RE: glitch

2013-Sep-28-1618Hrs
My apologies to all for the tech glitch of last week.
Clare Creese-Woodley 72

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-26

2013-Sep-28-1502Hrs

My condolences to the family of Eugene St. Hillaire, one of our piOneers. Even though we are all in the departure lounge,it is always sad to hear that someone else has left us.

I attended Selwyn Jacobs Award Ceremony  on September 25th. Met a fellow Mausican whe lives in Calgary- Paul Lewis. I am always happy to meet fellow mausicans. Congratulations to Selwyn. We are all very proud of his accomplishments.

Marina Ramsankar (64-66) Leung Woo

RE: Funeral Arrangements for Eugene

2013-Sep-27-1119Hrs

Hi Errol,

Church services for Eugene will be held next Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 10:00 AM at the Catholic Church (Our Lady of Perpetual Help), Harris Promenade, San Fermamdo.

Conrad Thomas 65

RE: Correction

2013-Sep-27-0820Hrs

Image is of Merle Craigwell (deceased) not Beatrice Manswell, who is with us. Apologies for the error and causing concerns.

Scratchie

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Orville Wolsy comment Re Solid Seven

2013-Sep-27-0055Hrs

I think that in Orville Wolsey's comments, we have finally gotten the definitive word on the origin of Solid. It looks like its Point D'Or LaBrea. Thank you Orville for helping me to see the light. When I said the band from Point, whether is Point D'Or or Point Fortin is same Point. But I concede the Point.

Now is Rodney's turn. because he say they from San Juan. How we reconciling dat? Rodney from Haven, which is a wellspring of truth.  I notice you from the Villa. But I will still take your word as enlightened and final.

Scratchy

Theodore Lewis 69

RE:

2013-Sep-27-0046Hrs

Dear Errol

I thank Maria, Jasper, Euline, Irmine and Barbara for their kind responses to my lament over the passing and burial of my Haven brother Phillip Kendall. I admire people of faith. I am encouraged by what Maria saw in Suriname. Yes Barbara, Pearl Mulrain lets her voice be heard on earth.

Scratchie.

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Phillip Kendall Photograph

2013-Sep-27-0035Hrs

Dear Errol:

You first posted these in the blog of August 28, 2009. In the photo in which the men are standing, men and women from the 1966-68 year group are shown. Keith Aqui and Phillip Kendal had shared the pictures. I recognize the men from left to right as Michael Ransome, Keith Acqui???, Sucre, Cliff Bertrand (Lectyrer), Michael Bellamy, Phillip Kendall (deceased) and Kent Rennie (Geezmo). The only femal I can identiy is the one at the extreme left Beatrice Manswell, sadly deceased.

The same men can be seen as the relay squad.

Scratchie

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-26-1747Hrs

Brothers and sisters all, greetings. Thanks for all the news. Joan Parris left me a message announcing the passing of Eugene St. Hillaire (63-65) May his soul rest in peace. I visited Mrs. Cuffie at the Home in Port-of- Spain. She looked very well indeed. The matron told me that the day before, the residents were taken to San Fernando and Ma. Cuffie sang for the group.I felt happy to see her looking so well. I have promised myself to visit her when ever I am in Trinidad. I will also go to see Mr. Williams. My last visit was too long ago. Love to every body. Let us keep in touch as often as is possible.

Eastlyn Mckenzie 66

RE: Passing away of Eugene St Hilliare 62 -64

2013-Sep-26-1158Hrs

Errol,

A group of Mausicans visited with Eugene St. Hilliare at his home on Coconut Drive in San Fernando on the way from the San Fernando Hill to Guapo Beach ,during the 50th Anniversary Reunion.

I just received a phone call from my cousin informing me that Eugene passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday 24th September 2013..

RIP Eugene.

Orville Wolsey

Sunset Villa  71-73

Visiting with Eugene on South Day 50 Reunion 2013

Orville Wolsey 73

Re: FW: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-25-0301Hrs
I just got the news that Eugene St. Hillaire died on Sept. 24th. May his soul rest in peace.
Blessings
Felix Edinborough 65

Re:

2013-Sep-25-0008Hrs
St Hillaire (Killer) died tonight.
Carol Reveillac 65

RE: Passing of a Pioneer

2013-Sep-24-2338Hrs

Hi Errol,

This is to let you know that our pioneeer friend and colleague, Eugene St Hillaire, more fondly known to us as "Killer" passed away around 7:00 PM this evening (Tuesday) at the San Fernando General Hospital. Killer had been ailing for a while and some of the guys visited with him during reunion week. His health situation took a turn for the worse earlier this week.

As soon as details of funeral arrangements are available, we will share same with you all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to my dear friend Killer and his family at this time. Peace be with him.

