RE: New Contact

2013-Jan-25-0835Hrs

Please add Judith Suite (67-69- Kirkendale) on your list. Her email address is etimoyhart@hotmail.com

She communicates mainly this way as a bout of meningitis a few years ago left her hearing-impaired.

Pearl Mulrain

RE: A note on restorative justice, from my reading, not personal experience.

2013-Jan-24-2258Hrs

Among the people of Nanavut, the semi-autonomous region of Northern Canada, there are very few murders, and apparently fewer deliberate killings. A man might injure somone while hunting, or in a drunken fight, based on alcohol which the Europeans introduced to them, and which they drink profusely.

When a man kills another, he has, by custom, to take on the responsibility for caring for the dead man's family as if he was their father. When he hunts, they have to be fed first, if he works in a specific job, his paycheck takes care of their needs equally with his family.

Once, they used to be thrown into Canadian jails, to waste away, depriving the community of TWO breadwinners. Then, when Nanavut was allowed to make their own laws, they put this system in place. Tribal elders see to its enforcement.

I have always said that when Europeans came to the Other World, they created a fort and a stockade, and a jail to put dissenters in. Over the years they have jailed a number of people who did not agree with them,. T U B Butler in Trinidad being the most famous one locally. Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mohandas Ghandi are others.

The urge to destroy Machel comes from that same anger/envy of success that village people in previous slave societies are so full of. Somebody prospering? Bun dong dey house. Little miss chippy walking the street like she think she is something special? Some dutty old man would rape her, to put her in her place.

The argument about Machel should be widened into a questioning of how we stop so? All the education, opportunities and wealth have not made trinis a generous hearted or forgiving people. Any man worth his salt would have defended his woman. I remember the story well, and wondered why it took this long to get to court,(I thought he had since done another wrong) and now, if this "Little Black Boy" is going to be made to pay, for being cocky with success. As a convicted felon in his own country, he can no longer come to the US and bring down the house at Madison Square Garden.We need to be sure we understand what we are punishing. Grind him/her into the dust seems to be our favorite response to Who he think he playing?

The magistrate/judge could have given him some community service work like teaching reading, for a month at one of the orphanages. Then she should have sentenced the woman who threw the drink to work alongside him. But that makes too much sense, you hear.

Linda Edwards

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-24-1258Hrs

Hi Errol,

Warm greetings from T&T. Much appreciation for keeping us in touch with each other weekly...ours is the first email I open on Fridays. Please add these Mausicans to the list.

Carol Wren-O'Brien 1970-72 Wingate

cwob27@hotmail.com

Orville Wolsey 1971-73 Sunset Villa

wolsey@tstt.net.tt

Looking forward to seeing you in July.

Blessings

Angela McAlister

RE: Hurry! Hurry!

2013-Jan-24-0712Hrs

To my Fellow Mausicans,

Get on board! Get on board! Last train to San Fernando. Deadline to register for Reunion 2013 is January 31st.

Special appeal to my year group,  66-68, and the Red Guards. Geezmo,  round up de posse. Irma , Heather, Kendall, Gerry, Myrtle. It was good seeing you in New York in 2011.

Call Maria at 642-4231. Register today.

By de way Maria, see if yuh could negotiate ah discount rate for those who want to overnight at the Hyatt.

As usual,

Rodney Foster

RE: Registering for the Reunion in Trinidad

2013-Jan-22-20545Hrs

Hello Errol:

My name is Bernice Blackman-Mausica 67-69. I am planning to attend the 2013 Mausica Reunion.

I was reading the blog and saw that registration for the 2013 Reunion in Trinidad is terminated as of January 31st. Unfortunately, I have been in and out of the country over an extended period and have not had the time to register for the reunion. I will be out of the country again from January 26 to February 2. How and when can I register? To tell you the truth, I have not seen a registration form. Do you have one?

Hoping to hear from you ASAP

Bernice Blackman

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-20-1845Hrs

Sincerest condolences to Tony Sanchez (Mausica 1972-1974) on the passing of his brother Andre Sanchez....R I P.

(from Patricia Chuckaree née Kalloo...Mausica1971-1973)

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-20-1756Hrs

Errol,

This Machel story, people forgetting the genesis of the story .........

....Machel went to Zen with a female friend / date ...minding his business....ah woman pulled at him, he ignored her.....

Machel dancing with his date and the next thing yuh know the woman (who Machel ignored) throw her drink on Machel's date

"by accident" ........ five years later 'is ah  National Debate ???!! God help this country !!!!

Lord have Mercy !!!!! ...Those pictures Trini Fruits & Foods ................oooooohhh Lord 

Patricia Mc Cree

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-19-0530Hrs

Fellow Mausicans

I believe Hazel has hit the nail on the head.  It is never about one side versus the other, and Restorative Justice is a good way of facilitating true and lasting reconciliation. It will of course take tremendous humility on the part of the wrong doers not only to recognise the wrong, but to take a giant step further by acknowledging and apologising for that wrong.  All responsible persons must to do this.  Teachers in particular always have the opportunity to pass this lesson on to those in their care.  Teachers who are parents have a special responsibliity to give this life lesson to their children from their earliest years.

I hope the sessions at The Arouca Pastoral Centre will be well attended and that those who participate will find a way forward to re establishing peace in the land.  Politicians, especially at this time, have to ask themselves what their real agenda is and who they are meant to be serving.

re the Reunion... I trust late deciders will take the opportunity to register before the revised final deadline.

Blessings, Pat

Attached a photo and a close up of our Silk Cotton tree getting ready to blossom... a sign of hope.

Pat Ryan

RE: Mausica's Roll of Honour

2013-Jan-18-2125Hrs

Dear Alan:

I would have never known that Morris Marshall was a Mausican, until you nominated him for public service.

I was specially touched by this as it was the first nomination I recieved.

I have opened a file to keep this list. I hope others would jump in and call names. Everyone should know that I am open to direct communication on this topic. I also welcome letters, again directly to me on "Why and How I Became A Teacher." I will close the files at the end of February, so I can get the stuff written up .

Thank you for caring.

Linda Edwards

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-18-0934Hrs

Dear Errol

One of the lines of argument I notice in the Machel debate which I started, is that those wishing him jail may not have children of their own. I do not like nor agree with this kind of thinking. It cannot be supported, and could be unwittingly hurtful. We should bear that in mind. Parents do not have any monopoly on compassion.

Theodore Lewis

(Lord Scratchie

Fair Haven--1967-1969.

