Re: Memories of Mausica
2007-May-13-1336hrs

MEMORIES OF MAUSICA

How I came to be called "Storm."

In the absence of text books our esteemed Harry Jo organised 'impromptu' concerts inviting students to showcase their talents. Most of us sang while a few played musical instruments. I decided to recite "The Storm" by Walter De La Mare. It was well received and I had to perform same at the official opening of the College.

How I came to be re-initiated

As the College opened in September (1963), it was the football season. After a few inter-hostel matches a representative team was formed. I found myself posting on the notice-board reports on all matches played by MTC. Our team was usually victorious as Winston 'Rick' Yallery-Arthur was a tower of strength in central defence. However, I kept pointing out to students that our team was not as 'strong' as was being touted. I therefore invited my Club, Fulham, to Mausica 'to show them up.' Fulham had the better of the exchanges that afternoon and I supported Fulham, much to the chagrin of Mausicans who decided that I should be initiated. Later that night there was this candlelight procession from Fair Haven to the tennis courts where I was painted, etc, etc.

Memories of my table tennis exploits

I recall during my interview for MTC that Harry Jo enquired of my table tennis ability and whether I thought that I could take a game off him. I had every confidence that I could, considering his advancing years and his physique. He came across for 'a knock' one afternoon and I outplayed him as he merely tried to keep the ball on the table. He became a fan of mine. I duly captured the MTC singles title and had my most difficult challenge against Yallery-Arthur in one of the semi-finals. Fair Haven supported me while Mayfair supported Rick. We played three games. It was a memorable evening as Rick was retrieving almost all my shots. Harry Jo invited PoSTC to spend the afternoon and bet a bottle of whisky that I would beat my opponent. I did. He bet again when we went to Port-of-Spain as their guests and again I did not disappoint. Harry Jo would bring his visitors to the Hall and call me whether it be Saturday or Sunday to play against them. I remained undefeated. Fortunately, I was always on campus whenever the occasion arose.

How I became Lawn Tennis champion

Following the official opening of the new courts on campus there would always be a large throng of learners. i decided to stay away from the courts but I had always yearned to learn. Fitzjames agreed to teach me during the Christmas vacation as I lived in Arima. Throughout that vacation I journeyed to Mausica and spent hours on court with Fitzy and his nephew, Clyde. My progress was rapid. When classes resumed in January almost everyone was asking whether I had been spending time on the beach, I was so tanned. When we went on court that week they were surprised. I added the Lawn Tennis singles title to my table tennis title. The effort had paid off and I remained grateful to Fitzjames.

Our first Sports Meeting in 1964

Interest in our first Sports Meeting at Mausica was aroused by Harry Jo who issued invitations to several dignitaries inclusive of the business sector since, he explained to us, his intention was 'to buy goodwill.'
Practice sessions were conducted every morning and afternoon by the four hostels. Each lecturer had agreed to donate a trophy for the marquee events such as the 100m, 400m, mile, relays and the Road Race. Gilmour Stephens, who won the high jump earlier that week, established himself as pre-race favourite and won both the 100m and 200m events as well as pilot Mayfair Mansion in the 4x100m relay for men. Annette Birch was the fastest among the women. I was training and coaching Errol Lashley of Mayfair to participate in the mile. I had to encourage him a great deal as he never fancied himself as a track athlete. The mile event would bring down the curtain on the day's programme. I was in Fair Haven but 'my horse' was in Mayfair Mansion. Selwyn Jacob and Esmond Francois, both of Fair Haven, were the favourites. It was a delicate situation for me but I positioned myself in the infield at the 200m marker and advised Errol re positioning himself during the race. Errol followed my instructions and caught and beat Francois after an epic duel during the final 150 metres of the race. I was delirious with joy and Fitz caught me celebrating with Errol on camera. It was a wonderful sports meeting.

Establishment of "The Mausican."

Mr Hamlyn Dukhan, Psychology lecturer, decided that we should publis a monthly magazine called "The Mausican." As the student who had beemn posting reports on the notice-board re our sporting exploits, I was automatically assigned to report on sports. The project was launched but suffered subsequently from late publications owing to the failure of others to keep deadlines.

Transfer from Fair Haven to Mayfair Mansion

After my first year at Fair Haven I decided to transfer to Mayfair Mansion and duly moved in during the last week. I spent part of the August vacation playing Lawn Tennis and planning to organise Mayfair to be more efficient. Felix Edinborough dropped in occasionally and I discussed with him the idea of 'Ministries' to deal with various aspects of life at Mausica. When Vernon Langdon of Arima entered Mausica as a first year he obviously joined Mayfair Mansion. He was a good table tennis player, a good middle distance athlete and a singer, inter alia. Errol became MTC's leading debater and Rick continued to be our key footballer. Mayfair Mansion was dominant.

Leading the MTC Choir to the National Choral Speaking Championship

MTC had won the Folk Singing Championship at the 1964 Music Festival at Queen's Hall singing 'Itaname' and 'Buddy Lindo.' As a member of that choir I vividly recall Mrs Cuffie's dramatic rendition as the soloist begging, even pleading and beseeching the captain to put her ashore. Then, I recall our rendition of 'Buddy Lindo' and here I remember the deceased Dudley Dickson who had brought some of these folk songs from Tobago for us to choose.Of course, our conductor was the indefatigable Fitzjames. The following year it was the Arts Festival and DG Cuffie thought that we must participate. Not many others besides yours truly had done choral speaking. We practised just before lunch with DG Cuffie explaining the poems to us so that we could feel them and convey those feelings to the audience. 'Journey of the Magi' and 'The Cataract of Lodore' reminded me of "Fall on your Knees" during our first Christmas season on Campus. 'The Cataract' was rather lengthy. We qualified for the finals but DGCuffie had to leave to go abroad as soon as College was closed. The final was carded during the second week of the vacation in July so members of the choir were asked to return to Campus until the final. DG Cuffie left me in charge of conducting the choir. It was a daunting task indeed but I scheduled sessions during our stay at Mausica where there were only about twenty of us. My fellow Mausicans were very co-operative and quite supportive. The evening of the finals eventually came and I felt confident. I had conducted school choirs before but this was Queen's Hall and the best six of the adult choirs. Before we began I tried to put them at ease. We all smiled. We gave a thrilling performance and we won. Several Mausicans turned up to support us and Fitzy and Harry Jo were proud. In 1967 I returned to the Arts Festival stage unattached and won both Oral Reading and Prose and Verse Speaking. Among the finalists in Prose and Verse Speaking was Wilton John representing MTC. Harry Jo told him during assembly on the following morning that a student had to respect a graduate.

Tribute to Harry Jo and Trevor "Mighty Soapseed" Davis

Harry Jo would invite questions at the end of his talks to us. Whenever he considered a question 'silly' he would say 'Next.' Trevor Davis won the calypso crown during our two years at MTC. I shall always remember this chorus:

"So don't mind he look so gay and easy

You must try to avoid getting him angry

Cause when he get vex in front of de class

We does feel as if he want to mash up we..next... next.. next..