Tom

Conrad Thomas 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-24-2230Hrs
Eugene st Hilaire died tonight.
Maureen Warner 65

RE: hi

2013-Sep-22-1036Hrs

Hi Errol,

Sorry we have lost another brother, but I can't recall Kendall's image even though I might have met him in NY. Condolences to those who have recently lost loved ones.

Congrats to Selwyn on your achievement. Your chosen road has taken you far. Well done. Congrats to another Mausican, Pearl Yvonne Mulrain. The Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas has published  a new hymnal for its members. Included among the hymns are six songs from Pearl and twelve from her brother, Dr. George Mulrain. Theodore, Pearl has made good use of her talent. Well done Pearl.

Barbara Mellowes 66

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-21-1224Hrs

Fellow Mausicans,

I found the blog postings of Sept 20th 2013, to be particularly sad - specificially the entries of Theodore Lewis.  I felt his pain.  Heartfelt condolences to the many friends and relatives of Phillip Kendall.

The ego never quite accepts the fact that there is an arc to life and with increasing age you are drawn closer and closer to closure. No man can look at his own death with a steady eye. The desire for immortality is real.

With increasing frequency I hear of the passing or serious illness of my contemporaries, and each time the news floor me with the same intensity.  It never gets easier. What then is the answer?....

"In the time of your life .... LIVE.  That time is short, and it does not return again.  It is slipping away while I write this and while you read it and the monosyllable of the clock is Loss, Loss, Loss, unless you devote your heart to its opposition." Tennessee Williams

Best Regards

Irmin G. Lewis-McKenzie 65-67

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-20-18488Hrs
Linda,
I had asked the Reunion 2013 about bringing the Cuff to the return to Mausica.
Orville Wolsey 73

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-20-1239Hrs
Kendall Phillip
It is difficult to bury a son!
Condolences to the family.
cliff bertrand

Re: FW: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-20-1132Hrs

I am Jasper Joefield (72-74) Fairhaven.  I was deeply touched by Theodore "Scratchie" Lewis' lament about that dreaded enemy, Death.  I offer these few words:

The death of a loved one or someone whose life has impacted yours dearly is one of the harshest things (pills) to take (swallow).  One day at a funeral of an elder brother I overheard a younger brother ask death the following question: "Why did you leave an evil one like me and take such a sweet brother?"  We will forever ask these questions, but like Paul we should believe that death is only the brief transition into the next state of existence - a state, fairly unknown but of which Jesus promises to be a better life of permanence.

For us on earth, death may seem harsh and undesirable for some of our loved ones, no matter the state of their physical circumstances; but for those in Paradise it is a time of glorious hallelujahs as the souls of the departed are welcomed home.  I understand how sad you felt as your dear friend's remains were lowered into that grave.  O how Jesus felt at Lazarus' grave!  If only you had the power of Jesus to do for your friend what Jesus did for His friend, Lazarus. (This is one reason why I dislike cremation - its finality).  You can still see the spot where your friend was laid to rest and reflect on the good times you had together.  Death is not the end; but the beginning of a greater life.  Do you think Mausica's Reunions are great?  Well there is to be an even greater REUNION in Heaven when the dead in Christ shall meet again.  This time we are guaranteed to live forever.  Isn't that great news?  Finally, "Make good use of the time you have here on earth so that the lives of others may be enriched by your life."

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-20-0939Hrs

Yes Scrathie!

Solid Seven from La Brea. Home of the World Famous  Pitch Lake. The band was from Point D'or (place of Gold) "Black Gold" that is.  I grew up opposite to the house (Carlton Grant's house) in which their Band Room was located on the Point D'or Junction. The Grant brothers Elton and Errol formed the Band. On the other side of the road was the Point D'or recreation ground.

This is where you most likely went to the fete. I can see why you had the misconception that the Band was from Point (Point Fortin) you were at Point (Point D'or) blame your friends who took you to a fete in the darkness and kept you in the dark.

I hope this brought you some light.

Orville Wolsey

Sunset Villa

1971 - '73

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-19

2013-Sep-20-0832Hrs

Let me first congratulate Selwyn on his award.  You certainly deserve it.  U of A knows your worth and celebrates you.  All of us at MTC celebrate you too, Selwyn.  We are richer for having you in our midst.

