Monday, August 27, 2007

Re: Reunion 2007
2007-Aug-27-1843hrs
Hello Errol,
As usual. It was a pleasure seeing you and the Canadian Posee Congrats on your award. Keep up the good work. Attached is the piece dat partially captures the essence of my experience. Have a good evening.
Rodney Foster
REMEMBER WHEN?
On Sunday July 22nd, we stood in the sweltering heat in Port of Spain to begin a journey of discovery. Voluntarily, we set out on a new adventure filled with hope and excitement. No one knew exactly what experiences lay ahead. As the perspiration streamed down my back and my bald head My thoughts travelled way, way, way back in time to the North Western shores of Mother Africa Where millions of our ancestors were enslaved and sent on a journey across the Middle Passage. There was no Anna Maria Mora to bring them bottles of cool water to quench their thirst. Friends, we are the descendants of those people. Those who survived. They were the strongest. That makes us very special people. Therefore, tonight we must invoke their presence and say thanks. We must stand proud on their shoulders and move on. We must acknowledge the presence of the God that was a constant factor in the lives of our ancestors. Mausicans, friends, tonight we will sing praises and dance to honor the God who blesses us in all circumstances. Tonight, we will fall in love again. Tonight, we will celebrate love and friendship. It may be demonstrated through a warm embrace, a knowing smile, ah lil sweet eye or a bone-crushing, soul brother, ah Scratchie special, or soul sister bear hug that says, “I love you my brother. I love you my sister.”
Mausicans, let’s reminisce for a moment. Do you remember the pomp and glamour of a formal dinner? “Like the one when “de pudding tumble down while de Joe was speaking”. Tonight, we will thank Dr Eric Williams and his PNM Government, Harry Joseph and his dedicated faculty and staff for creating Mausica Teachers’ College in 1963. Thank you, Linda Edwards-Romain, Cliff Bertrand and Roland Maundy for your presence and contributions to molding the lives of your grateful students. We love you. By de way, do you remember what renting a tile means? Yes man, those were the days when de fellas abdominals were flat and hard and rippled like dem jooking board in Cecile’s Heritage Museum. De girls and dem were firm and upright. Tut-tuts jooking out yuh eye. Age, child-rearing and gravity were distant natural disasters. Oh Boy, what a time we had at our beloved Mausica.
Do you remember what a Wife Tune was? Yes! Yes! Dat was a significant tune. Yuh had tuh dance dat tune wit Numero Uno Mankind would make a beeline fuh dey sweetheart And dey would rent ah tile in HMJ Hall. Hearts would beat in unison. Breathing was synchronized. Avon, Chenel #5 and Este Lauder would blend with English Leather Old Spice and Brut Faberge. It was sweet and enchanting as we moved ever so slowly like swans on a moonlit lake to the wife tune of the day. Aye, D J, put on ah Wife Tune, dey. Yes, Alisford. Dat is tune. Dat is de dam ting self. Rev. Al Green “For the Good Times”. Allyuh, give de D J a rounds of applause. Alis is de best, de baddest. Yes my friends, thanks for these unforgettable four days and their lessons. Thanks, Happy, for the lesson on kissing. Now I know that all parts of the human anatomy deserve kissing. Not only the lips. Eastlyn, thanks for explaining the origins of the Bongo Dance and the significance of the sheet. Gyul, dis morning ah went out and buy a King Size sheet for meh Queen Size bed. From now on ah taking orf de lights and operating under cover.
Thank you, God, for this rewarding and memorable reunion. Thank you, God, for our many gifts and talents. Thanks for your consistent companionship. Long Live Mausica. Mausicans tuh de bone. Help us Lord to continue to mold a nation through service.
Thank you.
Rodney Foster
Reunion 2007.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-25-1411hrs
Well, Well, Well, the Web is certainly widening isn't it. Rodney Charles, where have you been and where are you now. Jenny John, great to hear from you, Kay Forde and Junior Howell, what a surprise to see your names come up. Grenada will be massive. Megan, Alphonsus et al, take note. Instead of www. (world wide web) we are creating our own mww. (mausica's widening web). Let's keep the web growing. All you teachers who are going back out to school, here is hoping that your batteries are recharged and you are going back out there with renewed vigour. It's only just beginning.
Anna Maria Mora
Re: Mausica Reunion Rendezvous
2007-Aug-24-2132hrs
Hats off to the organizers of the Mausica rendezvous 07- Anna Maria, Janice, Barbara, Felix and the rest of the cast- You all did a wonderful job. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it and it was wonderful to meet fellow alumni and put faces to names and names to familiar and not-so-familiar faces. Congratulations to Eastlyn and Cecile for the work that they are doing with the kids. The Mausica spirit lives on. Next stop, Spice Isle 09. Hope to see all of you there. We already have one performer. Joyce, where are you?
Yvonne Murray

