry and gain first-mover advantage by packaging their water in clear bottles so consumers could see the purity for themselves. Their reaction? They raged at our ignorance and stupidity for recommending they spend the exorbitant

sum of five cents a bottle for clear plastic and threw us out of their office, infuriated at having wasted their research dollars on outsiders who had clearly failed to properly understand how their business worked.

Twenty years after our findings about purity, a National Institutes of Health study on perceptions of water quality was published. In it, the authors told us people choose bottled waters based upon their subjective assessments of purity. The authors cited a 2004 study by Andy Opel, called Constructing Purity: Bottled Water and the Commodification of Nature.

In it, he told us the marketing machine has cranked out new ways of describing branded, marketed, bottled water (micro-filtered, reverse osmosis, ozonated) in attempts to stake claims of superior purity. My favorite is "electrodialysis reversal", which sounds more like a painful hospital procedure than something I'd want to drink.

Our opinions of things are influenced by how easily our brain is able to grasp them.

Processing fluency is what scientists call this cognitive bias. I found a study on ScienceDirect that showed bottled

water was perceived to be at its purest when it had a foreign brand name that was short and easy to pronounce. I'm guessing no one over at "electrodialysis reversal" ever read this study. Author Andrew Postman says ads and labels drive home the perception of purity with images of pristine glaciers and crystal-clear mountain springs.

The bottled water industry still sells purity by processes, labels, and names. Today in the U.S. alone, bottled water is a $20 billion industry, clear bottles are nearly universal, and now you know how it happened.

This article was first published on March 3, 2020 on LetsTakeACloserLook.com, where each week David posts new articles of interest for everyone who uses information.

“Trinis love to bellyache about the widespread ignorance that shackles this country to failure. Still, they’re rarely prepared to do anything that even inches towards enlightenment. In TT, it’s better to never try and fail, while badmouthing those who do try”.

- Paolo Kernahan

ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020 THE WESTERLY 3

of reckoning Reckoning A Time time of Below is our edit of an article by DEBBIE JACOB in Newsday of 11 May; it is the best that we read of the many articles on COVID-19.

backward we have been about our education system. How in the world did we ever think it was right to stuff more than 30 children in a classroom? We left students behind. We didn’t lead them into the world of technology. We created the most dysfunctional conditions possible for students to learn. We made them sit in hours of traffic to and from school so that they always feel tired and frustrated.

Did it really take COVID-19 for us to understand how greedy and backward the world has been? Somehow in our warped way of thinking we thought it was right to have people sitting in their cars for four hours waiting to get home in the evening, We have been unfair to ourselves, to our after leaving home at 4 am to get to work children and to this world, and we were moving so fast and so out of touch with on time for 8 am. what is right that we didn’t even notice We made ourselves into zombies and it the errors of our way. took a bat and a coronavirus to show us the errors of our ways. I know there are all How many people who knew about the kinds of conspiracy theories surfacing Spanish flu of 1918 thought such a about the origins of COVID-19, but I’m catastrophe could never happen again? sticking with the bat in the Wuhan market because I believe, as the famous We were so smug in our technological primatologist Jane Goodall said, we are in world. this mess because we disrespected animals and nature. Hopefully we aren’t Moving forward, we should be scared, and we should be humble. We are not too ignorant to correct our ways. invincible. We are not above anyone We will return to the world that we tried around us. We can all be brought to our our best to destroy, and it is our choice if knees – not just by this virus but by we try to return to the error of our ways, or anything Mother Nature wants to throw at come up with creative solutions to the us to teach us a lesson. We have encroached on the natural habitats of problems we created. animals and ruined this earth all for our We should realise now we have to stop own selfish gains. We have not and take stock about what is really understood the meaning of the word important in this life. It’s not more money respect, and for that we are paying a very or more material things. We should have high price. learned the power of introspection. We need to think more about our actions and We should never strive to return to the about creating a more just and equitable lives we lived just a couple of months ago. society. This is our chance to close the gap We need to be held accountable for the between rich and poor. We have to admit wrong we do. It’s high time we learn to respect each other and understand that our mistakes. the world’s problems are our problems as It took COVID-19 to teach us how well. COVID-19 certainly has proved this.

The Westerly is a community newspaper, distributed free of charge to neighbourhoods in north-west Trinidad, including Westmoorings, Maraval, Victoria Gardens, St. Ann’s/Cascade, Bayshore, St. Clair, Goodwood Park, Ellerslie Park, Alyce Glen, Federation Park, Blue Range; and parts of Diamond Vale, Petit Valley, Woodbrook, Upper Santa Cruz and Chaguaramas.

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For 2020, four issues are scheduled: March, June, September, November.

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4 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

An Interview with Stephen Cadiz, former Government Minister

Born and raised in Arima, Stephen has lived in northern Maraval for 37 years. He attended Arima Boys R.C. School and then Holy Cross College. His first salaried job was at Holsum Bakery in ParkStephen Street,has Port of Born and raised in Arima, lived Spain, in 1970.Maraval He started business in northern forhis37ownyears.

He in March 1987. attended Arima Boys R.C. School and then Holy Cross College. His first salaried job was He became a public figure in 2005, after one at Holsum Bakery in Park Street, Port of of his employees, and friend, became Spain, in 1970. He started his own business murder victim #136 of that year. He and the in March 1987. staff at his company, Tropical Power Ltd, formed the Keith Noel 136 Committee. They He became a public figure in 2005, after one started a petition to raise awareness of the of his employees, and friend, became climbing murder rate. Over 127,000 murder victim #136 of that year. He and the signatures were received and presented to staff at his company, Tropical Power Ltd, the President H.E. Maxwell Richards. formed the Keith Noel 136 Committee. They started a petition to raiseelectoral awarenesspolitics of the In 2010, he entered climbing the murder Over 127,000 becoming Memberrate. of Parliament for the signatures were received and He presented to Chaguanas East constituency. was asked thejoin President H.E. Maxwell to the Cabinet of theRichards.

Kamla Persad Bissessar Administration and would serve as In 2010, entered electoral Tourism, politics the Ministerheof Trade and Industry, becoming the Member of Parliament for the and Transport.

Chaguanas East constituency. He was asked He kindly to answer these to join the consented Cabinet of the Kamla Persad questions posed by The Westerly.

Bissessar Administration and would serve as theWhat Minister of Trade Industry, Tourism, Q. were someand of the projects and

plans that you achieved or tried to achieve as a Minister of Government in the three ministries for which you were responsible?

nesting. Images of broken turtle shells were in fact true. However, these were the shells of already-hatched eggs.

Nature took its course and the sand that was eroded was quickly redeposited A. Ministry of Trade and Industry: The first We re-opened the ‘Tobago Hilton’ within six with the advent of northern swells.

Ministry I served in was my introduction to months of us getting the green light. The Government. The Ministry was well Magdalena Grand at Plantations became the Two international airlines were getting established with experienced, newest property, much to the delight of Virgin problems to get licenses to fly to Trinidad. WestJet and JetBlue came to knowledgeable personnel which helped a Airways and BA. the Ministry and within weeks they great deal in me getting down to business.

The foreign-used car dealers were lobbying received all the necessary clearances.

Within the first month, we had issues with for a change in the age of used car imports. COPA also added an additional flight the Jamaican market We did accede to their from their hub in Panama. We worked where certain persons in request and moved it from hard with Virgin and BA to not only Jamaica were calling for a four years to six years. That maintain their schedules but to add boycott of decision is still debatable. flights.

Trinidad-manufactured The Single Electronic goods and the Trinidad Once available, we did our ‘Tobago Window (SEW) which was Cement plant in Jamaica.