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-18-0915Hrs

May I wish all Mausicans and their loved ones love, peace, joy, happiness and showers of blessings for 2013 and thereafter. I see that Pat has “bigged up” my attempt at a calypso. Thank goodness she could not write the music because there was none to write J. Hoever let me give you some of what I remember:

Ah ole mosquito was dying

If you hear how the wife was crying (2 lines twice)

Before he pass away

He had someting to say

So he call he family in union

And dis was his confession

Chorus

Ah bite up man in dee morning

Ah bite up man in dee evening

Ah sorry for what ah do

But ah bite up some woman too

All dem mosquito gather

And dey crying for dey father (2 lines twice)

But one mosquito name Bill

Only studying ‘bout the will

So he bend dong and ask his father

To leave him a barrel of yellow fever

(this was accompanied by appropriate buzzing but Buzzie was not part of the chorus J.)

[I am thinking of quickening up the tempo and singing it as soca.]

Felix Edinborough

RE: Mausica Reunion Update

2013-Jan-17-1951Hrs

Dear My Peeps,

It is coming around the corner, When it comes We have to be ready. So we eh really ready yet like Bunji.  We ready for d Carnival like Bunji. Dat tune nice fuh so.  Nadia Batson and Sass have a great one called "Shangri La" Yuh will ketch d power and lose yuhself in d spirit.  Ting gettin nice.

Anyway, I feelin' de fever comin' so before ah really get d fever. It eh go be long again. Not sure if you will hear from me in the next four weeks.   PLEASE NOTE:

Absolutely no payments for Registration/Dinner and Dance will be accepted after January 31st.  

We must begin our implementation plan. and for those who have registered, the closing date for events in which you will participate is February 28th.

Now here is info. re: Accommodation: (Rodney yuh readin'?)

• Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel:

Superior Rooms: located in the main hotel building with a/c, tv, phone, bath, safe, balcony/patio.

SIngle Occupancy:  TT678.00 per room

Twin Occupancy  :  TT824.00 per room

The above rates are inclusive of full breadfast, service charge & taxes.

Note: Guests should contact the hotel directly to make reservations, & indicate that they are part of the "Mausica Teachers' College Reunion in order to get the special rates quoted.

Please note that all guests will be responsible for his/her own account and should have credit card details ready upon booking in order to guarantee the reservation.

Telephone #s for Mt. Irvine:  639-8871/2/3

• You can also get in touch with Viola's Place.  We have arranged with her.  You can call and indicate that you are part of "Mausica Teachers' College Reunion and you will get special rates. By the time you call, they would have worked  out rates for July.

Telephone # for Viola's is 639-9441

• There is a cute guest house opposite Viola's called "Twilight Inn"  a/c, kitchenette, tv, very comfortable for those who are not fussy.  It is in Lowlands.

Telephone # for Twilight Inn is 639-0917  Their rooms are $300.00 a night.

• Remember also Golden Thistle: Gerard Callendar's Brother, Michael

# for Golden Thistle is 639-8521  or 7060.  Location is Store Bay Local Road

• and of course there is Kariwak-

# for Kariwak Village is 639-8442 Call and find out rates for July. Bookings must be made 1 month in advance.

THE EXCITEMENT IS BUILDING. ARE WE "ORN" LIKE BOIL CORN OR WHAT?

HAPPY CARNIVAL EVERYONE.  CREATIVITY, CAMARADERIE, COMMUNITY, UNITY,

Anna Maria Mora

RE: Condolences

2013-Jan-16-0353Hrs

Sincere Condolences go out to Sydna Grell ( Belgrove ) on the passing of her brother Keith and also to Clive Grell of his brother in law

Ansel Knights

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-14-0423Hrs

Errol,

I appreciate the extremely valuable work you are doing for us Mausicans. I wish you God's blessing on your life and that of your family for this new year. Could you please bring on board ELVA ST.HILAIRE-DYER .Her address is dyerelva@hotmail.com

Thank you.

Lincoln Dyer

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-13-2048Hrs

Dear Errol,

I have read all the comments about Machel.  I agree that family is there to provide support and assistance. The child on the other hand must show or express a sense of remorse for the situation. Maybe I have missed his expression of remorse. Rehabilitation cannot begin until he comes to the realisation that he did some thing which was not acceptable. Who from the Mausica family is willing to sit and talk with Machel. and provide some form of counsel.  I wonder how Mr Williams, Mrs Cuffie or Harry Joe would have dealt with situation like this.
Cynthia Lawrence

RE: Calling all Mausicans, especially calypso singers, and calypso lovers.

2013-Jan-13-1325Hrs

We used to do Fall Fall Fall during choir practice breaks and in camp....Trevor a pure fool...may he rest in peace

the chorus of his gem on an outbreak of diahorrea on campus;

Fairhaven in the background with dey por por dor; por por dor

Wingate and Mayfair Mansion with dey ra ta ta ta; ra ta, ta, ta

And those from Sunset Villa, Kirkendale and Villanova

With dey tu tu ah; tu tu ah; tu tu,ah.

Theodore Lewis

RE: Calling all Mausicans, especially calypso singers, and calypso lovers.

2013-Jan-13-1317Hrs

We had a song in my year group called "Mayfair mansion have a radio station". I am trying to figure out who sangd it. It was a Mausica lady....not sure if it was not Agnes Howell...who for sure sang in the competition....someone will remember,,,,,I will contact Pearl Mulrain about this....

Rutherford Hughes who went on to be Barbados calypso king several times was probably calypso king one year....

Theodore Lewis

RE: Calling all Mausicans, especially calypso singers, and calypso lovers.

2013-Jan-13-0705Hrs

Hi Folks

re Hot water's lyrics: One ah dem name was BIll ( not Will) ... he only interested in de will

Pat Ryan

RE: Calling all Mausicans, especially calypso singers, and calypso lovers.

2013-Jan-13-0659Hrs

I woke up this morning thinking of Theodore's e mail to Linda's and her earlier comments.

There was a Song sheet with some calypsos at the Toronto Reunion in 2005... any one kept theirs?

I remember Trevor Davis singing La Porrinden ( inspired by one of our folk songs) and a calypso about Choir practice.  Also Felix "Hot Water" Edinborough with one about  a mosquito.   See what I remember below and fill in the many blanks please.  If everyone send in what they recall we can put some of the songs together.

Also at one of our assemblies  someone did a parody of Just Because ( was this a Jim Reeves song?) which brought the house down.

Was there a calypso with  " another bomb drop!!" ?

Trevor Davis:

La Porrinden: dis string ban ah children ah have here, dey too much for me; dis string ban ah children ah tell yuh, is a trouble tree

dis string ban ah children ah tell yuh, dey too much for me; de whole bunch ah dese little devils , dey want to kill me

one ah dem jus like ah...

dey jus like dey wutless fader... Zandolee  etc and also included a piece in patois : uni quat' cinq, six ti lezards ...dey want to kill me

I do not remember the title of his other calypso but it was generally about the Warden's frustration with us at Choir practice( especially the TENORS!!!)