Friday, August 24, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-24-0803hrs
Hi Mausicans
I remember Kay Weekes well. How has she managed to stay away from reunions??Montserratians were again touched by the hand of God as once again we were spared from a Hurricane ( dean) which so devastated other places. Do you know that since the volcanic crisis started in 1995 we have had either nothing or just bearable winds and rain? I am now of the opinion that the arrival of a hurricane on Montserrat will be a sign that the volcano is going back to sleep. It is really true that HE never gives us more than we can bear.
Used to love soursop icecream as a child but my present favourite is real coconut icecream or evem pumpkin and coconut which I Tasted in Trinidad... yes I said Yuk! too , BEFORE I tasted it and went back for more! I have now been unsuccesful in accessing 3 sets of photos ( Maureen'Brenda's and Tom's) I am doing something wrong... tell me what please. Love you all...pat
ps www.mvo.ms will give you info on the Soufriere hills volcano.
Pat Ryan

Thursday, August 23, 2007




Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT

2007-Aug-23-2124hrs
Oh,I will forever regret missing that gala ball until Grenada comes around.

My pictures did not come out well, especially those taken on the first night. The lighting was not of the best. there is one of Korenza and Maria which I am attaching. I managed to get a few from the bus drive which I am sharing.Scratchy, the one you took with the camera turned backwards did not come out,I guess the camera went into shock. The one you took of me, and also, I do believe, the one with JB and Esther and me looks fine, so I am sharing those.

I am off to Antigua in the morning for meetings. If any Mausicans are there , please hail me at Jolly Beach Hotel. I will be there until Tuesday.

Again, thanks for the relaxing days in Tobago. This is so rare for me. My doctor was very pleased that I was able to abandon work for a few days.

I returned to Tobago for two days for an appointment and got another sea bath.Lovely.

I received some sad news today. The co-owner of Viola's Place, James Brathwaithe, my good friend and fellow attorney-at- law died on Monday of a heart attack. He was 69 years old. I believe some of you stayed there. He will have funeral services in Tobago and Trinidad and will be cremated in Trinidad. This is the seconfd lawyer to die this week. The other was Terrance Thorne. He was 58. He was also my good friend. May they rest in peace.

Love to all.
Hazel Thompson-Ahye
RE: LOCATING MAUSICANS
2007-Aug-23-0822hrs
Hello Joy,
I ammhappy to come on line Could you send me your phone number as I would like to touch base with Carifolk Singers
Junior Howell

Monday, August 20, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-20-0839hrs
Errol
CONGRATULTIONS! on the receipt of your award. You deserve it. Thank you for creating the blog so Mausicans can keep in touch.
Thank you to the organising committee (Trinidad and Tobago). enjoyed it all - meeting old friends, discovering that some people whom I know are in fact Mausicans, the activities. Great!
I am looking forward to Grenada and am encouraging others to plan for that reunion.
See you all in Grenada 2009 if God spares my life.
Carol Ann Patrick-Doolam

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-17-0712hrs
I conducted an interview with Gerry Callendar when he was in T&T and it will be broadcast on Sunday 19th on TV6 and ieTV at 6.45am and on EWTN (ch10) at 1.00pm, then on Wednesday 22nd at 10.15am. He will be talking about his work in Canada and what he did in Tobago during the reunion.
Felix Edinborough