Tuesday’ on a regular basis, visiting with started in 2007 was given a We formed an ad hoc the Tobago authorities and stakeholders. new life, revised budget committee of local and additional staff. By The Manning Administration had exporters, some who having the SEW as part of conceived a project to turn Maracas Bay already had investments all government business into an entertainment center. We were in Jamaica, and worked Stephen Cadiz not of that view as the consensus was with our Jamaican counterparts to deal we would have been able to create a that Maracas Bay itself was the with the situation. I established a good high-functioning, efficient, people-friendly attraction and all we needed to do was working relationship with the then Jamaica administration. Thirteen years after and the ensure that the natural beauty of the Minister of Trade and together we solved bureaucracy is still hampering the progress of location was preserved and at the same this First World technology. time provide amenities for the visiting We created the Caribbean Investment Forum public. We cancelled the $235M project, (CIF) which had a great start in 2011. The CIF reworked the design ensuring the attracted hundreds of business people from preservation of the natural space, and the region and internationally. Feature redesigned the public facilities, all with a speakers at the conference included Richard new budget of $75M. Included was a Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, and Ben complete re-engineering and design of Cohen, co-founder of Ben and Jerry the waste water systems, vendors’ facilities, public restrooms, lifeguard and Homemade Inc. police facilities, and the public carpark Internationally, we attended numerous which would now not create the massive conferences and trade missions selling T&T as traffic jams on popular weekends and the place to do business. public holidays.

Ministry of Tourism: Never a dull moment! In I was only made aware of the fact that my first month, I was met with a major Salybia Bay, Toco, was in fact private problem that really had nothing to do with property during my stint at Tourism. The the responsibilities of the Ministry. The hotel public had been using this property for at Grande Riviere was in danger of falling into decades under the assumption that it the sea due to the fact that the river had was public property. The Ministry of changed its course and was undermining the Tourism had actually constructed foundations of the building. This temporary buildings for the lifeguards phenomenon happened approximately once on the land. When I became aware of the every 20 years, according to the residents. legal position, we immediately started Luckily the turtle nesting and hatching season putting things in place to correct this was just about over because we had to wrong. mobilize heavy equipment to change the course of the river back to its normal course. We were able to do a fair amount of work, completed some, but because of The sight of excavators on the beach created a the limited time, just one year, it was huge outcry with the issue being featured on simply impossible to achieve more. the BBC news. The truth is that the equipment only operated on the site of the normal river course where there were no signs of turtle Continued on page 5... numerous problems and historical myths. I had found out that no Jamaican Minister of Trade had ever paid T&T an official visit.

During my tenure we had two official visits.

ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020 THE WESTERLY 5

Continued from page 4...

We interacted with many international agencies, hosted a number of meetings in Trinidad and attempted to get the required budgetary allocations approved (we had a $75.0M allocation at the time). Tourism required annual budgets of upwards of $250M to really do justice. It is an extremely viable business, creating tens of thousands of good paying jobs – it is estimated that one hotel room provides employment for ten persons, both permanently and contracted. The average spend of a stayover visitor is TT$10K per week. Maybe one day an administration will recognize the real value of a thriving tourism industry and make the investment.

started to see major changes to the operation, new docking facilities, plans to create efficiencies in how the ferries were loaded and discharged, passenger comfort and safety, improvement in turnaround times. Similar changes were in the planning stages for the Scarborough terminal.

expensive vessel ready for the first sailing to Tobago, the MV SuperFast Galicia.

During the period of our Administration we achieved 98.9% reliability.

The Licensing Office was a nightmare! The Office is in the top three agencies that are considered corrupt. We put a lot of energy into making the necessary changes to the system with the main change being the establishment of the Motor Vehicle Authority (MVA). A Bill was brought before the Parliament, passed in the Lower House but then got stuck in the Upper House. This would have changed the transport management system forever. The new system of demerit points was all part of the new MVA. RFID identification for all

At the port of Port of Spain, we engaged the workers’ representatives, the SWWTU, to discuss major changes to the structure of the work flow. The port was considered to be a 24/7 operation and, therefore, if we had to remain competitive, major changes would have to be made. The changes were actually agreed to in the last days of the Ministry of Transport: The Ministry of Works then Administration. and Transport was split with Transport A Vessel Tracking Management System had becoming a full Ministry. A number of been in the works for sometime but never agencies came under it – air and sea ports, implemented. The System is the marine water taxi service, Tobago ferries, public version of airplane tracking and transport including PTSC, National management. The country never had a Helicopters, Licensing Office, Maritime managed marine tracking system but, Services, Ships’ Pilots. when you think of the cargoes entering Within three months of being appointed, and leaving our waters, fuel, chemicals, we had the situation with the cargo vessel, LNG, offshore facilities, general cargoes, the Warrior Spirit. When we realized that cruise ships, all moving around with no the owners could not rectify the problems actual management, it does not augur we decided to go out to tender for a well. It is not to say that there is no system replacement vessel. Within five months, but it is not from a central system. We put we had a newer, faster, larger, and less this as one of our priorities.

Another issue with the ferry service was the fact that the local captains, who had the same rating as a foreigner, were paid substantially lower remuneration packages than their foreign counterparts.

This created a situation amongst the local officers; we had to make the changes.

The Tobago ferry terminal at Port of Spain

vehicles, re-registering of every single vehicle to ensure the accuracy of the vehicle registry, and a host of major changes in how we do our transport business. New classification of vehicles to keep up with the times, major changes in the issuing and renewal of driving permits, customer service reps dealing with all services without having to go to many different ‘windows’. One of the main benefits would have been the elimination of corrupt practices at the Licensing Office and, at the same time, increasing the revenue to the State. We did achieve the construction and completion of the new main office at Caroni, on time and within budget.

We started the discussions on the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system as a workable, affordable, public transport system. Trinidad actually started the first BRT in the world with the Priority Bus Route. The PBR quickly became something else for reasons best known to those planners, but, they did have the right concept. There are BRT’s working across the globe and we can create a system here in Trinidad that will work and that we can afford. The current PTSC is not sustainable and needs a complete overhaul, literally.

A lot of other work was done with other

Continued on page 6...

6 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

A chat with the owner of Mr. Kongo Full Works Electrical Services Ltd, Manning Street, Diego Martin

The man himself, Wendell Barrington, a.k.a. ‘Mr. Kongo’

The exterior of Mr. Kongo Full Works Electrical Services Ltd, with COVID-19 precautions in effect

How did you get the name ‘Kongo’?

When I was learning the trade, one day a friend gave me the name ‘Black Kongo’, shortened eventually to Kongo. My real name is Wendell Barrington. I am now 52 years old.

business to Manning Street in 2000.

When did you start working on auto electrical?

I was apprenticed at Norkey Electrical in St James in the late 70s.

Is there anything about you that may not be known by friends or customers?

Every year we have a charity party for the Lady Hochoy Home in Cocorite.

Do you hire trained persons trained or do you train them?

Right now, I have seven employees, including a couple apprentices. My employees are capable of handling any Where were you born and raised? auto-electrical problem. We also sell and I was born in the Cocorite/St James area in install car batteries.

1968.

What has been your greatest Which school did you attend? challenge?

Mucurapo Boys RC School.

Auto-electrics have changed a lot over the years with more electronics in cars these Any technical training or certificates? days. We have kept up-to-date with these No. All just experience on the job. changes, including diagnostics.

When and where did you start your Hobbies? own business?

When I have the time, I like fishing and Around 1990, in Petit Valley. I moved my swimming in Macqueripe.

Continued from page 5... areas: the new Tobago Terminal (without having to relocate anyone), new security arrangements at Piarco, working conditions for many of the agencies, Ships’ Pilots and their coverage, the establishment of a permanent wet stacking mooring facility in the Gulf of Paria, wreck removal in the Gulf, and numerous other projects.

corruption, legislation as to what you can and cannot do. The system of governance must be overhauled and changed to suit the times.