Secondly, Scratchie, I know the feeling.  You never get over the death of a mother.  A friend shared that with me when my mother died. Not a day passes, she is always with me.  Many in Arouca, who knew my Mom, see me coming up the street and say "Look Mathilda coming."  Phillip is another "story."  He was really something else.  a "MAN" among men.  He certainly left his mark on this world in more ways than one.  Little did we know in 2011, when we met at the picnic.  On a visit to French Guiana,  I visited an African Village in the interior, where descendants of the Maroons still live.  It was explained to me that this village is not a replica, it is exactly what it "is" when the maroons escaped from the plantations,  long before the Emancipation proclamation.  At the entrance of the village, there is a large open thatched roof, tapia floor hut with wooden benches and some tables.  In this sacred space,  the village meets and talk, make decisions, worship and have their celebrations.  This is where, when a baby is born, the villagers come and wail, cry and hold on to their bellies, because they know the trials and tribulations this baby will go through in this world as it grows into adulthood.  This is where they come when some one dies, to celebrate; they dance and sing, because they believe that real freedom and peace have come. There will be no more suffering, anxiety, unhappiness, war, hunger, deception etc. etc.  I will never forget this visit.  I was so moved  at their deep faith and acceptance of death as the freeing of a person's spirit that I hugged one of the posts.   What will it take for us, who have been dragged away and torn from our root to look forward to death, as our ancestors did?  Thank you so much, Scrathie for sharing your pain. I know that many of us feel this way.

Mausicans who attended the funeral to be one with Phillip's spirit were: Gloria Samuel; Wallis Wyke; Claudette Phillip and daughter; Phyllis Mottley; Bernice Dyer-Regis; Lystra Jean-Paul; Gerry Honore; Noel T. Duncan; Theodore Lewis (Scrathie) and of course Maria Mora.  It I left out anyone, please forgive me.   Let us know if you were there, and what it meant to you.

Thirdly,  I too am anxious about the magazine.  I would not want it to be just a printed copies of pages put together.  We need it to be a classy mag. that will be here for generations to come--- copyrighted etc etc.  Possibly lodged with the Library of Congress etc etc.  I have asked for pictures of the year groups, and any pics that people may have. I have had initial discussions with a publisher, about this magazine.  The need to get advertisers for assistance with the publication.  It will have a glossy cover---- maybe hard cover (then it will not be just a mag.) glossy pages.  The design and layout will have to be done.  We will have to do at least 500 copies.   I have to check my files. Yes, Linda you sent everything to me, but my email was hacked into as many of you know. It was very distressing.  I had to take this laptop to be reconfigured. It really gave some problems. I lost some of my files.  Really hoping that what you sent me was preserved. If not I will get in touch with Joy.  I will be going to see the publisher next week, and will arrange to have the copy sent to her.  I am thinking that the cover design could carry the silhouette of MTC's buildings. Dave has the silhouette which is an artist's impression.  Please be patient everyone.  This will take some time.  We have lots of pics for this year's reunion and also 2011.  We will need to get  pics, since our reunions began.  Pics will have to b print-ready.

I see a pic. of Errol in his original hostel vest and his original graduation jacket.....which he has been wearing to reunion dinners-complete with the original stain (not sure if it is food, drink or make-up Emoji), and many more pics. in a section of the mag.  You know doing something that  will be memorable and even for use on coffee-tables, will take some doing.  Patience, please.

Maria

Anna Maria Mora 70

RE: Alumni Awards - September 25th

2013-Sep-18-2021Hrs

Hi Erroll,

Next week I’ll be returning to Edmonton to receive an award from University of Alberta alumni. See link below (Alumni Honour Award category).

With the Mausica 50th Reunion still fresh on my mind, I would like to share this award with all of my Mausica colleagues. Little did we know back then where life after Mausica would have taken us, but wherever we ended up, we all know where it all started.

I know of three Mausicans living in Edmonton – Marina Leung Woo, Heather Ratsoy, another at U of A – I was unable to reach Heather, but Marina will be attending the ceremony. If we missed anyone, feel free to join us. We will be celebrating after the reception.  Watch out for photos in the next blog.

http://alumni.ualberta.ca/events/alumni-weekend/planning-your-weekend/alumni-awards-2013

Selwyn Jacob 63-65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-12

2013-Sep-17-0022Hrs

Hi Errol, thank you for keeping the Mausica family together.

I would like to ask if anyone can direct me to where I can find a copy of the Graduation calendars or yearbooks for 1972 and 1973 please.

Thank you,

With sincere appreciation,

Joy Thomas (Philip) 1971-1973

RE: BEEBOP

2013-Sep-16-0037Hrs

Hello Errol,

Have a good day.

Rodney

BEEBOP

We called each other “Beebop”. Like in beebop cap.

At MTC , we both chose Spanish as our Optional with the dynamic Cuff as our instructor. One day in class, we were having a good time recalling long time words describing caps. We both shouted out “Beebop”. At Reunion 2011 in New York, we both greeted each other with a hearty “Beebop!”  and a Havenite embrace.

Phillip Kendall was a dear friend. He gave Melvina, Marjorie, Mary? and me a ride back to Brooklyn in his SUV, after attending a fete in Long Island. The last time I saw him was at the picnic and the “We Limin” impromptu concert at Hofstra University. He was wearing a stingy brim straw hat and a moss green jersey.  He looked like ah ole time calypsonian but refused my invitation to render a kaiso or give ah joke. He just gave me his trademark flashing smile.