Friday, August 17, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-17-1018hrs
Dear Errol:
Please tell Pat not to cry. Just be happy as she plans for the Mausica Grenada experience.
Also Soursop Ice Cream will be a must.
It was wonderful seeing everyone and I really enjoyed the Tobago Reunion.
Looking forward to 2009.
Megan Welsh
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-17-0812hrs
What a time we had! Thanks to all who made it happen and to Brenda and Errol for letting us know what was happening. I am still playing the last tune we danced to (All Stars 'Woman on de bass', every day. Can't seem to get it out of my system. Note to Conrad - YOU are getting the soursop icecream in Grenada (not Megan); you came through for us in Tobago and we are expecting the same performance in Grenada. Looking forward to Grenada
Penny Gumbs

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Re: Locating Mausicans
2007-Aug-16-1219hrs
Hello Errol,
I really enjoy reading our blog. You are doing a tremendous job of keeping it going. Congrats. Sorry that I missed the reunion but personal reasons mitigated against my being there. Hope to make Grenada. I met Rodney Charles [68-70] who knew nothing about the reunion & would have liked to go. He's anxsious to get on. His address is rod_char@hotmail.com.
I would also like to get in touch with my roommate Pamela George, was from Sangre Grande and played hockey for T&T before she left. The last I heard of her she was in Canada married to a fellow Mausican {not too sure about this}
Jennifer John [67-69]
COOL JAY

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

RE: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-14-1735hrs
Dear Errol,
I was very happy to meet you at the reunion and moreso afforded the opportunity to express my personal thanks for the job you are doing. Please continue to unite Mausicans. I think one of the most significant experiences in my life is that of being a Mausican. I say this with a sense of pride as I share the Mausican spirit and the camaraderie which accompanies us wherever we go. It was indeed thrilling to meet all those wonderful people at the reunion and to know that we share so much in common.
Special thanks to the organising committee for such a commendable effort. I 'm looking forward to Grenada 2009 God willing.
Euline Fox-Peters
1970-1972

Monday, August 13, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-13-1823hrs
Now responding to this because I am in the throes of holiday camp with 36 children and young people. Had to leave them to come to Tobago. Going turtlewatching with them on Thursday night and staying to see the sunrise in Grand Riviere. Carol (Cook), Alisofrd also feels that the Trini Mausican should meet more often. I agree, but I am still in the Tobago aura, and now getting over the tired feeling, but still happy about it though. When I am finished with camp and not as busy, I will get in touch with you all to see if we can. I will speak to the committee and hear what they have to say.
I still cannot find the file with all the application forms and email addresses etc etc. I looked and looked. Since the day after the opening night's cocktails I missed it. i had it at Mt. Irvine, thought that I left it in a car trunk, but it was not there, asked Mt. Irvine but they did not find it. Tried to locate it but still couldn't, was hoping that someone has it and kept it and that it will turn up somewhere, someday. Anyway, this blog is a blessing, Errol so that we ca n keep in touch. I do have some phone numbers so that I will make use of them. Please guys keep in touch.
I have nightmares that your names, addresses and phone numbers are floating around somewhere in Tobago. Please if anything weird happens to anyone please let me know. r The file just disappeared into thin air. Sorryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!
I am covering it with prayers and hoping that it will "self distruct" and not fall into any crazy person's hands. "Blessings Abundant and a World Full of Love."
Anna Maria Mora
Re: Blog
2007-Aug-13-1748hrs
Thanks Kay for your vote of confidence. My efforts at keeping our group together are for me as much as it is for everyone else. Meeting with other Mausicans is always emotionally rewarding, that's why I am still trying to hold that meeting with our members who are so elusive lately. I spent most of yesterday in the company of Janice Quamina who is visiting Toronto - it was reunion continued, with lots of laughs. I forgot to mention that I was so happy to meet Alphonsus (Crotie) who was my partner to "walk" for graduation and who I had not seen since then. Crotie you look as if time has not passed - maybe it's the pakro water that I hear about. If anyone took a picture of Mr. Maunday I would love to have a copy. This blogspot is like a new toy for me - I check it several times a day. So again, thanks to Errol for keeping us connected.
Brenda Alexander-Perez

