RE: Response to Theodore Lewis e-mail article

2012-DEC-21-0906Hrs

Hi! Erroll,

Seasons Greetings, and I too, join the chorus in thanking you for the great job that you are doing in uniting the Mausica ever growing list of alumni, and keeping us informed of one another. I wonder if you sometimes regret the start of the Blog because it appears to be becoming a time consuming committment, and maybe, a labour of love.

In today's latest Mausica blog, I read the article on Machel Montano, submitted by an unknown Theodore Lewis and felt compelled to post a response. So, can you please include the following in your next Mausica's blog dissemination?

A RESPONSE TO THEODORE'S MACHEL MONTANO'S PLEA:

I was a bit surprised at the amount of e-mail space given to Theodore Lewis' ( class of 67-69 ) article, requesting a show of support for leniency for Soca star Machel Montano. I confess that I did read it in its entirety and that the only things that caught my attention were:

1. Learning for the first time that Machel's parents were past Mausicans--Liz and Monty, from the (68-70) year group. Previously, I didn't know that. ( and)

2. That a group of Mausicans from the 67-69 class, was arrested for liming on Frederick St. That too, I did not know.

Theodore's comments reveal that he is a big fan of Machel and hence, will like to see him get off lightly for the offence for which he was charged and just recently found guilty and now waiting to be sentenced.

Unlike Theodore, I am not a big fan of Machel. I do recall him as a young Soca king with his enjoyable 'Too Young To Soca' winning song. I also appreciate his talents and his ascendancy and continued reign at the top of the Trinidad Soca scene, plus his energetic performances and his ability to fill and sellout the seats of MSG (New York's Madison Square Garden) etc.. But, can you present evidences of his philanthrophy and/or his positive influence as a role model for many of his young supporters?

Theodore's argument is that people of Machel's high profile and position are targets,  hence that might have been a contributive factor for his involvement in the melee outside of the Zen nightclub, for which he was subsequently charged.

It is Machel's same high profile and role-model status that should propel him to always act and conduct himself with dignity and decorum. Acts of common hooliganism will not achieve that.

You also mentioned his bodyguards, which begs the question. Where were they on that night of the melee, outside of the nightclub? Had they been doing their duties, then they would have been the ones arrested and charged for their involvement in a physical altercation for their duty-bound attempts to protect Machel.

Finally, I would caution you on seeking the involvement of Trinidad's current Minister of National Security, himself a former Mausica graduate from the pioneer (63-65) class.

My respective Mausica brother currently has a plate filled with his own Ministerial problems and at the very least, will not want to be accused of a charge of 'trying to influence' or prompt a leniency decision from the magistrate who is waiting to impose an assault sentence for Machel's violent actions.

Come on Theodore!!! What are you thinking?

submitted by Esmond Francois ( class of 65-66)