Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-31

2020-JAN-31-1009Hrs

Yes I agree that we Mausicans are indeed the greatest.

I remember when we left Mausica in 1972 Yvette Elvin and I were posted at Rancho Quemado Government Primary. The principal Mr. R. Singh handed us a letter inviting the school to participate in Arts Festival. He just knew we were Mausicans and he expected us to do it. Before long I started training students for Choral speaking and Yvette was doing drama-a play she had written herself.

Shortly after he gave us the mandate to organize a Christmas concert. We had long hours of rehearsal after school. Other teachers chipped in and we had a wonderful time.

Mausicans are a special breed, committed and dedicated to offer all round education.

Euline Peters 72

RE: Living the Legacy

2020-JAN-31-0006Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Keep the memories flowing. Keep de blog alive with your contributions.

Lily we can encourage all Georgians to contribute to a fund. Lets revitalize the Alumni Association and solicit funds to complete the projects. . Both Local and international  graduates and businesses. Post the  amounts  needed  for completion. Inform the world of our needs.

It was great  hearing from you , Garth. Warmest regards to the entire family.

Bernice, I suggest that  Mausicans , both local and  international,  donate artifacts to educational institutions throughout the world and in your own community. We revolutionized folk song  singing and dramatization.  We can dedicate 2020 to reminding the audience through all media, Back to back championships in 1964 and 1966, Village Bacchanal at Queens Hall in 1968, Every school in TNT wanted a Mausicnan on staff. We showed the world dat dem young teachers could  teach.

Some of us branched off into other professions : politics, religion, construction, financial services. private enterprises, medicine ,  etc ,  Others left TNT  and have returned to continue waving the Mausica flag. Molding a Nation Through Service.

I pause here to recognize two of my mentors: the late Kenneth Dupigny and Ozzie Gray. I have been a Financial Adviser for 36 years. All dat limin wit Dupigny in his cream Peugot  and goin all over de country must be rub off on meh. Ah teachin in ah different classroom.

Aye, Brother Scratchie, ah go call yuh soon. Ah might see yuh in mango season.

So long for now, My fellow Mausicans. We are de Greatest!

As usual.

Rodney “Red Guard” Foster

66-68

Rodney Foster 68

RE: The Oranges Caper

2020-JAN-28-1337Hrs

Hi Errol

Thanks once again for keeping the Mausica memory alive.

The Oranges Caper

‘Twas close to midnight “not a creature wasstirring, not even a mouse,” but those dressed in black. We Havenite’s orange reapers were gathered to make their usual foray to the orange field opposite the campus. Some I recall were, Hops (Hayden Murray), Hospedales, Amede, Macpherson (crawler), Tony Murray, Boodoo, et al. This was a normal after-dark covert operation, after which we would throw the evidence of eaten oranges in front ofMayfair, so that they would be blamed for the act and for littering.

While moving among the trees feeling for the ripefull oranges (we were experts at this in the dark). BANG!! a gunshot rang out…everyone scattered and ran like hell back to campus.

When we gathered…everyone trembling, s..t one was missing.. Tony Murray….yuh talk bout worry…man holding dey head… of course no sleep for the rest of the night.

Early in the morning we gathered with heavy hearts to make the trek to report to Mrs Cuffy. As we were on our way, we saw a figure coming through the track… lawd ah mercy… it was Tony Murray laughing at us. He said that he made a bee line to the girls hostel where he found safe heaven, oops, haven, and he decided to stay put and make us worry. Despite being grateful that he was safe, he nearly get a cut arse for putting us through hell…..here endeth..
S. Finbar Ryan 70-72

 finbar

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

 Finbar Ryan 72

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-24

2020-JAN-24-1340Hrs

My memories of Mausica Do you remember Joslin Peters and Patricia Dyal ....they were in the 1965-67 group..Mr Fitz James Williams ,the warden had planned  mock wedding for them as they were inseparable in the Lawn Tennis court.The icing on this cake came when Patricia decided to spend the night at Joslins room at Fair Haven hostel The maid discovered that she had used the big red jug as a ‘Po’for fear of using the hostels washroomThe whole school was invited to this wedding which was complete with gowns,priest and ringsThe Waden formally introduced them as Mr &Mrs Joslin Peters  having been wed at MTS.They were legally married after graduating in 1967.I am not sure if they still around or passed on ........

Deokaran Ramlal 66

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-24

2020-JAN-24-1152Hrs

Dear rodney and scratchie

You all have brought back such vivid memories of fun  pain  hurts  of we  mausicans.

How could we ever forget those days.