Friday, August 10, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-10-1529hrs
Errol, I congratulated you in person however, I would like to again say that your award was "well deserved". Through your dedication you have managed to keep Mausicans connected. For this I am thankful.
Brenda, congratulations on your award also. The Mausicans who belong to the Canadian chapter will understand how deserving you are of this, and how invaluable you are to our organization.
I had a wonderful time at the reunion, the warmth at these gatherings is extraordinary. The highlight for me was the Heritage night and I must congratulate Cecile on an amazing job It was wonderful seeing Mausicans from different years greet each other with hugs and kisses. We are a special breed. Eastlyn, always the professional ----------none can compare.
Anna Maria, Janice, Felix, Barbara and the Tobago contingent-----thank you for a great time and a wonderful reunion. Each day brought with an inordinate amount of excitement and joy. Each reunion gets better---------- hint hint Grenada!!
I visited with Ena Perryman, Earl Carnavon and Merle Legendre prior to returning to Toronto, they have promised to be at the next reunion. Live Now!! Live in the Moment!!!
Regards Kay Thomas Cyrus
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-10-1440hrs
Congratulations on winning your award. Well done! Please pass this message on to all my Mausica friends who sent messages of condolence and support. Sincere Thanks from me and my family.. I really appreciate the pictures. Looking at them was almost like being there. Will see you all next time.
Love from Jackie (Knox) Finkeldey.
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-10-0823hrs
Like all yuh trying to make me cry! Each reunon experience is so unique and wonderful in its own special way. I would like to think that the presence of some of the Mausica"second generation' augurs well for the continuation of these reunions. Maurus we did not see enough of you. Why did i always think that big dumplings had to be fat? Charlotteville taught me different and the blue food was so wickedly delicious!. Thank you so very much all who worked so hard to make the Tobago experience special. Pat
I searched the newspapers on my way out on Thursday July 26 but saw no mention of the Reunion. Could someone send me a clipping for my scrap book? Love you all. pat
Pat Ryan

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-09-2213hrs
May I also add my congratulations on a well deserved award! Thank you for connecting me, and helping to make my first Mausican Reunion happen. It was indeed a rewarding and empowering experience to see everyone and be a part once more of that special Mausican spirit that only a Mausican can know. Once again, thank you!
P.S My husband and I have only recently returned from a vacation that ensued immediately upon my return to the U.S. I'm only now getting into my email.
Sincerely and lovingly,
Joycelin(Joy Marshall)Barnes
Re: Reunion
2007-Aug-09-1904hrs
Congratulations Errol on your well deserved award. We wondered why you did not speak, but when the band struck up the music we reaised that you had left it for your feet to do.
Thanks to the organisers! Your task (or should I say 'labour of love') was a mammoth one and it was well executed. It was wonderful seeing many of you after ----------------years and meeting new ones. I was told that Elliot Pierre's wife was there. So sorry that we did not recognise each other. I am looking forward to Grenada, God's willing, but I guess I will be seeing some of you before as Carol indicates that she will be making it possible. Please don't kill me, Carol.
Judith Bazzey

