Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-DEC-04

2020-DEC-09-1828Hrs

This was at the river lime in reunion 2003.  A phot of the pioneers.

Felix Edinborough 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-27

2020-DEC-01-2302Hrs

The newspapers here have reported the death of Dr. Cliff Bertrand, former lecturer at Mausica, and regular contributor to the blog. Dr. Bertrand caught the Mausiac spirit  from his position as lecturer, and fell in with the alumni. His sharing of photographs of Mausicans as athletes was one of his favourite things to do, and I think a real contribution to the collective of us as we have continued to look back. Clearly the place affected him in the same way that it affected the rest of us. I found him to be a shy man, who had the difficult task of making his content reachable from a lecturn, when more informal spaces might sometimes have been more appropriate for the more dynamic content of his field. But he clearly found the place to be nurturing, and on leaving Mausica kept improving himself. I was on the Mausica track team for  time and enjoyed working with him. A gentle, good person. A Mausican to the end.

Scratchie

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-27

2020-NOV-28-0544Hrs

I truly appreciate Scratchie's walk down memory lane with the gentlemen of the three hostels. Sorry I cannot do the same with the ladies. I particularly enjoyed the nicknames by which they were more popularly known. In his wisdom he left out some of the more intimate but 'not so pleasant' ones earned during 'Initiation.' In our year it was Harry Joe who recited for us the poem 'even this shall pass away.' Hymns like 'Lead Kindly Light' sung at the close of that period were most appropriate. But the one that will forever be etched on the momory of the '67 - '69 group is 'Departure' whuch was sung at the funeral service of 2 of our more popular students who passed away under tragic circumstances - Cheryl Gittens and Horatio Hospedales. Thankfully we have made it to COVID and many of us are in the most vulnerable age group. Let us do our best observing all protocols so that GOD willing we come out of it alive

Pearl Yvonne Mulrain 69

RE: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-20

2020-NOV-21-1114Hrs

well Andrew Miguel, (second year), Patrick Ali, and sadly Phillip Kendall

Cuthbert Matthews (Clang), Gaston Alleyne, Ho Sing Loy, ....

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-20

2020-NOV-21-1035Hrs

My brothers, my brothers.....its just a little date.....from over fifty years ago....how come Mausican still in we blood.....my roomate Sto (Selwyn Bethelmy) came to the house last week.....came with a plumber who was going to sort out my water-pump....

Wasn't it yesterday when Tanty Popo and uncle Kyran took me up there from Marabella to that mecca......Mausica.....the best school of all for me.....the biggest imprint on my life....my psyche....

and Sto came up just like that and took my suitcase.....and walked me over to Fairhaven..... that was 53 years ago.....

Memorable people came in with me..with the privilege of becoming Havenites....Carl Salvary......Arthur Hume, ....Peter Pariag......Deodath Maharaj......Anthony Lum.....Noel T,,  Peter Pariag... Victorinus.....Oswald Thompson.......Oswald Murray.....Robin Ramsingh.....Lloyd Nagee...Clyde Maurice....Abraham (from Grenada) "Abree", Hospee.....Victor Wright (Toco),

Mayfair men...Gregory Byrne,...Roy Jagroopsingh.....Wray McBurnie..Kenneth Bobb (KB),

Villa men---Udho Rambaran (DJango), Davis Charles......

Second year men in Haven....Rodney.....Sto. Carlsbury.  Efebo....Miguel, Murrel,  Martin (Braf).....Kent Rennie (Geezmo).......

Then "departure" for the first time.....the sadness....of which Garth speaks....and the first years coming in....at the rebirth.....in into Haven.....Benji, (Ronald Benjamin), Fabian Alverez, Reynold Davis.....

other men of real note....Joe Stephens......Garth.....

I better stop

Theodore Lewis 69

Crossing the street in Varadero 2.JPG, IMG_6790.JPG and IMG_6118.JPG are attachments to this email.

RE: Back ah Yard

2020-NOV-20-1943Hrs

Fellow Mausicans,

If we survive this pandemic in one piece, we should celebrate with the biggest Thanksgiving service on the Mausica campus in...….well, whenever.

What's your opinion?

Carlston A. Gray 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-13

2020-NOV-14-0905Hrs

I mentioned an incident in the last blog about our last day in Mausica Teacher's College. I made one mistake. This did not happen in 1969, but rather in 1971.

Garth Nicholas 1969 to 1971

RE: Memory Lane

 2020-NOV-12-2336Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Is me again. Aye, hear nah man, I jus get up from ah lil siesta and ah start tuh sing ah Ray Charles classic named after ah southern state. Ah tink Cassanovas use tuh play it. It was ah bound tuh dance tune. Yuh remember dem days?

Name dat tune.

Aye, Big Brother Errol, yuh must know dat song.

All those who shout "Georgia"! Take ah bow.

If yuh hear meh. Ah sing all de parts. Marjorie watchin meh in wonderment.

Ah glidin, ah waltzin, ah fox -trottin, ah two steppin and ah makin ah diagonal tuh de center of HMJ Hall. Wen ah reach de dead center, ah rent ah tile and ah start slow dancin like Joan Braithwaite an she husband from Point. Who say "grinding"? How she name dancin good, boy. She go save de last dance fuh me.

Yes, Yvonne and Pearl. There will be plenty chessin tonite!

On a serious note. I am glad that Marjorie and I  made it back to Stone Mountain, GA. to participate in the recent unprecedented election. Brother Alan Simpson and I took a virtual drink fuh Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and all Democrats. Mausicans in every thing.

Aye, allyuh, ah gorn fuh now. Ah have tuh finish some CE courses tuh remain compliant. How much more Ethics dey want?

So long for now. Be safe.

As usual.

Rodney Foster, Original Red Guard and Havenite. 66-68

Rodney Foster 68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-NOV-06

2020-NOV-06-1730Hrs

In July 1969 the day when we were graduating from Mausica, Selwyn Ayoung, from Fairhaven came over to Sunsetvilla. We in Sunsetvilla were there for 2 whole years together. We were asking each other for all different things. We were using obsene language in every sentence we said. When Selwyn heard us, his remarks were, "Listen to the love."

That struck me. And I began to think about what Selwyn had said.

We were together for 2 years, this was our last day, and after that day, there was no telling when we would be seeing each other again. I was hearing the cursing, and was part of it. He came in, listened, and realized that much more than cursing was going on. We were expressing our love for each other, and the absence that would follow when we left Mausica.  That was 49 years ago, and I remember it as if it was yesterday.

Selwyn Ayoung died a few years after leaving Mausica, but as a first year, he composed  Mausica's Anthem. I am sure that lecturer June Joseph still has a copy of that anthem.

Garth Nicholas 1969 to 1971

RE: Oct 31, 2020 ZOOM

2020-NOV-03-1048Hrs

Hello famalaay!

We had a 4 hour Zoom get together on October 31.

Based on the post meeting comments, it looks like everyone enjoyed themselves. This time we shared Mausica stories/memories and there were exchanges like - “I didn’t know about that!”, “ah hah now I can connect the dots!”, “initiation was traumatic”,  “no one realised how shy I was”.

We learnt the history of some of the nick names and that Mausica was started as a World Bank/UESCO initiative.

It was an atmosphere in which we felt comfortable not only to share feelings and perceptions, but to clarify misconceptions. There was a lot of laughter and anticipation of the next get together.