(chorus, based on Oh Holy Night) :  Fall, fall, fall, fall, fall!  sing up tenors, sing up please

fall, fall, fall, fall , fall, fall,... fall on something beside yuh knees  ( dat's all Folks!)

fall, fall, fall, fall, fall, fall  .....    ( all I can remember folks)

Hot Water( Progues)  Ah ole mosquito was dying, if yuh see how he children cryin (2)

one a dem name was Wii, he only interested in de will

so he ben down and ask he father to leave him a barrel ah Yellow Fever

Chorus ( father) Ah bite up man in de mornin, ah bite up man in de evenin

Ah sorry for what ah do, yuh know? ah bite up some women too!

Pat Ryan

RE: Calling all Mausicans, especially calypso singers, and calypso lovers.

2013-Jan-12-1856Hrs

Theodore Lewis, Scratchie, Mausica Calypso king of 69, wrote to me suggesting we include a section of the College's history, on Calypsoes as social commentary.

(All I am hearing in my head is "and the Pudding tumble down as the Joe was speaking, and the Pudding tumble down, and mash up the evening.")

I tossed the project back to him.He tossed part of it back to me.

Now here is YOUR part.

What calypsoes do You remember?

Who composed/sang them?

What year was that?

Did you enter the competition?

Did you win? If not, who won?

You may do this also for friends who have passed on to the ancestors, if you recall the details

Theodore's chapter will include, we hope, actual lyrics, in chronological order, attributed to their owners,  with commentary by him.

Now, this is a big effort, and there is no time to waste.

So, as soon as this gets to you, I want you to please get busy. It will be in the blog, but in the meantime, each one who receives this, from me or Scratchie, is asked to forward it to others within a day, so that responses will begin coming it.. (Treat it as a hot piece of gossip nuh, and tell everybody.)

We want to hear from you. ASAP

Linda Edwards

Mrs. Linda Romain.

Lecturer, 1967-69.

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-11-1252Hrs

Hi Errol,

Happy New Year to you and to all Mausicans where ever you are. Hope all have a wonderful year in spite of the challenges that lie ahead.

Re: Nominations for the history. I would like to nominate Morris Marshall (the Mash) of 69-71 for service to the community. Morris served in youth groups in East POS before he came to Mausica with another Mausican Adrian Debique (70-72)  After College Morris continued to work with the youth and eventually was elected as a member of Parliament. He was a service oriented person. We cannot forget the out pouring of love demonstrated on the streets of POS at his funeral from the people he touched when he was alive.

It might be nice for other Mausican who know the nominees to verify or add information as they are presented, this may be helpful in the selection process.

Earl Alexander 69-71

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-11-1228Hrs

Dear Errol,

I just had to give a response to the Machel saga. I think of Machel as my own son. I love him. I was in college with his parents, Liz and Monty. My four children are fans of Machel. I feel a tinge of sadness over the fact that he got involved in that situation. To me , he must be held responsible for his actions. However,as Gloria Bobb wrote, those who wish jail for him either have no children or have never been humbled by their children's actions.

I believe Machel knows that he did wrong and all this publicity must have affected him and embarrassed his parents. If we truly think of ourselves as "the Mausica family" we should now be praying for Machel and the Montano family that they would weather this present storm and emerge from it as stronger members of this Mausica family we claim to love so much. God bless the the Montano's. God bless Mausicans!!!!

Judith Lennard-Hills

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-11-0954Hrs

Mausicans:

OOPs again, about what seems like, and are, typos. The laptop has some keys that need to be pounded. When writing in a hurry, i miss them.  Sometimes whole words get left out. There are TWO readers proofing what goes into the History.

My sense of language is not challenged. Delayed print is.I am rushing off to my poetry workshop, BUT I read this twice.

Linda Edwards

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-11-0759Hrs

Dear Errol,

I have been following the Machel debate with a great deal of interest. I had decided to keep my views to myself but now, as so often happens, I feel a responsibility to put in my five cents, as justice is something close to my heart and my life's work. I am a parent, a lawyer, an educator, a consultant and a trainer. Most of you know that I resigned my well-paying job in the Bahamas to return home and most of my friends think I am crazy to do this, given the state of the world economy. I have been unemployed for going on five months. It is an act of faith. At the end of this month, I am conducting a course in Facilitiating Restorative Conferences. You may be thinking all of this irrelevant to the Machel discussion. It is not. Scratchie,you have written advocating restorative justice. I clipped and kept that article because it resonated with me, having received training in this area and I was in the process of receiving additional training. What should happen in the Machel Montano case is restorative justice. Restorative justice asks the question: How can we repair the harm to the victim and restore his well-being as well as that of the wrong-doer? The criminal justice system sees crime as a crime against the state, whereas restorative justice sees a crime as a wrong done to a victim and the community. A restorative justice conference brings together in a structured meeting, facilitated by a trained facilitator, the wrongdoer and his supporters or community and the victim and his community and they decide how the harm is to be repaired. The conference can happen only when the wrongdoer admits that he has done wrong and is willing to make amends. It brings about healing and peace in a society. It is happening all over the world now. It is being used in workplaces, families, communities, schools  and in the justice system. I do not know if any of you read the New York Times Magazine article last week of the restorative justice session that took place in Florida between the 19 year-old murderer and the parents of his victim, his 19-year old fiancee, whom he had shot in the head after a long -drawn out quarrell. Scratchie and Maria are both right, but both are looking at the issue through defective lens, that of the wrongdoer or victim. We must consider the need to restore the well-being of both sides,their families,the community.All are affected by this crime. This matter must be carefully handled. The implications are huge. I would offer my services free in this case, but then I might be accused of interfering in the administration of justice. I suggest we say a prayer for God to guide the magistrate in this case, for Machel and his family, and for the government to send key persons to my course at the Arouca Pastoral Centre on January 30-31.

Peace to all,

Hazel Thompson-Ahye

RE: Concerning the history of Mausica Teachers' College

2013-Jan-08-1955Hrs

Dear Mausicans:

I would like to inlude in the brief history of the college, a listing by year, in chronological order, the names of some Mausicans, perhaps four per year of graduation, who have distinguished themselves in the fields of education,- including tertiary eduation, public service( medicine, serving as senators or ambasadors etc), and business.The emphasis is not meant to be on what one has achieved, but rather what one has given back to the wider community. So, a millioniare, per se, should not make the lit, if there i another millioniare who could be nominated who sponsors a service group for mentally challened children.

To be fair, I do not think anyone should naminate themselves,  the nominee must of course either be from the year that the nominator graduated, or be his/her personal friend from another year.

I would like this to be a public act, so please list your nominee as well as your name and year, to the Mausica Weekly.

I am trying to omplete major segments of this history, by my 72nd birthday, MArch 27, to fowrd to MAria so they could ecide what to hold and what to fol, bfor getting it printed.

You should all know that I do not plan to attend the final reunion in person.I will do my part, however, to make this project succeed.

Start sending in your nominations. You can send them directly to me, but I woul rather them go through the blog. Transparency is my thing.