Those tall guys

Death of our friends

The things people did

Scratchie you want to know why lester  tie you up

You are playing innocent boy now

Inez gray riley

Wingate 20  66to68

Inez Riley 68

RE: MEMORIES

2020-JAN-23-0218Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Greetings. Mausicans are blessed.

Just recall your memories of MTC.

Jasper you are so right. Your Tobagonian brother and my dear friend, Mervyn O’Neil, wrote the introduction to my first book, “Remember Wen?”.

Mervyn wrote, ”The Chinese proverbially state that  to know someone, one must know that person’s memories.”

Perhaps it’s because of those millions of  memories that Mausicans share, especially those who lived on campus, we can sing “To God Be The GLORY”.

Tonight, I had another peak experience. Marjorie and I attended “ReviveATL: Love In Action. An Episcocpal

Church Revival . Over 1500 people assembled in a gymnasium at Clark Atlanta University. There were  people of all nationalities, Veterans, ex -prisoners, refugees, and LGBTQ. The music was electrifying. Gospel, Negro Spirituals and Soca rhythms, clapping and dancing.

Do you remember Bishop Curry who officiated the marriage ceremony of Harry and Mehgan?

Need I say more? He was the keynote preacher. The Brother is Blessed, a true disciple.

The revival is touring the country. Don’t miss it. The world needs this kind of revival. NOW!

Sincerely,

Rodney Foster 66-68

RE: Cuba Here we come

2020-JAN-22-1727Hrs

Hi Mausica Friends, Family and Associates.

This is an invitation to join us as we explore Cuba.

Please find the Itinerary attached.

You may contact:

Alyssa Brizan - Cantero @ 272 - 2181

Carol  Brown  @  724 - 5714;   624 - 4929

Howard  Spencer  @  473 - 7185

Hope you would join us.  Give us your feedback a.s.a.p.

Itinerary for Cuba Trip 2020

Visit exciting Santiago de Cuba for the 2020 Fire Festival! Tour the cities of Havana, Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad and Cayo Coco in 10 days, crossing the entire island. Santiago is known to be culturally rich since it is a melting pot for Jamaican, Haitian, Barbadian and traditional Spanish cultures. Caribbean culture and tradition is very much alive in Santiago de Cuba and is celebrated in the annual Fire Festival.

Dates: 4th -14th July 2020

Description: Tour of Cuba’s major cities and historical sites in comfortable air conditioned bus with accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels, meals, entrance fees to all activities listed on itinerary and informative tour guide for one price. Tour is done in English with professional Cuban tour guide and tour organizers present throughout the entire trip.  Airfare is not included in cost given.

Itinerary:

• Day 1

Tour begins with arrival at Jose Marti International Airport to the city of Havana.

Check in, dinner, rest.

Hotel: Melia Havana/Memories Miramar Havana

• Day 2

Breakfast

Panoramic bus tour of city of Havana.

Lunch

Check out and leave for the city of Camaguey at 1pm.  This is a 8hr drive across the country with bathroom breaks and short scenic stops.

Arrival to city of Camaguey at 9pm with check-in to hotel.

Hotel: Grand Hotel Camaguey, By Melia

Dinner

• Day 3

Breakfast

Short scenic tour of the city of Camaguey

Lunch

Leave for the city of Santiago de Cuba at 2pm. This is a 6hr drive with stops for refreshments and bathroom breaks, arriving to Santiago de Cuba at 8pm.

Hotel: Melia Santiago de Cuba

Dinner

• Day 4

Breakfast

Tour Santiago

Lunch

Enjoy activities of Fire Festival

• Day 5

Breakfast

Tour Santiago

Lunch

Enjoy Activities of Fire Festival

• Day 6

Breakfast

Tour Santiago

Lunch

Enjoy Activities of Fire Festival

• Day 7

Breakfast

Leave for Cayo Coco at 10am. Cayo Coco is a strip of keys found in the middle of Cuba known for its pristine beaches and white sand.

Melia Cayo Coco, all-inclusive resort

Arrrival to Cayo coco at 6pm. Check in to All-inclusive resort.

• Day 8

Enjoy resort.

• Day 9

Enjoy resort.

• Day 10

Leave resort at 8:30am for trip to Havana stopping for lunch and light shopping in the city of Trinidad de Cuba. Trinidad is famous for its pottery, craft and crochet items. It is also one of Cuba’s oldest cities.

Arrival to Havana at 8pm.

Hotel Memories Miramar.

• Day 11:

Leave for airport at 12:30pm.

Cost:

$10,950 TTD p/person based on double occupancy.*

$12,450TTD p/person based on single occupancy.*

*airfare is not included.