There were twentyfive of us from different year groups on the Zoom. Of the group, 4 joined from Trinidad and 4 from the US, the rest were from Canada.

Thanks attendees, your presence contributed to the creation of the most awesome virtual meeting we’ve had so far.

COVID19 will not keep us apart emotionally.

Brenda

"and this too will pass"

Brenda Alexander-Perez 65

Re: Mausica graduates

2020-NOV-02-1537Hrs

Hi Errol,

John Soso is an email address I use sometimes to store material. Sorry, I should have sent it as BCC. John Soso does not exist.

You are doing a great job, please continue.

I have been saying now for decades, that the greatest mistake made in Education in Trinidad, in the latter half of the 20th century, was to close down Mausica Teachers' College. That institution, in addition to educating the teachers of the country, also provided an invaluable service in teaching the young of the country about the people, their lifestyles, by making it possible for people from all parts of the country to associate together, and learn.

of all the things that Mausica did one was to create the calypsonian Happy.

Gilbert O'Connor was in the same year like me. When it was time for the 1st years to put on their concert, Fairhaven's hostel rep. Lennox Lawrence, with the nickname Popeye, called all the 1st years in the hostel for a meeting. He told them that they cannot make Fairhaven shame, and was asking them what could they do for the concert.

He gave to Gilbert O'Connor the task of writing a calypso, even though he knew that Gilbert had NEVER written a calypso before. This meeting was held on the Thursday night. They had until the Sunday night when they returned, to show what they would be doing for the concert. In the meeting on Sunday night, when Gilbert was asked to sing his calypso, half way through the calypso, Popeye stopped him and started cursing, as only Popeye could.   "What the $#%@& I thought you said you never composed a calypso before."

"This is the  first calypso I ever write", was his answer. The rest is history.

For our competition one year, he wrote a calypso, about the behavior of our lecturers, after they smoked marijuana.On the national stage, I remember "Boy George" more than any other calypso that he wrote.

Garth 69 to 71

Garth Nicholas 71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-OCT-23

2020-OCT-23-1619Hrs

Condolences to Lorna Palmer on the loss of her husband.

Garth Nicholas 71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-OCT-23

2020-OCT-23-1443Hrs

Condolences to all. 

Lily Walker 67

RE: bereavement

2020-OCT-18-2204Hrs

I visited Neville Archibald- Archie this evening and he was in high spirits. Just about an hour ago I received another  sad news. Lorna Palmer-Conyette (69-71) husband passed away this evening. Condolences to Lorna and the Family.

Ansel Knights 71

RE: Bereavement

2020-OCT-16-2244Hrs

Neville,please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved wife Theo..She was such a wonderful person.

Praimraj Boodram 71

Re: Our Legacy

2020-OCT-16-0931Hrs

Greetings Fellow Mausicans:

My response to writing our legacy is that we add to/revise/refine the files/stories that we already have.

Erol and the regular contributors, thanks for the great work. I look forward to reading the weekly blog.

Thanks.

Adelia (72-74)

Adelia C. Bovell-Benjamin 74

RE: "Life IS A Stage"

2020-OCT-15-2324Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

What a memorable experience. Like a good Efebo play, there were numerous emotions, opportunities to laugh, cry, hope, discover, teach, grow, change, celebrate.  In other words, my stay in Sweet TNT was like a good Trini Sunday Food, ah lil bit of everything.

Barbara, on September 12th, Marj and I were blessed to board a CAL flight and return to Atlanta via Miami.  It was a blessed, six-months, spiritual journey.

Sincere condolences to the Archibald family. Archie was ah real nice Mausican Brother.  Rest in Peace, my pardnah.

Thank you Brother Errol for your contributions to the Mausican  family.

We love you, Big Brother. Even in yuh tight, tight, graduation dinner jacket.  How yuh could dance so!

.As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-OCT-09

2020-OCT-09-1609Hrs

I was informed today of the death of the wife of Neville Archibald, Theo. We were there from 1969 to 1971. Archie, as he is known, and I were Villans.

Garth Nicholas 71

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-OCT-09

2020-OCT-09-1449Hrs

Hello fellow Mausicans

We spoke of publishing Mausica's legacy. Some have sent in a few stories here and there. Brenda Alexander (63-65) alerted me to a website mtcalumni.com/MTC/MTChistory.htmThis website has a list of pdf files submitted by many with the dates submitted. I started browsing this list and realize that many stories explaining a great part of that very legacy. So here is my idea: can we go through each of these files, see what we have chronologically, and use the information already stored to build a narrative. We can intersperse that narrative with related pictures. Among the names of people who have already submitted files are Felix Edinborough, Pat Allum, Joy Barnes, Merle Dillon etc.

So first, your thoughts before we move on to next steps. Thanks.

It's ok to reject the idea; not a big deal at all.

Bernice Stephens 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-SEP-11

2020-SEP-13-0911Hrs

I smile when I read the conversations written by different past Mausica students . Those were really memorable years for us all  Love and greetings to all of you.

Eileen Pilgrim 1967 - 1969

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-SEP-04

2020-SEP-10-2312Hrs

I smiled when I read '...young again'. This year marks 50 years since another group of young and enthusiastic fledglings entered the hallowed gates of Mausica Teachers' College to begin the preparation of moulding a nation through service.  Congratulations to all of us who made it to this date. Thanks, Yvette Elvin Seales for reminding me. Those were two of the best years of my life.  A real holistic experience and I had no regrets.

I got rid of a lot of stuff but three of the certificates we were awarded, are still in my possession. One is The Annual Service Award for special services rendered. The other, The Leaving Certificate and the third when my hostel, WINGATE won the infamous GRELL CUP in Term One 1970.

Memories are made of this. Mausica was the first place that I saw a garden grow overnight or over a couple hours.   Gosh! I am sure if we did not have covid restrictions, there would have been a celebration of some sort.  50 years!!!

I am most grateful to all staff and students of that era (70-72).  May those who have gone ahead rest in peace.  Nostalgia became a reality when the time was over.  It is so good to think of the 'choral speakers'; going through the track with some hostel mates after a Friday or Saturday night hostel fete; jugs flying in the air at meal times; fanning away the flies (I kept doing it even after I had left Mausica); learning to savour the taste of porridge at midnight when we were studying and hungry; chatting with Matron in her lily white uniform; the various clubs; practising for Folk swingers in the Refectory in front of the large mirrors and Mrs Cuffie making sure you opened your lips correctly with a little help from her fingers.  Oh, Sweet, sweet, the memories you bring to me. And of course I must not forget...there were the lectures and lecturers.

Initiation was the greatest and I think I laughed all the way having to 'wipe dat smile an put it in meh pocket so many times. Dear Elke RIP, our hero that night when certain people had the strength to 'tief we huge pot ah pelau'. I hope they have repented.   Smell the aroma.

There is so much to celebrate, and I thank God for allowing me that experience.

Ride on, Mausicans. Keep safe.  Blessings.

Leonora de Verteuil 1970-72

RE: Archival Legacy Project

2020-AUG-24-1523Hrs

The Project would like your assistance in collecting pictures, articles and other memorabilia pertaining to the respective year groups. Please attach the names of the individuals in the pictures for ID purposes. If we could have someone from each year-group either volunteer or be selected by that group to be the collection point, that would be very helpful as that person would be in a better position to verify or authenticate the information submitted. In this regard we would also love to get pictures of the various teams/persons who represented MTC  in any sporting or other event.