Linda Edwards

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-06-2045Hrs

Hi

Please include Juliana Sam (69-71) on your mailing list - juliesam@gmail.com

Thanks

Dhanpati Ramcharitar

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-06-1045Hrs

Blessings to All

What's the obsession with Machel? Those who wish "jail" fuh him clearly don't have children of their own......or were never "humbled" by their own. Let the law take its course.

Best wishes to the Montanos at this difficult time.

Did you smile with someone today, expecting nothing in return? GB

Gloria Bobb

RE: Greetings

2013-Jan-05-0745Hrs

To all Mausicans,

May our year be filled with God's blesings of good health, in spite of the diabetes, peace, and joy within our families. May there always be something we can do to make life more enjoyable. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As for Machel, We should not protect him from learning his lesson. Let's think of what we are teaching his progeny by our actions.

Barbara Mellowes

re: Machel, Mausica and "unknown" Dr. Lewis.

2013-Jan-04-1519Hrs

If Mausica is really a family, then Machel Montano is our child, a child of the village. I did not read the comment of the person who called Professor Theodore Lewis an "unknown," an insult really, but regardless of the long documentation this comment generated, we must return to the original premise. Machel is the product of two Mausicans. He, as Lewis said, is ours.

Regardless of whether you support Scratchie's position, as Anna Maria did not, you have to agree that he is entitled to his position, and the space allowed in the newsletter that allows him to make his case.

Children who have fame and fortune thrust upon them, are ofte troubled, the force of the limelight and fame, does not allow them to grow normally. Machel should be compared then, to American child-stars, who never experienced the give and take of the school-yard, bullies ad all, and who therefore miss out on a certain level of human interaction.

I want to address also, to all Mausicans, the "it good for he" syndrome; which seems to dictate a breathless waiting for the successful to collapse to the ground, amidst the jeers of former admirers, jealous and bitter, and who expect so much more of people who are merely human.. Our doppelganger, our evil twin our Jekyl and Hyde other selves, are always waiting. It may have been this other, ungenerous self on the part of the one questioning Scratchie, who spoke. And the conversation goes on to those who question the extensive coverage. Did we ever question such coverage before, and if not, why now?

I think of Dr. Wayne Kublalsingh, emaciating himself for what he believed was a good cause; and a former Mausican, whom I despise, now risen to high office says to him, via the media "Hurry up an dead."

It prompts me to raise to the reading group the question of whether enough was done by the faculty to instill moral instruction, good vs evil, in our future teachers. I think of the young man who attempted to rape a fellow student one night after itroductory social, but other girls came to the dorm just in time. I think of how the young men in his dorm sliced him up with tiny razor cuts, until he had to go to the Arima District Hospital for treatment, and the call from my sister, the recieving nurse, to inquire what had really happened, because the story of bis falling through a pane of glass could not explain the cuts on his back and abdomen. I think of my raising the question with Harry Joe, and his comment that "the young men in his dorm fixed him up, and it is better that having the girl's father turn up on campus with a cutlass."

I think of the heated debate we has as lecturers when it was time to vote on licencing this young man as a teacher. All the men voted for him,. All the women saw visions of him trying to rape some overdeveloped country schoolgirl., and voted gainst him. There were more men on the staff.

I think about this, and whether we should include it in a history of Musica, and the noisy No! of you all, and I write it here to say, that Scratcie has some moral sense that others are not willing to speak on. It takes a village... and if Mausica was/is a vilage. Machel is our child. Jack Warner is our product.

CONSIDER THIS A LECTURE LONG OVERDUE, for both the classes that I taught, and the extended family. I will light a peace candle, as I send this. I do not know who the young men were who cut him up, so please do not tell me now.

Finis.

Linda Edwards

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-04-1453Hrs

I too share the view that, while not condoning what he did, redemption and compassion are called for in the circumstances. Too often the instinct is to criticise, condemn and destroy as if we ourselves have never sinned.

As a child of fellow Mausicans I see Machel (talented as he is; human frailties and all), as my extended son (no apologies to anyone for this) and am prepared to kill the fatted calf if and when he sees the light. I dearly hope that he will mature from this experience and that his light will continue to shine.

Rodney Charles

Sunset Villa 68-70

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-04-1056Hrs

Hi Erroll,

Wishing you and all Mausicans  best wishes for 2013 - good health, prosperity and happiness.  Thank you for keeping us together.  I have been able to reconnect with many of my group (70 - 72)  and it is wonderful!

Lydia Naimool Jones

The Branch, Tobago.

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-04-0943Hrs

Dear Errol:

I have some further thoughts on this question of what it means to be a Mausican, what are the limits of this concept, and where we should draw lines and condemn. When Martin Brathwaite (Haven, 1966-1968) died, Efebo Wilkinson wrote in his memory saying that what stood out about him was that when we needed MEN in the Haven, we could count on "Braff". I knew what he meant. We are teachers yes, but we are not pushovers. A mausican is not just an ice-cream social, tea-sipping, folk-song singing goody two-shoes. The place was too representative of the culture for that. We had our priests and pundits, and La Sorrorite people, but we also had people whose experience prior to campus was to hang out on corners, one famously with Dr. Rat.

So when a Mausican or his/her offspring stumbles, we should try to help him/her break the fall, and leave the criticism and the goodyshoeing for the Mausica haters. Elsewhere in a winning calypso, Efebo in 1968 sang the following first two lines in his "Mausica":

"We have a big problem here since 1963"

"People on the outside dey only washing dey mouth on we"

The key word here is "Outside". To be inside is to be a Mausican. "Inside" does not mean merely behind the fence that separated us from the chicken farm or cane and orange fields, or Piarco. It is rather a state of mind. Insiders must care for and about our own, and that has to be transported across time and generations.

On this point I agree with the sentiments of my Haven brother Rodney Foster who writes in the blog about what it means to be family. You can't be a Mausican and turn your back on a second generation member who would have been absolutely at home in Haven, or even Mayfair. Talking about Machel.

Theodore Lewis (Scratchie)

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-03-2208Hrs

Dear Errol:

I have great regard for Maria, especially on questions of social psychology, where she has done work that has gotten national acclaim. I respect her view on the question of Machel Montano, but do not agree with it. For any child of Mausica, my position remains that we should be empathetic and not judgmental. Certainly, we should not be wishing the worst. When the child of a Mausican is in trouble, let us rally around even with a heavy heart. That is what families do when sheep go astray. The law of averages says that some Mausicans themselves, and some children of Mausicans, may not do the rest of us proud. But families are not for fair weather only. What would Fitzy or the Cuff have to say about this? Their instinct if someone drank too much, or became uncontrollable, was to rehabilitate, where the view of others was to expel. And it is they who are the authors of what it means to be a Mausican.

Theodore Lewis. (By the way, I do know "Esmond" Francois and I am certain he knows me. I am hoping he is not now carrying a different first name from the one I knew when we were in choir).