Payment Plan is offered:

Down payment of $5000.00 due on March 30th to guarantee reservation.

April 30th: $4000.00 Double occupancy

$5000.00 Single occupancy

May 30th: Final balance of $1950.00 Double Occupancy

Final Balance of $2450.00 Single Occupancy

Airfare has been negotiated at a group rate of $4700.00 TTD return, tax inclusive with Caribbean Airlines. This however has not been confirmed.

A tourist card of 25 USD must be purchased for entry to Cuba. This document acts as a visa and is necessary for travel to the island of Cuba.

Jorge and I have used all of our resources to find the best deals in Cuba. The itinerary is subject to small changes depending on the activities listed for Santiago’s Fire festival whose final list of activities has not yet been published by the Ministry of Culture.

We need the list of persons interested in single and double occupancy as soon as possible.

Hope to see you all in Cuba!!!

Alyssa and Jorge.

Carol  Brown 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-17

2020-JAN-17-1327Hrs

I have always said that:

THE BIGGEST MISTAKE MADE IN EDUCATION IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE 20TH CENTURY WAS TO CLOSE MAUSICA TEACHERS COLLEGE.

On the day that we graduated in 1971, Sunset Villa was noisy. We were dressing, and calling out to each other, and cursing other Villans when we could not find our stuff. Selwyn Ayoung, (Who composed the Mausica Anthem) from Fairhaven came over to get something, and after hearing the noise and confusion, he made a comment that I still remember up to today.

"Listen to the love in this hostel".

It took me back when he said that, but then he was very correct.. We had spent 2 years together in that place, and we were leaving to go back to our communities, not knowing when or where we will see our hostel mates again.

Ai the last school where I taught, something happened that showed very clearly that the love we shared in Mausica still exists up to this day.

A Mausican came to the school, and the other Mausicans who were on staff went to him and we spoke. Nothing wrong with that, but a teacher who did not go to Mausica, made a comment.

"You all had a good time in Mausica. The love that I see displayed when a Mausican comes here is different than when anybody else comes."

Garth Nicholas

Sunset Villa

1969 - 1971

Garth Nicholas 71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-17

2020-JAN-17-1316Hrs

As to the matter of the pudding, that Rodney talk about,  this was formal dinner, probably 1967, maybe 1968. So Julian, St Rose and others move the screen at the back of the  auditorium to connect it with the dining hall, so we could have more room. Like in fete. The pudding ceremony required the tallest men on the campus to be pudding bearers, as it were. I was seated at a table right at the back, about where the staff table used to be at meal time. We were all dressed up. Suit. The girls in their fineries.

The ceremony began. The pudding ceremony. It required a procession in which said pudding would be lifted on high and transported to the head table where the faculty sat, as a highlight of the formal dinner.

My memory is that the bearers were Raymond Mendes, Frank Stanisclaus, Errol Jones, and Noel T. Duncan. The tallest men on campus.

They emerged from the shadows grimly into the seated gathering, each man holding up a corner of a large tray onto which sat a pudding, held at shoulder high, emitting blue flames, like some pre-historic creature emerging from a volcanco, that on its way from the bowels of the earth had encountered kryptonite.

But I am sure this was puncheon rum.

The ending unfortunately was sad. Pathos.  I was exactly on the scene, and saw that the flaming pudding had shifted from its position, and the four bearers could not have had any practice in how to stabilize it once it had moved.

It fell.

Unfortunately, onto seated students especially Cheryl Gittens. This pudding was hot, and would have burned those on whom it fell.

Cheryl's misfortune at the college did not end there. She sadly lost her life in the deadly crash, that took two members of my year-group, on the CR highway near Piarco, on the darkest, saddest night in the history of the college.

Cheryl was bubbly, and a member of the folk song choir. The other, Horacio Hospedales, was a havenite, who I think roomed with Noel T. downstairs.. He was on the forward line with me on the College football team. Full of life, big grin. He and Efebo tied me upside down to a chair one night. For no reason they did that.

Pearl Mulrain memorializes the pudding debacle in her 1968 calypso.

"Well de puding tumble down,

When the Joe was Speaking

De pudding tumble down,

Put an end to de proceedings.

Scratchie.(1967-1969)

Theodore Lewis 69

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-17

2020-JAN-17-1251Hrs
Great idea Rodney. Where would we send the items you want to collect? Thanks
Bernice Stephens 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-17

2020-JAN-17-1248Hrs
Hi
How would you like Mausicans/ Georgians to make their contributions?   Thank you.
Lily Walker 67

RE: LAUGHTER

2020-JAN-17-0159Hrs

Laughter is the best medicine.

