The Westerly March 2020

ISSUE 107 MARCH, 2020

Santa Cruz Blue Range Chaguaramas Carenage Goodwood Park

Petit Valley

Maraval

EXPANDING OUR COMMUNITY

St. Ann’s

Westmoorings

St. James

Cascade

SEE PAGE 3...

2 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Remembering… Adrian Camps-Campins Adrian Camps-Campins, historian and artist, passed away on January 11, 2020, at the age of 76.

The Westerly and The Northerly are both indebted to him for the many historical photos and documents he made available over the years to both magazines for use in their historical center spreads.

Born in 1943, Adrian attended St Mary’s College in Port of Spain, then joined the insurance industry, rising to a senior position by the 1970s. All the while, however, even as a young boy, he was exposed to the artistic pursuits of his father, who, while being a physician, was also a keen watercolourist. Artistic inspiration would also come from the well-known artist Harry Bryden, who had married into the family.

HONORARY GRADUATE Said to be Adrian’s favourite of his own paintings, this shows a 1910 polo match in the Savannah, with the newly built Magnificent Seven in the background.

card, and later into a postage stamp. In 1975, one of his first major successes was a card bearing a painting of a 1912 race meeting, showing the southern side of the Savannah, including the Prince’s Building, In the early 1970s, Adrian left his secure Knowsley, and the original Queen’s Park position in the insurance business to Hotel. The card established his style, and pursue this passion for art. One of his proved a turning point in his career. earliest paintings depicted Christopher Columbus leaving the Gulf of Paria in 1498. Adrian’s unique gift was his ability to blend The painting was made into a greeting his love for art with his passion for history

and architecture. Other notable depictions included many buildings and sites of historical significance, such as the famous Lion House, ancestral home of the Naipaul brothers, and the George Brown house.

Adrian Camps-Campins

rare books and historical records.

In the cupboards in his studio were stacked the thousands of photographs he gathered over more than 40 years, filed by subject. In the 1970s, when he first became a professional artist, he would photograph old buildings every weekend. He asked people he met if they had any old family photo albums, and copied the contents.

Adrian painted three to six paintings a year, working on them one or two at a time, in the mornings, in the first-floor studio of his house on a quiet side street in Maraval. He used acrylics on plywood – sometimes a sheet as large as eight feet by four, so he In his capacity as a historian, Adrian could reproduce architectural features in collaborated on several books and publications. In 2014, Camps-Campins was detail. bestowed an honorary doctorate by The But the paintings weren’t only about the UWI. buildings. When Camps-Campins printed his paintings on cards, they were Always welcoming and generous with his accompanied by archival photos and time, we will remember his historical information. The historical details encouragement. on the cards came from Camps-Campins’s own research and records. His studio held RIP, Adrian. shelves of history books, photocopies of

In their own words: Why WASA digs up newly-paved roads A recent Newsday article featured an interview with Daniel Plenty, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, WASA. He attempted to explain WASA’s habit of digging up roads right after they have been paved, earning them the nickname “Workers Against Smooth Asphalt”.

Plenty said the Ministry of Works and Transport contacts WASA before any roadwork begins, and the authority then repairs existing leaks along the route. But while the roadwork is being done, heavy equipment often damages the pipelines buried under the road, leaving WASA no choice but to fix it.

“If leaks occur, the authority has no other option than to excavate the newly paved area, in order to repair the leak that developed during the paving exercise," Plenty said.

He said the most common damage was to water service connections to individual customers, since these are usually more shallowly buried than the mains.

When asked if the workers who pave the roads need to do a better job to prevent such damage, he did not point any fingers, saying that, “in some instances, the authority's pipelines are aged and in a deteriorated state along the routes where roadworks are being undertaken.”

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 3

EXPANDING OUR COMMUNITY

After 15 years of The Westerly and 10 years of The Northerly, we have decided to merge the two publications. The new magazine will be called “The Westerly”, given that Trinis tend to refer all areas near Port-of-Spain as “the west”.

Chancellor. The Westerly will also continue to be distributed in Westmoorings, Victoria Gardens, Bayshore, Goodwood Park, Alyce Glen, Blue Range, and parts of Diamond Vale, Petit Valley, Chaguaramas and Woodbrook.

The Westerly therefore welcomes new readers in St. Ann’s, Cascade, Maraval, Santa Cruz, St. Clair, Ellerslie Park, Federation Park and Lady

9,000 copies of each issue will be printed. Four issues are planned for 2020: March, June, September, November.

Cascade Main Road paved A February notice from the Ministry of Works and Transport advised St. Ann’s/Cascade residents of road rehabilitation works from February 27 to May 27, 2020, with concrete works being carried out in daytime hours and road works at night.

Residents reported that the work started as scheduled on the weekend after Carnival, with the paving of the main road completed by March 3rd. Residents were pleased that the road was finally paved, although there was significant traffic disruption on Sunday March 1st due to a burst water main.

However, Coblentz Avenue remains unpaved.

For information on placing advertisements or articles in The Westerly, please email westerlytt@gmail.com

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER, 2019

The Social Season...

DECEMBER, 2019

SEE PAGE 2...

See Page 3

4 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Free sailing classes for Carenage youths

In March 2020, the T&T Yachting Association, in collaboration with the Carenage Police, initiatived free after-school sailing classes to the boys and girls of the Carenage Police Youth Club.

Lady Young Road – 17 years to complete

Sailing not only provides an outlet in the form of a fun, physical activity, but will also help these children develop marine skills which they can later apply to jobs in the maritime industry so close to their homes. They will learn how to tie and use various knots, steer boats about a given course, and read the weather based on cloud patterns and meteorological maps.

Additionally, the older participants will be given opportunities to assist in performing simple repairs.

This is not the first time the TTYA has taken up the challenge. A similar program was run in Chaguaramas from 2008-2012, and the sailing schools based in Vessigny and Point Fortin are founded upon the Industrial Caribbean same principles. Many of the Distributors Limited sailors who passed through the TTYA’s Learn to Sail Programs now have jobs WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR working on the water: from Box Sealing & Packaging TAPES, VHB, officers on ships to marine Masking Tapes, Adhesive Transfer Tapes, biologists and marine architects.

Binding Tapes : Spray ADHESIVES : Silicone Lubricant : Stretch Wrap : Looking forward, the Bubble PACKAGING : Glue Sticks : Association hopes to open ABRASIVES : Fire Proof SAFES & Cabinets. the program to schools in

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West Trinidad, eventually allowing for inter-school racing and fun events.

A drone shot of the Lady Young Road from the lookout.

Photo by Droneography Services.

In the Jul/Aug 2015 issue of The Northerly, a cover story was done on the history of the Lady Young Road, which was named for the wife of Sir Hubert Young, Governor of Trinidad & Tobago from 1938-1942. Some readers questioned why the road was named for Lady Young, who left the country in 1942, when the road itself was remembered as dating from sometime around the late 1950s/early 1960s.

In late 2019, Kevin Burke (kburke9@mac.com) posted on www.trinkit.org about the misadventures of Lady Young in Trinidad, including the story of the road named after her.

It turns out that after the departure of the Youngs in 1942, it took a further seventeen years of digging and delays to actually open the Lady Young Road to motor traffic, in June 1959.

Forensic Science Centre

– is a new building the solution? circumstances of the victim's death is obvious.

The Forensic Science Centre (FSC), a division of the Ministry of National Security, began operations at Barbados Road, Federation Park, on December 1, 1983.

Forensic pathology is a specialised medical field in determining the cause of death in suspicious cases. The evidence of a forensic pathologist is critical in murder trials and often the testimony of pathologists help seal a conviction. Pathologists examine the bodies in cases of murder and suspicious deaths. In the past, accident and drowning cases were also referred to the FSC but this has now been transferred to public hospitals – once the

Since it came into operation, the issue of retaining pathologists at the FSC has been a troubling issue as foreign nationals demanded more money for their services. In January this year, after just six months at the FSC, pathologist Dr Catherine Morris quit, planning to take up a job at a public hospital.

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith also announced last September that the police service intends to acquire its own forensic science department to analyse firearms because of the inordinate delay in getting reports from the FSC. Recently, the Prime Minister said that the Government had negotiated with the Chinese government for a $100 million grant for the establishment of a new Forensic Science Centre, possibly at Mount Hope. But will a new facility solve the FSC’s existing problems?

6 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

IMA App coming in June

You can help prevent forest fires –

Since the arrival of the Lionfish in July 2012 to T&T’s waters, the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) in Chaguaramas has been implementing several awareness campaigns in a bid to increase awareness of invasive species, and reduce the lionfish numbers in order to curb its impact on the local marine environment. Campaigns have included derbies, culling events and educational outreach for schools and fisher folk. Local restaurants were also encouraged to serve the lionfish on their menu.

With the dry season upon us, our forests have become more vulnerable to forest fires. Hence, the Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project (FACRP) has started a GoFundMe to raise funds for firefighting and forest fire prevention activities in the 2020 dry season.

In 2020, the IMA will utilise a mobile application (App) to not only increase awareness of the lionfish but also disseminate information on other topics related to the coastal and marine environment.

The App will allow users to report:

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• Sighting of lionfish by GPS; • Oil and chemical spills; and • Oceanic conditions and mammal strandings.

It will also provide information on various topics of interest in the marine environment. The App is being developed by the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), and will be available to users on Google Play and in the Apple Store. So, look out for the IMA App coming to a smart device near you in early June 2020.

dOnAtE tOdAy!