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-08-1130hrs
I am really sorry that I missed this reunion. I can see you all had a wonderful time. I spoke to Mennen who is now in NY, and we discussed much of what took place. I hope to be at the next reunion in Grenada. Let us keep this going.
Althea Butler
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Re: Mausica Alumni-Rendezvous 2007
2007-Aug-08-1101hrs
Rendezvous 2007 was in a word amazing. I am still reliving the four days, seeing the faces -so,me well known, others new, and savouring the great times as I finally make my way back home today to Ottawa. It was the first time I have seen and enjoyed so much of our sister island.. Thank you and congratulations to Anna Maria and your teams in Trinidad and Tobago. , The gala was indeed a GALA, befitting Mausicans….and I can still hear the sweet voice of our dear senator ringing through it all. Crotie Alphonsus Antoine, I hope you found your phone so you can get things going in Grenada; Megan, be sure to include soursop ice cream on the desert list for Penny and Irma :) ..and me.. Allan, the pioneer impromptu session was long overdue…thankx. Errol, keep on blogging ..we will talk soon. A special thank you to Gerry Callendar for taking care of the awards for us in the Ontario Toronto chapter. Buzzie, I am sorry that NY did not get it if only for Tola, but Grenada will be fun. I think we should plan something with your chapter in the interim. As a final thought, I hope many of us will give Fitz (Mr Williams) and others a call about the event. I know that Fitzie wanted to be there and could not make it. His tel no is 868-662-7772.
Love and friendship forever for the Mausica Family
Tom
Conrad Thomas
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-08-1031hrs
HERE I AM AT MY COMPUTER, WEARING MY REUNION SHIRT ( I WASHED AND IRONED IT... THE ID BRACELET TAKES CARE OF ITSELF AND ITS STILL HOLDING ON TO MY WRIST)
Capslock was inavertently on so i just continued. i think we have found a reunion motto.. given by Glenda in this mailing: "We have not grown old, just wonderfully different"I can close my eyes and be transported to any of the places I've been with Mausicans. I'm glad that i won't realise when i can no longer do that. LOVE YOU ALL pat
Pat Ryan
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-07-2307hrs
Good to hear from you Sister Hazel and it was so great to see you. I am glad you did not report that I hold the camera back to front when you asked me to take a picture of you. I hope you have checked to see how I came out! On our bus we learned about left-hand dumpling, which, it appears, is a potent Tobago remedy for those who like to roam. One of the outcomes of this trip, is that I saw myself more clearly, and only today I indicated to my chair that we should begin retirement discussions. I intend to go back home where I belong. I hope I can find a way to live in Tobago. So many things were uplifting for me. Allisford and Claudette. Lester and Korenza. Fantastic models. Mausica love can endure. It is the greatest love. I strived for it once, and seeing these great couples reassured me that mine was a noble quest even in failure. The Mausica spouses (spice?) are an important aspect of the group. I chatted with Wilton Jackson, who was an idol of all teen boys in Marabella when I was growing up, due to his sprinting prowess at Southern Games, a national champion for years, and such a gentleman and role model. I knew Winston Mellowes when he was head of chemical engineering at UWI, and was happy to see him in his role of Mausica spouse. I was in awe of the pioneers, who ran the important first leg for us in 63. Where do they find the energy, and the grace? Joy untold in meeting again Barbara, Lynette, Eutrice, Cutty, Alisford, Annette, Maxine, Cynthia, Carol Ann, Shirley, members of the 1967/69 year group. How does one explain the excitement of just seeing these faces, and throwing one's mind back 40 years, to an age of innocence, when we were all lining up for meals, wandering the halls, and trying to transition into adulthood. There was character and wisdom in the faces all. Then the Havenites, Rodney, Bobb, Hospedales et al. Maria, Felix and the committee did a great job. Errol and Conrad continue to keep the string drawn tight through the years. I ended the whole thing by visiting Fitzy. On leaving he held my hand in a grip to assure me of his great strength still. I left more impressed by the clarity of his mind.
Scratchy.
Theodore Lewis

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-07-0822hrs
Hi Errol,
A million thanks to you, for your yeoman service which is truly in keeping with the Mausica motto:"Moulding anation through service".
Thanks also to the organisers for making those days"Mausica Days" once more in our hearts and minds. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A challenge to Trini Mausicans, can't we meet and plan activities during the year? We should not wait for 2-year occasions to see each other and bond.
Many who were present in Tobago have expressed a desire to have us connect on a regular basis.
Thanks again and God bless! Long livethe Mausica spirit!
Carol Cook ('66-'68)