Tonight I watched “The Last Days of Richard Pryor”.  I recommend that everybody experience this masterpiece.

Richard Pryor also concluded that laughter is good for our health.

At Mausica Teachers College we had tons of laughter. No wonder why many of us have that unbreakable bond.

Did Lulu faint or feint? Ask de Pierrot Grenade, our own Felix Edinborough.

Yes, Inez, de Mausica experience had lots of unforgettable memories that made us laugh. Yuh remember de night wen Paddy shout out. “ She eh care bout “car nor van”. An de nite dat “de puddin tumble down while de Joe was speaking”.   Or de nite dat ah throw ah handful ah granulated sugar over meh shoulder wen we line up for supper. Meh pardnah Carl Caton couldn’t decide if tuh dust de sugar out he right eye or drop ah left hand on meh. Kent Rennie, meh Red Guard Brother, shout out, “He makin sweet eye!” Mankind start tuh laugh. Even Carl join in de laughter.

Those were the best two years of my life.

By de way, do you all remember your experiences with Chenopodium Oil?

Yes, yuh had tuh bring some stool in ah lil container. Dey lookin fuh hook -worms. If I had known better ah woulda borrow some ah Dela tutu. It was endless  “Tutu Wah”. Like wen Aqui bring some roti and bad curry tuh MTC.

Tonite , meh pardnah, Vince,  call meh  to find out if I remember dat experience. Not even Bolt coulda ketch meh. Ah run from eighth street tuh tenth street in minus time.

As usual.

Rodney Foster 66-68

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2020-JAN-10

2020-JAN-16-1923Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

This week I heard a biblical quote that had me giving thanks to the visionaries that created our beloved MTC.

“Speak Things Into Existence”.

I thought about our 50th Anniversary theme; “Living Our Legacy.”

Can we collect some of our artifacts and display them in educational institutions to show the public what contributions Mausicans have made  all over the world?

James Sammy, a former Principal of St George’s College in Barataria, wanted to install an elevator there so that the handicapped students could have access to the library on the second floor.

Mausica had several graduates from St George’s. Perhaps we can rekindle and fulfill his dream.(In 2017. I became the first honorary graduate of St George’s.)

Let’s do it Georgians , in 2020. Let’s give back something to our elementary schools , colleges and high schools.

To be continued.

Ah gorn, for now.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 66-68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2019-DEC-20

2019-DEC-28-1144Hrs

To a Wonderful Christ- filled Season and a New year the first in the 2020 decade to come.

Let it be one of  much fulfillment of promises, laughter and hope; much blessing favour and good  health

Thanks Rodney, Inez and even Eileen (get well soon) for calling out and naming some of the 1966- 1968 year groups.

At many events we the  members of the 1966-1968 are often not present.

However,  we of that era worked together hard and well to straddle with the pioneers and embrace the new changes to come to Mausica.

For instance,  at our leaving the institution, at our graduation in 1968 also leaving with us were,

Our/ the best,  beloved Principal Harrison Joseph [ Harry Joe] and other stalwart members of staff -

Ms Woods in Home Economics and the elderly Maths teacher, Mr John Mark.

However, in our last year, we initiated change and welcomed a new and different  era of  music with Ms June Joseph

as well as new Maths syllabus taught by the first non- local teacher -  .

True Inez we have lost a few of us some painfully just after graduation but for those who remain may we continue to flourish and grow whether in retirement or still at work and in spite of our Hostels. To identify and shout a few others from our ladies group that I can recall by name

Kirkendale , my roommate Brenda Elder - Joseph; Tobago's now Ms  Nicholson -Alfred of Culture, our the Princess Town ladies Judith Suite & Pearl Mulrain' our Ms Davis who later became Mrs Davis, the other Merle -Manswell

Wingates - the sisters Glenda & Judith Lewis;  Dr Gwendoline Peters --Williams - much love and others like you Inez,  Irma Clarke, Heather and others,

The Villa Nova ladies - Nicolin Redman-Moore, Linda  and others

The All Mausicans especially our newly Established CUBA contingent -

Blessings

Dr. Merle Dillon - Baker [1966-1968]

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please delete promptly.