That information could then be passed on to either Ben Alleyne-Stephens, Arthur Small, and/or Winston Yallery-Arthur.

Sincere thanks and appreciation.

WJYA

Winston Yallery-Arthur 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-AUG-07

2020-AUG-10-1143Hrs

Thanks to Rodney Foster who forwarded 2 interesting stories from Clyde Ballatyne, a former Sunset Villa resident 66-68. I classified those stories as "Pranks and Pranksters". Every group of 110 students committed their unfair share of pranks. So continue to send your stories of pranks and other exciting moments.

Remember when Harry Joe ordered us all to Queen's Park Oval to see cricket because some important cricketers were playing? Remember how many of us ladies fell asleep in our seats? I would love to hear that episode retold by a former pioneer. What about our visit to Queen's Hall to hear Marion Anderson?

Sports events will be retold by Arthur Small, Rick Yallery-Arthur, and maybe Felix Edinborough. How about tales of calypso competitions, Music Festivals and winning the first ever Folk Song Championship?  Apart from me (Ben Alleyne) Pearl Mulrain (payonne@gmail.com) and Merle Dillon-Baker (merlebaker@yahoo.com) will be accepting input from others.

Thank you; looking forward to hearing from you.

Bernice Stephens 65

RE: Mausica Legacy

2020-JUL-30-1859Hrs

Errol, please publish on the blog. It is likely that replies, if any, may come through you. Replies may be sent directly to Winston Yallery-Arthur, Ben stephens or Arthur Small.

Thank you.

Greetings to ALL Mausicans

Attached is a picture of the first Mausica Cricket team.For some time a few of us have been toying with the idea of putting together stories, pictures, experiences etc which would tell the history of Mausica from inception to its final closure, thereby becoming the legacy of a training college which probably was like no other in the country.

Starting with this picture, if you can identify the players, add participants of 63-65 year group this could  be the beginning of the production of the proposed legacy.

All year groupings are invited to participate.

Thank you for your anticipated participation.

Arthur Small, Winston Yallery-Arthur

Arthur Small 65

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JUL-24

2020-JUL-25-2335Hrs

Hi everyone,

Been a long time since i last wrote on the blog but felt compelled to ease Irmin’s concern for some of her fellow mausicans. I live next door to Leroy David so i know that he is alive and well. Will convey your sentiments to him.

Saw PG getting some free advertising with the reopening of Diego Martin Community Centre. Rodney thanks for your contributions which are always interesting.

Remember to stay safe and save lives

Clare Creese-Woodley 70-72

RE: "Two Little Magic Words"

2020-JUL-23-1957Hrs

Thanks and Please are the two little magic that many of us use quite often.

“in all circumstances, give thanks.” Is one of my favorite quotes from the Bible. Therefore, I would like to extend my warmest thanks to all those who contributed to the blog last week: Felix, Inez, Finbar, Veronica, Brenda , Bernice and Brother Efebo..

Keep contributing and giving thanks to our Beloved Mausica. MTC was a blessing.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

RE: Fw: Kaunda at Mausica

2020-JUL-18-0959Hrs

Angela Cato-Ifill 67

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JUL-17

2020-JUL-17-0730Hrs

Bernice, good to hear of the great times my predecessors had. But was it Hurricane Alma or Flora?  Be careful, don’t blame the wrong woman. Alma, a very peaceful woman, may take offence. We, TOBAGONIANS know that Flora was in 1963 but Alma came years later.

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JUL-10

2020-JUL-15-1755Hrs

Hello Mausicans, nice connecting with you again. Interesting that we seem unable to get former residents from each of the 6 hostels to share their stories. Maybe there are not many of us reading the blog! I do have 4 volunteers, 3 from Kirkendale and 1 from Sunset Villa and Fairhaven. Rodney has consented to collect stories on behalf of both Sunset Villa and Fair Haven. Merle Dillon-Baker volunteered to collect for 66-68; Pearl Mulrain will collect for 67-69 and I,Bernice Stephens will collect stories for 63-65. We have some continuity there.

Rodney, sorry I am not collecting all the blogs from Jacob; no need to clutter my inbox. From my perspective it is more efficient to collect the stories from individuals according to the years identified. There are some folks whose whereabouts we do not know. For example it would be great to hear from my roommate Brenda Wilson, Beryl Gibbs, Huldah Stewart, Patsy Allum, Mennen Walker, Barbara Mendez, Gabby Als, Desmond Waite, Felix Edinborough, Allan Clovis, Alfred Waithe, Ferrida Chapman (can't remember her Mausica last name) Jackie Sosa etc.  If one of us knows how to contact any of these hostel residents ask if they have stories to tell. Maybe they may be willing to send their stories via another friend if they do not belong to the blog.

So let's make it real! Those who remember the days when

1. We spent many days without books and supplies, no graded sports grounds, no cricket field, no athletic field

2. Patsy Allum composed a song about it to the melody of "Hello Mama"

3. We played netball against GTC and CTC; I became the bona fide referee because it seemed I knew the rules well enough to do that; I learned from my father who sponsored netball in South Trinidad

4. We practiced endlessly for a Christmas concert: Fitzy repeated Fall, Fall, Fall so many times so that he could get the male voices to blend perfectly. Trevor Davis (may he rest in peace) made a winning calypso that year.

5. Joan Kidd won the first Carnival Queen contest dressed as a Martiniquan woman; I won the nest year dressed as Calypso Rose

6. Harry Joe arranged a visit to Queen's Park Oval to see cricket. I forgot who were the important cricketers he wanted us to see and gave some of us a boof because a large group of us fell asleep

7. We held ping pong tournaments in the assembly hall and enjoyed the excellent games played by Winston Yallery Arthur, Arthur Small, Monty Chapman, Vernetta Brewster, myself and others.

8. Hurricane Alma came and the Tobago students had to go home suddenly. We were so concerned. All returned but some lost family members.

8. Harry Joe started High Tea as a custom. We dressed up for those occasions and practiced "table manners".

These are just some of the ways in which Mausicans can contribute; please elaborate on any of the events or send it your own memories. Let's get busy!

Bernice Stephens 65

RE: Melbourne Inniss (72-74) 40 Night Celebration of Life

2020-JUN-10-0312Hrs

The Inniss family invites you to a Zoom call in loving memory of our beloved Melbourne Inniss, as we come together on the 40th night since his passing. We will start the evening with some reflections from family members, followed by those who would like to say a few words or share a memory. The call will take place from 7:30pm UK time (2:30pm US Eastern time / Trinidad time) on Thursday 11 June and full dial in details are laid out below. We look forward to having you join us as we celebrate the life of this great man.