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Re: [Mausica Reunion 2007] New comment on Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT2007-Aug-03-0738....
2007-Aug-05-1014hrs
Brenda Alexander has left a new comment on your post "Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT2007-Aug-03-0738...":
Have been n Tortola, BVI since the reunion. The island is in the throes of their carnival celebrations, but my heart is still with the reunion. The highlight of my reunion 2007 was socialising - I met many amazing Mausicans for the first time, reconnected with some whom I had not seen since 1965 (and allyuh still lookin good - hats off to Mrs. Massish's and Mr. Julien's nutritious meals) and continued bonding with those with whom I am in contact. Glenda and Judith Lewis brought me back to memories of my childhood and I thank them for that. I would love to spend time talking with more people when we meet in Grenada. Thanks to the Canadian Connection for recognising me with an award - that was indeed a surprise. Errol, you were undoubtedly our favourite when we decided to honour one of our own - congrats. To the organising committee of Rendezvous 2007 - your hard work paid off. Ah had ah ball. To my roommates at the house in Bon Accord - it was like old times in the hostel. Mennen, you could real lime gyul. Allan and Cynthia Clovis you provided me with the most emotionally rewarding experience of all of the Mausica reunions that I attended. It was so fulfilling to sit in a circle and share experiences with the Pioneers - an encore will be welcome in Grenada. I am sure that the Canadian Connection will be assisting behind the scenes with the Grenada celebration. Tobago was nice, but Grenada will be spicey.
Brenda Alexander-Perez

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Re: memories of the Tobago reunion
2007-Aug-04-0621hrs
Errol
Keep up the good work with the messages. Nice meeting you again.
Congratulations to the organizing committee for the Tobago reunion. It takes a lot of work for things to go smoothly. It was certainly emotional reuniting and meeting others for the first time. I hadn't seen Scratchie for years...only through his columns...a lot more of him now though. The rendition of Hello Mudder by the pioneers brought back memories of initiation. I hope they sounded much more melodic at that time. Annette, keep up the good work in Tobago. You need to find a pichoil stove to add to your museum. ( can't help you there).
Looking forward to Grenada 2K9
Finbar Ryan
RE: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-03-1401hrs
Congratulations Errol! We are all proud of your contribution.
Magnell Robinson
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-03-0952hrs
Great Work Errol! You have been the life line of communication for Mausicans. Keep up the good work
Arthur Small
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-03-0738hrs
I say a loud AMEN to Anna Maria's message. I am still wearing my ID bracelet... let's have a contest to see who can keep theirs on till Grenada 2007... those who know me better will understand that colour coordination is not a big concern with me! Tomorrow is Cudjoe Head day in my village so there will be lots of activities from 6am. The unrelenting noise of the too loud music tends to keep me away except for a few minutes at a time. We acknowledged Emancipatipon day on August first but there will be a Public holiday on Monday.
I am in a small minority who feel strongly that August 1st and May 1st shoulkd never be interfered with... whatever day of the week they fall on. How do Mausicans feel about this? Must share with you that the presence of Alphonsus Antoine at his first ever reunion event truly warmed my heart and I'm so happy we chose Grenada!
Love and blessings to all.
Pat Ryan