Theodore Lewis

RE:

2013-Jan-02-2229Hrs

Hi Errol,

Seasons greetings to all Mausicans and may all that the Lord has destined for your lives be achieved in this season.

Please add Yasmin Khan (77-79) to the email list. Her address is capricorny_50@yahoo.co.uk.

Patricia Batson

RE: MY Two Cents

2013-Jan-02-2115Hrs

Hello Errol,

Happy New Year. Please add my piece to the blog.

Thank you.

Rodney Foster

Monday, 31st December, 2012

Dear Errol and my Fellow Mausicans,

May we all have a blessed and healthy New Year.

Allow me to add my two cents to the current Machel debate. Initially I was indifferent to the whole discussion.  However, after reading T.D. Jakes’ book, “Reposition Yourself”, and reading some of the positions taken by a few of  my fellow Mausicans,  I have decided to break my silence. I remembered that during slavery and the Jewish holocaust too many people chose to remain silent.

T.D. Jakes reminds us that we must give others a second chance, an opportunity to be redeemed, restored and repositioned. He recalls the biblical story of the shepherd who went in search of his lost sheep and the overwhelming joy he experienced when he found it and returned to his flock. He also reminded his readers that Jesus Christ forgave his disciple, Peter, who had denied Him three times. In addition, he emphasized that we should not abandon our family.

Jump high or jump low, Machel Montano belongs to the Mausican family. All the children of MTC graduates are our family members. In times of crisis, while we may not condone the child’s actions, we must band together to help that child reposition himself or herself. A redeemed Machel can do much more in the larger community than behind the prison walls. He has the talents and financial resources to make positive contributions in TNT, the Caribbean and the world at large. Perhaps this is the good that can emerge from this embarrassing situation. A public apology and financial retribution to the victims may be part of the healing process. In addition, as a businessman in the entertainment industry, Machel has created thousands of jobs and millions of dollars that put food on the table for many households. Allow him to continue and expand his business.

My friends, celebrities are human too and can make terrible mistakes. Remember when the Mighty Sparrow, Calypso King of the World, sang “Ten to One Is Murder” and later on invited some hecklers in the audience to “Kiss meh black, Grenadian arse.”  Since then he has redeemed himself and was awarded a doctorate from UWI.

I believe that Machel could also reposition and redeem himself. This incident is not only about Machel. It is about the danger that surrounds us in Sweet TNT and the world at large. This tragedy can be the stimulus to design programs to halt the moral decline that is claiming so many lives in the country. Machel, other celebrities and qualified change agents can play a vital role in restoring TNT to a higher level.

Therefore, my friends, let us not throw out the baby with the bath water. Machel and TNT need help. Let us seize this opportunity to “Mould a nation through service”.

Rodney Foster

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Jan-02-1245Hrs

A Blessed New Year to all Mausicans and their families...biological, learning/teaching communities, retirees etc...

For those who have heard of "Borrachos" parang group that was spawned from Mausica's talented choirs, there was a watershed moment this year when they did not parang! Our 30-40 year old children grew up with Borrachos and the fine strains of their voices at about 3.30 a.m on Christmas morning. My neighbors listened and enjoyed from their warm beds.

I'm saying this to say "Change is inevitable, we're growing older each day, and embrace the beauty of every experience".

Still hoping for the return ----Christmas morning 2013. Everald & Gloria Bobb

Did you smile with someone today, expecting nothing in return? GB

Gloria Bobb

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-29-2247Hrs

just one correction to the blog Winston Montano ( Monty )  and Elizabeth Romain-Montano ( Liz ) are both mausicans from the 69 to 71 group. Thank you

Ansel Knights

RE: TO JAIL OR NOT TO JAIL

2012-DEC-29-1102Hrs

I know the mother of the Princes Town victim ... I knew when she was carrying him ... met him as a toddler ... infant. His mom was a teacher and retired as a Principal. I'll concede my thought process is compromised .... Jail his arse should be the byline.

What is it about Presentation College and Hooliganism. Remember Manning and the Radio Station, Panday ... now Machel. You don't see Naparima Boys Graduates behave like that.

Look at Darren Ganga ... the Epitome Of Class.

Oh Boy! Now my Presentation guys going to come after me ... Jimmy Wong, Tony Deyal, Rawle Aimey, Dr Keith Clifford, Dr Hazare Imambaksh, Dr Anil Ramnanan, Chester Morong, Dr Denzil Seedial.

Seriously ... Regardless of my prejudice, I'll do my duty for a child of Mausica. If you know of Machel's philanthropic work for nationals of TNT .... instances of role model activity for our youth ..

Kindly forward and I'll pass on to the Mausica Alumni so they can petition the Minister Of National Security for leniency.

There is precedence in the Homeland. Remember Dr Patrick Solomon.

Kamal

Alan Simpson

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-29-0821Hrs

Dear Errol and other members of our Mausica Family,

Peace, Joy, Love, The Best of Health and Happiness for 2013 to our Mausica Family.  Many are still asking for the Bank Account #.  Is it possible to change the info. on the form that has been posted on the website.

Let me here put the REPUBLIC BANK ACCOUNT # AGAIN:  IT IS 660-008-543-201 and please make all bank drafts out to CLARE CREESE-WOODLEY (all info. is on a previous blog) remember closing date is: Dec. 31st.

The committee will meet early in January and access the situation re: registrations and give updates by end of January.  The closing date for the 2nd phase of the registrations in February 28th 2013.

Anticipate, Excite, Reminisce July 2013 Not yet around the corner, but on the "home stretch."

ALSO:  Thank you so much, Kelvin Esmond. I support your position.  As someone who has made working with young people my life's mission and who works really hard to help them to understand that, Without Peace There Will Be No Progress In Their Lives; Someone who works to give young people the tools (vocabulary) to help them to share their feelings and to dialogue with each other so that they can understand and empathize, and learn that we are all in this life together, and who echoes the words of Martin Luther King " Either we learn to live together as brothers/ sisters or perish together as fools," I really cannot endorse Theodore's sentiments. but he has a right to them.  We have enough problems with our young people as it is, to have this young national figure behave like a loose cannon.  There have been many other incidents, witnessed by many, backstage and in other places that have gone unreported, involving said figure.  If this goes the way of many others, we will continue to have the lawlessness that is being witnessed every day and which is apparently getting "beyond the control of the those of us who still some measure of "sanity."

I hope that you always remembter the definition of "insanity."

"INSANITY:"  DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS.

2013 is "around the corner" let each one of us do a review and make some attempt to do things differently if we want different (positive and peaceful) results in our homes, with our intimate relationships, on our streets and throughout our society.  We must learn lessons from our indiscretions.

Anna Maria Mora

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-29-0659Hrs

I corrected a Typo and added a mine and one other name.