Q. Who were the three ministers in your time that impressed you the most with their ability to make changes and get things done?

A. I will not single out anyone because I don’t know what they were up against but I will say that the particular Cabinet I was a member of worked extremely well.

Many Ministers worked very hard at making it happen.

Time flies when you are in government so Q. Any key advice for future or you have to try and keep up! potential Ministers?

Q. What were the problems and challenges faced in trying to A. Somehow the responsibility is daunting, there is no probation, working implement these changes? with the Public Service is no bed of roses, A. The best ally you have is the Permanent and you being important is really not an Secretary. I was privileged to work with issue. People opening doors, holding some of the best. Government is very elevators, and standing at attention when difficult, many different agendas, you walk into a room, is no indication of competing for budgets, the interest of the how much anyone respects you. Be Prime Minister, third party interests, humble, be yourself!

Western doctors on frontline of pandemic overseas

While Trinidad & Tobago has escaped the worst of COVID-19, several local doctors have been caught on the frontlines of the pandemic abroad. Local newspapers featured stories on at least three doctors from Westerly areas who have been battling the pandemic in the U.S. and U.K.

Dr. Dominic Jaikaransingh, originally from Maraval, actually contracted COVID-19 while working in the U.K., in the Oxford area. Jaikaransingh, an acute general medicine practitioner, was on the frontline since the beginning of the pandemic, but says he took the risk of infection in stride, knowing that someone of his age and health would most likely be relatively mildly affected by COVID-19. Luckily this turned out to be true – however, he did experience fevers, extreme exhaustion, body pains, headache and a cough severe enough to make him out of breath.

After 12 days, his symptoms resolved and he headed back to work. He described it as a very challenging environment, especially when dealing with severely ill patients. Jaikaransingh says that as a doctor he has been trained to deal with death, but it was difficult watching people die alone because their family members weren’t allowed to be with them. It has also been difficult not being able to save people despite the best efforts of the medical team. He compared the experience to being like wartime for medical professionals.

Dr. Muzzammil Ali, originally from Westmoorings, is also U.K. based, this time in Birmingham. Ali works in the critical care unit of his hospital, which is where the worst-affected patients ultimately end up.

While the critical care unit has been taking care of mostly COVID-19 patients, Ali has noticed an increase in people who have self-harmed. The main reason seems to be the impact of lockdown and social isolation, which can leave vulnerable people alone with their negative intrusive

thoughts. Ali has even managed to write a book on the topic. “The Covid Companion – 52 Ways to be Happy in Isolation” is a book of tips people can use to practice self-care on themselves while in self-isolation. It is available on the Kindle Store.

Ali says that frontline medical workers are also under a lot of stress – working around the clock dealing with COVID-19 patients, while dressed in protective gear that’s hot and uncomfortable, and being at high risk of contracting the disease themselves.

The hospital that he works at has devised ways to help, including providing counselling services, and ensuring that frontline staff get regular breaks.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Dr Michael Pillai, originally from Diego Martin, is working in East Brooklyn, New York. Pillai is an internal medicine resident and is in his second year of residency.

Working through this COVID-19 pandemic happened to fall during his training so he did not have a choice but to work. He worked in the ICU during the period. At one point in the ICU, the entire unit was COVID-positive. It was necessary to create new areas of the hospital to accommodate the amount of COVID-19 patients, and residents from all specialties were helping with the work that was necessary.

Pillai said that his workload increased “exponentially” and that the situation has taken an emotional toll both on families and on health care workers. Watching patients die alone, due to restrictions on family visits, has also been very difficult.

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 7

Sources: “T&T doctor contracts COVID-19 in UK but recovers” by Rhondor Dowlat-Rostant, Guardian, 19/04/20 “Trini battles covid19 in Birmingham” by Rachael Espinet, Newsday, 22/04/20 “Trini doctor in frontline against COVID-19 in NY hospital”

by Rhondor Dowlat-Rostant, Guardian, 27/04/20

8 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Memories of…

The sign for Christina Court, now a fully commercial property.

It is located next to Ellerslie Plaza, on Saddle Road, Maraval.

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residing at Christina Court, Boissiere Village, Maraval

Persons under-45 may not know that prior to becoming a commercial hub (in the early 80s perhaps?), Christina Court in Boissiere Village, next to Ellerslie Plaza, was a pleasant residential compound. It contained the same seven buildings which are there today – six two-storey and one single-storey.

The six two-storey buildings were divided into separate upper and lower floor apartments. When fully occupied there were therefore 13 separate units, most with families or couples. All were owned by a Mr. Mootoo.

The Westerly asked one of those occupants to try and remember what it was like and below is his response.

“In 1969, four of us bachelors, all originally from south Trinidad, moved into one of the

apartments. It was downstairs of the westernmost unit and consisted of three large bedrooms, a large bathroom, kitchen, dining room, living room, front porch and a very small patch of grass that overlooked the Maraval river.

drive. This was before people walked or jogged for exercise and long before the days of Ellerslie Plaza, Burger King, fast foods, 2-way Savannah traffic etc. There was a nearby mechanic shop (Frankie Joseph) on the eastern side of Saddle Road; I spent lots of time there getting my Austin motor car fixed and I became convinced this car was a second-hand lemon. There was also a roti shop close to Frankie’s and the 3 existing gas stations. Hi-Lo Maraval was where we did groceries.

The monthly rental of $275 was considered expensive at the time but the location and ambience were good. Parking was a problem but with 4 cars we still managed to find a space every day. The electricity cost for running the only bedroom a/c unit was estimated at $1 per night.

We hired a maid (name not remembered but possibly starting with V) to cook our The family that lived above us was Peter weekday evening meal and she would and Cora Waddell; Peter had a good job at a always use ALL the vegetables we bought Neal & Massy company (possibly Grell & to make a salad on the first day. No concept Co) and in his early days he had been a of economics or stretching. good tennis player, representing T&T at some stage. They had a few young children Most afternoons after work we would sit but I do not remember their names or ages. around the dining table and play cards, Sadly, Peter passed away at an early age mostly hearts as I recall. We did not have a (but quite a while after this period).

TV and had to rely on radio for music and information. Computers were unheard of.

Another was an Acosta family who occupied the only one-storey building.

Living in Christina Court in those simpler, slower days would not have prepared us to Christina Court was an ideal residential envisage how much it would change just a location with work, recreation and decade later.” shopping facilities all within a few minutes’

The interior of Christina Court today. When it was residential, the two-storey buildings (three on the left, three on the right) each contained two apartments, with the single-storey building at the end containing one apartment.

Now is no time to think of what you do not have.

Think of what you can do with what there is.

- Ernest Hemingway

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 9

Based on reports in the national newspapers about crimes in the last few months, these are the areas in the north-west that have been afflicted: • • • • • • • • • • •

La Horquette Branch Road, Glencoe: drugs and drug paraphernalia found Long Circular Road, St. James: ammunition found Community Road, Belle Vue Lane, St. James: drugs and ammunition found Dibe Road, St. James: ammunition found Faustin Trace, Maraval: drug paraphernalia found Moraldo Trace, Maraval: shooting Corner of Blazney and Susconusco Roads, Santa Cruz: shooting Vickey Trace, La Canoa Road, Santa Cruz: police shooting Boissiere Village, Maraval: drugs and drug paraphernalia found Lady Chancellor Road: raid at a guest house hosting an illegal party Foncette Road, Cascade: shooting

Note on photo from March 2020 issue In the March 2020 centre spread about the era of seaplanes, there was a photo of Colonel Charles Lindbergh handing over the first Air Mail from America to Mr. Littlepage, Trinidad’s Postmaster General, on October 7, 1929.