See the Zoom Information below

Melmia Inniss is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: In Loving Memory of Melbourne Inniss (40 nights)

Time: ‪Jun 11, 2020 07:30 PM London

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android:

‪https://cooley.zoom.us/j/93057873556?pwd=aFRZbVl6Yk5nRitJSjV2UUJSRWNadz09‬

Password: 860454

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll):  ‪+13126266799,93057873556#‬  or ‪+13462487799,93057873556#‬

Or Telephone:

  Dial:

  ‪+1 669 900 6833‬ (US Toll)

  ‪+1 301 715 8592‬ (US Toll)

  ‪855 880 1246‬ (US Toll Free)

  ‪877 853 5257‬ (US Toll Free)

  ‪+44 203 481 5240‬ (GB Toll)

  ‪+44 208 080 6591‬ (GB Toll)

  ‪0 800 031 5717‬ (GB Toll Free)

  ‪+1 868 224 5838‬ (TT Toll)

  Meeting ID: 930 5787 3556

  International numbers available: ‪https://cooley.zoom.us/u/adMxaj1rll‬

Or an H.323/SIP room system:

  H.323: 162.255.37.11 (US West) or 162.255.36.11 (US East)

  Meeting ID: 930 5787 3556

  Password: 860454

  SIP: ‪93057873556@zoomcrc.com

  Password: 860454

Or Skype for Business (Lync):

  ‪SIP:93057873556.860454@lync.zoom.us

Hermia Inniss 75

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JUN-05

2020-JUN-05-1723Hrs

Talking bout the recordings. One night we were working on an LP in the auditorium, and when we thought we were finished, they played it back and the problem ws not aeroplane landing or leaving Piarco (which everybody knows was one border of our cane field), as Peral Mulrain remembers, it was Mausica Crapo. WQe had to do over de whole ting.

Pearl I think that this particular LP was the one you were on.

The one that was circulated last week really did not include our year group, which was 1967-1969.

Whichever way, that is how it goes with Mausica. Because we had a vibrant alumni sometimes you are not sure who belonged to what group. I have been in the choir performing when it included on the same stage people who were pioneers, such as our beloved Trevor, but also people who came in 1969, tye year I graduated...with Pearl and Gwennie...people including  Lester, Jackie Gaspard, Corenza.

It will be a while before that Mausica flame could be extinguished.

Scratchie

Well they come to Mausica, from Talparo and MorugaAs dey reach in here dey from ArimaBut I see one in shanty Town, digging up de labasseShe want to tell me...she looking for specimen for Douglas.

Now I have apologised profusely to mausica women who at  the college when last we gathered there about four years ago.....I mean Carol-Ann, Babara Davis, Marie Louise, everybody else who was there and who were in the auditorium the night I sung that and was robbed frankoment, coming third instead of winning de crong. They gave it to Efebo.

Also, one lunch time, I was leaving the line having eaten and De Warden called me over to the high table...to introduce me to Harry Joe and to tell him that I was the SCAMP who sang about the girls....and the Joe asked me about that...and if I was having trouble....in that respect....and I cannot remember the rest of the exchange.....

Lord Scratchie, Second runner up in Calypso, 1968.....winner, 1969.

Oh OH, one more thing.

Because some of us got a third year in Mausica I was back there for 1969-1970. I tried to enter the calypso competition. Rutherford, Joe Stevens and others were luke warm. I cant remember how it all worked out. But I did had a song about Osbourne. That third year was helped me to understand juts what a joy being a bonafide Mausican was.

Nobody to thief orange with. No corridor to pelt anything.

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JUN-05

2020-JUN-05-1434Hrs

Thanks for input From Rodney Foster, Merle Baker-Dillon and Pearl Mulrain. Please hold all those wonderful stories so that the designated "collector" will compile wonderful narratives. Continue sending in your names according to hostels and years attended.

Bernice Stephens 65

RE: CAN WE Talk?

2020-JUN-05-0014Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

“Life is a series of responses in an ever-changing environment.”

Several years ago, I heard that definition of life on one of my daily commutes in Los Angeles, California. Today. I feel like shouting from the rooftops, “Stop this world. I want to get off.” According to my friend and fellow writer, the late  Vivian Patrick,  “Something Is terribly Wrong.”

Marvin Gaye wondered “What’s Going On?”

My Fellow Mausicans,  I am still in La Romain. I feel like a character in one of  Shakespeare’s  plays. ”Life is a stage and we are the actors and everyone has a part to play.” Brothers and sisters where are our stages today and what are our roles?

Today, Marjorie and I stood  with our heads bowed for eight minutes and forty-six seconds, in the same kitchen where we were preparing a  Memorial Day meal on May 25th. What will tomorrow bring? No one knows. George Floyd did not. Al Sharpton? What an eulogy. Will Humpy Dumpty sit on a wall? Will he have a great fall?

In one of my many conversations with Mr. Williams, he uttered a few words that haunt me daily, “You do It.”

Who is you? Is it I, me, Rodney, us, you, we, they. In English Language there is “You”. The impersonal you understood as the subject. In French, I recall they use the word “on”. Help me Mausicans.  Help me.

Let’s live our legacy. Now.

Sincerely,

Rodney Foster. 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-29

2020-JUN-01-1352Hrs

Dear Jasper,

In response to your lack of knowledge about Arthur Benoit, that is sad unfortunate part but the true story reveals the beauty of being a Mausican. While at the College, for many of us,  especially  for some of us we just turned 18 and for the first time living away from home and family We were eager to embrace, learn and experience within boundaries everything that was inspiring and expanded our intellect, our sense of adventure and excitement. So when  we left Mausica,  like many of us including Arthur we were placed in either an old under developed country school or in the town schools that teemed with senior set- in -their ways; but either ways at schools with challenges , that made you draw on all your resources and experience. There we were the only senior teacher , or had to listen to older persons teach lessons or given the most difficult classes and we had to shine and sing all the Mausica songs and ensure that discipline was maintained and the children learned to read and write..

That was the story with Arthur after a short stint at his old home school in Plymouth, he was transferred to Parlatuvier a country school with  unshod children and was given the joint Standard and Four and Five all boys to teach in one class. He said he met that challenge and saw improvement but after some years there he migrated to Canada completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Biology, got married there to his Tobago sweetheart, had their three children there and later returned to Tobago. He taught for a while at Bishops in Tobago  and later entered the Public Service where at his retirement he was the Permanent Secretary acting at the Police Service Administration at its Headquarters in Port-of-Spain. 

Bernice these are some of the true life stories that should be captured about the Mausicans and there continued efforts to lead the way in education not only in the classroom but by practice in their own lives. There are some beautiful Ladies and Gentlemen on the Cuba Tour Chat who have some fantastic stories. It maybe good to capture them now rather later as  

Blessings

Dr. Merle  Dillon - Baker 1966-68

RE: La Porrinden

2020-MAY-31-0901Hrs

Aye, Pearl, thanks for bringing  “clarity” to Mr. Williams’ actions. According to Mr. Albert Mark, “What a naughty boy”. Fitzie was something else, oui.

I was too busy singing, dancing, wining up and harmonizing with meh pardnahs in de tenor section. I used to stand next to Selwyn Thompson, Sweet face, and Carl Caton. If yuh hear de blend. Sweet too bad. Other tenors were: Ivan Ragoonan, Micey, Miguel, Rawlins Manwaren, Glenville King, Ken Marshall,  and of course, Gregory Wallace, Gerry Callender, and Lloyd Brown. Forgive me if ah forget some names.

So long for now.

As usual,

Rodney Foster. 66-68

RE: Those were the days!

2020-MAY-30-0729Hrs

Yes Rodney you are so right about our producing those albums in the auditorium. They definitely were gruelling experiences with those airplanes passing overhead - take 1, take 2.We really had guts. In the night when we should have been sleeping (or chessing for some) we had to compete with those planes. But those were the days. I wouldn't trade them for the world. I also remember when we had to fulfill an engagement as a choir and as we were passing through the Beetham on our way to Port-of-Spain, and trying to avoid the foul stench that emanated therefrom, someone in the bus would echo the words of June Joseph ' DEEP DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING! Those were the days!