It was a pleasure knowing my brother, Phillip.

May you rest in peace my Havenite Brother.

By de way, as I read of the deaths of our brothers and sisters,  I recall an old school song, “ Ten Green Bottles”. The bottles kept falling off the wall, one at a time.

Mausican bottles are falling off the walls. What will be our legacy?

On my “Return To Mausica”, I saw the skeletal remains of Villa Nova, Wingate and Kirkendale. Gone were the common rooms where we played ping pong and “chess”. My cousin, Carlston Gray called “chess “Having a Midnight Snack”. Ah wonder wat he was eating?

On a more serious note, I believe that  the spirits of Mausica are appealing for a more decent, respectable closure. Therefore, I suggest that we return to Mausica in 2015 and give MTC a more ceremonial burial, one befitting its legacy. Enlist the support of the government because MTC was a government institution.

Fellow Mausicans, in 2015, let us return to our sixty-five acres and sing, dance, give thanks, pray, cry, laugh, reminisce and celebrate the Mausica Legacy. Let us rekindle the educationally sound vision of preservice teacher training. As Cousin Carlston suggests, our well-qualified graduates should partner with the government to design programs to make TNT proud of its education system.

As usual,

Rodney Foster.

66-68

Re: Phillip Kendall

2013-Sep-15-0943Hrs

After reading Scratchy’s piece, I felt moved to say something. I saw Phillip in New York for the first time in years. We used to lime many years ago. We grew up in St James mere blocks away from each other…. Andre Stevens, Darnley Gittens and Annette Allen, all from the same area. He was always zesty, full of life and he was the same way in NY. First thing he asked me in NY was “Whey Efebo” and we sat and chatted about old times. My brother, I could not make to the church where we went to Sunday School, neither to your interment as I had a medical appointment that could not be postponed but my thoughts were with you. Dese days all kinda ting does happen to yuh.

Farewell My Brother

Finbar

Fairhaven 72

finbar

'take time to laugh for it is the  music of the soul....'

Finbar Ryan 72

RE: Phillip Kendall

2013-Sep-14-1744Hrs

Big Apple Reunion 2011 was the first time that I met Phillip Kendall.  I recall how happy he was as he hugged others.  May his soul rest in peace.

--

Brenda

"and this too will pass"

Brenda Alexander-Perez 65

RE: Phillip Kendall

2013-Sep-13-1454Hrs

Dear Errol:

This is going to be rambling, reflecting my state of mind, just having one hour ago witnessed the burial of my fellow Havenite Phillip Kendall. Earlier in the day I had written something on this blog, then I sent a private note to Rodney Foster who was in Phil's year group and is also a Havenite. I found the photograph that Cliff Bertrand had sent years ago, showing him looking no more than 18.

As I was walking to the big tree, behind the stands in the Center of Excellence where the cemetery lies, and under which our brother has found his resting place, I found myself disagreeing with the lady with whom I was walking, about her assertion that death has no sting.

If there was no sting in death, why was I feeling so absolutely empty about this passing.  Why should I privilege the hereafter, over life above ground,  where people make their mark as fathers, teachers, mothers, lawyers, priests, whatever. 

If the real action in life comes after death, what then is the whole point of life here on earth??

My own view is that it is possible that death is such a fearsome thing, that it is better to employ reverse psychology where it is concerned. Pretend it is no big deal to die. Where is thy sting? After death is supposed to come this phase of eternal life, where my soul assumes primacy, my soul which will live forever.

You know the song that Cuffie and the warden taught us "Death Oh, Death oh mi lawd, when ah mi body lay down in the grave then ah me soul goin jump for joy".

Why are we so dismissive of life itself, this wonderful gift that we get to be born into this world. Why cant we accept that we each have finite time on this stage, to walk onto at birth and to say our lines until the curtain draws, and we become dust. Is it that we want to go on forever, and this myth has to become our creed?

I think we will treasure life more, if we privilege it as the gift we have gotten, rather than its absence. It is while we are on earth that we should make our contributions. Here and now.

There is for me a sting in death. I saw them lower a box and within it was our brother Phillip Kendall, and I am happy that I got to see him drop his lyrics, do his thing, on this side of earth. If he is able to rise up from where he lies in a form as the faithful say, I think he would be deserving, but for me, what I can say, is that while in this world, he used his given talents.

I am not sure what these words make me, perhaps some kind of non-believer, but before the white man kidnapped my ancestors, they had their own ways of dealing with death, and it was to band dey belly and bawl. Happy land of Canaan is something they were taught out here.