Photo taken from the center pages of last issue A reader has noted that the gentleman with a camera, towards the far left of the picture, is “Boy” Dalla Costa, who worked at Pan Am and who subsequently set up a photographic company in Port of Spain.

Rumour has it that in 1945, Mr. Dalla Costa went out in a boat and took photos of Pan Am’s China Clipper as it was sinking after crashing. These photos may have perished in the fire that destroyed most of the Guardian newspaper archives some decades later.

10 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Viewpoints Clean Up This St Ann’s Area There are now three homeless people at the entrance of Coblentz Gardens, St Ann’s. Two live under the bridge. The other lives in a dilapidated hut, which was constructed by the San Juan/Laventille Corporation many years ago and has since fallen into disrepair.

This is located by the side of the fence of the Scouts TT National Headquarters.

In particular, this man throws his garbage into the river below the bridge. An extremely unsanitary and disgusting sight. When the rainy season starts, this garbage, which is mainly plastics, will be washed down the river into the sea.

Approximately 50 yards away, on the opposite side of the road, is the entrance to the Diplomatic Centre.

Dignitaries who visit cannot fail to see this appalling sight.

If they look closely, on laundry day, they will see the man’s clothes hanging on the Scouts Headquarters fence, which he has broken down for easy access to their grounds.

A letter was sent to the corporation but to date the situation remains the same.

The entrance to Coblentz Gardens is maintained by the residents. Can the corporation maintain the

surrounding area, i.e. remove the hut, repair the broken fence, clean up the side of the river?

And, last but not least, can the Scouts Association remove the old recycling bins which are now nothing but eyesores? Have a little pride!

J Knaggs St Ann’s Newsday (16/05/20)

T&t Citizens Have Six Identifying Numbers, Time To Collapse Them Into One Most of us have six unique numbers with which we are identified. They are our Board of Inland Revenue and National Insurance Scheme numbers as well as those found on our birth certificate, identification card, driver’s permit and passport.

I posed two questions to my friends in the digital space: Is this desirable; and how difficult is it to collapse these into one?

The unanimous response was multiple numbers is the most inefficient way of keeping track of citizens’ records. Based on a 2014 World Bank Report, 120 of 193 countries implemented a single unique identifier for each citizen from birth.

Imagine if we had such a system.

The government would be able to identify the exact number of citizens under the poverty line and be able to provide the support they need in times like this Covid-19 pandemic. It would streamline the distribution of food cards to the needy and provide a history of distribution.

Minister Camille Robinson-Regis commented recently that her ministry will use local government bodies and community-based NGOs to find

everyone who needs help. Had there been a system which accounts for each citizen, the Ministry of Social Development would have been able to rely on proper data to find everyone who needs help.

Having a unique identifier for each citizen should provide transparency since it minimises the ability to double dip, undetected, for benefits. Under the current system, we were told of the number of food cards distributed to MPs for their constituents and hopefully there is a system of authentication. But our new normal must be driven by hard data which will minimise the potential for people falling through the cracks.

On the challenge of collapsing those six numbers into one, my digital friends suggested that it is doable and not a very complex activity. They noted that other countries did this over a period of time with a seamless transition.

In 2009, the India government engaged in the biggest biometric ID programme in the world when it established the Unique Identification Authority of India to issue unique identification numbers to their citizens.

The sticking point here would be getting clean data from each of our ministries as well as dedication and the will to change the current bureaucratic structures.

In other words, understanding the ecosystems within which the work is done and applying the necessary resources to mining the data.

Designing a system for 1.3 million users was equated with designing a system for McDonald’s, which employs 1.7 million persons across more than 100 countries. We need only the political will to move into the 21st century.

This Covid-19 pandemic and the social distancing required forced many companies to implement remote work strategies and prompted the government to hasten certain online transactions and move closer to implementing online education.

The changes made by this pandemic should be maintained with a view to moving Trinidad and Tobago into the digital space and strengthening our systems and processes.

My Covid wish is for us to begin the process of collapsing those six unique numbers into one. It will be a giant step towards the modernisation of Trinidad and Tobago.

If we go back to our archaic paper-based systems we would have lost the exciting opportunity which this crisis has given us.

Maybe there is an opportunity here to engage our digital gurus to design the new system as an online challenge.

Dennise Demming Diego Martin (Express, 29/04/20)

ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020 THE WESTERLY 11

Viewpoints Sleepless In Westmoorings It is 12:05 a.m. and the words of the late songwriter Nappy Mayers come to mind - 'Used to be everyone cared for each other, lived like brothers, respected one another'.

Whatever happened to respect for your townhouse community? Do townhouse residents have the right to disrupt the peace and quiet of the neighborhood every weekend?

Surely, if you want to have weekly singing gatherings, have it inside your house with the doors closed; if your house is too small, then move to Ariapita Avenue.

When did we as a community become so uncaring?

Living in a townhouse with neighbours in such close proximity, you would think that in the interest of good relations and good manners that people would be more mindful of noise pollution.

As it is written - for the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command 'Love your neighbor as yourself'.

It is now 12:05 a.m. and the karaoke has finally

Yours sincerely, Mrs. A. Stree

Our President has now joined those of us calling for an “all-inclusive education system”, where all the nation’s children are afforded the opportunity to develop their talents and/or career interests.

N.B. We have spoken to our neighbours but it doesn't seem to register how disruptive their noise is. I think our neighbors just want to have a lime and are clueless of how it affects others around them.

From as early as primary school, the emphasis is placed on that child who achieves high marks in maths, spelling, English, etc., while leaving the struggling reader behind.

stopped…time to get some zzzzzzzzzzzs!

All-inclusive Education System Is Way To Go For quite some time, many in our society have been calling for equality in our education system. A system which has focused on the ability of our students to excel in academic subjects - Maths, English, etc. A system that has failed to recognise the budding artist, designer, electrician, chef or mechanic.

As a result, we have witnessed the downward spiral of so many of our young people. Some of whom feel dejected and rejected by a system that makes no room for them. Some of whom feel less than that when unable to compete on the same level as those who are academically inclined.

With SEA examinations around the corner, yet another group of students will be judged on their performances in these academic subject areas, vying for places in schools that focus on nurturing these very academic subjects. Where is our commitment to those who do not make the “mark”?

Do we just turn our backs? It is the responsibility of those in charge of the education system to ensure that it is “all-inclusive”, that all children are given the tools and support to achieve and excel in their respective goals.

We are a country in need of full restoration. What better place to look at next than our schools.

K. Alexis Maraval

12 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

The Way it Was…

Royal Victoria Institute

(National Museum & Art Gallery) In 1913, the King Edward VII Memorial Wing was added, along with the Marie Louise Hall, which was opened by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter.

In early 1920, disaster struck when the building was completely gutted by fire, destroying many irreplaceable items. Witnesses told of hearing the alcohol-filled jars of reptile specimens exploding like mortar bombs. Also destroyed was a specimen which was then considered the world's largest centipede, which had been caught on Chacachacare Island.

The main portion of the building was rebuilt using the same plan as the old building. It was reopened in June 1923 and used for theatrical and musical entertainment and commercial classes but it would be many years before exhibits filled the rooms again.

Victoria Institute 1910 - Memorial Park in foreground

The Royal Victoria Institute was built as a Science and Art Museum to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. It was built in the German Renaissance style, designed by the architect D.M. Hahn and opened on 17 September 1892. The Institute was used for research exhibits of natural history and archaeology, and classes in arts and crafts.