Pearl Yvonne Mulrain 69

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-29

2020-MAY-30-0035Hrs

Hello Gwen,

My Barataria Sistah.

Mausicans were a Blessed Group. Large enough to create our Legacy.

Bernice, I lived in Sunset Villa from 66-67 and Fair Haven from 67-68, so I’ll make contributions for both hostels.

Gwen. The Peters were well respected. I remember a tall , serious- looking woman leaving your yard who may have been one of the first women- police officers in  Trinidad.  What  was her relationship to you?  I don’t remember “sampling” fruits from your yard.

Sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. She was one of Barataria’s finest. Once I lent her and Eleanor two comic books that I had borrowed from a friend. Andrew Achoy. When I went to collect them, their mother admonished me, “Sonny boy, don’t lend my daughters  any more comics.” Girl, not even Bolt coulda ketch me dat evening. May she rest in peace.

So long for mow.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-29

2020-MAY-29-1428Hrs

Condolences to those who lost loved ones and blessings on the others.  

Lily Walker 67

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-22

2020-MAY-25-1335Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans

Hello Brother Scratchie and Sister Janice,

It’s Memorial Day! As we celebrate the memories of all those who served in the US Armed Services, your sharing the recordings of Caribbean Melodies brings to mind our beloved Mausican brothers and sisters, Mr. Williams and Mrs. Cuffie who are no longer with us.

Thank you . Thank you. Thanks to modern technology.

Members of the Alumni Choir joined students of the 66-68 class to produce that memorable album. “La Porrinden” took 17 takes.  When we thought we had it nailed on take #16,  the replay revealed that a plane had passed over the campus just as we were ending  the song.  In true Mausica spirit, we persevered.

I am still in La Romain. Since March 19th.  It’s the longest time, apart from my  two  years at MTC campus and 47 years in the US, that I have been away from San Juan/Barataria. I am enjoying my social distancing in South. According to author, Adrian Bird, “Trinidad Sweet.”  As David Rudder sings, I am ah “Trini Tuh De Bone”.

Yesterday, my Pastor, Dennis Patterson,  from Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Decatur, GA, delivered a powerful sermon entitled “In the Meantime”. What should we be doing between now and the end of Covid19? He suggested getting ourselves ready to fulfill our purpose for living.

Aye, ah in de kitchen/dining room. Marjorie preparing ah US Memorial Day menu: hamburger, fries, red onion, sliced tomato etc, etc.  . Ah goin an gi she ah hand.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-22

2020-MAY-24-2104Hrs

Dear Mausica Family,

On Thursday 21st  May 2020,  another Mausican, Arthur Alexander Benoit  1964 - 1966 was laid to rest in Plymouth, Tobago.

Mausicans  in attendance at his Farewell  Service together with his wife and family were -  Hezikiah Wood:  Dr.. Eastlyn Baynes - McKenzie and Dr Merle Dillon -Baker and because of the COVID19 the many others who viewed the Service on Channel 5, Tobago, Facebook or Youtube..

May His Soul Rest in Peace

Blessings

Dr. Merle Baker 1966-1968

RE: Congratulations to Lester O'Souna

2020-MAY-24-1710Hrs

Donald Graham 73

RE: Folk Album

2020-MAY-22-1504Hrs

Thanks to Scratch for sharing Janice's album. Precious memories. I was part of tge choir when that LP was made. Whenever I hear la Porrinden I remember Bernice Placide's actions -dem make me get tin! Also the expression on Fitz Williams' face and the way after every 'mettez mwe' he cupped his right hand and 'boxed' two beats forward. I don't know if I painted the picture clearly but I am sure at least one choir member knows what I am talking about. MAUSICA WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!

Pearl Yvonne Mulrain 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-22

2020-MAY-22-1339Hrs

Thanks Hermia. I look forward to the day I can share with you and others in that service. God’s richest blessings to you and yours. I did not know that Arthur Benoit was a teacher and a Mausican at that. I knew him as a public servant. If I had known before I would have included him to our gatherings. May his soul rest in peace.

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-22

2020-MAY-22-1247Hrs

I join in condolences to the Benoir family in their loss at this time. may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Bernice Stephens 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-22

2020-MAY-22-1231Hrs

Rodney, Barataria did have it fair share of Mausicans. Thanks for sharing the names including myself. I passed through Eleventh Street recently and the housing stock has really changed. Did you know we lost Barbara Gordon-Applewhite of the Donald family clan on Tenth Street?

Let's keep the Mausica flame flying high as ever ...

Gwen

Gwendoline Williams 69

RE: Living The Legacy.

2020-MAY-21-2152Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

I am encouraged by the many constructive suggestions that were submitted to preserve the Mausica Legacy.I will gladly donate my three Mausica albums and  photos of my 66-68 year group.

My dear friend, Carl Caton, invited  me to my first Mausica fete.  I was excited. I was looking forward to dancing with “Silver Strings” on my first Thursday night at MTC.  The band turned out to be “Silver Springs”. Then at the crack of dawn that Friday morning, he had me all dressed up to witness “Ah Mausica Sunrise” and then sit in a pitch dark auditorium to listen to a welcome from Mr. Joseph. Mr. Joseph arrived at 8:00 a.m. Carl has volunteered to curate any Mausica pictures you send him.   His email address is pbf8009@hotmail.com.

I’ll be researching what it takes to establish a “Mausica Teachers Foundation” in the United States. The TNT  residents,  Grenadians, Canadians and  British could do the same.

My Fellow Mausicans, we can do it. Let’s Live and Leave our Legacy.

Sincerely,

Rodney Foster 68

RE: Melbourne Inniss (72-74)

2020-MAY-21-1248Hrs

The Inniss Family would like to say a Big Thank You to our Mausican brothers and sisters for all the love and support extended to us. Melbourne will be buried in London on 3rd June 2020 at 9:30am (UK time). Furthemore, we will be sending out an invitation to his '40th Night' zoom call closer to the date and hope that you will be able to join us in celebrating his life.

Hermia Inniss 75

RE: MAUSICAWEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-15

2020-MAY-18-1129Hrs

Hello Mausicans,

I am following up on the suggestion of collecting/organizing information, pictures and so on with the aim of memorializing our glorious days at Mausica.  I am initiating only and I hope a few others would jump in and share in getting this project completed. An idea is only as good as its execution.

So what do we need right now?

• At least 2 representatives of each hostel: Kirkendale, Wingate, Sunset Villa, Mayfair, Fair Haven and Villanova (thanks Rick for helping me remember these names)
• Reps must say which 2 years they attended Mausica eg. I am from Kirkendale 63/65
• Send names to my Gmail account: basicsolutions905@gmail.com
• Say which hostel you represent
• Identify what information you can collect (a) sports events internal and external (b) sports pictures (c) calypso competitions (d) debating competition (e) music festivals (g) group outings such as visit to Grenada; visit to cricket at the Oval; Queens Hall (h) extra curricula activities such as clubs and so on (j) awards received educational or otherwise
• Feel free to include anything you remember that I did not

After collecting these names I may host a virtual meeting so we can discuss further. This idea is not owned by me and it can be modified at any time by anyone. Happy participation!

Stay safe and stay healthy.