FACRP’s core activities include reforestation, forest fire prevention and suppression, education and awareness and research and development. As most forest fires in Trinidad and Tobago are caused by irresponsible and unsustainable cultural, recreational and agricultural practices, FACRP uses a multi-faceted approach that focuses on public education and awareness to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s forests.

(3) Develop forest fire education and awareness tools such as the ‘Amazonic the Forest Defender’ Storybook Any remaining funds from this campaign will be donated to other aspects of FACRP’s fire prevention and suppression programme.

If you can, please go to the link below to make a donation on GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/prevent-for ests-from-burning-down?utm_source=cu stomer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_c ampaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwA R2rmfsWoi6b29wyCjjxb1e-Yh3FkPU-kWD 3Y0ECSaKhUXTu9300MjEO9D4

For more information: Funds collected will be used to: 471-2051/283-5609/689-7794, (1) Purchase backpack pumps - locally Call regarded among the safest and most Email facrp1@yahoo.com facrp2@gmail.com effective tools for outing forest fires Visit http://facrp1.webs.com https://www.facebook.com/facrp (2) Rebuild FACRP’s main fire watch tower

Parasites...

Parasite is a South Korean film that parasites in terms of labor. They can't even wash dishes; they can't drive themselves, won this year’s Oscar for Best Picture. so they leech off the poor family's labor. So It follows the members of a poor family both are parasites." who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family by infiltrating their The main themes of Parasite are class household and posing as unrelated, highly conflict and social inequality. Film critics and the director himself have qualified individuals. considered the film as a reflection of "Because the story is about the poor family modern capitalism. The film also analyses infiltrating and creeping into the rich the use of "connections" to get ahead, house, it seems very obvious that Parasite especially for rich families but also for the refers to the poor family, and I think that's poor families as well. why the marketing team was a little hesitant. But if you look at it the other way, Do these social scenarios also apply to Trinidad? you can say that the rich family are also

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 7

Happy 50th Anniversary ST. ANTHONY’S COLLEGE! School History

Drone shot of St. Anthony’s College.

Photo courtesy Droneography Services, droneographyservices15@gmail.com

Father Ronald Mendes 1996 to 1999, obtained in swimming, water polo, cricket, Competitions.

Marcia Bedaysie 1999 to 2010, and football, rugby, track and field, basketball, hockey, martial arts, chef intercol, music May this jewel continue to shine in In 1969, a new jewel emerged in Maurice Inniss from 2010 to the present. festival, essay and environmental science Westmoorings. Here’s to 50 more years!

Westmoorings. St. Anthony’s College was competitions, Microsoft digital poster founded by the late Father Gerald Pantin, competition, Design and Build Past Students CSSP, as a private Roman Catholic school competition, Young Leaders, poetry and named after the late Archbishop of Dear Generous Westerly Readers, spoken word, Junior Soca Monarch, Junior Prominent alumni include Dr. Michael Port-of-Spain, Anthony Pantin, and run by Aboud, Founder and Chairman of Extempo Monarch and more. the Holy Ghost Fathers school board.

I am thrilled beyond words to advise that Amalgamated Security Services Ltd, and my Christmas project to provide a treat Initially, the school compound housed two his brothers, John and Edgar, Costume for 30 destitute young inmates at Youth buildings and a swimming pool and Designer Brian Mc Farlane, Calypsonian Recent Activities Training Centre (YTC), to which many of classes were offered only up to form three. Roger Mohammed, Chefs Jason Huggins and Paul Mowser, Joey Ng Wai of Second In October 2019, the College hosted a you contributed generously, was a great Technical subjects, such as auto Imij, Nigel Rojas of the musical group World Food Day program.

The National mechanics, air-conditioning and success. electronics were offered. As a private Orange Sky, Don Ramdeen, the Peake Institute of Higher Education, Research, Thanks to all of those who donated institution, tuition fees were required. In brothers, Louis Aleong of Albrosco Ltd, Science and Technology (NIHERST) called 1982, the College transitioned from a cricketer Lester Cassimir, footballers St. Anthony’s College home for one week deodorants, tubes of toothpaste, and private to a government-assisted school Kenwyne Jones and Carlos Edwards. In as it hosted Community Science Week in soaps. The YTC lads were thrilled and and expanded its intake of students to addition, countless other alumni have November 2019. Additionally, in 2019, the most appreciative for your never-ending include those from many socioeconomic excelled in every sphere of society, such as Tigers retained their North Zone Intercol kindness. and geographical backgrounds. The education, medicine, sport and business. football title, and students excelled in the fields of hockey, table tennis, and spoken teaching staff and physical plant were also Hugh Henderson From its inception, the talented students word. expanded to accommodate the growing school population. The current academic of St. Anthony’s College have earned year, which began in September 2019, numerous academic awards. Scholarships In the first two months of 2020, the cricket “Too often we underestimate the power marks the 50th anniversary of the were won by Muzzammil Ali in 2008, team has made memorable strides in of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a Darren Johnson in 2013 and Vishal Radhay winning inter-school matches, and several inception of St. Anthony’s College. listening ear, an honest compliment, or in 2018. In addition, countless boys have cemented their names in the the smallest act of caring, all of which Throughout the years, St. Anthony’s has scholarships to foreign universities in history of T&T carnival by their have the potential to turn a life around.” been led by five principals: Harry Amow various fields of sports were earned by participation and placement in the Junior students.

Local trophies and awards were Extempo and Junior Soca Monarch 1969 to 1972, Paul Borely 1972 to 1996, – Leo Buscaglia

8 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Carenage Students Reach For The Sky The Westerly recently visited the Carenage Police Youth Club (CPYC) and Homework Centre to meet with Mrs Deanna Francis who, along with other concerned residents, in 2016 formed a group to work with primary school children. That group is called Carenage Improvement and Empowerment League (CIEL).

They work in conjunction with the Police Youth Club to provide a safe space for students between the hours of 3pm and

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6pm where they can do their homework and engage in other learning activities.

Security is there until 9pm to accommodate secondary school students.

Two Women Police Officers are always there as well.

Tables, chairs, desks are provided in a cool, comfortable setting. There is a small but growing library and the computer lab upstairs will soon be up and running. All this in a refurbished police station on the aptly-named Constabulary Street.

anticipated event where students receive awards in all spheres of achievement, not just academic. Over the years, teachers have seen a marked improvement in students’ behaviour and attitude towards schoolwork. An inter-school Spelling Bee is also very popular.

Deanna started by taking a handful of school boys off the street corner in the afternoon and tutoring them in a classroom. Now, three years later, she can look back and see the fruits of her labours.

Assisted by her daughter, Dr Kela Francis, CIEL’s motto, “A Better Way Is Possible”, and others in the area, she has done promotes good academic and social tremendous work to improve the lives of behaviour and motivates students to excel. young people, the community and future generations.

CIEL works with four primary schools: Carenage Boys’ Government, Carenage Girls’ Government, Pt Cumana Government and more recently Pt Cumana RC Primary School.

CLASSES FOR 2020: March to April; June to July; September to November

Visit our website: www.sattuition.com

Winners of the inter-school Spelling Bee competition

Deanna Francis with a student at the Homework Centre

They have instituted an annual Awards Ceremony, which is held in September at The Anchorage (spacious enough to hold all four schools). This is a greatly

If you want to know more about CIEL, check their Facebook page @CIELENGAGE or if you want to volunteer, email carenageiel@gmail.com

$40m St James medical facilities opened The doors of the new facilities at the St James Medical Complex were opened on February 11th, marking the relocation from the Port of Spain General Hospital central block to the St James Medical Centre.

intensive care unit (ICU), one high dependency unit and an operating theatre.

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said that the new facilities will help improve bed access and the isolation units will increase the country's isolation capacity in the face of The relocations were necessary because infectious diseases like the Coronavirus. the hospital block was decanted after the 6.9 earthquake of August 2018. The block An estimated $2 billion is now being contained surgical wards, operating invested in other projects under the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA). theatre and clinical support services.

They include the rebuilding of the PoSGH Built to the tune of $40.5 million, the new central block, the Diego Martin Health St James facilities include 69 beds, two Centre and a linear accelerator (LINAC) for expanded cancer care at St James. isolation units, two surgical wards, one

10 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Dennis Ramdeen, fund-raiser extraordinaire

Dennis was recently the chairman of the very successful St Finbar’s Parish Family Day in October 2019. This was the latest in a long line of charity events that he has been involved in. A long-time resident of the west, we asked him: Some info on your early life?

I grew up in Newtown, attended Newtown Boys’ RC and was an acolyte at St Patrick’s Church. The Queen’s Park Savannah was our backyard so plenty of fond memories

including watching football in front of the It was by default. I really wanted to work in Personnel Management (now called Grandstand and attending horse racing.

Human Resources). But when I returned Boy days included racing “jockey” in the from Canada, I realized that the PM’s job canal on Picton Street, pitching marbles was very functional, like making sure NIS and spinning top. I was a disaster in most was paid up for all employees and that the Company Sports Day and Christmas Party games. were organised. In those days, people in that area didn’t really have a seat in the Some info on your life after 21 Went to Canada to study after ‘A’ Levels at C-suite. They were gofers and I didn’t want Fatima College (the best school on the to be a gofer. I wanted to make a difference planet), did Management Studies at on important things.

Ryerson in Toronto (now a University, then a Recently, you were in charge of St Polytechnic Institute).

Finbar’s Parish Family Day. What were Who were the major influences in your the major challenges?

Major Challenges? A tough economic life?