According to the late Angelo Bissessarsingh (Guardian, April 2014), the museum owes its genesis to a collection of oddities displayed at the Red House which attracted the curiosity of many, including JH Collens, who wrote in 1887: "Here are filed copies of every newspaper published in the island. At the lower end of the room are some cases of stuffed native birds, presented to the colony by the late Dr Leotaud, whose Ornithology of Trinidad is a standard work. The interesting collection of reptiles was given by the late Dr Court, and in the cabinet will be found a really valuable though little appreciated assortment of shells, the gift of the widow of the late Governor Keate. There is, in fact, the nucleus of a good local museum; what a pity more is not made of it!”

The attraction of these displays was enough to galvanise the Governor into action and a central committee was appointed to plan for the establishment of a Victoria Institute in preparation for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

In 1901, the building was enlarged to include a reading room and recreation room, and lawn tennis courts were developed on the grounds. By 1905, the Institute became a centre for social and dramatic functions. At this time, the Institute housed a number of unique natural history collections.

A postcard of the Victoria Institute prior to independence During WWII, classes were held there in garment construction, carpentry and food preparation in order to teach people how to be more self-sufficient.

Meetings of war-support associations were also held there. In 1945, the colonial government decided to expand exhibitions and activities, and give the Institute the status of a museum.

By 1958, the building assumed regional importance as the site of the first sitting of the short-lived Federal Court of the Federation of the West Indies. The Court met in the King Edward VII Memorial Wing.

ISSUE 108, JUNE,2020 THE WESTERLY 13

This postcard shows tennis courts in the foreground.

The courts were added in 1901.

Modern-day entrance to The National Museum and Art Gallery After T&T’s Independence in 1962, museum development seemed to have been given low priority. Both the collection and the building deteriorated to a point where the Museum was forced to close its doors to the public in 1980.

The famed Columbus anchor on display outside the Victoria Institute. It was presented to the nation by Francois Agostini, owner of Constance Estate, Icacos, in 1912. The anchor was uncovered from a reclaimed site in 1877 in a location which corresponds to records of where Columbus lost an anchor at sea on 2 August 1498.

Today the RVI houses the National Museum and Art gallery of T&T. This is a general museum that has a permanent collection of over 10,000 items. Many of these are displayed in seven major galleries – Art, Social History, Natural History, Economic History, Petroleum and Geology.

Apart from the main art gallery, the museum also houses a small gallery by famous nineteenth century artist Michel Jean Cazabon and a small gallery on our carnival arts.

The National Museum and Art Gallery’s mission is to foster public awareness, understanding and enjoyment of T&T’s Human and Natural Heritage through the research, collection, preservation and interpretation of significant collections of that heritage. It is governed by the National Museum and Art Gallery Act, 2000.

Sources: The National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago; Geoffrey MacLean, architect; Angelo Bissessarsingh, historian

14 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Viewpoints WASA has no money to fix leaks?

In February, a small leak was observed on the main road of Dolphin Court, South Westmoorings and it was quickly brought to the attention of WASA who subsequently provided a reference number of the leak from its file.

Months later, with lots of water wasted and mud daily deposited in the nearby slipper drain, the leak is still there.

In the intervening period, we have heard the statement: "WASA has no money to fix leaks" - allegedly the official response from the organization.

Leak on road at top of photo

If that is the case, we really cannot go any lower in public service management or wastage.

SH Westmoorings N.B. This letter was penned just hours before the Minister of Public Utilities resigned in mid-May and the day before I learnt that WASA allegedly loses $200 million per month and has a workforce of 5 times the average of other water companies worldwide with similar water outputs.

Justice for animals – and for each other Revenge is a purely human trait and while every person concerned about animal welfare wants transgressors to be punished, in my view it ought not to include prison time. Here’s why.

The Government has gone to great lengths to convince us, and many who inhabit, work in or visit any prison will agree, that our crumbling infrastructure is inadequate to hold and ill-equipped to treat those sentenced to be housed there.

Therefore, in the spirit of joined-up thinking and the compassion we crave

for all animals, why not make the Pedestrians face danger repercussions for animal cruelty serve on Diego pavements the greater good rather than a punitive human urge for vengeance.

I sent an e-mail to the Communications Department of the Ministry of Works and I am recommending that the Transport asking them to look into the organisations that treat, rescue, care for, deplorable conditions of the pavements board, spay, neuter and educate be the along main roads in Diego Martin. beneficiaries of the justice meted out to perpetrators. Include an annual This came about by my deciding to get subvention to these organisations to my exercise, walking on the pavements sustain their tireless, donation-funded of Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley, then work. across Crystal Stream Road, onto the Diego Martin Main Road, onto Sierra Instead of a $100,000 fine, why not have Leone Road and the Majuba Cross Road. the perpetrator contribute part of his/her income to a recognised animal I called the Diego Martin Regional welfare organisation? Instead of a year Corporation to complain but was told it is in prison, how about a yearlong not responsible for the main roads and non-custodial community service that the pavements and to call the Ministry of mandates weekly hours logged at a Works and Transport. recognised animal welfare organisation?

The point is even if this does not fall We are all angered, saddened and under the corporation the people revolted at the mention of any form of working there should make it their cruelty to animals but our ire should not business to harass the ministry to get extend to our fellow human beings, who these things fixed. The average person in my view are capable of change. living in Diego Martin would blame the neglect of the roads and pavements on I am too closely acquainted with the the corporation. stain of a prison record, impossible to remove, years or even decades after As regards the danger faced not only by release. A certificate of character that myself but also many people who have to lists an offence against the State is a walk every day on these pavements, death knell to future earnings, there are manholes with covers either condemning the holder to a lifetime of missing or broken with the potential of scorn and revulsion by society. more breaking under someone’s weight when stepping on the concrete covers.

I applaud the legislative change to the Summary Offences Act but the legacy of There are even some covers lying animal welfare activism in TT ought not sideways in the manholes. It must be a to reinforce the punitive approach to miracle many lawsuits are not filed justice of which we are so fond in this against that ministry. country. It doesn’t work and it achieves little in the way of rehabilitation or I would really appreciate if the ministry forgiveness. and the corporation take the time to not only fix the manholes and potholes in the Natasha Nunez roads, but also clear the rivers and Diego Martin ravines of all silt and bush before the (Newsday, 05/05/20) rainy season starts.

The people of Diego Martin deserve better.

Gerard Duval Petit Valley (Newsday, 22/05/20)

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 15

Viewpoints Marijuana Government allowed pressure groups to sway them to bring legislation to Parliament for which the country was ill prepared, as one is only allowed by law to smoke the herb in the confines of their homes. Soon the herb will be smoked on the streets, in carnival bands, etc and the police will have their hands full to enforce the law.

The population needs to know where one can purchase the herb legally (as no thought process was given to this) or where to purchase the plants.

Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes.

School children are now using marijuana – for years alcohol has killed thousands in T&T and we will soon find out what effect marijuana will have on the man in the street.

The solution is to educate parents so they may speak to their children about drug abuse. They need to understand the arguments against the use of the drug and its resultant effects on their minds.

The children need to learn to think critically and to say no to peer pressure. But to do this, parents themselves need to be proper role models.

Gordon Laughlin Westmoorings

A Return To Our Regularly Scheduled Lawlessness On Tuesday May 5th, before the end of full lockdown, I had to drive from Maraval to Westmoorings. I was stunned, after weeks of enjoying the lack of traffic, to see that all Trinidad’s lawlessness had returned in full force.

On turning the corner by Long Circular Mall, there were numerous cars violating the “No Parking Tue Thur Sat” sign next to Chanka’s. On the stretch between St. James and West Mall, I was dangerously overtaken by two cars going at full speed, to the point where I wondered if they were fleeing police. The cars almost caused me to get into an accident when they forced another car to swerve and nearly end up in my lane. On the way back home, yet another car overtook me going well over the speed limit.

I found myself actually missing the quiet days earlier on in quarantine.

We like it so?