Bernice Stephens 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-15

2020-MAY-17-1744Hrs

Dear Fellow Mausicans,

Thank you Rodney for reminding us of the solid foundation that our Mothers and women of the former generation who  have laid for us a political, economic, educational and spiritual direction for our survival as a people. We salute their wisdom, foresight and determination to ensure that in spite of their insufficiency they provided the platform for us to walk on, grow and develop in order to have their third generation and beyond live successfully and well in this our land of La Trinity, Trinidad and Tobago. Well  done my grand mother and especially my mother who left us two years ago at the age of 90. On my own reflection have I have we laid as solid a foundation for our three generations hence and beyond that they will walk on and will follow us?  I sincerely, trust that we have. So Bernice I welcome your suggestion and will gladly be a contributor.

What is happening, is as we grow younger our circle of really true and loyal friends and good lasting relationships are reducing faster than we want too. So again, my expressions of sympathy, comfort and encouragement to be strong and love are extended to Hermia, at the loss her loving Melbourne. In addition I  thank her for the opportunity of technology to have us attend via her  ZOOM his 9 night service of appreciation.

Linda again we stand in solidarity and sympathy for the recent passing of your second son this time to COVID. Linda may the God of all comfort grant you his comfort, answers, directions and peace through these painful periods.

Finally I extend our condolences to the Mausica and Benoit family, his wife Caroline, 3 children and 4 grand children all of Tobago, on the passing of another pioneer, Arthur Benoit 1963-1965 on Friday morning 15th May 2020. His funeral is carded for Thursday 21st May instant in Tobago.

May we continue to stay safe, masked, alert and locked down as we guard our health and our families Every Blessings

Dr. Merle Dillon - Baker 1966-1968

Re: The Choir

2020-MAY-15-1319Hrs

Recording shared by Dr. Janice Fournillier (68-70) who teaches at Georgia State University, and was a choir member.

Scratchie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRO6Lz2hDJQ&feature=youtu.be

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Mausica in History

2020-MAY-14-1646Hrs

Movement in Space :Controlled!

Introduction to Movement Education in TT Physical Education.

Introduction to movement in Physical  Education in Trinidad & Tobago through the Mausica Teachers College students’ initiative.

Basic movement education for children Rationale and teaching units were introduced by cliff Bertrand–lecturer in health, physical education and recreation at Mausica Teachers College located in D’abadie.

Mr. Harry Joseph; the great visionary Principal of the Mausica Teachers College initiative said: “our students will change the educational landscape of TT the Caribbean region and beyond; Physical Education has a broader concept to that offered in the Loughbourgh Model.” The American model offered American trained Lecturer Cliff Bertrand the best option to move forward. The Columbia Teachers College model delineated the values of adding basic movement education to physical education curricula through a scholarly rationale for learning which can modify movement behavior.

Dr Ralph Romain Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education instructional television series content and methodology urged the government to adopt and document a series of visual learning experiences for our future generation to follow.

“It focuses on the structure of human body movement and the process of becoming physically educated in limited spaces with more movement awareness”.

The process dealt with movement through personal space; transferring weight and balance in response to movement words;

An awareness of knowing body shapes in flight; knowing where body parts are and controlling their movements; arms, knees, head and spine while in motion, Children are moving to learn more about movement as content and more about themselves as individuals ;discovering their own ways to move effectively, ,and expressively through space :vertical; lateral, longitudinal,dimensions, p peripheral vision  acuity,depth perception ,color differentiation  through  a range of movements  skills facilitating  creativity. Spatial sensitivity while controlling large and small objects to climax in Mastery of procedures, techniques, and mechanisms that minimizes the risk of injury while at peak performance. The process of discovery “uncovered “by the child rather than “covered” by the teacher ‘defining discovery, inquiry, problem solving,through knowledge, skills, and attitude, imagining, thinking, direction through a range of motion. This is what Mausica Teachers College left as part of its educational legacy to a nation in needs identity.

Dr. Cliff Bertrand/Former Lecturer at Mausica Teachers College

RE: Sweet TNT

2020-MAY-09-0133Hrs

Oh Trinbago, why do I love you so?

I am enjoying my experience in TNT; La Romain to be exact, Beach Ave, Rambert Village.

Thank God for His many blessings.

My brother-in-law is recovering well.

This morning I had to change his perception about saltfish. He was convinced that my “Choice Boned Salted Codfish” , Bacalao Selecto Salado Sin Espinas”, a product of Canada was not  genuine saltfish.

Like a well trained Mausican, I was prepared to teach him a lesson on saltfish. I had brought from Decatur, GA, three , one pound parcels of Sea Star Seafoods, Family Tradition Since 1894. I touched on the preservative power of   salt in man’s evolution. Any meat or fish could be salted. Bajan saltfish was not the only saltfish.

Marjorie chimed in with a line from Sparrow’s Kaiso, “All saltfish sweet.”

The experience reminded me of Dukhan and Harry Joe teaching the concepts of learning and behavior.

Look at how many different foods we are eating today!

Another beautiful experience I had today was sucking two starch mango. When I arrived on March 19th, I vowed that I would have one of the neighbor’s mangoes, by hook or crook. I eyed them for a whole month. On Monday evening, I saw the neighbor picking mangoes. I asked her for one and received about a dozen. No true. True Trini does suck jus one mango.

Aye, Scratchie, Angela and Alisford save some mango fuh meh. Right now meh favorite is starch. But I’ll accept any kind. All mango sweet!

Rodney Foster 68

RE: Happy Easter

2020-MAY-09-0132Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

To God be the Glory.

My Brother-in law is recovering well. With the aid of his physiotherapist and a walker he is moving around the house and at night, he is raiding the fridge. He has a sweet tooth. Last week he gave me a thumbs up for a fish broth Marj and I made. He said he would have given us an A+ had I had added some Golden Ray to the pot!

Let’s keep our beloved lecturer, Linda Romain Edwards, and family in our prayers. Her son, Nigel ,”went to meet his ancestors” last week. Do you remember her two sons who grew up on campus?

They used to drive their big, noisy, plastic cars all over the grounds. They would venture down by the men’s hostel where some very tall young men from Mayfair  taught them a foreign language. They shocked Linda on their return home. She had to wash their mouths with plenty soap and water. Mayfair was worse than Billingsgate.

Cliff Bertrand could attest to that.

I am adjusting to the confinement. I am reading more. I like  the educational programs on the Parliament Channel where you recall the events of our journey to gaining  Independence under the leadership of Dr. Eric Williams and his soldiers and the Women’s Groups. Choko from the Bomb called them “The Fat A**E Brigade.”

Truth be told, without them we would still be a British colony. Many of our mothers were part of that Brigade.

With the passing of my two Brothers, Hanny and Sample, I wake up singing  and walking down “Memory Lane”. Some mornings I sing some oldies: Clarence Curvan, Joey , Sparrow, Ancil Wyatt, Cassanovas, Guinness Cavaliers, Despers, Silver Stars. Those two brothers were excellent dancers. Sample and I used to have a real good time. I was preparing for my two years at Mausica. 66-68. I used tuh dance non-stop.

Ah fraid tuh call names. Ah might leave out some an get mehself in trouble! Yesterday, Joy Reid send meh ah shout out but it disappear from de laptop. She was from Tunapuna. But dem South girls an one from Central, Couva , coulda real dance. Read “Remember Wen?” yuh go see de names ah doh want tuh miss not callin. Who say Heather, Irma, Lacey, Monica, Bernice. Carol; Cherrie, Agatha, Joy, Lynette?