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-02-2233hrs
Dear Maria,
Thank you for encouraging me to attend the reunion when my personal schedule seemed to be militating against it. My personal high was the tour and visit to Charlotteville. It will be long before I forget driving in the bus and feeling that wonderful air blowing in my face. That was heavenly. The company and the old talk made it complete.
It was wonderful to see the old faces, though, therewere some, at first, I did not recognize. We have not grown old, just differently wonderful. The camaraderie and joy in one another's presence made me feel that there was indeed a heavenly presence, with no negatives, no thought of crime, just the joy of being, enjoying and loving one another. I do love you all. Thanks for the memories. I trust you all enjoyed the ball for me. I will make it up in Grenada.
Rodney, on my flight to Saint Lucia and at nights there, after the exhausting schedule of the three-day seminar on Justice for Children, I read your books: Remember Wen and Walk in My Shoes. What happiness there is in remembering the good old days! Had I read them before, I would have bought quite a few books. I think they would make great Christmas gifts. Do publicize them well. They are best sellers.Trinbagonians, nay, West Indians at home and in the diaspora should grab them up. Congratulations!
I have a meeting in Trinidad in less than two weeks' time, so maybe I'll see some of you.
Errol, congrats on a reward well-deserved.
Scratch, next time, maybe, we'll get to chat some more.
All the best.
Hazel Thompson-Ahye
RE: memories of the Tobago reunion
2007-Aug-02-0906hrs
Hi People,
How are you all doing? Many have told me that they needed something to help them come down from the high they were on with the reunion. It is called "debriefing" in some circles. Maybe, we should have found a "rum shop" after the dinner and dance and "debriefed." Coming back down to "reality" was difficult for some. I am still "tired". Found myself in the Emancipation Day Parade though, with all my tiredness. When I heard the drums and Ella and Resistance and Stalin, all d t iredness left me and that was it. It rained like it never rained before. There I was dancing in the rain, in the streets, it was a truly liberating feeling. I envisaged the whole Mausica Tobago Reunion and more with a banner saying Mausica Alumni, prancing and really emancipating ourselves from the drudgery and mundane-ness ( is that a word, Pat?) of everyday life. I smiled with the world. I saw a few Mausicans in it and they looked really happy. I really hope that the reunion made all of you, just simply happy. Happiness helps with peace, and no matter what is going on in our personal lives, periods of happiness are really necessary to give us a reason to go on. Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and I really hope that the reunion allowed you all to pick this fruit along with Charity, and Joy.
For all of those who have been trying to get on the website, I receive an e-magazine called "Trinidiary", and the last edition I received, I was reading it and saw info about Mausica Reunion, it was old info, but it asked that you go into the website to get the reg. forms etc. and it listed the website. I went in and got on to the website. Could not before. This is it, http://personaltrainingprograms.com/mausica there was no "www " so try that and it should work. Let me know if it did.Abundant Blessings and a World Full of Love to you all. Anna Maria
Maureen, thanks for the pics.
Anna Maria Mora
RE: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-02-0122hrs
Thank you Errol.
Congratulations! Sharing those days with you was a joy. I am glad that you are satisfied.
Love and blessings
Hazel Ann Gibbs-DePeza

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-01-2129hrs
Errol,
You deserve it. You have single handedly kept the Alumni together and informed. Your efforts have made a big difference.
After proposing Tobago as the venue for 2007, I regret missing the event. Grenada....here I come.
Now, please can I see some pictures from Tobago?
Carlston Gray
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-01-1311hrs
Well deserved. We needed the motivating and unifying factor
Blessings
Merle Baker
Re: MAUSICA ALLUMNI AWARD OF MERIT
2007-Aug-01-1052hrs
Congratulations Errol. That was certainly a fitting award for you. Keep up the good work. Glad to hear everyone had a great time.
Jen Barclay
RE: hello Mausicans
2007-Jul-30-0933hrs
Errol,
I am now in Tortola. The anthemm was the creation of Selwyn Ahyoung - 69 - 71.
Brenda Alexander-Perez
RE: hello Mausicans
2007-Jul-29-2115hrs
Sorry I mis read your request for the Mausica Anthem and sent the Best bluffers song instead ( though some people might be interested in that too) I believe the Anthem came after our time at Mausica.
Just to clear up an issue on my mind: I seem to remember that Trevor Davis (Tete) composed and sang La Porrinden for a calypso contest in either 1964 or '65. Can you ask for confirmation of this when you resume the blog?
Pat Ryan
RE: hello Mausicans
2007-Jul-29-1230hrs
Hi again
I wrote the lyrics... really a parody on a parody entitled Camp Granada which had a similar theme... disgruntled campers who eventually find something to be happy about, The melody is actually a classical tune w hich someone more musically endowed might be able to identify.
Best bluffers sang tthis at the official opening of MTC on Monday, September 16, 1963:

hello mudder, hello fadder,
here we are stuck at Mausica
got no blankets, got no pillows,
some of us aint got a bed but guess that follows.
we've a kitchen, ain't got no cooks,
lovely classrooms but no school books
classy college, nothing in it...
seems our needs are getting greater by the minute

Take we home oh mudder , fadder, take we home
we promise not to ask to leave your loving care again
take we home , oh mudder, fadder take we home
we promise not to fret and give you cause to send us back to get...