Clive Pantin, my principal at Fatima; he environment made begging harder. The taught me that sharing is more important other major challenge is an aging volunteer than owning. He also taught me how to be pool. We have the same people a very funny person and get people to volunteering for the past hundred years. laugh at my extraordinarily good sense of That’s a challenge. humour. He also tried to teach me humility, Nevertheless, St Finbar’s parish is blessed but that I did not learn too well. with many volunteers who do what they Before you founded Pepper promise, and we really can’t ask for a better Advertising in 2005, you worked for bunch. While we were able to attract some several years in marketing and younger volunteers, there needs to be a advertising. What made you go into deliberate plan to attract more young advertising? people.

Dennis Ramdeen Outside of family, it’s my being awarded the Principal’s Cup, Fatima College, 1975 – awarded to the student who best exemplifies the values of Fatima College.

Which living person do you most admire?

Noble Philip: he’s my marketing mentor who has turned into a life mentor. I want to be like Noble when I grow up. He’s bright.

He’s fair. He gives back in spades. One more thing: he does not like the limelight.

(Maybe that quality I will have trouble emulating.)

What is your greatest regret?

I have none.

Any secrets to successful fund-raising? If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

1: Have a goal (must be written) Maybe I could be a little less hasty.

2: Have a plan (tactics to achieve the plan Sometimes it’s best to “sleep on it”.

– must be written) What is your greatest fear?

Failure.

3: Tap into the resources within the Community. Networking is crucial What is the trait you most deplore in others?

4:Communicate, communicate, Not taking responsibility for their actions communicate. Let people know what’s and instead blaming others. I like people going on and how they can help who own outcomes, especially when they 5: Treat your volunteers like the diamonds are bad. that they are What is your greatest extravagance?

Will buy anything for my Grandson. He has 6: Report back to the Community and me hypnotized. volunteers on results Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I have quite a few: On a more personal level, what is the 1. “Quick one” – which precedes me disturbing someone so I can deal with my trait you most dislike in yourself?

People may not believe this, but I do not matter which is far more important than what I interrupted them from doing. have confidence in myself.

7: Say thanks to all who helped and then say thanks again (and again)

What achievement are you most proud of?

Having six children with my wife Rebecca who can’t stop believing her luck for landing me! (40th Anniversary in June 2020)

2. “Go Brave” – That means I really agree with your intended action.

3. “Consider it done” – self-explanatory

Continued on page 11...

Dennis Ramdeen, fund-raiser extraordinaire Continued from page 10

most

Maracas lifeguards get temporary accommodation

That they do not judge me. They are great support for when the going gets rough.

4. “Go to the head of the class” – That’s Who are your heroes in real life? when I think someone is stating the Clive Pantin (RIP), Noble Philip. obvious.

What is your motto?

Which talent would you most like to Be different. have?

I wish I could sing like Andrea Bocelli.

Anything about you that most of your friends may not know?

If you could change one thing about I make the wickedest oil down that they yourself, what would it be? could ever dream of having. Some of them That’s easy. I would worry less. I would win have been privileged to have tasted it. gold at the Worry Olympics (maybe even in world record time).

What is your possession?

I have none.

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 11

treasured

What is your favorite occupation/ hobby and /or sport?

Hobby – Love pan music. Love, love, love. It works wonders on my spirit and mental state.

What do you most value in your friends?

40-foot container at Maracas Bay After months of protesting health and safety issues, in January lifeguards at Maracas and Tyrico beaches were provided with temporary accommodation.

The Tourism Ministry procured, through UDECOTT, a 40-foot container to temporarily accommodate lifeguards at Maracas and Tyrico beaches until works are complete. The container, which was outfitted with office, washroom and storage facilities, will house the lifeguards while remedial works are being undertaken to upgrade the main

quarters at the Maracas Beach Facility.

Since June last year, lifeguards have gone on strike and worked reduced hours, alleging that their existing facilities at Maracas Bay were rife with water problems, with raw sewage leaking into the building.

Last June Raj Soonylal, 29, from Penal, drowned in Maracas while lifeguards were on strike. On January 4 Ryan Mc Guire, 17, drowned at Tyrico Bay after saving two youths who experienced difficulties in the water.

12 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Food Safety Seal Launched For Locally Grown Vegetables When buying fresh produce at the supermarket, consumers can be quite selective. They turn over tomatoes to check for blemishes, scan a head of lettuce for holes and scrutinise the shape and symmetry of each bell pepper. There are, however, factors invisible to the naked eye, that should command more attention.

The presence of harmful bacteria and pesticide residue, are the two most overlooked, yet consequential factors, that should influence decision-making.

As food safety awareness grows internationally, the demand for ‘organic’ produce, grown without the use of artificial chemicals, increases in equal measure.

In Trinidad & Tobago however, there is currently no way to certify locally grown

eliminating insects that feast on crops.

Inversely, the misuse of pesticides can lead to degradation of soil quality, contamination of water ways and population decline for crucial pollinators like bees. GSCP aims to disincentivise irresponsible pesticide application by facilitating small scale farmers’ access to GSCP Seal Means Your Produce premium markets as a reward for engaging Has Been Certified Safe in more sustainable farming practices.

produce as ‘organic’. Armed with this knowledge, the natural question any health and eco-conscious consumer would ask as they shop locally, is how to ensure the produce they select has been certified safe.

This very dilemma inspired the creation of the Grown Safe Certification Programme (GSCP), which allows for a special ‘GSCP’ seal to be placed on packaging of produce certified safe for consumption. GSCP certified farmers receive rigorous training on safe pesticide usage and sanitation which is complimented by periodic laboratory testing on their produce to ensure that international ‘Codex Alimentarius’ standards are being upheld.

This oversight is especially important because pesticide residue found in vegetables has been linked to respiratory ailments and certain cancers. Additionally, the GSCP seal assures consumers of raw vegetables that dangerous bacteria like E. Coli, salmonella and staphylococcus aureus are not present.

The GSCP seal also provides assurance that environmentally sustainable farming practices are being applied. On most farms, pesticides are used to increase efficiency, boost yield and improve appearance by

The GSCP certification was developed as part of the ‘Making Agriculture Profitable and Sustainable’ project implemented by the Cropper Foundation, a non-governmental organization, that advocates for human wellness and environmental sustainability as two interdependent causes. The initiative is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB Lab) and has been implemented in collaboration with the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO), The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and The Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI).

Lab Technician displays Pak Choi sample collected for Microbial Bacteria Testing under GSCP Certification Programme Zico Cozier – Communications Officer for the Cropper Foundation

14 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Viewpoints your headlights on full beam to avoid the potholes. So when the headlights of a car coming in the opposite direction blind you, you know why.

This is the kind of roads we are living with throughout Trinidad.

Inconsiderate Parking Outside Long Circular Mall Believe it or not, these three pictures were all taken on the same day, at the same time. They show three separate parking spots outside Long Circular Mall (Tru Valu side). All three have been rendered inaccessible because either one or both of the cars on either side are not parked within the lines. Of course the

badly-parked cars may have themselves been forced into that position by other bad parkers down the line.

This is not an unusual occurrence – it can be observed daily by those driving past the mall. Given that parking in Long Circular Mall is already limited, this is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed by mall management.

Gerard Duval Petit Valley (Newsday, 22/01/20)

Dangerously Wide Trailer

Fed up driving around and around

Diego And Petit Valley Roads Really Bad Imagine people in different parts of Trinidad “boasting” about who has the worst roads – from Point Fortin to San Fernando, Penal to Princes Town, Sangre Grande to Mayaro.

What really has me upset is that no one is talking about the bad roads in Diego Martin and Petit Valley. Others may claim to have the worst roads – I can’t argue that with them – but our roads in Diego and the Valley are real bad.

When driving during the day you can’t take your eyes off the road for a second or into a pothole you go. At night you have to drive with

On Friday 20 December, 2019, around noon, when I was driving from Chaguaramas to Diego Martin, I followed a very long truck, registration # DDR 8540, with an exceptionally wide trailer.

The trailer was about 12 ft. wide, exceeding the width of the left lane of the newly painted lines on the road.

I was appalled at the width of the trailer since trying to overtake the vehicle I gave up and decided to follow it, up to my turn off by West Mall.

At every corner on the newly asphalted highway through Chaguaramas, while cornering so that the rear of his trailer did not climb up the bank on his left side, he forced oncoming vehicles to pull off the road, nearly causing an accident at each corner.

My wife took photos of the ridiculous situation. This vehicle is too wide for our roads, and creates a hazard for other motorists. The Licensing Authority who presumably gave it approval, should be made to cancel it.

Mike Hatch

Email your letters to: westerlytt@ gmail.com

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 15

Viewpoints T&T, Signs Of Maturity A newspaper letter by Michele Celestine shows that the citizens of T&T are appreciating the money spent on repairing the Magnificent Seven buildings around the Savannah to keep the history of T&T alive.

The refurbishing of our Parliament and President's House is also applauded.

Tourists can pay money, when they arrive in Port of Spain on cruise ships, to enter and learn the rich history attached to all these fabulous buildings. Also on those visits make available for sale steel pans, coffee, tea, local sweets and beverages, chocolates and good quality arts and crafts made in T&T. There could be an extra charge for another ticket if tourists want to experience a show with steel pan, and learn to play it, and dance with old time Carnival characters.

Very few islands have such a rich history as T&T with such a diverse background of people coming to live here from all around the world, hundreds of years ago.

Daily there is some cultural activity in T&T that we do so naturally, that we are proud to share with visitors, so let Tourism be a form of diversifying our economy. Bring the tourists to enjoy our food, our music, dance.