I find death to be undesirable, and to possess a painful sting. I still miss my mother.  I think that just in case there is nothing after, except bones, and finally dust, we should all redouble our efforts, to maximise the talents we got at birth, trying to make the earth above ground a better place, while we are here.

I was happy that I knew Phillip Kendall, and that I was there for a period in his life, when I saw him perform to the fullest of his talents, in days long before the ravages of chronic disease took hold of him. I was sad, not happy, to represent Haven, as they let him down, in what looked to me to be a quite final fearsome process.

I don't think we should taunt death by asking it where is it sting. Let sleeping dogs lie

We have to decide if a roll is going to be called up yonder, or if before that roll call, us humans would find earth to be increasingly uninhabitable, as the sun takes its toll, and earth could not longer support life.

Scratchy

Fair Haven Forever

67-69.

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Mausica.

2013-Sep-13-1058Hrs

Let me please, beg your indulgence, in lecturing all of you who read this blog.

There is a history that I was asked to help with, I did most of the work with the help of Joy Valdez, Pat Allum Ryan, and with contributions from Rodney Foster, Gwendolyn's tribute to Harry Joe at his funeral and others  that I cannot recall now typing from memory. Cover was designed, a picture of Harry Joe and the Cuff sent, from my group picture of 1968.

All of this was sent to AnnaMaria and Joy, for my 72nd. Birthday, March 27th. All thta was needed was printing. I know "Copy ready" I have two novels out.

That nothing came of it shows a lack of something. We have lots of words, putting out money to help bring this book to fruition was what was lacking.

That was point one.

We talk a lot of "family". Are we lying to ourselves?

When my brother died in New Jersey, in 2004, we had an older cousing living in a nursing home, who would have been inconsolable, if she only Heard that he had died. We got permission to "borrow" her from the nursing home, so she could attend the graveside service, and say goobye to this son of Williamsville. We had to be sure that we had a medical doctor or other health staff nearby. Fortunately, one of my nephews Dr. Adebanji Alabi, who was working in Sando at the time, was going to be at the funeral, as well as four of my sisters who are nurses, and one retired nurse. We got all the paperwork done, so this aged woman could say goodbye. This, I remind you, was the third death we were coping with in 17 days.

My cousin from Boston, driving to the funeral, arrived late. They were beginning to close the casket at the church. (Funeral officials are so bombastic, they behave as if its their dead.) Well my cousin is one of those solidly built African men who show no trace whatever of any other bloodlines. I insisted as the senior relative, that he be allowed to see my brother. The director looked at Felix's wife, and I stared them down. They reopened the coffin. What my cousin said still brings tears as I type this."This man , this son of our soil, did not come to America to die.(at 51) He came seeking a better life for his fmily,but death found him. We have to give a soldier's send off to this son of our soil.(He had been a police officer). My cousin unfurled a six foot  Trinbago flag, draped my brother's coffin in it, and saying another prayer of dismissal, we proceeded to the hearse and the cemetery. That, is what family does, in my opinion.

Now, for all the talk of Fitzy and the Cuff, could someone, or two people not have  arranged to have them come to Mausica, even by ambulance, for that section of the celebrations? That would have added years to their lives, and meaning, and they would have known they were loved.

It is how we treat the living ancestors that define our values.

Now, I'll get down off my soapbox, and go fix my breakfast.

Linda E. Edwards

Linda E. Romain.

Lecturer in English and History

1967-1969

RE: Way Solid from?

2013-Sep-13-0925Hrs

Now This is a real problem. Just as I was thinking that Rodney was correct, and Solid Seven from de coconut in Aranguez, abandoning my thought that they from Point, we now here that they really from La Brea!. But me, Geezmo, Clydee and others went to a Solid fete in Point, and the people was getting on like if Solid from right dey. So dat is why I was thinking originally dat maybe Solid from Point, but then again the fete was by the savannah at the big corner, and now I am thinking we might have been in La Brea and not Point. What do you call the place where the road is in a hole, and all the houses kilkatay, because of tectonic movement of pitch....is that Point or La Brea?

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-12

2013-Sep-13-0715Hrs

Hi Errol,

It has now dawned on me that I have not thanked you for the Mausica updates. Thank you. When I saw the time it was sent, at 3.40 am, I said this is a true committed fellowman. My name was Ann Francois in Mausica (69-71). My I.D has the name Valerie Ann Gilbert now. Bye for now.

Thanks again for keeping me in touch.

Valerie Ann Gilbert nee Francois 71

RE: Phillip Kendall

2013-Sep-13-0047Hrs

The death of Phillip Kendall is very very hard to take. This man had more life in him than most people I know. He was a natural athlete, a specimen, chiseled by god. He was one of the bright lights in the haven when I got there in 1967. A very pleasant personality. I played with him on the 67-68 football team, along with Geezmo (Kent Rennie), Efebo (in goal), Joe Ragoonansingh, Darnley Gittens, Gerry Hernandez, Frederick Beckles Deceased), Carlsbury Gonzales, Gregory Byrnes, Roy Jagroopsingh (deceased), Dave Didier, Nazir Khan, Ho Sing Loy.