Wait a minute, trucks are coming...
pillows, blankets, things are humming
If things keep on so improving
mudder, fadder from Mausica we're not moving!

Thanks to the younger Mausicans among the pioneers who were able to correct my hazy Tobago memory of these lyrics.
Pat Ryan
Re: The Web Site
2007-Jul-29-1003hrs
Hello Errol,
Hope your stay in Tobago was as you intended and some. I enjoyed the events and seeing so many of the alumni.
However, I tried the site listed at the front desk at Mt. Irvin but to no avail. Please be kind enough to provide same. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Trinidad.
John Baptiste
Re: hello Mausicans
2007-Jul-29-0525hrs
I came home on Friday evening, took one look at the pile of e mail , did two replies and closed down! I stayed away from the computer yesterday.
Wasn't Tobago wonderful? Alphonsus, meeting you at Crown Point Airport was a nice 'lágniappe. George Bobb, hanks for the Checkpoint info... I was successful in finding shoes, ably assisted by Barbara and others.
You have to know I'm still wearing my ID bracelet! Best wishes... see you in Grenda if not before. Pat
Annette, thanks for urging us to sing Hello mudder...! I'll send the words on to Errol soon.
RE: Mausica Allumni Award Of Excellence
2007-Jul-25
MAUSICA ALLUMNI OF ONTARIO AWARD OF MERIT

PRESENTED TO
ERROL LASHLEY
FOR EXIBITING
THE MAUSICA SPIRIT
BY GIVING OF HIS TIME
UNCONDITIONALLY FOR
THE BENEFIT OF ALL
PRESENTED JULY 20-24
TOBAGO. W.I.

The preceding is the inscription on a plaque presented to me at “The Rendezvous 03/07” on the occasion of the Gala Dinner/Dance on 2007-Jul-25-Wed.
I hereby extend my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Mausica Alumni of Ontario for bestowing this honour on me. I accepted it with tremendous pride.
I do believe in the Mausica Spirit and I simply wanted to make a small contribution at keeping that Spirit alive. It now appears that my contribution was a little more than small. It was truly heart warming to have so many individuals come up to me over the course of the three days in Tobago to express appreciation for those efforts. Prior to that, some people had sent e-mails expressing their thanks for the service. I even had a card mailed to me, “Errol, Best wishes and thanks for doing what you do so well!”, which is representative of all your comments. Teachers do know how to motivate.
The truth is I’m only a messenger. People slipped notes under my office door, so to speak, and I implemented the suggestions. I wish to express my gratitude to all of the Mausicans who sent in the e-mails and especially those who shared their reminiscences of their days at Mausica. You all made the pursuit of a hobby so enjoyable.
I cannot take all the credit though. A Mausican first asked if there was a web site. When I found none I created one - then another wanted to know if copies of previous e-mails were available and the blog was born.
I want to thank you all for making the job so easy and down-right rewarding. Without your contributions the award would not have been possible. This award must be shared with you all but I’m keeping it. I’ll always treasure it on your behalf.
I look forward to the next reunion in Grenada and all the e-mail traffic that it will generate and hopefully more Mausica History. I shall continue to perform the same service until advances in the technology dictate otherwise.
In the meantime, please pass on my e-mail address to other Mausicans. I’ve made it my mission to keep us connected.
My congratulations to the other award recipient, Brenda Alexander-Perez.

Errol Lashley
elashley@hotmail.com

P.S. I wish to extend my congratulations to the members of “The Rendezvous 03/07” organizing committee namely, Trinidad – Janice Barnes, Felix Edinborough, Hazel-Ann Gibbs DePeza, Anna Maria Mora, Barbara Mellowes; Tobago – Allan Clovis, Mike Duncan, Jasper Joefield and Eastlyn McKenzie, on a series of well-planned and flawlessly executed events. I had a marvelous time. Then again, we’ve grown accustomed to excellence from Mausicans.