This is not something that the Government has to spend money on to organize.

We do it already and daily, as we are happy people! A street party can be organized anytime and will be successful! Other islands sell sea bathing; we have that also and river bathing too! Our culture is much richer. Bring the tourists right now; start advertising our beautiful twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago on BBC every night like Sandals does!

Patricia Blades Cocorite

Restoring Buildings Does Not Help Poor Like so many other citizens, I am overjoyed at the restoration of Stollmeyer’s Castle, Whitehall, President’s House, Mille Fleurs and, most importantly, the Red House and the imminent return of our Parliament sittings to this grand historical location.

However, I came across a quotation recently on Third World development which says, “All too often development in the Third World means the over-development of objects and the underdevelopment of people.”

Now, that gave me real pause, because what is the value of gleamingly restored historical buildings when many of our young citizens feel so left behind that they would rather burn these buildings down than treasure them.

While the rich may never get into heaven, the poor are already serving their term in hell and they need a lot of help if we are to ever evolve from the heinous quagmire of increasingly violent crime being perpetrated in every corner of our once peaceful country.

Indeed, we must all wake up to the fact that as long as the increased wealth which modern progress brings goes mainly to build up large fortunes and illuminate the contrast between the haves and the have-nots, progress will never be real and cannot be permanent.

In this regard, we could all do well to remember these important words from former American statesman and president John F Kennedy, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.”

Gregory Wight Maraval (Newsday, 11/01/20)

16 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

THE WAY IT WAS...

The Seaplane Era

Seaplanes are powered fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. Popular worldwide during the first half of the 20th century, their use gradually tailed off after World War II for various reasons, such as the considerable increase in land-based runways built during the war. Further, as the speed and range of land-based aircraft increased, the commercial competitiveness of flying boats diminished; their design compromised aerodynamic efficiency and speed. In the 21st century, seaplanes maintain a few niche uses, such as for dropping water on forest fires, air transport around archipelagos, and access to undeveloped or roadless areas.

Colonel Lindbergh handing over the first Air Mail from America to Mr. Littlepage, Trinidad’s Postmaster General, on October 7, 1929 In Trinidad, the seaplane hub was at Cocorite, where Pan Am Airways had their seaplane base. One of the main uses for air travel outside of wartime was to transport mail, and Pan Am inaugurated the Air Mail service to Trinidad on October 7, 1929. On this date, crowds lined the waterfront on the western peninsula to see air pioneer Charles Lindbergh land an amphibian aircraft and then deliver the first mailbag to the Postmaster General, Mr. B.B. Littlepage.

Lindbergh was accompanied by his wife, his co-pilot Captain Basil Rowe and also

by Juan Trippe, the dynamic president and founder of Pan Am.

The Pan Am Slipway, Cocorite

The world’s largest plane at the time, landing near Cocorite on August 19, 1931

The Pan Am radio operator, Colin Fraser, at Cocorite

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 17

The China Clipper, which inaugurated the first commercial trans-Pacific airmail service from San Francisco to Manila in November 1935. It crashed off the coast in Trinidad in 1945.

A poster for the movie China Clipper in 1936. It told a thinly disguised bio of the life of PanAm founder Juan Trippe. The film made use of much documentary footage of the actual airplane, as well as aerial photography created specifically for the production. It was also one of Humphrey Bogart's early roles.

Stamps commemorating the China Clipper’s maiden flight In addition to its triumphs, the seaplane era also had its tragedies. On January 8, 1945, the China Clipper, famous as Pan Am’s first trans-Pacific carrier, crashed just southeast of Nelson Island, on its way to Cocorite. Of the 30 people on board, 23 were killed. The US Navy from Chaguaramas salvaged the wreck and brought it ashore, also managing to retrieve 22 of the 23 bodies, who are buried in a mass grave at the Mucurapo Cemetery.

The mass grave, in Mucurapo Cemetery, of those who died in the 1945 China Clipper crash

18 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age. - Colin Powell

Viewpoints Savannah Beauties Must Be Maintained Mille Fleurs is almost completed and looking so stately, soon to be fully restored to its former glory.

As are most of the other beauties around the Savannah, including President’s House.

thousand vehicles are registered in our country every month. We will require interchanges all over the country at this pace. Trinidad now has the highest number of vehicles per capita in the world. We have 760 vehicles per thousand people, beating out Brunei which has 640 per capita.

The question now is maintenance, which is equally important. It is sincerely hoped that this has been factored into the restoration projects and that generations to come will witness these magnificent buildings in all their splendour.

Bars are allowed to open any day and anytime.

No wonder the chaos that is created around bars!

But really, who cares? It seems that selling alcohol and nonstop importation of vehicles is the diversification of our economy that governments have repeatedly promised. It is continuing the breakdown of the moral fabric of our society.

As for Hayes Court, could the relevant authorities extend their restoration works by attending to this crumbling beauty? Should we live in hope?

There is need for dedicated wrecker services in the Western Division, working continuously during high time bar hours. It will pay for itself.

J Knaggs St Ann’s (Newsday, 10/01/20)

The TTPS must stop warning and start charging, issuing tickets and wrecking. We cannot continue to have police for serious crime only. We must have full-time police to charge persons for breaking any and all laws. We have become a lawless society. Laws are openly being broken and the Police are just driving by.

Grateful thanks to the relevant authorities. We can now be, once again, proud of our heritage.

Overwhelming Traffic and Bars The President of our Country has repeatedly called on our Governments to protect the rights of the Elderly and the Poor from abuse, but to little avail.

The Commissioner of Police and The Commander of West End Police have been repeatedly informed with supporting photos of the constant abuse of the elderly and the residents around bars in our communities. This disgrace must stop. It is now our hope that after Carnival, the TTPS will look into these horrible situations and try and come up with solutions for all these bars. They can start by STOPPING THE MUSIC! It is unfortunate that in this respect, we cannot depend on the Police. They are unresponsive, like they too do not have families.

When there is an open break down of law and governance in a country that is known as “Anarchy”.

T&T has an official population of 1.34 million with an official vehicle population of approximately 1.1million and approximately 650,000 registered drivers. Two

The Police have to be vigilant, stern in their actions and hold persons accountable for improprieties. We have gone too far off as a society.

Concerned Residents of the West

Why QRC, Not Other Schools?

Since the opening of the school term, parents have been protesting and pleading with the Minister of Education, and by extension the Government, to repair or reopen several schools.

These requests are nothing new. For the last four years we have been seeing many such protests across the country.

What I don’t understand is why has the Government given priority for the restoration of QRC. Don’t misunderstand my confusion. It is also a school providing education. But how in need of “restoration” is it? Are we saying some schools are more important than others? Or can it be that the Prime Minister is on a drive to enhance the buildings around Whitehall?

A concerted effort needs to be made to ensure all schools are given the necessary attention for children to attain quality education. Whether they are west or east of the Caroni River.

K. Alexis Maraval

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 19

Viewpoints Concerns Regarding TSTT Land Lines This is about the existing TSTT land lines that are physical lines connected to homes.

Now more than ever, we must be proactive and plan how we can safely communicate with people during a blackout.

Concerned in Carenage

TSTT has discontinued using physical lines to connect traditional "land lines" to homes. They are using wireless devices which will then have a physical wire What If Tribe Ran The Country?

In Carnival, we see examples of excellence in going from them to your home. performance, delivery and customer service. If these This saves time and money by not using a physical wire things work in one area of society, why is the back to the exchanges and provides additional services performance in other areas so dismal? The answer lies and features. in the proliferation of square pegs in round holes.

However, these are the issues that most of us do not Visit Rosalino Street and you will feel the presence of Tribe (the carnival band) and their commitment to the understand. delivery of an excellent product. Contrast that with a The old system was reliable during power outages, as visit to the Immigration Office and it is almost like a many of us are still remember when we lose current we visit to the twilight zone. were still able to use our phone lines to call family and There are pockets of excellence throughout this country friends or even emergency response personnel. and all that is needed is the political will to engage The new system of the wireless devices have to be differently to achieve fantastic results. powered by an electrical source. Even if there is a If Carnival entrepreneurs can deliver quality products battery backup available, this battery will have a on-time, within budget and according to specifications, limited time of power supply. why can’t we engage them in national service to This change does have its benefits but a grave concern re-imagine how key products and services are should be what happens to us when power goes and the delivered? devices we use for communication also do not have If I had the opportunity to dream differently, there are several persons who deliver carnival products whom I power to be used! would engage to impact our systems.

You may say that our mobile phones are available.

What happens if you run out of charge! You cannot Imagine Yuma creator Danielle Jones-Hunte as the Chief Imagination Officer responsible for Carnival recharge your phone!

Transformation!

You may say that there are other phone services Derrick Lewis is one of the early transformers of the available from other providers. Check to see what on-the-road experience with carnival bands so I would happens when those devices lose power. Can you still appoint him Chief Transformation Officer to reimagine use the services when current is off in your home? our transportation products.

Carla Parris is presenting a new product showcasing the Business of Carnival so she would be appointed my Product Development Officer responsible for diversification.

This is a short wish-list but taking a helicopter view of T&T reveals that we are clearly stuck in the insanity zone. Philosopher Albert Einstein described that as doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result.

To transform this country, our politicians need to reimagine a future of T&T that is exciting, bright and sustainable. The politicians have failed miserably so why not try with the people who have used grit and imagination to bring different realities to being on some of our traditional products.

Okay … so you think this plan is ‘outrageous’ and may not work, but think of it a little deeper and ask: what do we have to lose?