Phil was graceful on the football field...delightful to watch.

I will never forget the quartermile on sports-day 1967-68 when he and Geezmo dueled to the tape, he coming out the victor.

Why is death so cruel?

In inter-training college sports I was on the track team with him when we ran the other colleges into oblivion.

In the weekly blog of Friday, 28 August, 2009, we see a beautiful picture of the track team, with Phil standing next to Geezmo. Errol I wonder if you could re-post  the pictures of that day? He is next to last in the top picture, and fourth in the one in which the runners are kneeling.

Cliff Bertrand may have published it and I wonder if he could do that again.

Phil, I will miss watching you play ping pong, watching you play football, and watching you run. There was never born a more graceful athlete, and a more effervescent soul.

This man was one of the Haven originals, quiet, thoughtful, energetic.

Gone too soon.

Scratchy

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Passing of Colleague

2013-Sep-12-1205Hrs

Errol,

I regret to inform the Mausica community of the passing of Phillip Kendall. He participated in the NY reunion and had already finalized plans for participating in the 2013 reunion when he suffered a bilateral stroke on May 20th, from which he did not recover. He subsequently died on August 28th in NY.

The funeral service is scheduled to take place in Trinidad on Friday 13th Sept at 10.00am at the Church of the Nazarene, Mooniram Street, St James followed by burial at the Tunapuna Cemetery. Condolences are extended to his family. May he rest in peace.

Bernice

I'm blessed!!

Bernice Dyer-Regis 73

RE:

2013-Sep-11-1901Hrs

Hi Melvina,

You are correct - Solid Seven was a La Brea group.  Two of my cousins were members of the band.  Sorry I missed seeing you at the march, yes we would have reminisced about Mausica if we had me.

--

Brenda

"and this too will pass"

Brenda Alexander-Perez 65

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-05

2013-Sep-09-1106Hrs

Who is that trying to rob La Brea of its other wonder of the world?  Solid Seven from La Brea, not Point.  Myrtle and Brenda, help me!  Didn't know that you, too, were in the March, Brenda; we could have sung a Mausica folk duet.

Melvina Dick 75

RE:

2013-Sep-08-0119Hrs

A Disturbing Silence

Aye, Scratchy, yuh bring tears tuh meh eyes. How yuh bright so? How yuh coud write so? No wonder yuh is ah doctah. Keep up de insightful commentary and analyses.

However, ah cocksure Cox from de Coconut and I from Barataria.

Yes, my Havenite Brother, Fitzy mastered the power of Silence.

I remember one night I was involved in a rumble in the foyer outside HMJ Hall. Out of de blue, Fitzy appeared. Just looked at de crowd. Didn’t utter one word. Disappeared faster than he had appeared. De crowd melted away. And dat was de end of de confrontation.

Yes man , Mr Williams was ah real genius.

Ancil, students do check on Mr. Williams via phone and visits. Maureen Warner provides food daily, and my elders, Donald Walker and Angela and Trevor Ifill keep in close contact with him.

I visited Mr. Williams after the reunion. I am not afraid of most dogs. I talk to the three dogs, pothounds, as I enter the gates and never turn my back on them.

Did somebody say , “Dog doh bite dog.”?

On a more serious note. Both Mrs. Cuffie and Mr. Williams’ conditions are reflections of the times in which we live. They raise serious concerns about care for the elderly and about our preparation for those days.

Therefore, I suggest that we engage in these discussions now and formulate action plans to address them.

By the way, one of my batch mates stands ready to make a financial contribution to the Mausica Foundation. It would be an excellent testimony of “Living The Legacy” and “Leaving A Legacy”.

Sincere condolences to all the bereaved families. Brother Philip Kendall, may you rest in peace.

As usual,

Rodney Foster, 66-68

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-05

2013-Sep-07-0548Hrs

Funeral today Saturday Sept. 07 10:00 am at Couva Revival Church, Edgar Street, Couva followed by burial at the Preysal Public Cemetery

Dhanpati Lalla-Ramcharitar 71

RE: Wey you from, who is you fadder some thoughts..

2013-Sep-06-1321Hrs

Friends:

Theodore Lewis's comment about people not admitting where they are from, was not only a Mausica problem, but a worldwide problem.

It stems from the traditional arrogance of city folk, which caused country folk, unless you were the landed gentry, to fumble the information about where they were from.

The Romans were the first, I found who looked down at the presumably unlettered folks from the hinterland.