Of course, ah call meh pardnah,  Geezmo, an Carl Caton. Andre and Clive, ah go call before ah leave.

By de way, those people who selected students for MTC had some kinda system tuh follow. Barataria, which had twelve streets and ten avenues had several representatives. Yuh had Foster from twelve, Lasalle and Gwendoline Peters from eleven, Patrick Ali and Marie Louise from ten, Ronnie Richardson from nine, Arthur Small and Lynette King from eight, Lloyd Brown from sixth avenue Gwyneth Lee Sing from Malick. Aye, Scratchie , Leroy Cox and Selwyn Thompson come from de Coconut near El Socorro. Ho Sing Loy an Shyam Dass from Aranguez.

Yes man, MTC was like ah melting pot. If I didn’t get on ah flight from Atlanta on March 19th, I woulda make meh way tuh Venezuela an come ashore in ah pirogue in Matelot , Cedros,  Icacos or  Pt Zagaya. Nothing coulda keep from landin in Sweet TNT. I am happy to be here with my wife, Marjorie, my brother-in-law , Courtney, and his son Kern. By de way. I eh see my family up North yet!

Social Distancing, dey call it.

Have a Blessed Easter.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-09-0054Hrs

Hi Fellow Mausicans,

Hats off to Ben (Bernice Stephens) for being so proactive and setting out an organizational framework for collating  the experiences of Mausicans who attended that venerable institution. Ben, you did well in throwing out this general plan. All that remains now is implementation of the plan which is up to the collective.

Regards

Vernetta Calvin-Smith (Brewster) 63-65

RE: Happy Mothers Day To all Mothers

2020-MAY-08-1127Hrs

To all Mothers, past, present and future. What a blessed group of strong, gifted women.

Recently, I have been chatting with some of our contemporaries, Baby Boomers, and concluded that mothers from that era were some of our best teachers even though they had graduated from the” school of hard knocks”.

Many of them didn’t attend high school or finished primary school. “Common sense come before book sense”; they would remind us. They could stretch a dollar, balance ah meager budget, trust from de chinee man shop, plant ah garden, raise some livestock, buy cloth from de Syrian man, run ah susu, borrow from de neighbor, sell in de market, wash an iron people clothes, open ah lil parlor, do some servant wuk, board some workmen, sew some clothes and curtain. Our mothers did anything to put food on the table and keep the family intact. Many of them prayed every day and attended several churches: Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, Jehovah Witness, Church of God, Pilgrim Holiness, Seventh Day Adventist and Shouter Baptist.

In the fifties, when the PNM appeared on the political scene promising free secondary education for everybody, our mothers joined the party group and canvassed day and night. They dressed up in red and white and was convention, motorcade and political meetings and rallies everywhere. Under the charismatic leadership of Dr. Eric Williams, a new day dawned. The contributions of our beloved mothers ensured the PNM’s victories in 1956.

Therefore, this Mothers’ Day let us all sing the Hallelujah Chorus for our Mothers.

Thank you, Mammy, Frances George.

Aye, Marjorie jus remind meh dat Mothers’ Day is next week. Errol, doh dig nutten. Ah jus had tuh write dis piece tonite. In my book, every day is Mothers’ Day.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-08-0953Hrs

Wonderful idea Bernice Stephens

Murchison Sylvester JP

Murchison Sylvester 66

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-08-0933Hrs

Dear Hermia,

My most sincere condolences to you and your children and the rest of your family. May God comfort you in your sorrow, Cherish the memories.

Warmest regards,

Hazel Thompson-Ahye 70

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-08-0709Hrs

The saddest post ever, and the bravest. Condolences Hermia, and what a deep expression of feeling. Please tell us a little more about Melbourne if that is OK. Was he too a Mausican? Where was he from. I share your anguish, and admire your courage, and your resort to love here more than grief.

Theodore Lewis (Scratchie).

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-08-0703Hrs

God knows that Melo just couldn’t endure the pressures of the world evolving. He took him home. May his soul rest in peace.

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-08

2020-MAY-08-0558Hrs

Sending condolences to the family.

Lily Walker 67

RE: Melbourne Inniss - Mausica 72-74

2020-MAY-07-0723Hrs

Melbourne Inniss: 23.08.48 to 03.05.20

My loving husband of 43 years. We have known each other for almost 47 years. You were my love, my rock and my inspiration. Gone but never to be forgotten.  We shared a wonderful son and daughter, and a beautiful, talented Granddaughter.

God called you home to ease your pain. You were such a great help to many that crossed your path. A helpful and caring teacher and Melo to your friends.

Rest In Peace my love until we meet again.

Hermia Inniss 75

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAY-01

2020-MAY-01-1449Hrs

I like the idea of preserving records of our experiences as Mausica Alumni. It is an enormous undertaking so I am offering a suggestion as to how it can be done. Others may add/subtract to my suggestion as they see fit.

Such a project will need extensive coordination, organization, breaking up into smaller manageable tasks, determining individuals in charge of specific pieces, and so on.

Before we do all that it might make sense to invite Mausicans to represent each of 6 hostels by years attended and create sub-categories63-65; 65-67; 67-69 and so on; activities: teaching, sports, awards at Mausica or after; achievements: big wigs and small wigs as professionals and semi-professionals and even the passing of fellow Mausicans.

The blog includes only a percentage of The Mausica Alumni so we may want to find ways of seeking out other alumni

Finally we may volunteer ourselves into an organizational committee and use a digital platform to do some initial discussions. Over and out!

Bernice Stephens 65

RE: Mausica's Legacy

2020-APR-28-1348Hrs

Dear Colleagues,

Our culture has not distinguished itself in preserving records. Even the land records are not comprehensive outside the city. Mausica Teachers' College will totally disappear from the collective memory of Trinidad and Tobago once the alumni passes away. We need to do something to preserve that legacy. We should collect all the pictures of alumni that we could, older and newer versions of ourselves with dates,  and also some oral histories of our backgrounds and our experiences at Mausica. It would require organising and cataloguing, but first we need to collect them. From day one to day end. Additionally, we need to attach the schools we were posted to, and some memorable contributions we made to the school and the educational process. We could also include some mention of what we have achieved since then, as we see fit. I forsee this being donated to the School of Education at UWI to eventually be a historical collection for research and writing. This has to be accompanied by a monument on the campus and maybe a sign.

Winston Yallery-Arthur 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-24

2020-APR-25-0637Hrs

Curtis Baptiste of Cocoyea, died on April 23rd of a heart attack, He lived in Boston for over 40 years and was a prominent Prince Hall Mason, he was a Past Master like myself, I assisted in his installation, Prince Hall has been closed down on account of Covid 19, burials have been just cemetery rituals.  May his soul RIP.

ROY BABULAL 66

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-17

2020-APR-17-1708Hrs

Oh how I  enjoy this blog! It really makes us feel connected. May God continue to bless and strengthen us all.Thank you Errol for your efforts.

Euline Fox-Peters 72

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-17

2020-APR-17-1429Hrs

Blessings.  The song “Lead kindly light.....” brought back great memories of Mrs. Cuffie.

Lily Walker 67

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-10

2020-APR-12-2246Hrs

MY Fellow Mausicans,

Brother Mikal's  poem captured the spirits of Mausica, our 65 acres.

When I visited our Mausica campus in 2013, I too was shocked at the ruins. I wondered how could the powers that be allow an institution like Mausica die. Then I heard the spirits speaking to me.