There is no denying that each of the persons identified has delivered a product to new audiences. It is evident that they understand their products and have been able to successfully align their product to the audience and even create new audiences and experiences. (All of the successful Carnival band leaders) have mastered the art of delivering their product on time within specifications and at a profit.

There is no question that this country has the talent.

We have demonstrated competence in many areas.

And we are passionate about the things that excite our imagination.

Let’s use our huge reservoir of talent to make a difference in the everyday lives of our people. Let’s use the people and lessons of Carnival to show the world what Trinis can do.

Dennise Demming Diego Martin

Maple Leaf Nw

20 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

An “Exemplary” Ministry Inspection!

The Ontario Ministry of Education

conducted their annual inspection in January 2020, spending two days in our secondary school classrooms. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that Maple Leaf International School is upholding the standards and expectations of the Province of Ontario and essentially grants us the authority to award credits and issue the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

The inspector visits several classrooms and reviews teachers’ lesson plans, unit plans and assessments. The entire organization of the school is scrutinized, from discipline policy, to record keeping and teaching methodologies.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, we received a glowing report.

The inspector had many positive comments about the quality and standard of our program and was suitably impressed by the students’ work, their

politeness and how articulate they were in their classroom presentations. In her verbal report, the inspector stated that Maple Leaf has had very good inspections previously, but referred to this year’s as an ‘exemplary inspection’.

We are ‘Proud to be Maple Leaf’!

Encouraging Innovation Maple Leaf students are looking forward to their 3rd Annual Innovation Fair which takes place on Friday March 20, 2020. The Innovation Fair engages students from Grades 4 to 8. They are split into two divisions and work in teams of four with a Grade 12 or alumni mentor on each team.

The Fair encourages the use of the 21st century skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication.

The teams are given the challenge in the morning along with a box of surprise materials, a combination of craft materials as well as low and medium tech equipment. Building tool stations are set up for students to use with protective gear and assistance from adults. The teams brainstorm, plan, design, and build their inventions, then present their creations to a panel of judges. Awards are given for most functional, most relevant, and most innovative in each division. Last year's challenge was to create the next "must-have" toy and our innovators did not disappoint.

The Innovation Fair team collaborates with "Rethink the Box", which is an annual invitational making/engineering competition in Toronto. It is geared towards elementary and secondary school teams and is run with the help of mentor engineers. One of the founders of “Rethink the Box”, Sharon Moskovitz, a Toronto teacher, will be joining our team this year to assist in running the event. She is very excited to be visiting Maple Leaf and Trinidad and is thrilled to see her idea expanding to our school and country.

Sharon will also be leading hands-on STEM workshops for teachers and classes in Grades 2-4. Her friend and colleague, Lynda Jacobs, a Trinidad native and Toronto speech pathologist, will be leading workshops for teachers in Kindergarten to Grade 1 on Phonemic Awareness and Reading and will also lead a Professional Development session for staff about working with higher functioning students who are on the autism spectrum.

Innovation Fair 2019

The Great Fire of Port-of-Spain, March 1808 From: The Barbados Mercury and Bridge-Town Gazette, 9th April, 1808

“Between ten and eleven o’clock on the night of the 24th March, the inhabitants of this town were suddenly awoke by the drums beating and bells ringing the alarm. Fire was soon found to be the cause, and the house of Dr. Schaw, in Frederick Street, one of the narrowest, most populous, and built altogether of timber, the focus from whence the conflagration issued, threatening, by its impetuosity, devastation all around.

The fire from the inflammable and combustible materials of Dr. Schaw’s shop, in which were stored quantities of nitre, sulphur, other, and other rectified spirits and essential oils, soon raged with inconceivable violence: and diverging from that focus in every direction, the whole of that street, together with Henry street on the East, Chacon street on the west, and King and Queen streets on the North and South, were soon enveloped in the devouring element; and to those who had time to reflect, afforded a melancholy presage of the total destruction of the town. The terror which took possession of the unfortunate tenants and proprietors of this neighbourhood is not to be described, nor can fancy paint a scene of such astonishment and dismay.”

22 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

La Pastora Government Primary School Recycling Project makes Santa Cruz proud!

La Pastora Government Primary School made the Santa Cruz community extra proud with the recent success of its Schools Recycling Programme! In partnership with the Toco Foundation and sponsors BHP Trinidad, they recently completed a School Recycling Competition, Prize Distribution, and Parent Appreciation Day for all students and parents who worked extremely hard and collected 143,512 pieces of recyclable materials. In just four weeks, they collected plastic bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans, and tetra packs.

The principal and teachers at the school also worked diligently to ensure that each student contributed to the effort and used tracking sheets to record the number of recyclables collected by each student and class. Students were rewarded with bicycles, skate boards, footballs and games, while parents received fruit bowls and certificates of appreciation.

1st, 2nd and 3rd prize winners, parents and school principal, Mrs Carolyn Patino

La Pastora students with recyclable trash

2nd place to Mariq Reyes with 20,614 pieces To date, students have collected almost of recyclable trash! First and second prize 600,000 pieces of recyclable materials. winners, received stunt and fat wheel racing bikes. Class winner was Standard 4 which collected a total of 44,493 pieces.

The aim of the Toco Foundation School Recycling Programme is to encourage young people to care for the environment and become lifelong recyclers. The …And the winner is, Cameron Darlington programme encourages students to use who collected a total of 33,978 pieces and the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Our own worst enemy

I know for certain that much of it comes from marginalising a certain segment of society. We do that by offering an irrelevant Debbie Jacob, Newsday Feb 9th 2020 education that doesn’t meet the needs of The funny thing is (and I don’t mean ha-ha) heads in the sand. This is not a happy those on the lower socio-economic rung of that we like to paint ourselves as country anymore. Sure we do the best we society. happy-go-lucky, fun-loving people. We can, stealing snippets of joy where we can have even convinced ourselves that Carnival find it, but we all have been touched, one Ask any of those experts who study crime brings out the joy in us. We dance and way or the other, by the anger and the and they will tell you our problems stem from the gap between the haves and the prance and wine and grind and chip and violence that consume this country. have-nots. Carnival sure isn’t filling that pretend that this is true happiness.

Press pause for a minute here or turn the gap. It’s feeding disparity with its Meanwhile the newspaper headlines tell a radio down and ask yourself one question. overpriced costumes. Poor people can’t different story. A seething anger surfaces Why do anger and violence prevail? My bet afford to pretend there is no anger by every day in this country, and it doesn’t take is that you can’t answer that. For the most joining a Carnival band. a break for Carnival. Unspeakable violence part, people are content conjuring up their has defined at least three of my recent own brand of anger as a response to the Anger and violence don’t come out of a stories of murder and mayhem they read in vacuum. They are a response to Carnivals. circumstances around us, and what most the paper. people have seen are decades of I have stopped pretending that these are mismanagement and happy times and just try to barricade myself Far too many people find solace in blaming government in my house and hide from the vibe until the Government for our problems. government squandering money that Carnival passes. But the anger and the Righteous indignation is getting us should have gone into bridging the divide between the rich and the poor in some violence just keep rolling through the nowhere in this war on crime. meaningful manner. DEWD or CEPEP or any streets like one of those big trucks blaring Even in my 11 years of working in the of the many acronyms in-between that inane musical commands at Carnival. prison, I am still struggling to understand really accomplished little more than It’s not that I’m aspiring to be cynical here. I the violence; still refining my thinking feeding the dangerous and false notion of entitlement that prevails in this country. It just feel it’s dangerous to don feathered about it. robbed people of real creativity – the type costumes and play ostriches hiding our

For additional information about the Toco Foundation Schools Recycling Programme, please contact: Andy Noel Tel# 868 494 0470.

Email: andynoel49@gmail.com.

to create jobs – and fed that insatiable feeling of entitlement that defines us.

Rich or poor, we are all equal in that misguided feeling of entitlement that prevails from way back when a certain esteemed political leader told us “money is no problem.”

So, since money was no problem, government created those embarrassing and demeaning CEPEP jobs where 15 people do two people’s work of cutting grass at the side of the road. The many evolutions of CEPEP have succeeded in killing productivity. They have smothered certain professions that create a sense of entrepreneurship, independence and creativity.

Meanwhile, our anger festers. There’s no chance anything will improve until we seek many answers for the question why? But talk is cheap and gets us nowhere. We can no longer afford the luxury of waiting for the Government to solve our problems. We all need to seek answers and then take action. At the end of the day, we are our own worst enemy.

St. Andrew’s News... rendition of Happy...would you believe?...for the Happy School!! College Boy Jesse went on to win the Groovy Soca Monarch title.

Triathlon Olympics. Train Hard, Tristan, and Fulfil your Dreams!!!

CARNIVAL IS… HISTORY "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayan Indeed, the Primary 4’s allowed students, teachers and parents of St. Andrew's to obtain a glimpse into our Carnival History with their skits on the Canboulay Riots (1881). The brief portrayals depicted the struggles of the descendants of freed slaves to resist the push by British Colonial Government to crack down on the celebrations. Their enactment, on Carnival Thursday, of the chanting, dancing, stick fighting and drumming set the stage for the theme of Carnival is...from the other classes. Finally, Carnival is not Carnival, at St. Andrew's, without visits from Kes, Bunji and Fay-Ann and, most recently, on our list of celebrities is College Boy Jesse, with his

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 23

“In a country where anything progressive often comes to naught amidst political squabbles and selfish interests, almost 200 steelbands get together for a few months each year and show what can be done with a common purpose – making sweet music.”