Dear Errol:

I read the comments of "Kelvin Francois" on my note asking for support of Machel Montano. The point was that he is the child of a Mausican. In any family, there is variation, and we have to cherish all. We remain the Mausica family, and that family is extended, and I would ask for leniency for anyone who belongs to it. Leniency is not to be conflated with condonation. Mr. Francois misses my point, and decides to label me as a "fan" of Machel, and declares that he is not a fan. I believe in forgiveness. I know the parents, and don't need to be a fan to empathise.

The second point is that Mr. Francois refers to me as "an unknown Theodore Lewis". I am not sure what to make of that. There are many, especially those who came after 1970 who I do not know. There are Mausicans who came before 1967 whom I do not know. But that does not make them "unknown." I am among a small group who spent THREE years at Mausica, being called back for a third year for specialist training (agriculture, industrial arts, Home Economics) for the junior secondary schools. So I had more exposure than most, and was active the whole time, in extra curricular activities.

I am known by people who know me. I feel somewhat like Lord Nelson who was called "foreigner" by the immigration people at the airport, and he had to point out to them why he is not a foreigner, just because he had a Green card.

I do not feel I am unknown. I went to Mausica in September 1967, and joined Fairhaven hostel which was the headquarters of the RED GUARD. Red guard men in the hostel included Geezmo (Kent Rennie), Rodney Foster, Calsbury Gonzales, Martin Brathwaite (deceased), Andrew Miguel, Michael Murrel, and Sto (Selwyn Bethelmy). These men ran the place.

In my first week in Mausica I made the football team. On the team were the following second years: Efebo Wilkinson (Goalkeeper), Phillip Kendall, Geezmo, Carlsbury, Frederick Beckles, Joe Ragoonansingh, Darnley Gittens (captain), and Gerald Hernandez.

The first years who joined the team that first week along with me were Gregory Byrne, Nazir Khan, Roy Jagroopsingh (deceased), Dave Didier, Kelvin Newton, and Wray McBurnie.

The next year 1968, a new batch of players joined us second years---Ronald Benjamin, Reynold Davis, Andy Forbes, Richard Spence, among others.

I was in the alumni choir that practiced on weekends. I toured the country with them, and was part of Village Bacchanal, and the recording in the auditorium that was spoiled because there are croaking frogs in the background. I went to Grenada, Martinique, Guadaloupe, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica with the choir. Me and Paddy used to do the little skit in "Long time gyul". I was in Grenada for "Bellingsgate" when the warden heard Gregory Wallace and others cussing and decided to manners we.

I was in the regular choir that sang Clang, Clang, Clang. We lost that night in Queens hall because most of us were studying backstage for a final next day. Our minds were not on singing.

In 1968 when Efebo won the calypso crown, I was third. Gregory Byrne was second.

In 1969 I won the crown, with Pearl Mulrain and Gregory Byrne runners up. Pearl sang "the pudding tumble down (while the Joe was speaking).

I was nearby when the pudding actually fell in the FORMAL DINNER (on Cheryl Gittens-deceased).

I was part of the Fairhaven squad that went to the Villa and pulled Django from the cupboard in which he was hiding so we could TAKE him for disrespecting a Havenite. He had thrown cow-itch on my bed.

I was part of the famous study group led by Gwendolyn Williams, that included Yvonne Fitz-Andrews (deceased), Barbara Davis, Carol-Ann Doolam, Judith Chrysostom, Monica Davis, Bernice Placide, Monica Ali, and Allison Gibbons, and Andrew Lum (tenor).

Gwendoline, Noel Duncan and I were the members of the debating team that beat UWI in the auditorium. Topics in the competition were (a) "nothing is right or wrong: it is thinking that makes it so", and (b) Professionalism in sports frustrates true sportsmanship.

I was the runner up to Geezmo in 1968 in the race from Piarco to the auditorium. I won that same race the next year. On the sportsday I was Victor Ludorum.

So the point is, I was known when I was at Mausica, because like many others, I participated. Fitzy and the Cuff know me still. As do faculty such as Linda Romain and Cliff Bertrand.

It was I who shouted out "Bolero" in the auditorium causing the Principal to find out and send for me, only to be confronted with a very large delegation that caused him to change his mind, about whatever was on it.

I am the Lord Scratchie, from Fair Haven. I was a member of Glory Guys,along with Foo, Clydee, Kenneth Bobb (deceased), Gregory Byrne, Allisford, and Wray McBurnie. I was there when some men from Haven flood the ground floor of Mayfair and Beckles started crying because all of his stuff was floating down the corridor, and he take up a cutlass.

I just don't think I could be unknown with this level of activity, which does not even include my work on campus radio stations in the night, calling home my roommate from Kirkendale.

Santimanitay.

Theodore Lewis.

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-29-0626Hrs

Dear Sir

Seasons Greetings to the Mausican Family!  Kindly include in your directory for receipt of Mausica Weeky E-mails: Kay Soondarlal (68-70).  She could be reached at kaysoondarlal@yahoo.com

Thanks

Dhanpati Lalla-Ramcharitar

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-28-1049Hrs
To Esmond Francois:
Well said.
Myrtle Dickson

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-28-1001Hrs

Dear Errol:

I read the comments of "Kelvin Francois" on my note asking for support of Machel Montano. The point was that he is the child of a Mausican. In any family, there is variation, and we have to cherish all. We remain the Mausica family, and that family is extended, and I would ask for leniency for anyone who belongs to it. Leniency is not to be conflated with condonation. Mr. Francois misses my point, and decides to label me as a "fan" of Machel, and declares that he is not a fan. I believe in forgiveness. I know the parents, and don't need to be a fan to empathise.

The second point is that Mr. Francois refers to me as "an unknown Theodore Lewis". I am not sure what to make of that. There are many , especially those who came after 1970 who I do not know. There are Mausicans who came before 1967 whom I do not know. But that does not make them "unknown." I am among a small group who spent THREE years at Mausica, being called back for a third year for specialist training (agriculture, industrial arts, Home Economics) for the junior secondary schools. So I had more exposure than most, and was active the whole time, in extra curricular activities.

I am known by people who know me. I feel somewhat like Lord Nelson who was called "foreigner" by the immigration people at the airport, and he had to point out to them why he is not a foreigner, just because he had a Green card.

I do not feel I am unknown. I went to Mausica in September 1967, and joined Fairhaven hostel which was the headquarters of the RED GUARD. Red guard men in the hostel included Geezmo (Kent Rennie), Rodney Foster, Calsbury Gonzales, Martin Brathwaite (deceased), Andrew Miguel, Michael Murrel, and Sto (Selwyn Bethelmy). These man ran the place.

In my first week in Mausica I made the football team. On the team were the following second years: Efebo Wilkinson (Goalkeeper), Phillip Kendall, Geezmo, Carlsbury, Frederick Beckles, Joe Ragoonansingh, Darnley Gittens (captain).

The first years who joined the team that first week along with me were Gregory Byrne, Nazir Khan, Roy Jagroopsingh (deceased), Dave Didier, Kelvin Newton, and Wray McBurnie.