The hinterland, the countryside, the bush was where people lived whose business was to feed the city folks who knew "Book larnin" but nothing else, presumably.

When I was a student at the Government Teachers' College, 1961-62, we had a brilliant sociologist named deWilton Rogers, who had crossed back into who he was, long before it was fashionable. One day, he asked who knew how to make bake. I put my hand up. I was in a front area seat. I heard some tittering. I looked around, mine was the only hand up. The Tobago delegation, that included people named Gibbs, Caesar, Nicholson and Gittens, not a hand went up. The Sangre Grande people, the Chaguanas people, the Point and Sando people did not know how to make bake. I lowered my hand to Mr. Rogers' saying there was one  honest person in the house.

Today bake has been rehablitated. It took a while.

On the east coast of the US we had some friends with whom we went to the annual Kappa dance. They were from Tennessee. In making conversation, since the woman was my school colleague, and our husbands were going along, George  asked where Bill was from. He said Memphis. His wife chipped in "Just a short mule ride from Memphis". He husband was irate. Memphis was the closest town. The short mule ride indicated a one horse town, where the poor blacks rode mules. With his PhD and DuPont job, Bill was not going to admit that he was from some one-horse town that was off the map.

Trinis also love to ask"who is your father again?" My response has always been "A country farmer. You would not know him."When we moved to Arima, I was fourteen, there was the family of Vincent Edwards living in a well to do house near the Catholic church. People wanted to associate me with them.

I later began saying"I am a Williams from Williamsville on my father's side, and an Eccles from Ecclesvillage on my mother's side." if we were well enough known to have two villages bearing our family names, people thought it was ok to be from the country.

My mother stayed in a miserable marriage, because she repeatedly said she did not want to be like those women who point to a man passing in the street, who did not even say hello, and say "Look you father passing dey, yes."

Dr. Eric Williams, of blessed memory, abolished illigitimate as a statement on a child's birth certifcate,and gave all offspring equal inheritance rights, but he could not eliminate the stigma of being considered a country bookie, or the child hearing his father say "She say you is mine, but I ent seeing no traces of me anywhere. I still looking."

Keep well, and preserve the memories.

Linda Edwards

Lecturer, MAusica 67-69.

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-05

2013-Sep-06-1111Hrs

I add my congratulations to Earl Knights aka  "Flip Wilson".  I remembered how he and Vernella entertained the students who did not go home on weekends on the piano in the HMJ Hall.

I am saddened at the passing of Adelia' mom.  I knew her before Mausica.  Henson (TTT Programme Director) and I attended Harmon's School of SDA and during the holidays I spent many days up at Grenadian Hill in Belle Garden at the Bovells.  She will be greatly missed.  She was a stalwart in the development of Belle Garden as an outstanding village in Tobago and Trinidad.  We cannot forget the wonderful children she mothered.  Adelia, Henson, Justus, Joseph and the others whose names escape me at this time I offer you this quote:  "Don't grieve as a people without hope."  There is a great Reunion coming.  We'll meet the dearly departed again in the sweet by and by.  I love you.

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-05

2013-Sep-06-0944Hrs

Yes confirming Yvonne Nickie Meyers 70- 72 passed away on Monday 2nd

Funeral service is on Saturday 7th 10.00 am Pentecostal Church on Edgar St Couva

May God grant her eternal rest.

Also Philip Kendall 66-68  died last week in NY

Do not have any details about funeral arrangements

Phyllis Mottley 72

RE: Ancil Knights' comment re Fitzy

2013-Sep-06-0841Hrs

Our brother Ancil Knights makes a fair comment about the collective silence regarding Fitz-James Williams, when contrasted with the euphoria that has attended the 50th anniversary celebrations. He asks whether the alumni are hard hearted, or whether we are ungrateful?

I do not blame Ancil for writing like that. To not think about Fitzy (and the Cuff) while commemorating the birth of Mausica 50 years ago would indeed be akin to being blind to the presence of the elephant sitting in the living room. If someone introduces the Pips, the obvious response has to be yes  "but what about Gladys Knights?

But I can offer a third hypothesis to be considered along go with the Ancil offers  and it is that silence often communicates in ways that words cannot. For example, during our return to the campus as part of the celebrations, when we once again went to the assembly,  Rodney Foster called for a brief period of silence, in memory of the many lively souls who once lent their presences to that space, in the absolute peak of their youths, and at the height of their powers. And anyone who was there knows that that period of silence said more than we ever could about those bright lights, now extinguished.

And we saw what that silence masked, when Rodney, in an inspired and unscripted revelatory moment, in the middle of that silence, asked for people to say aloud the name of a fallen Mausican, and there was then this incredible outpouring of names, names of the dead. I heard about forty, and I myself shouted out Yvone Fitz-Andrews! Horatio Hospedales! I could have gone on, Kenneth Bobb, Ken Parmasad, "Toco," Martin Brathwaite, "Psychee, "

It was painful. But that outburst of names is what was beneath the silence.