Maraval

Moka Hills Burning People are burning the hills of Moka, a watershed area. It is of zero interest for the authorities.

This has been going on for the last few years. One wonders if there is an MP or Councillor for the area.

Concerned Citizen Maraval

False promises on Beverage Container Bill Your comment in the December 2019 issue that the minister said that the beverage containers bill is scheduled to be laid in parliament after 18 years is a promise that is only comfort to a fool.

Gordon Dalla Costa

NEED

ADHESIVES? WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR

Nestle

16 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Instruction continues despite lockdown

What makes this school great is not the building structure but the people. The staff, students and parents of our school have made a good school great. During the lockdown, the school has been closed but instruction has continued albeit in a modified delivery model – but it has not been compromised. Maple Leaf maintains a commitment to excellence by ensuring that the full curriculum is delivered. The What do most schools around the world are schools, good schools and great school year will be completed on time, have in common? They are typically a schools. Maple Leaf International School evaluations and mark-reporting have been structure built of bricks, mortar and glass. has achieved the rank of greatness in these maintained. Students will graduate and They likely have some gathering places, most difficult of circumstances, as the receive diplomas. Graduation events will desks for students and teachers but what world develops strategies to cope with the be held virtually. sets one school apart from another? There pandemic.

Even within this online environment, we have managed to enhance regular SAT - 1 TUITION CLASSES classroom instruction with our typical Personalized counseling to prepare you for every aspect of the University process. Assistance with University selections. Guidance with Applications and Scholarships.

Take advantage of 26 years‛ experience in the business of education.

infusion of guest instructors in our physical education program. We still had local authors read and present workshops for our students. Our ‘Learning Tree’ reading contest and writing competition continued in a new format with over two hundred submissions to our writing competition.

Students have been provided with a full program of core subjects: Mathematics, Language, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Music, Art and Drama.

It is truly a testament to the people that make our school great as they have turned these challenges into opportunities.

R. Rozario, Principal

Class of 2020

ENQUIRIES: Call Angela Fakoory Home #637-4825, Office #285-9112 or Cell #680-3119 CLASSES FOR 2020: September to November

Visit our website: www.sattuition.com

Congratulations to the fifty students who are graduating this year. Special congratulations to our valedictorians, Vivian Roffey and Jonathan Thompson, as well as salutatorian Logan Isava; your hard work and dedication has paid off. The graduating class of 2020 will forever be recognised as one that faced a unique challenge. You overcame and will continue to do so as you move into the next phase of your educational journey. These unique circumstances can only fashion a more resilient, adaptable and steadfast character, putting you in good stead for what lies ahead.

Our graduates will be heading off to universities and colleges in Canada, USA, UK, Holland, Mexico and Cuba, with many already being awarded scholarships and bursaries. Your Maple Leaf family is extremely proud of each and every one of you and wishes you continued success.

Writing Competition Every year we host a ‘What’s Your Write?’ writing competition where students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are invited to enter. There are a variety of categories, including short story, script/play, news report and opinion essay. The lockdown occurred not too long after the competition was launched and it was nearly cancelled. Some adjustments were made, the deadline extended and students

were encouraged to keep writing and submit their pieces via email. We were thrilled to receive a total of 217 entries coming from all the grades. These entries are being judged at this time of writing and prizes will be awarded towards the end of June. We recognise things were different this year but that didn’t stop you.

Congratulations to all our writers!

“The only limits that exist are the ones in your own mind.”

ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020 THE WESTERLY 17

Arthur Bentley

…adopted son of the soil Many knew him as an actor and entrepreneur but were not fully aware of the contributions he made to the steelband movement and to Carnival. Arthur died two years ago in April 2018. Now, on the second anniversary of his death, we would like to highlight a man who, though not born in Trinidad and Tobago, embraced life here and was involved in all facets of the culture of this country.

During the 1960’s, Arthur became involved with the Starlite Drive-in Cinema. Here, many local and Caribbean bands had their inauguration performances. Of note was the band ‘The Merry Men’ from Barbados.

In the words of a family friend, “He developed what was cultural and native to the islands and grew it.” The friend also described him as direct and true to himself, enthusiastic about the culture of his adopted country.

He also became instrumental in setting up the “Best Village Competition” with Mrs Joyce Wong Sang, who was the sister-in-law of the Prime Minister, Dr Eric Williams. The competition showcased the various art forms in music, dance and folklore of villages and communities around the country. Some groups went on to tour foreign countries as part of the Tourist Board’s drive.

His working life started here in 1957. At the request of the Government Film Unit at the St James Barracks, his first job was to help produce a documentary showcasing our Carnival. He worked very closely with Mr Solomon Hochoy who later became T&T’s first local Governor General.

For many years, between the early 60’s up to 1971, steelpan festivals, the Dimanche Gras and Panorama shows were run by Arthur Bentley. He was often referred to as the “Godfather” of steelpan men. He was presented with a token gift of appreciation by Dr Eric Williams for his unwavering support of the steelpan movement.

That same year, as press liaison/secretary for the Colonial Office, he was asked to prepare for the visit of Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret. His duties included arranging press releases, setting up press meetings and photo opportunities, as well as catering for the foreign press.

In the early 1960’s, St John’s Ambulance Brigade was another one of his projects. He did a great deal of fundraising for the organization, teaming up with his friend Jack de Lima to purchase and donate six army-type, used ambulances from the British Government. Many others have donated since then, but Arthur was instrumental in getting things moving.

Also in his time with the Office of the Colonial Secretary, he worked with the Canadian Film Board as Production Manager on a film called “The Bright Land”, about the English-speaking countries of the West Indies Federation which came into existence in 1958. At that time, Trinidad was the capital of the Federation.

The year 1970 saw the opening of the Starlite Shopping Center, the brainchild of Arthur and Dennis Cribbes. It was one of the

Explanation Needed by Met Office Many citizens probably check the T&T Met Office website daily for information on existing or future weather conditions.

Although the (frequently changed) satellite photo is shown on their website, the following message has appeared for at least the last three months about the radar imagery: Currently Experiencing Some Technical Issues with the Radar products. We are sorry for any inconvenience experienced.

Our guess for the difference is the satellite image is provided by an international source whereas the radar image is generated by the radar at Piarco.

We cannot be sure of this so would appreciate an explanation as to why the radar image, a very useful

helpful aid, has not been available for such a long period.

Arthur Bentley in his later years first malls of its kind, offering the people of Diego Martin, Petit Valley, Westmoorings and Carenage a shopping alternative to downtown Port of Spain.

Though not a born Trinidadian, he became a “son of the soil” through his interactions and relationships with people he met through his support of art, music, drama, dance and carnival. He was more involved than many native-born citizens of this country. We hope his contributions will not be forgotten.

- submitted by a reader

18 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Dunross STEAMS Ahead Online

Traditionally, Art and Science have been viewed as very different subjects. Today, STEAM education (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics) integrates the disciplines. Students don’t just memorize and regurgitate content, but are afforded opportunities to gain proficiency in essential 21st century skills: collaboration, communication, questioning, problem-solving and critical thinking.

Using the ‘flipped classroom’ model, that invites students to explore a topic before class time, Student Support Specialist and Primary 2 Science Teacher, Mrs. Suzy de Verteuil, sparked the joy of investigation and discovery.

Students were asked to independently view a YouTube video compilation of several experiments on the changes in matter: solid, liquid, gas. Then they were to replicate and record one experiment. One parent happily exclaimed that her kitchen became a science lab for several days. Although her daughter was only required to do one experiment, she explored six more.

proven to increase not only creativity, but improve academic performance, increase motor skills, enhance visual learning, and boost higher decision-making skills.