"They could kill the body but not the soul. Spirits don't die. They grow wings and fly. Fly to the ends of God's earth. Today there are Mausicans all over the globe. Some remained home to "Hold the Light". Others have carried the light to the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean and mother Africa, Many return to sweet TNT to refuel.

Presently I am in La Romain experiencing the wonders of of "social distancing". I am one of two boys placed in two stables. In stable number one , there was a boy with every imaginable toy. Yet he was crying, wanting to escape. In Stable number 2, which was full of horse manure,  a little boy was excitedly digging up the manure. The scientist conducting the experiment was curious and asked the subject, "Son, why are so excited. Why is your behavior so different from that of the boy next door?" The boy looked up and shouted. "Sir, with all this horse manure in here, there has to be a pony.When I find it, I'll jump on its back and ride all day."

That little boy was a Mausican like us.

When they released us in their classrooms, they said we couldn't teach. We too young, we too dis we too dat. In a short while, we changed their perceptions. Every principal wanted a Mausican on their staff. In Music Festival and Arts Festival, Mausicans were competing against Mausicans. We had revolutionized teaching. Don't talk about Common Entrance results.

Yes, the structures do not tell the whole story. There is never "A Single Story". We Mausicans must" "Live Our Legacy".  As Mr Williams once told me, " You Do It".

Ah goin an talk wit meh cousin, Carlston.  Is 10:39 p.m.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-10

2020-APR-12-2138Hrs

Hello Mikal,

What a beautiful poem. I loved it.  In my time, 66-68, a lecturer named Mangatal coined this visionary sentence, "If only these walls could speak, what great tales they would tell."

My Mausican brother, your insightful piece captured the essence of Mausica that became part of the DNA of every Mausican. The spirit of Mausica has spread all over the world. Every nook and cranny. Wherever a Mausican goes he or she plants a seed in fertile soil. Keep up the good work. Continue to share your talent on the mausica blog.

Sincerely,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-10

2020-APR-11-1246Hrs

Holy Easter Greetings

Thank you Mikkal Smart for that accurate, nostalgic poem about the Mausica that we all love and remember fondly.

Sadly it is difficult to comprehend how a jealous, uncaring successor knows how to destroy the best and most rewarding, valuable and beneficial fruits of its predecessors. That modus of operation is repeated daily at all levels and in spheres of life whether it is in the family, in the offices or in the Politics.  Does anyone know of a solution to curb such actions?

I also express my condolence to Rodney and to his family for the loss of such a close and dear brother. May you be comforted by the fond and cherished memories you have of him. I pray for comfort, peace and closure for all of us who have lost family. friends, associates in the COVID19 experience which is ravishing New York, especially Brooklyn or anywhere else in the world. Let us remember the departed fondly but also pray earnestly for those who cared for or shared their spaces that the Virus will not consume them as well.

Also let us be assured that at these times, especially in the Lockdown at this season of Easter, that we connect with the Jesus, the Christ, who through his sacrificial death not only caused the veil of the temple or in other words the opened the access to Him and to Father God directly for us  to build a personal altar and relationship  with Him for ourselves, for our family and all others. We have the time to use that open door always.

Every Blessing.

Dr. Merle Dillon - Baker 1966 -1968.

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-10

2020-APR-10-1559Hrs

Gosh Michael, you almost brought tears to my eyes. I too returned to drive through and oh! Oh! the pain I felt as I saw how badly maintained the campus had become. This was the place of so many "firsts".

The first time I  had ever left the comfort of my parents and siblings, the first time I stood before a class of eager eyes, the first time I slept on a bed of springs, and the list goes on...

Rodney my brother, be comforted. May the God of all comfort wrap his arms around you and the rest of the family.

Euline Fox-Peters 70-72

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-APR-10

2020-APR-10-1418Hrs

Another wonderful poem that speaks volumes of that place we called “home” for those two memorable, life-forming years. Mikal, you did an excellent job, but did Mausica miss our food fights or panty raids?

Jasper Joefield 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAR-13

2020-MAR-24-0819Hrs

"Even this will pass away."

The refrain that punctuated that poem of resolve that morning,   Harry Joseph, initiation week, 1967, reading to us freshers, dwelling on the refrain, with a glorious, mischievous, hint of a smile on his face, as we sat in despair in the assembly, after having witnessed first hand that Mausica sunrise, early that morning, wanting our mammy--or whomever we thought could bring us comfort--who could deliver us from Irma Clark, and that sinister, alarming reassurance, that nobody died last year.

From the Haven, Me, Anthony Lum, Deodath Maharaj, Victorinus David, Oswald Thompson, Arthur Hume, Raymond Mendes, Peter Pariag, Clyde Maurice, Lloyd Nagee, Gaston Alleyne, Noel T., on and on,

Up there the girls....Yvonne, Maura Cooselal, Psychee, Erline, ...

I am seeing some of the wisdom now in that very early Mausica lesson.

Scratchie

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAR-20

2020-MAR-20-1224Hrs

So sorry to hear of the passing of Pat Mitchell, a wonderful soul. May she rest in peace. These occurrences remind us that we must be always ready for our rest in peace.

Felix Edinborough 65

RE: Historic Mausica Teachers' College

2020-MAR-19-1610Hrs

Historic Mausica  Teachers’ College.

These  pictures do not represent the whole AthleticTeam. Some stars are missing. Clifton DeCoteau , Yvonne Murry comes to mind.You would recognize  from left standing men;Gone but not forgotten Ransome, Aqui, Sucre ; Kendall ; Female Merle Manswell. Jennieclarke

Mausica Teachers College won the TT College championships Three straight years, They also won Menand  Women  4x100 meter relays “B” division at SouthernGames.Decoteau; Bellamy; Kendallwent on to win individual medals at Southern   Games. PamelaGeorge represented TT in Hockey.

Are there any pictures ofthe Netball team out there? The soccer  team?

Dr. Cliff Bertrand/FormerLecturer

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAR-13

2020-MAR-16-0953Hrs

Fellow Mausicans.

I share the loss and sorrow of Pat’s passing. I remember her as a pleasant and gentle soul whose presence and quiet demeanor always improved the ambience of our gatherings. We knew that we were related, but the Mausica bond was sufficiently strong to push “working out” the connections into the background. My condolences to her family, other relatives and closer friends.

Dale Scobie 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAR-13

2020-MAR-13-1624Hrs
Sorry for the typo   "breath" and not "breadth"
Scratchie
Theodore Lewis 69

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-MAR-13

2020-MAR-13-1623Hrs

Very sorry to hear about the death of Sucre, very active Mausican,,...pleasant fellow..played on the football team...was third in the marathon from the airport to the college in 1968 sports meeting..he was second year to me...he 66-68, I 67-69....Rodney recently recounted a vigorous exchange with him....a quintessential Mausican....man from the Villa....did not hold that against him.....

Great to hear about Geezmo.....

These passings should remind us of the poem "Stopping by wood (on a snowy evening)" by Robert Frost.....was that in Lougheide's class? the operative passage here being ..

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep"

or Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

We are Mausicans all, with promises to keep and miles to go....we must rage against the dying of the light, by continuing  to keep the flag of the college flying, Moulding the Nation through Service" till the last breadth.

Then ah me body go down in de grave

Then a ah me sould going jump for joy

Death Oh! Death oh me lord...

Scratchie.....

Theodore Lewis 69