The next year 1968, a new batch of players joined us second years---Ronald Benjamin, Reynold Davis, Andy Forbes, Richard Spence, among others.

I was in the alumni choir that practiced on weekends. I toured the country with them, and was part of Village Bacchanal, and the recording in the auditorium that was spoiled because there are croaking frogs in the background. I went to Grenada, Martinique, Guadaloupe, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica with the choir. Me and Paddy used to do the little skit in "Long time gyul". I was in Grenada for "Bellingsgate" when the warden heard Gregory Wallace and others cussing and decided to manners we.

I was in the regular choir that sang Clang, Clang, Clang. We lost that night in Queens hall because most of us were studying backstage for a final next day. Our minds were not on singing.

In 1968 when Efebo won the calypso crown, I was third. Gregory Byrne was second.

In 1969 I won the crown, with Pearl Mulrain and Gregory Byrne runners up.

Pearl sang "the pudding tumble down (while the Joe was speaking).

I was nearby when the pudding actually fell in the FORMAL DINNER (on Cheryl Gittens-deceased).

I was part of the Fairhaven squad that went to the Villa and pulled Django from the cupboard in which he was hiding so we could TAKE him for disrespecting a Havenite. He had thrown cow-itch on my bed.

I was part of the famous study group led by Gwendolyn Williams, that included Yvonne Fitz-Andrews (deceased), Barbara Davis, Carol-Ann Doolam, Judith Chrysostom, Monica Davis, Bernice Placide, Monica Ali, and Allison Gibbons, and Andrew Lum (tenor).

Gwendoline, Noel Duncan and I were the members of the debating team that beat UWI in the auditorium. Topics in the competition were (a) "nothing is right or wrong: it is thinking that makes it so", and (b) Professionalism in sports frustrates true sportsmanship.

I was the runner up to Geezmo in 1968 in the race from Piarco to the auditorium.

I won that same race the next year. On the sportsday I was Victor Ludorum.

So the point is, I was known when I was at Mausica, because like many others, I participated. Fitzy and the Cuff know me still. As do faculty such as Linda Romain and Cliff Bertrand.

It was I who shouted out "Bolero" in the auditorium causing the Principal to find out and send for me, only to be confronted with a very large delegation that caused him to change his mind, about whatever was on it.

I am the Lord Scratchie, from Fair Haven. I was a member of Glory Guys,along with Foo, Clydee, Kenneth Bobb (deceased), Gregory Byrne, Allisford, and Wray McBurnie. I was there when some men from Haven flood the ground floor of Mayfair and Beckles started crying because all of his stuff was floating down the corridor, and he take up a cutlass.

I just don't think I could be unknown with this level of activity, which does not even include my work on campus radio stations in the night, calling home my roommate from Kirkendale.

Santimanitay.

Theodore Lewis

RE: Mausica weekly mailing list additions

2012-DEC-28-0941Hrs

Hi Errol,

Forgot to add the years for Catherine and Althea.

Catherine Rose-Crichlow(rosebushc@hotmail.com)  :  71 -73.

and Althea David (goodcookingmama2@yahoo.com) : 68 - 70.

Thanks and Regards,

Maxine

Maxine Riley-Ironside (67 - 69)

RE: Mausica weekly mailing list additions

2012-DEC-28-0933Hrs

Hi Errol,

Thanks for keeping Mausicans in touch with each other

Please add Catherine Rose-Crichlow (rosebushc@hotmail.com) and Althea David (goodcookingmama2@yahoo.com) to the mailing list.

see you all in July 2013.

Maxine Riley-Ironside

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-28-0502Hrs

Hi Errol,

May God shower his richest Blessings upon you, your family and all members of the Mausica family.

Kindly add-gregory.l.byrne@gmail.com : ('67-'69) to your mailing list.

Sincere thanks.

Kent Rennie

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-24-1806Hrs

Hi Errol, Please add the following 78 grads to your mailling list. With thanks. Angela

1. Ermie Edghill  -gwendrea1949@hotmail.com

2. Christine Kowlessar-Jackson  - christinefree2000@hotmail.com

3. Angus Sookhoo - angus@tstt.net.tt

Angela Jarvis

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY_SEASONS GREETINGS.

2012-DEC-23-0318Hrs

Dear Errol,

Seasons Greetings to all Mausicans and family. May 2013 and beyond shower us with PEACE, GOOD HEALTH,

HAPPINESS and PROSPERITY. Brothers and sisters please remember to register for our 50th Anniversary

Happenings.

Please add to our mailing list, Valerie Ann Francois_Gilbert 1969-71 email....vanng@hotmail.com

God's richest blessings to all Mausicans and family.

Love,

Elsa Joseph

RE: Response to Theodore Lewis e-mail article

2012-DEC-21-0906Hrs

Hi! Erroll,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come on Theodore!!! What are you thinking?

submitted by Esmond Francois ( class of 65-66)

RE:

2012-DEC-21-0615Hrs

Hi Errol,

Christmas Greetings to you and to Mausicans everywhere and their families. May the joy and peace of the Christ Child pursue you this Christmas and always.

Kindly add Robbie Richardson, (69-71)  - richardson.robbie2@gmail.com to the mailing list.

With thanks,

Kathleen Clarke-Richardson (70-72)

RE: holiday greetings

2012-DEC-20-1719Hrs

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to our Mausica family.

We wish that each person experiences happiness, love and peace, as we pray for the families of those angels in Newtown whose lives were ended so violently.

The Canadian crew.

Brenda

"and this too will pass"

Brenda Alexander-Perez

RE: Season's Greetings

2012-DEC-18-1639Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Season's Greetings once again.

I had to make an unscheduled visit to Barbados to attend a friend's funeral and will spend Christmas here.

I can be contacted at 255-1718. I am staying in Browns Gap, Christ Church until 12/27/12.

Rutherford Hughes are you still in B'dos?

So long for now.

As usual,

Rodney Foster

RE: Inclusion and correction

2012-DEC-16-2048Hrs

Name: Cyril E Gairy not Eric Gairy

Graduated: 1975

Address: Cayman Islands

E- mail: classicg@candw.ky

Cyril G.

Cyril E Gairy

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-16-1200Hrs

Hi Errol,

once again thanks for your invaluable contribution in keeping us alive as Mausicans. Seasons greetings to one and all. TSTT  has done a number on me since I've had no phone and internet services for over a month. They're always working on it.

so, on a borrowed computer, Greetings! Greetings! greetings! to all the N. Americans, Canadians, people out there wherever you are, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR!