The Dunross Art teacher, Ashley Thompson, used Earth Day on April 22 as an opportunity to inspire students to explore natural matter. Students were asked to venture outdoors and gather backyard, organic materials. They were guided see kids struggling though some parts of their experiments to carefully observe each found object: Look at the shape, without parent intervention. By alleviating academic color, pattern and texture. Imagine! What could it penalties and celebrating participation, she noted that represent? each student’s video submission generated a domino Different year groups effect, motivating more reluctant classmates. were additionally challenged to create a work of art, according to a theme of study from previous art classes e.g. portraits.

Each piece created a Cayden Vieira - Primary 2 true reflection of the unique beauty in Nature all around us.

Jake Farfan - Epic Scientist

Cassidy Kelshall - Girls Love Science too!

Mrs. de Verteuil observed that many crucial lessons were learned, far beyond Science: developing an enquirer’s Cloud in a Bottle Experiment: Emily Camps-Roach mindset while learning through trial and error encourages “The assignment totally whet their appetites! Some of healthy risk-taking. Some kids seemed to embrace the these kids were born for YouTube! Their commentaries were scientific spirit of helpful failure which can’t unfold, if you so sweet,” Mrs. de Verteuil remarked. She was also happy to aren’t willing to try. As one student chirped at the end of her video, which captured the outcome of a failed experiment, “Oh well, that’s Science for you!”

Charlotte Bayne - SEA 5

Creating lifelong learners at Dunross is a community ideal that draws out virtual classroom triumphs, even during such an exceptional time.

“Going techy” in our Google Classrooms presented both challenges and benefits.

Teachers explored new ways to enhance learning, while minimizing the screen version of ‘chalk and talk’ in the virtual, stay-at-home classroom. By using a multi-disciplinary and

In STEAM, Art represents visual arts, social studies, history, physical arts, fine arts and music. Activities that employ creativity and imagination, increased flexibility, enhanced adaptability, productivity, Sophie Tewari - SEA 5 responsibility and innovation. A program that applied approach to curriculum, Dunross teachers invited incorporates the Arts into students to cultivate growth mindsets, and rise to the the curriculum, has been occasion with age-relevant independence.

“People are looking for someone to listen to them.

Someone willing to grant them time, to listen to their dramas and difficulties.”

~Pope Francis, “The name of God is Mercy”

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 19

Do any “Garden Cities” exist in T&T? What is a ‘Garden City’?

A planned town of limited size with broad streets and spacious layout, containing trees and open spaces and surrounded by a rural belt.

Garden Cities were based on a strong vision developed by Sir Ebenezer Howard, who in his seminal book of 1898, To-morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform, described how “the advantages of the most energetic and active town life, with all the beauty and delight of the country, may be secured in perfect combination”.

It was a utopian city in which people would live harmoniously together with nature. Howard’s publication resulted in the founding of the garden city movement that realized several Garden Cities in Britain at the beginning of the 20th century. He had no training in urban planning or design but excelled in creating places which he called “magnets” where people would want to come to reside and work.

Over 30 Garden Cities were eventually developed in England, starting with Letchworth (south of London) in 1903. It is important to note that the Garden Cities were supposed to be complete urban economies on municipally-owned land; they were never about housing alone.

An ideal garden city as described by Howard is a compact town of 6,000 acres, 5,000 of which are

permanently reserved for agriculture. It accommodates a maximum population of 32,000.

There are parks and private lawns everywhere. Also, the roads are wide, ranging from 120 to 420 feet for the Grand Avenue, and are radial rather than linear.

The Garden City concept was an effective response for a better quality of life in overcrowded and dirty industrial towns which had deteriorated the environment and posed serious threats to health.

Where is Britain's first roundabout?

The roundabout on The Broadway in Letchworth, built around 1909, is reputed as the first "gyratory traffic flow system" in Britain.

Artist’s vision of a Garden City

Failure of Garden cities:

Letchworth slowly attracted more residents because it was able to attract manufacturers through low taxes, low rents and more space. Despite Howard's best efforts, the home prices in this garden city could not remain affordable for workers to live in.

Bangalore is often called the ‘Garden city of India’.

Thanks to the several parks and gardens, Bangalore is also home to some of the best tech industries in India and to some of India’s premier scientific establishments. The city’s role as the nation’s leading Information Technology exporter has also earned it the sobriquet, ‘Silicon Valley of India’.

Self-reliance, the way forward Since this magazine’s first issue in 2004, one of the main political and social themes we have advocated for the country is more self-reliance. This theme has been editorialized several times since then so it was very comforting to see a letter in a daily newspaper making the same case.

what’s the opposite of self-reliant?

dependent, reliant, helpless, relying on others, inadequate, incompetent, insufficient, impotent, weak...

In a letter in the Guardian on May 30, 2020, Aiyegoro Ome referenced a recent speech by India’s prime minister in which he implored citizens: “Lets resolve to make India self-reliant”. Paradoxically, India is already a world-class producer in many agricultural, medical, technological and manufacturing fields.

Ome also quotes from an NJAC policy document in his letter: “The dominance of the US in creating tastes in the society is both harmful culturally… and harmful economically, because it increases our dependence on imports and stifles the potential of the domestic economy.”

Ome finishes his letter by stating “We must become passionate advocates for T&T’s self-reliance as PM Modi has suggested to India.”

herboraltt@gmail.com

20 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Znanja to the Rescue!

The unprecedented experience of living through a worldwide pandemic and lockdown, has proven to be daunting for both adults and children, in every aspect of life. The everyday, normal living, moving, hugging, laughing and learning had to be transformed into a virtual world. Thus, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, (our Vice Principal’s analogy), St. Andrew’s embraced the challenge of Virtual Teaching/Learning, via the Znanja platform. Ultimately, there was no turning back and the skies were the limit. Thus, this article will showcase some of the work of the St. Andrew’s school community.

Primary 5 - Art

Luke Rawlins’ version of “Starry Starry Night”, originally painted by Van Gogh

A Picasso-inspired piece by Delaney Johnson

Primary 4 - Poetry “THE MIGHTY DRY SEASON” A poem by Savannah Ali (10 years old) Every year from January to June, The rains disappear and the dry season arrives singing its tune.

It’s a song of beauty but also one of despair, With lyrics so wonderful but stories also of fear.

The marvelous mountains once lush and green.

Soon lose their lustre becoming parched and lean.

“THE BRIGHT SIDE”

By Josse Franco (10 years old) Trees surrounding the meadow, Mourning the death of the grass, Frenzied forest fires, spreading too fast.

Barely any water to quench people’s thirst, Oh, dry season is just the worst!

As I stroll across the scorching sand, I look around and see the fires all capturing my land.

Primary 3/Primary 1/Prep 1 – “What I like about online school” “I am enjoying online school because I get to wake up later than normal and dress in my comfy clothes. I even get to wear my bright red jacket and I am growing my hair to look super cool.

“I like online school because you can write on the white board because it is not frustrating like when I am writing in my copy book.”

Adam Laing, Primary 1 Farinha

In online school, you can mute yourself so no one can hear you. I really like that because I can hear my teacher without her hearing me unless she asks me to unmute to answer a question or present my work.”

“I enjoy Art while I am online learning because I like to draw alone and I can use any colour I want.”

Ethan Paton, Primary 3 Nieves

Michael Grainger, Primary 1 Thomson

Mia Agostini, Prep 1 Yuille

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 21

Brought up as I was, in a land dreich and drear, Scotland in wartime. It seemed to me clear, That when war was over, those dangerous times, Of ugliness, bombing and death, we would find Only good things and blessings from Heaven above, Peace and prosperity, kindness and love.

Life would be like all those movies we queued for Glamour, adventure and travel, we viewed for Sixpence on Saturday. One day that would be Ours to enjoy, oh yes…when we were free.