Marlon Miller (Express, 15 February, 2020)

Bunji and Fay-Ann perform at St. Andrew’s on Carnival Thursday

CREATING HISTORY IS...

Tristan Scott, a Primary 5 student at St. Andrew's, and a dedicated Triathlete. He has competed in many local competitions and, in August 2019, he participated in the CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships in Jamaica.

Amidst Tristan's heavy workload in preparation for the S.E.A. exams on April 2nd 2020, he continues to train assiduously. His long term goal is to represent his country in the 2028

Tristan Scott, triathlete

MAKING HISTORY IS...

The St. Andrew's Team for the Milo Games on 17th March, 2020. Twenty-six students will compete in the games...Thank you, Ms Granado for taking up the mantle to prepare these budding athletes...Enjoy and Strive to do your best, Boys and Girls!

DHH

24 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

classes. She drove me nuts with anxiety over her tardiness. As I fretted to make excuses to the students, she would saunter into the Caribbean School of Dancing, a bunch of sikiyea figs in hand, just for me, because she knew I loved them, quelling any ill will I had When we leave this earthly life I believe mustered. that some people, or for the very least, Gradually over the years, my perception someone, should remember us and the of this older, seemingly insignificant contribution, in whatever small way, we person changed as I heard, read or made to this world. witnessed how valuable she had been to I did not know Pat Roe for very long, just six the art. Unfortunately, as too often years or so. The Pat I know was gentle for happens, her value became further the most part, kind, thoughtful and exemplified in her death, as the tributes and comments rolled in. notoriously late for teaching of dance “Queen of the underdog”, she embraced everyone and anyone into the dance world. She particularly had a soft spot for the male dancers, leaving her mark on well-accomplished men like Peter London, Paul Dennis, Juan-Pablo Alba Dennis and Terry Springer, to name a few.

In Memory of

Pat Roe

NEED

ADHESIVES?

WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR

Pat left this world, with little or no relatives to mourn her passing, but rest assured her ‘family’ of dancers will forever be grateful for her integrity, principles, disciplinarian attributes, teaching skills and unfettered faith in those who shared her love of dance.

Christine Mahon

Event: “Sweet Hand for a Sweet Cause” festival weekend include BYOBB (bring your own book & bottle) on the last Wed of Details: Presented by the Caribbean each month, 6.30-8.30pm; and Family Health Foundation (CHFTT) and the Reading Circle, on the first Sat each Consortium of Disability Organisations month, 10am-12noon. Both take place at (CODO), to raise funds for their work The Writers Centre, 14 Alcazar Street, St assisting persons with disabilities Clair Date: Saturday 28th March Event: Metamorphosis Dance Company’s 25th Anniversary

Time: 6:00-8:30 pm

Venue: Lions Civic Centre, Fitz Blackman Details: Expect incredible pieces Drive, Woodbrook mounted by last year’s visitors, Ric Jhan & Tickets: CODO (621-1874), Princess Patricia Ruanne, ballet masters in the Elizabeth Centre (625-0777), Fracture & opera house in Rome and proud custodians of Rudolf Nureyev’s work; Orthopaedic Clinic (628-3643) Andrew Carroll, soloist of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company in Philadelphia and Principal of the Ohio Ballet; and the always Event: Bocas Lit Fest 10th Anniversary exceptional choreography of Bridgette Wilson, Nancy Herrera and Terry Springer.

Date: May 1st-3rd Venue: NALIS and others

Date: May 8th-10th

Details: Other initiatives outside of the Venue: Queen’s Hall

Metamorphosis Dance Company Dancers

"Every Home needs a House!"

On February 13th this year, Habitat for Humanity T&T launched a campaign to assist hopeful homeowners: “Every Home needs a House”.

Ten years ago, a group of men and women came together, at the request of Ronald Harford, to embark on an ambitious journey to change the face of housing and land tenure in T&T, to assist thousands of families to achieve their dreams of safe, decent and affordable shelter.

The campaign had its challenges, not the least of which was an unfavourable economic environment, but they persevered and succeeded in surpassing their goal of 500 shelter solutions. (Habitat homeowners build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.)

But even as they celebrate their successes, they recognize that their work is far from over. Some 185,600 families have applications in train for HDC allocations of land and houses, and thousands more have to choose every month between nutritious meals, medical care and rent. This is why Habitat stepped back, analysed the environment, and decided to issue a clarion call to the national community to ensure that every home has a house!

new Business

20/20 Optical Limited was

formed in late 2019 as a friendly family-run optical practice in Woodbrook. The company was born out of a need to serve; to serve and provide you with excellent eye care and customer service. Our team consists of Nazir and Diba, brother and sister, both qualified in the UK, and Nazir’s wife, Inge, a South African qualified optometrist. We are eager to welcome and treat you like family. Combined we have over 60 years of optical experience and outstanding patient care.

Contact: 218-2020 Visit us at: 45 Ana Street, Woodbrook.

Nurture Family Chiropractic

has recently opened at 115 Cascade Road St Ann’s, Trinidad. Graduating from Macquarie University in Australia, Dr Michelle Hubbard has 11 years of clinical experience, a postgraduate qualification in paediatrics, and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Nurture Family Chiropractic provides chiropractic care to people of all ages, including newborns and pregnant women. Chiropractic care "If you’re starting something on your own, you better have a passion for it, because this is hard work."

- Sallie Krawcheck, Co-founder of Ellevest "Passion, creativity, and resilience are the most crucial skills in business. If you’ve got those, you’re ready to embark on the journey."

- Jo Malone, Founder of Jo Malone "If something is important enough, or you believe something is important enough, even if you are scared, you will keep going."

- Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX

may help conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, migraines/headaches, pregnancy complaints, growing pains, and colic. To find out more information or book an appointment:

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 25

Phone: (868)283-0523 Email: nurturefamilychiropractic@outlook.com Facebook: @nurturefamilychiropractic

Esperanza Alta! Schoolteacher turned tour-guide and naturalist, Trudy Armstrong, gives a one-of-a-kind walk through her lush St Ann's hilltop garden that is a family-friendly and active experience. The tour includes a walk through the forest to a rustic outdoor

classroom cut into the slope, where visitors examine wonderfully preserved specimens of hummingbird nests.

At the top, the garden opens out to a magnificent lawn with colourful furniture and garden curios. School tours as well as adult tours, both morning and evening, are available.

Visit esperanzaalta.com Email esperanzaaltatt@gmail.com Phone 322-2183 for more details.

26 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

“Not without hard work, the prize.”

Roxane de Freitas, new CEO of Massy Stores I relocated to the head office in Puerto Rico for four years.

Roxane de Freitas Growing up in Cascade, did you know what career path you wanted to take?

No, not at all. I didn’t know my career path until my mid-20s and quite frankly I am still building my career. As a teenager, I had an interest in professional tennis, but my parents didn’t think that was an option, and psychology was too new a field for them. I remember asking my friends at college what they were planning to study, and since most were studying business administration, I decided to study business. That field was acceptable to my mother! What I did know then was that to be successful as a woman I had to be educated, with a degree. My mother had instilled that in me and my two sisters from birth.

Where were you educated?

I attended Bishop Anstey Junior School, wrote Common Entrance at the age of 10, and then went on to Bishop Anstey High School. After ‘O’ Levels, I left Trinidad to attend Brescia College in Canada where I completed 13th grade. After college I was accepted into the University of Western Ontario where I graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

After graduation, I returned home and my first job was at Development Finance Limited. I was recruited as a business analyst and, while at DFL, I developed a passion for Marketing.

I identified Lever Brothers as a leader in global brands development so, to further my marketing expertise, I applied and joined as a brand manager in1989.

I spent most of my career at Unilever, working in marketing, sales and operations. In 2007, I was appointed Managing Director of the Company. At the time, I believe I was the first female to be appointed MD of a publicly listed company in T&T. In 2012, I was then promoted to Regional Marketing Director for Unilever Caribbean, and that’s when my family and

What was your vision for yourself as a young adult female, and how has your vision changed?

I always aspire to get to the top of my profession and that hasn’t changed. My vision has been refined from the perspective of knowing myself and accepting that every fork in the road is a developmental opportunity. I am also much clearer on what sacrifices I am prepared to make.

As a professional, it is important to clearly define your non-negotiables, to know and understand yourself and to strive for work-life balance.

For me, it is important to have a diverse and multifaceted life so I accept opportunities to serve in other roles. I am a director on the Board of Scotiabank TT since 2009, and since 2016, I also chair the Scotiabank Foundation, an NGO. I have a few additional organizations that I support and to which I devote time. Over the span of my career, I lost both my parents who were pivotal to my foundation. During the times of their illnesses I was reminded about what was truly important – family, love, friendships, spirituality, resilience and laughter.

Anyone who knows me knows that I do not take myself too seriously and I truly believe laughter is the best medicine. I am very clear that my career doesn’t define me.

How would you describe your leadership style?

My style is collaborative but firm. I am open to ideas and input from the team and I want to be challenged, but there is always an end goal. As a leader, sometimes tough decisions have to be made.

I am prepared to make these difficult decisions and expect to be held accountable.

I enjoy a good debate and healthy conflict, so I don’t want to surround myself with ‘yes’ people. To do so would be to limit oneself and possibly miss opportunities for growth. Some people

tell me I am very direct and maybe sometimes too direct, but being an alumni Hilarian, this is a value instilled in all who have passed through Bishop Anstey. I learnt from amazing women like Stephanie Shurland and Joyce Spence. I was taught to be respectful, work hard and have an opinion. As such I have lived with the school motto “Non-Sine Pulvere Palman” a Latin expression that literally translates into “Not without dust the palm” Or more figuratively, “not without hard work, the prize”.