Silence is not nothingness. It is in fact a kind of speech.

Try to exclude Fitzy from the story of Mausica if you can.

I was once cursing profusely in the downstairs corridor of Fair Haven, and when I looked down that corridor at the top of it, there was a bald-headed man, with what looked like a group of visitors being brought unannounced to have a look at the place. I found a way to melt into the walls of the hostel, as he artfully guided the guests away. I heard from that tour guide about this event shortly after, with a wry smile on his face, and I have heard from him about that event many times over the decades. He has that on me. I should have been at least wearing clothes he said. Cursing like that.

Silence is speech. And in the circumstances, far from ungratefulness, or hardness of heart, my own reading of our silence regarding this man is that it was perhaps the most eloquent and respectful way to grieve. We reserve silence for reverence.

Theodore Lewis (Scratchy).

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Sep-05

2013-Sep-06-0629Hrs

Hi Errol,

Good to read about Mausica and Mausicans every week.What about documentation of our history?  About Fitzie, I phoned him and read the poem I did  for the concert and he appreciated it. He asked for a copy which I promised faithfully to deliver, but I have been so busy travelling to Miami and elsewhere. I  just got back from Antigua and am getting ready to go to The Bahamas and Barbados, so I have not yet fulfilled my promise. I am going to print it and put it in my bag and pass in at his home in Tunapuna sometime within the next few days before I leave again.

Have a great week all.And Errol, thanks a million for keeping us in touch with one another.

Hazel Thompson-Ahye

PS. I am not at all happy about what I have been reading and hearing about early  childhood education and how the teachers are being treated so unfairly. I intend to air my views publicly on the matter as soon as I get a chance..

Hazel Thompson-Ahye 70

RE: Death of Mildred Bovell

2013-Sep-05-2205Hrs

Dear Errol,

On behalf of Claudia Alman-Taylor, I would like to share the sad news that Dr Adelia Bovell-Benjamin's mother, Mildred Bovell, passed away in Atlanta. She is to be buried in Tobago but the details are not yet finalised. On behalf of the Mausica family we want to extend our deepest sympathy to Adelia and her famiky and relatives.

Myrtle Spencer for Claudia Alman-Taylor

Myrtle Spencer 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Aug-29

2013-Sep-05-2144Hrs

Dear Errol,

The hardest thing about growing old is the fading memory. As I wait for the weekly blog, I am trying to remember  the calypso that got me into the calypso finals in 1969. Everyone remembers the calypso Mamas without Papas  that got me into trouble but not the calypso that put me into the finals. I was the only first Year i to make the finals with a calypso entitled: They refuse to choose a beautiful MSC. Kelvin Subran and I had lost the student council elections and I made a calypso on that .I recall the chorus was:

They refuse to choose a beautiful MSC

Just look at we

An MSC whose members were not nuts,

Just look at us

An MSC whose members were full of charm

Not of them could beat back Kelvin Subran.

There are so many happy memories of Mausica  I do hope we can have some mini reunions in between. We are always sharing sad news so let me share some happy news about my daughter's wedding in Miami last month, Here are a couple of photos.She had an African ceremony and a Catholic wedding.

Hazel Thompson-Ahye 70

RE: Sad note

2013-Sep-04-1723Hrs

I have just learnt of the passing of Yvonne Nickie. Not sure of details as yet. She was Nickie -La Roche and then Nickie -Myers. 1970-72

Euline Fox-Peters 72

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Aug-29

2013-Sep-04-1022Hrs

I add my own condolences to the family of Arnim and Franklyn Phillip. I ask God to continue to comfort you as you go through this period of loss.

Hearty congratulations to fellow   Mausican  Earl Knight (72-74) . Earl was the recipient of the national Humming Bird  Medal (Gold) at our nation's recent Independence Awards Ceremony.

Those of us who know Earl, know him as a devoted husband, father and teacher and a musician par excellence. Take a bow brother, you deserve the gold!

Please add him to the mailing list: His email is earl.knight@hotmail.com

joy!!!

Joy Valdez 74

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2013-Aug-29

2013-Aug-31-2203Hrs

Hi Errol, I am curious; with all that up and down and Celebrating " Mausica "did anyone remember Mr Fitz James Williams  our dear warden on Jubilee Street in Tunapuna? I have notice no mention of him whatsoever.

Are we so hard hearted or ungrateful? Sorry to sound so harsh or correct me if I'm wrong. I honestly thought that on your way to Mausica he would have been surprised with a visit from such a  great amount of his children.May God truly help us.....

Ansel Knights 71