Dr. Merle Dillon-Baker 68

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2019-DEC-27

2019-DEC-27-1809Hrs

Really the most fun-filled years of my youth..such wonderful memories, kept alive via this blog. Initiation: cutting lawn with a razor blade and sleeping for five nights on the bedspring. Pineapple Smith, Mayfair Radio Station which had some holding their breath, the refectory, food fights, concerts,  fetes, after- supper walks to hostels , Ceterus Paribus Elmo Phillip, friends for life, Joan, Drupatee, Cynthia, Annette, Pat, Beetha, Gemma, dearest Claudina:my roommate for two years,

Calypso competition, Cuffie and Fanny,  folk singing. History- class:before- snack nap. Ageless, wonderful memories. I can go on and on

Joan Fulchan 74

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2019-DEC-27

2019-DEC-27-1727Hrs

I can never forget that trip to Guyana. After waiting for hours in Piarco from in the morning, the plane finally arrived to take us to Guyana in the night.  While on the way, rain started to fall, and the plane began to leak, and it was cold.I went into the toilet. While there, I saw a pocket, and on opening the pocket to inspect the contents, I saw that it was the papers for the plane. I saw that the plane was made in 1944, during WW2. Were not sitting in seats facing forward, but along the sides of the plane. The body of the plane was filled with cargo.When we landed, It WAS a relief. The press was  there waiting to welcome us. I had my quatro, and I started playing a Mausican folk song. Boykin, I believe. Everyone of us joined in the singing of the song, and the press photographers had a field day.

Garth NIcholas

Sunset Villa 1969 to 1971

Garth Nicholas 71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2019-DEC-20

2019-DEC-21-0619Hrs

Good to see Eileen Pilgrim on the blog.....from my year group, 67-69. Hope you recover well Eileen, to face 2020.  Our year group was not easy. Errol Jones, Pearl Mulrain, Yvonne FitzAndrews, Gwendoline Wiliiams (Peter), Arthur Hume, Babara Davis (Walker), Kenneth Parmasad, Gregory Byrne, Django (Udho Rambaran), Kenneth Bobb, Nazir Khan, Clyde Maurice, Cuthbert Matthews (Clang), Maura Cosselal, Marie Louise Felice, Allisford Phillip; Victorinus David; Toco (Victor White); Davis Charles; Deodath Maharaj; Wray McBurnie (whom I had fought twice on Roy Joseph Street in San Fernando in front of our school, before we bounce up again in Mausica, all forgotten); Noel Duncan; Orman Fournillier; and of course, Allison (Gibbons) Lewis.

A good place to stop.

Theodore Lewis (Mighty lord Scratchie).

--Calypso king, 1969; Third, 1968);

Victor Ludorum, 1969,

Center Forward-inside left on football team (!967-1969); Debating team member (with Gwen and Noel Duncan),

Won the marathon from Piarco to the College;

Was there in Grenada for Bellingsgate;

Present when we take Django in Haven Foyer for throwing cowitch in my bed (the man climb up the ground floor window of Martin Brathwaite(Braf) an Mice to do that; Aware of who flood Mayfair ground floor that cause Beck to come to Fair Haven Square with a cutlass crying--because he room flood, and shoes floating down the corridor); Nobody in Haven come out.

Grell cup we vex because the Warden post a sign calling Haven "campus donkey" . Me and Sto put up a sign on our door encouraging hostel men to throw their rubbish in our room....because we object to the hostel being disparaged like that....we room full up with all kinda rubbish, including cane peeling and orange skin.....evidence that many of the men lived partially off the Mausica land.

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Season's greetings.Here's wishing all my Mausican brothers and sisters a Christ centered Christmas and a God guided New Year.

2019-DEC-21-2357Hrs

Yes folks,Mausica,lovely Mausica,where many of us would have spent the best two years of our life.

How many of you guys remember raiding Mr.Jai Ramkissoon orange field across the road in the dead of night?

How many of you remember going to Guyana to work on the road to Brazil?I

How many of you remember bringing back Guyanese one cent piece to use in Matron's vending machine as ten cent piece?

I am sure you guys would remember the famous panty raid that had the girls bawling next morning when they recognised their undies flying on the flag pole.

My most vivid memory is going with the fellas to drink by Malibu during curfew and stopped by police about 10.00 pm on our way back to hostel.Hear nah man,an never hear fellas beg so in meh life.We even had the police laughing with/at us.Anyway,we were let off the hook with a warning.

Next time nah.

Praimraj Boodram

Room 6

Sunset Villa.

Praimraj Boodram 71

RE: Memories

2019-DEC-20-0144Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Aye, Scratchie, yuh have meh remembering wen, boy. Ah just finish listening tuh some Pal Joey Lewis on You Tube.

Allyuh remember “I’ll Walk Away From Love”. Check it out. Who was yuh dancing pardnahs in dem days?

Wen fete over,  yuh had tuh play ah game of “Chess”. Until sunrise!

Accordin tuh meh roommate,  Leroy Cox, ?”

“Mausica, how ah love yuh so?”

As usual,

Rodney Foster

66-68

2:40 am,,

Rodney Foster 68