What business or historical person do you most admire and would like to meet?

Oprah is on the top of my list of inspirational women. One can only admire how she overcame her traumatic childhood to become a visionary leader and activist for women around the world.

She is also an astute business professional who knows when to get in and out of various industries in which she operates.

She knows when to pivot and transform.

She clearly is someone who learned how to and when to adapt.

On the topic of change, I welcome the impact that technology has made on the landscape of work, especially for women.

I embrace the agile age of working, which allows mothers to manage their careers, and still find time to pick up children from school, attend a school event or work from home when necessary.

Flexible and agile ways of working are important and should be embraced by all organizations. I also wish that I could have met Nelson Mandela. One of my favorite books is “Mandela’s Way” by Richard Stengel. This remarkable book outlines Mandela’s lessons on life and love, and demonstrates his outstanding courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Do you have a mentor? If yes, what value does a mentor add to you as a woman in business?

I have had many mentors during my career but my first and most powerful mentors were my parents. They both came from humble backgrounds with a determination to be the best. My father loved the sea and achieved the highest office in his career as a Captain and Pilot Master. My mother was a homemaker and the cornerstone of our family, while being

a quiet volunteer both in our alma mater BAHS and at her Church. They both instilled a strong sense of education, love of family and a strong spiritual life. They were persons who overcame obstacles to realize their dreams, raised their three daughters to be strong-minded, independent feminists putting emphasis on education.

I have had two bosses in my career so far that I considered mentors: Gary Voss and Pablo Garrido. Both in their various styles pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged and encouraged me to excel.

What is your biggest challenge as CEO of Massy Stores?

Our vision at Massy Stores is to be the premier supermarket chain in Trinidad, so being able to empower 2,000-plus employees to execute on that vision is key.

To execute this, I must build strong engagement and accountability across the organization. In delivering on the vision, we must do so in a responsible and sustainable manner. I want us to continue to set the trends and be an industry leader, delighting over 250,000 customers annually. My most thrilling days are when I get feedback from our customers that Massy Stores has delighted them and made their shopping experience enjoyable.

What advice would you give to younger women who have visions of being at the top of their chosen profession?

Create your vision, visualize it. Write it down. Build a network of persons who will give you honest and open feedback and then practice, practice, practice. Don’t give up! Expect bumps and jumps along the pathway. Vision is not a straight line, expect to make mistakes and don’t take yourself too seriously! Finally, if it’s not fun, don’t do it.

Continued on page 30...

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

- Charles Darwin

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 27

Continued from page 28...

How do you de-stress after a long, demanding day at the office?

I make time to play tennis. Tennis is a game of life to me – to play well I must focus 100 percent on the game; you have to train both physically and mentally.

Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but no matter the outcome, you must figure out how to do it over again.

I also have a guilty pleasure. After the news, I replay a particular soap opera that I have been looking at since the 1980’s. It’s important to also spend time with friends and family.

Your personal and/or professional motto?

Work hard, play hard. It comes back to balance and not making your life all about the pursuit of professional success.

Your greatest achievement?

My son. Raising my son and seeing him become a mature young man, chasing after his own dreams, being a loyal friend, with strong opinions about what he wants to do with his life.

What professional legacy would you like to leave?

I would like younger women to see that they can have it all! I would like them to create their own unique vision which will allow them to achieve excellence in their life What or who makes you happy?

I love being with my sisters, my family which includes my husband Mark and son Adam, and my wide network of friends.

This could take the shape of relaxing at home, working up a sweat on the tennis court or an impromptu chick flick lime.

With my sisters, girlfriends and family I feel supported, and I believe I provide a similar support to them.

Your greatest fear?

Losing my network of friends The trait you would like to improve in yourself?

Many, but I would like to be more patient.

The trait you most dislike in others?

Indifference or apathy.

Mother

By Christine Mahon

They say you never stop being a mother, even when your child is all grown up. You try to let go, but it’s hard not to worry, wonder and bite your lip while you suffocate the urge to tell them a mistake is in the making. Very, very difficult.

The scale appears to become imbalanced with the return love of a child, as they grow older. The love is there but has changed with their progression into adulthood, while the mother’s is still that powerful love for her ‘baby’.

We recently welcomed a new grandchild and the cycle of worry, joy, anxiety and relief when he finally arrived was all too familiar. Almost immediately, the news is expected to be relayed to family and friends who have been whatsapping and texting. With the impact of social media and instant information, everyone is even more impatient. So getting on finally with the

Your greatest extravagance?

All the tennis tournaments that I attend – US Open, Miami Open, Wimbledon, French Open and on my bucket list is the Australian Open.

Where is your favorite place and where would you like to visit in the future?

My favourite place is Trinidad especially during Carnival; South Africa which I will visit one day.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Execute… We must learn to walk and chew gum at the same time.

What is your biggest regret?

Not becoming fluent in Spanish. Although I lived in Puerto Rico for four years, I really have no excuse for not having learnt the language fluently.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My husband of 26 years has been as solid

business of passing on the details accompanied by pictures (another mandate), I kept feeling that something was missing. Something I had not done, what was it? For the entire day, this kept niggling at me. Surely I had not forgotten (God forbid!) to respond to anyone who had been enquiring.

Late in the evening, while finally driving home after this long and emotional day, it hit me with a powerful force. I had not called ‘my’ mother to tell her the news of her new great-grand! This would have been unacceptable. The thing is, my mother died two and a half years ago. The last great-grand in the family was four. This was the first one born since her passing; the first that she was not there sitting in a waiting room or, in later years, sitting by her telephone, as she always was for every single grand and great-grand, to hear the ‘news’.

It seemed to be such an odd thing to get emotional about, but as a tear slid down my face, I quietly whispered, “Mom, you have a new great-grand, sorry I forgot to call and that you can’t be here to see him.

He would have loved you, as we still do.”

as a rock and has the patience of Job. Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could play the electric guitar and lead a head-banging rock band like the Scorpions.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Smaller feet. It’s hard to find size 10’s.

What is your most treasured possession?

My father’s watch… keeps me on time and grounded.

By Kathleen Maynard

Raking it in from Government rent

The Government is spending $36,865,320 million a month on rent.

That’s $442,383,320 million a year on the rental of buildings for offices and storage space. The sum is spread over 350 properties.

(Express, Jan 12th, 2020)

US Cash easily available

…. in all other Caribbean islands Although we have not confirmed it, reports are that in any of the other Caribbean islands or Guyana, one can easily and legally obtain US cash at several sources.

In T&T, one has to line up in a bank and it is possible that you may still not get the cash – or probably only $100 per day – if available.

Who would have thought that a country where 3 trillion dollars have “passed through” (mostly in US dollars) would be surpassed by islands that have had no oil/gas to earn US dollars?

28 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

US TRACKING STATION Chaguaramas It’s a wonderful place for stargazing and our events are usually focused on the beauty of the night sky. But guests are always asking about the history of the “dish”. So in preparation for this year’s event and after several hours of online surfing, I managed to get a much fuller appreciation of the significance of this site.

It’s a fascinating history and one which The Westerly’s editor has invited me to share.

After the war, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Cold War was raging; the Soviet Union was spreading its influence over Every year, usually in March or April, much of the East by force and even into the CARINA hosts a stargazing event at the site Western Hemisphere, in Cuba. of the old US Tracking Station in Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles, ICBMs, Chaguaramas. For those of you who don’t were being deployed by both the United know, the site is at the back of Tucker States and the Soviets. The U.S. defense Valley, close to Macqueripe. The road, plan during this period, and much of the which is a favourite for joggers and 30 years following, was that of "Mutually walking enthusiasts, passes through the Assured Destruction," whereby the spectacular Bamboo Cathedral and runs to defense of the United States relied upon the top of the hill where, instead of the the theory that it would be suicidal for the expected ridge line, one encounters a flat Soviet Union to launch a missile attack grassy field and that imposing “dish” upon the United States. In order to allow surrounded by old, decaying buildings. the United States to know of an impending

attack, the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System, BMEWS, was born. At the time, this was the most massive technological undertaking in history.

To test the technology, a BMEWS prototype was needed. The Chaguaramas peninsula in Trinidad had been leased to the Americans by the British in 1941 and provided an excellent location for the prototype since it could be used to gather data on test missiles being launched into the southern Atlantic from Air Force bases on the west coast of Florida.

BMEWS required two types of radars, fence antennae for initial detection, each 165 feet tall and 400 feet wide, and a fully steerable tracking dish, 85 feet in diameter. This is the dish structure you see today in Chaguaramas; the fence antenna is gone, although the concrete foundations are still visible.

The Trinidad Radar site began providing surveillance and tracking of ballistic missiles by 1958, and went operational on February 4, 1959, Although hampered by azimuth and elevation restrictions, the Trinidad tracker could follow one-meter-square targets at 2,000 miles, and the site proved especially important in detecting and tracking Soviet satellites in low-inclination orbits.

With the success of the prototype in Chaguaramas, the full BMEWS radar network became operational in the early 1960s with installations in Alaska, Greenland and England monitoring the so-called DEW (Distant Early Warning) line that divided Russia from North America across the North Pole.

On 12 August 1960, in another historical first, US Air Force scientists transmitted radio signals from the Chaguaramas site to Floyd, New York, via the Echo I satellite.

This was the first intercontinental voice message in history relayed via Earth satellite.

Finally in February 1962, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) assumed responsibility for the operation of the Trinidad Radar until its closure in 1971.