We’d live in a world that was calm and sublime, Well, when the war ended, I was only nine!

There was trouble and hardship yet to go through, Deprivation and rationing, shortages too Political wrangling, intimidation, Insecurity, trials, as a once-great nation, Fought when its empire strove to be free, Not that all this was apparent to me, Ever a dreamer, most times, in my head I would be in America’s Wild West instead!

In the fullness of time though, it happened for me My whole life was changed, the Caribbean Sea, Surrounded the island I came to be part of, Bright tropical Trinidad! That was the start of My life of adventure and fullness and fun, My dreams coming true every crazy, wild one!

For sixty-six years I have lived island life, Although there were times of dissension and strife, Oh, how I love what my life came to be, Husband, children and family, sailboats, the sea, Travel, adventure, the heat of the sun, Great friends that I revel in, every one.

The warmth that we share, the love and the laughter, The reaching for faith, and the feeling that after The virus has left, if I’m no longer here, I haven’t missed much, and I have this to share, Keep courage my friend. Live your life to the full, Don’t hold back, be ‘correct’, or try to be ‘cool’, Learn from mistakes, indeed all your life learn, The world ever changes, but you must discern The good from the bad, the wheat from chaff, Give life all you’ve got. Take a chance, love and laugh.

Nan Hatch Diego Martin

22 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 108, JUNE 2020

Chaguaramas plane crash site

If young people only knew “Growing up in Guyana, we had none of the luxuries that children now take for granted. It was a very simple life in our area. Nothing much to do, no electricity, no running water, not even a radio in the house.”

advertising jingles, and an award-winning play.

“I preach all the time: don’t be ashamed of your dialect, it is a powerful (means of) communication… it’s a language, it’s These are the words of Dave Martins – not ignorance.” founder of the ‘Tradewinds’ musical group and a Caribbean cultural icon for over four decades.

The Piper PA-23 Aztec plane which crashed into a mountain in northern Chaguaramas in 1975 and has remained there ever since In 1975, a Piper PA-23 Aztec left St Croix's Alexander Hamilton Airport, destined for Brazil, with a scheduled stop at Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport for refuelling.

Unfortunately, Trinidad, specifically Chaguaramas, turned out to be its final resting place.

The pilot attempted to contact the Piarco Control Tower to notify them of the change in flight plan, but was unable to do so. He reduced his height and regained visual contact at an altitude of 500 ft, but due to heavy rain, decided to climb back to a safe altitude. Shortly afterwards a steep forested mountain appeared directly ahead, which the pilot was unable to avoid. Presumably the fact that the aircraft was ascending when it crashed is the reason for the upward-sloping position that it maintains today.

The Piper PA-23 Aztec was a four-to-six-seat twin-engined light aircraft aimed at the general aviation market. The United States Navy and military forces in other countries also used it in small numbers. The particular plane that crashed in Chaguaramas, registration PT-KNZ, was privately owned Somewhat miraculously, the pilot and and had two occupants at the time of its co-pilot escaped with only minor injuries.

The plane, however, was written off crash, a pilot and co-pilot. beyond repair and remains trapped in the According to the Aviation Safety Network, Chaguaramas forest to this day. Intrepid the cause of the crash was poor weather. hikers can reach the plane by first Apparently while approaching Trinidad at heading to the abandoned US tracking an altitude of 7,500 feet using Visual station, then venturing into the forest Flight Rules (VFR), the weather beyond. However, the wreck is not that deteriorated and the pilot needed to easy to find without an experienced change his flight plan to Instrument guide.

Flight Rules (IFR). VFR is used for higher altitudes and greater visibility, while IFR Sources: Aviation Safety Network, is used for lower altitudes and reduced looptt.com visibility.

Singer/songwriter Martins, a Guyanese, has been making Caribbean people laugh, reflect on our shortcomings, and takes fierce pride in our heritage.

He has produced over 100 songs, several

Dave Martins, 10 years ago

Virtual Museums courtesy Paria Publishers

During these difficult days when schools and universities are closed, we invite students and teachers and all those interested in the history of T&T on a stroll through three Virtual Museums on our blog "Caribbean History Archives". You will find a lot of information, photographs, maps, and other material you can download and read.

Virtual Museum of the Sugar Industry at Brechin Castle, Couva: https://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot .com/2020/05/welcome-to-virtual-museu m-of-sugar.html

Virtual Museum of the Pitch Lake at La Brea: https://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot Virtual Museum of the City of Port of .com/2020/05/welcome-to-virtual-museu m-of-pitch-lake.html Spain: https://caribbeanhistoryarchives.blogspot .com/2020/05/welcome-to-virtual-museu Take a tour and enjoy, and share with others! m-of-city-of.html

The Smug Minority “The Smug Minority” is a book written in 1968 by well-known Canadian author Pierre Berton.

Berton’s central theme was that the nation (Canada) had been held back by an inbred power-elite: “Selfish, narrow, short-sighted men unable to grasp a vision of the future, imprisoned by a bookkeeping attitude to life, creeping silently and blindly along at the tail end of the parade of progress."

ISSUE 108, JUNE, 2020 THE WESTERLY 23

HOSAY in St. James Hosay, derived from the name Husayn, is a religious ceremony observed by Shi’a Muslims. The grandsons of Muhammad, Husayn and Hassan, were assassinated by Yazid in the Battle of Karbala, 680 AD. This battle is commemorated throughout the world during a ten-day period held in the Islamic month of Muharram. It culminates on the tenth day, known as the Day of Ashura, with a parade of colourful “tadjahs”.

From as far back as 1865, there is evidence of Hosay celebrations in St. James. Although authorities tried to stop the processions in 1884 in San Fernando, which resulted in 22 deaths, they did not attempt it in St James.

procession is accompanied by tassa drummers.

Two moons representing Husayn and Hassan are built and carried by special dancers. The dance of the moons on this night depicts the brothers’ triumph over death.

Day 10 – On the last day, there is a daytime parade of tadjahs made by the different communities and tassa drumming through the St. James district.

This procession begins at approximately 10 am and events continue until 6 pm. The tadjahs merge into a chain of beautiful pageantry on their way to a sacred spot for prayers and offerings. After this rite, the tadjahs are then submerged into the sea or a The ten-day Hosay period begins with six days of body of water. fasting, prayer meetings and work on the construction and decoration of tadjahs. These are According to an article on Triniview.com in decorated models of mosques, representing the February 2007, there are five Hosay yards tombs of Husayn and Hassan. Some can be up to connected to the St. James observance: the ten or fifteen feet tall. The processions start on day Cocorite Hosay Yard, Bis (Bisnath) Yard, Balma Yard, Panchaiti Yard and the Ghulam Hussein-Ali Hosay seven.

Yard. Apart from these five yards, there are two Day 7 – “Flag night”: The street processions begin additional yards referred to as 'Moon Yards' from with “Flag night”, when hundreds of devotees walk which the Hosay Moons emerge. through the streets carrying multi-coloured flags to symbolize the beginning of the Battle of Karbala The vibrant procession held in St. James is the largest observance in Trinidad and some of the in which the brothers lost their lives. more spectacularly decorated tadjahs may be seen Day 8 – Small Tadjah Procession: On the second there. One can also find Hosay processions in night of processions, small tadjahs are carried Curepe, Tunapuna, Couva and Cedros. slowly through the streets to the sound of throbbing tassa drums. They are symbolic of war This year the main parade is scheduled for August drums and played in set rhythms that are common 30th, 2020; it is unclear at present whether this will take place, given COVID restrictions. throughout the world.

Day 9 – Large Tadjah Procession: The larger (Source: Destination Trinidad and Tobago) tadjahs are carried throughout the street and the

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Publisher: S.Henderson & G. Henderson

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