During this period, the site continued to be an important component of the Atlantic Missile Range, tracking objects launched downrange from the Canaveral and Kennedy bases in Florida.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the history of the Tracking Station at Chaguaramas is the effect its construction

had on Trinbagonians and our history.

Already a sore point with Dr. Eric Williams and his administration and considered an affront to national sovereignty, the Chaguaramas “issue” was considerably aggravated by the construction of the Radar without the knowledge of local authorities or any discussion of possible health dangers due to radiation levels.

Things reached a turning point with the April 22, 1960, “March in the Rain.”

Thousands assembled in the University of Woodford Square where, through a steady drizzle, the “Seven Deadly Sins of Colonialism,” including the 1941 bases agreement, were ceremoniously burnt.

The refusal of the Eric Williams administration to back down on the issue would ultimately lead to the return of the peninsula to Trinidad, despite the American’s intention to hold on to it at all costs.

Dr. Eric Williams summarised his sense of betrayal thus: “It is the British control of external relations which has us put in the difficulties of the tracking station, the Tucker Valley tracking station, which was developed at a time when the American Government (and) the British Government had accepted the Trinidad Government’s proposal, made through me, for the appointment of a Joint Commission to consider the future of Chaguaramas.

Whilst the matter was being considered, the Commission was sitting here in Trinidad, with my Permanent Secretary, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, as Secretary to that Commission, and whilst it was sitting here they were developing the installations in Chaguaramas, taking unilateral action on a matter that was sub-judice. That is the position we find ourselves in.”

In a nutshell, this is the history of that old “dish” down in Chaguaramas. The next time you’re fortunate enough to be there, consider the important position it has held in both world and Trinidad history. I’m sure you’ll agree that it would be shameful to lose it to a hotel or some other development but should be restored as a National Heritage site.

And, of course, a place for viewing the wonders of the night sky.

Graham Rostant, President, CARINA – May 2008 (Reprinted from a previous issue of The Westerly)

30 THE WESTERLY ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020

WATER POLO

SWIMMING

St Mary's, Bishop Anstey top Schools' Polo St Mary's College and Bishop Anstey High School captured the Open Boys and Girls Division titles when the 2020 Republic Bank sponsored National Secondary Schools Water Polo League recently concluded at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva.

Both the "Saints" and Bishop Anstey won their respective crowns with relative ease, 16-6 and 13-7 against Fatima College and St Joseph Convent (Port-of-Spain) respectively.

In the Boys' Open decider, the Justin Bodden-coached "Saints" stormed into a 5-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, and despite a fight-back from Fati-ma in the second period, led comfortably at the half-time interval, 8-4.

The third quarter proved to be very decisive in the outcome with the Saints dominating 4-1 to push their advantage to 12-5 before outscoring their rivals by the same margin in the final period to complete their task.

Bishop Anstey also made a rousing start to the Girls Open championship match and led 5-1 at the end of the first quarter before extending it to 7-2 during the second period.

The third was a low scoring period with Bishop Anstey under the supervision of coach Ethan Elliot adding two goals to their tally while keeping their opponents scoreless..

WATER POLO St Joseph Convent (PoS) had much better fortune in their three divisional finals played earlier on Saturday and Sunday, sweeping the Form One, Under-14 and Under-16 age groups crowns to the delight of head coaches Jameel Atteih and Justin Bodden who coached both teams.

In the Form One final, St Joseph Convent edged Bishop Anstey 4-3 while they eked out a 12-11 golden goal. In the Under-16 decider, they thumped Bishop Anstey 10-1.

Fatima College and coach Ryan West also had reasons to celebrate on the day after they won the Form One and Under-14 Division finals in contrasting fashion.

SWIMMING Swimmer voted “Sports Star of the month”

Swimmer Nikoli Blackman, a 14-year-old Fatima student and Westmoorings resident, splashed to record-breaking and gold-medal winning performances at the UANA Swimming Cup (an event open to 40 countries in the Americas) that concluded recently in Lima, Peru. Those, plus his gold medal-winning performances at the National Long Course Championships, were enough to earn him the Express newspaper Star of the Month status for February.

GOLF Club Champions Teenager Ye Ji Lee, a Maraval resident, was crowned Ladies Golf Champion of the St Andrews Golf Club (Moka) when the 2-day event was held in early March. She absolutely destroyed her opponents, shooting 75 and 76 to easily win by 14 strokes.

In the Men’s Division, Richard “Pecos” Camacho won by Ye Ji Lee shooting a 2-day total of 146 to edge the second place finisher by 2 strokes.

Richard is also President of the Club.

Nikoli Blackman

A Carnival Eulogy

By Christine Mahon

So you played a bit of children’s Carnival ‘back in the day’, then you finally got your ‘free paper’ at sixteen to participate in ‘big people party’. So you start with J’ouvert and finally, somewhere around eighteen, you are working and can actually buy your very first carnival costume and ‘play Mas’. Yeah! You also join the wash of friends who party from Carnival Friday, take in some pan over the weekend, perhaps fit in a beach lime in between, capitalising on the most beautiful season of the year with cool breezes and brilliant sunshine.

You spend several hours sewing, gluing and generally fixing some badly-made costume with several quick trips downtown to purchase additional beads, braid or bra inserts. Finally, you get your costume almost exactly how you want it, or at least vaguely resembling the picture in the bandhouse. It is also possible some juggling went on with exchanges, panic visits to the band house for some ill-fitting bra top, bottom piece or worse yet, a colour catastrophe!

On Carnival Monday, the band would meet late-ish, so you continue to play J’ouvert, go home, eat a big soup left by your mother, sleep and head out refreshed on the road for Monday Mas in your basic costume.

and you want to sob with despair that you have to wait a ‘whole year again’ for Carnival. There were no ‘after parties’ to drag and stretch the euphoria, which honestly I think made it more special.

Back out again on Monday night partying, with little sleep to repeat Mas on the road on Tuesday. This time, donning every piece of arm band, leg strap, headpiece and all that you left aside on Monday; glitter and gemstones on your face, you emerge in full regalia determined to get your money’s worth – never mind you are under a water hose by midday.

Now many years later, while the love and passion for Carnival has not waned, the celebration has changed somewhat. Without the pressure of ‘pretty Mas’, you now embrace the other aspects of Carnival for which you had little or no time over the years – traditional mas, moko jumbies, kiddies carnival, Dimanche Gras, Panorama finals, midweek concerts and a myriad related things which suddenly pique your interest.

On Tuesday, you barely exit the savannah and have already discarded all the precious extra pieces of costume, distributing them along the way to eager little children who line the exit and roadways hoping for a ‘piece’ of the Mas. For a while, there is still a mix of pan and truck music on the road and you think how lucky you are to be part of it all.

You follow through to ‘last lap’, partying hard until at midnight the whole experience comes to an abrupt end

Here is where you come to realise the magnitude of Trinidad Carnival. The outstanding talents in creativity, music, event planning, the mechanics of which you took little notice previously, make you swell with pride and give you another reason to justify your love of country and why, despite its rapid decline into despair, you feel you might be swimming behind the last boat out –hopefully on an Ash Wednesday.

ISSUE 107, MARCH 2020 THE WESTERLY 31

Trini Captain Planet to the Rescue!

Trini Captain Planet is here to set things straight!

Past pupil, Shannon Kenny

On March 3rd, Primary 1B closed their with the facts. “Trini Captain Planet” Living Together presentation to their peers, zoomed across the stage to inspire us with with a popular 90s song: that ‘Can Do!’ Dunross spirit and was soon followed by a team of student-agents. They offered the school audience a list of Heal the world practical solutions: hang drying clothes; Make it a better place kitchen composting; car pooling; using For you and for me reusable cloths instead of paper towels; And the entire human race recycling plastics, glass and paper.

There are people dying If you care enough for the living Make it a better place For you and for me

It wasn’t all sweet singing though! Their mini-production, “Save Our Earth”, increased awareness about climate change, and our young eco-warriors came armed

Dunross teachers understand that book knowledge alone is less impactful when addressing complex, even scary issues like climate change. Teaching kids about Earth care and environmental responsibility prepares our children, they who are growing up in an era when they will likely be responsible for developing climate change solutions. New jobs requiring

E-mail: westerlytt@gmail.com

Oh, No! The Earth is suffering because of us!

science, technology, engineering and math skills are already on the rise. Introducing our students to youth activists provides a spring board for discussion as well as context for academic reasoning.

Shannon explained that in T&T and the Caribbean, we should focus on reduce and reuse, rather than on recycling. “Regions like ours are vulnerable to climate change but have no real recycling plants.” She urges us to reduce consumption. “Even the popular eco-friendly ‘recyclable’ packaging requires a special kind of composting process in order to break down quickly and effectively.” Sincere eco-warriors will carry a reusable straw, cutlery and napkin kit everywhere, like she does. In this way, we don’t contribute to plastic waste, by consuming single use items.

Helping to meet this increasing demand for a 21st-century-relevant education, past pupil Shannon Kenny, (aka “Mama Eco”, www.mamaeco.com), revisited Dunross recently. She shared her passion for sustainable living, which she inherited as a part of her family lifestyle growing up. She now earns her living in New York as a Sustainability Educator and Consultant by helping businesses and householders to The theme for Earth Day 2020 is Climate implement small actions that make a big Action. This year, Earth Day celebrates its impact.

50th anniversary on April 22nd. What will you do to join in?

Publisher: S. Henderson & G. Henderson

Printed by Guardian Media Ltd. Chaguanas.