Angela (Weatherhead) Jarvis

RE: New addition to Blog

2012-DEC-14-0927Hrs

Hi Errol,

Please add this Mausican to the mailing list, Elizabeth Carol Monsegue .... lizsegue@yahoo.com

"Little D Wingate 1969-1971

Thanks,

Sandra Lewis-Borde (70-72)

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-14-0726Hrs

Hello Errol:

Sometimes we have to look out for the children of Mausica, many of whom have the same spirit, mango not falling far from tree. Yesterday the Express published my letter which was a plea for leniency for Machel Montano, who got into a little altercation some time back. Machel is the son of Liz and Monty, who were in the 68-70 group. The reaction on the Express (31 comments and counting) have been somewhat negative. That tells me that the plea was well founded. There are people who have opposite sentiment to leniency.

Machel is one of ours. A son of Mausica passion. He and his Mausica parents have been able to fashion a business based on his creative talent, and on their entrepreneurial skill. The family has creative control over his exploits. I don't condone violence, but people in his high profile position are targets, hence the reason why they need bodyguards etc.

At Mausica men did not just sit back and take stuff. And the Mausica child cannot be expected to have sand kicked in his face.

We have to hope that the magistrate will see that a first offender who engages in fisticuffs deserves a chance.

This is the sort of thing that Fitzy would have sorted out in his heyday.

(Some of you reading this might have been in the group of Mausicans who were arrested for liming on Frederick street early in the 67-69 tenure--Banlon shoppers--and who probably are still wondering who was the man who came into the court on the day of the case and caused the MAGISTRATE to stand when he walked in, and to dismiss the whole thing just like that).

The bald head man in the wings with the half smile had something to do with that.

There are Mausicans in the cabinet now, including one who was the Minister of Entertaiment (63-65), and now Minister of National Security.

All of us Mausicans should keep positive thoughts about Machel Montano, a second generation Mausican. Those who are inclined please write a letter to the newspapers, asking for leniency.

Somebody could probably write such a letter to the Minister of National security. In my letter to the Express I suggested that he could do some community service by creating an anti-crime video.

Machel is a good Mausica child, with Mausica talent, who should in no way be sent to prison.

Theodore Lewis (67-69)

Lord Scratchie (Calypso King, 1969), (Victor Ludorum, 1969)

Fairhaven Forever.

RE: Additions to the mailing list

2012-DEC-13-1923Hrs

Hi Errol

Please add the following Mausicans to the mailing list:

Claire Thomas Ransome (68-70), her email address: claire_cjt@yahoo.com

Maureen Sotillo Providence (70-72), her email address: maureen.providence@gloc.biz

Alice Alexander Hume (73-75), her email address: humealice@gmail.com

Regards

Joan Parris Brathwaite

RE: Mausica Reunion

2012-DEC-12-2134Hrs

Dear Errol,

Through you, I am sharing my thoughts about the Mausica Reunion. A few minutes ago, I came across the script of the "folk operetta" ( a rather pretentious title for my amateur work), entitled " Mausica Revisited" that I had written for Mrs Cuffie's retirement function. Perhaps we can use it again for the concert at Mausica. It incorporates a number of the folk songs that we loved to sing and will surely bring back memories of our good times and of all our cherished members, such as our dear late Bertie Fraser. Perhaps, too, in the concert, we could recreate our morning assembly and have a few persons, at random, perform or do a speech like we used to do. This should be impromptu and the topics could deal with current issues and could be really hilarious.

What do others think?

Hazel Thompson-Ahye.

RE:

2012-DEC-11-0022Hrs

Hello Erroll,

May you and all our fellow Mausicans have an enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

On Saturday 8th, the Board members and a few friends of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Georgia kicked off the holidays with a Trini style parang. After a delicious dinner prepared by Vice President,Joyce Thompson, and her daughter, Natalie, we exchanged gifts and then President  Alan Simpson started playing some parang CDs. It was fete fuh so. Alan produce some chac chac and percussive musical instruments. Mankind get bottle and spoon and Joyce grater. People start tuh sing like real paranderos. We party till about 2:00 a.m. It was like Christmas in sweet TNT.

Yes, may you all have a typical Trini Christmas.

As usual.

Rodney Foster.

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-10-2043Hrs

Dear Errol,

Please add Lazina Razack to our mailing list.  Her email address is lwrazack@yahoo.com

She is from 67-69 year group, my 2nd year.  I met her recently at a T-Party. Had not seen her in many years.  We hugged for a while. Maria

Anna Maria Mora

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-10-1849Hrs

Sir, not sure if I sent this contact to you before, if not kindly include him on your mailing list: Praimraj Boodram (69-71) - gpraimraj@yahoo.com.

Dhanpati Ramcharitar

RE: contact

2012-DEC-10-0546Hrs

Mr. Lashley

Thanks for the weekly updates, very interesting reading/info.

Kindly note this contact number(no e-mail address available) for Michael Baron, Havenite, 1969-1971.

620 5216

Best wishes

Dhanpati Lalla-Ramcharitar

1969-71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-08-2209Hrs

Hi Errol,

Seasons Greetings and a happy New Year to you and yours.

I am interested in registering for the Dinner/Dance for the Reunion of 2013.  Please send me further information on committee members names so that I can make contact with the nearest one to my address.

Thank you and God bless.

With kind regards

Theresa Walker-Allick

RE: Add to Mailing List

2012-DEC-07-1206Hrs

Please add to mailing List: Taylor V. Victor ...vernonvictor@hotmail.com and Wayne Trottman...esietro@gmail.com

Isaac D. Victor

RE: keeping our legacy alive!!!!!!The Mausica Story...

2012-DEC-07-0922Hrs

Errol good job I wish you health, strength and continued vision for this BLOG.

Thanks to Rodney Foster for his "shout out" on my re-election for a second term as president of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Georgia (USA). Also let me say CONGRATULATIONS to Marjorie Foster wife of Rodney who was elected as the assistant secretary of TnTGA, a new addition to the Board. She brings alot of professionalism and fresh ideas to the Board.

I recently spoke to one ah meh Mausican pals Reynold Phillip, principal of St. Thomas RC.,  Mayaro. He visited the States on his summer break, So please include his email in the database reynphill54@hotmail.com.

I have read the blog and I agree with the bloggers that our fine Institution, Mausica must live on. Mausicans have played an integral part in the culture and development of TNT. Finally it is important and crucial to let the nation know and those to come for years and years of the "Mausica story" it is a great one and it must be told.

I hereby move a notion that a Legacy Committee be formed to research and sort out the logistics for implementing the best vehicle to use in telling our STORY. Any seconders?

PS: My CONDOLENCES to (Betty and Dave teachers) and the rest of THE TONEY FAMILY (Sangre Grande)

Mr. Toney was a teacher, headmaster and  principal- He did it his way - MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

Congratulations to MS.  Dyer mother of Bernice Dyer-Regis on reaching her 100th birthday, what an acomplishment.

ALAN P. SIMPSON (76-78)

404 210 9493

trinitoo@hotmail.com

RE: New Contact

2012-DEC-06-0625Hrs

Hi Errol,

Please add Gabriel Cumbermack to the Mausica mailing list-

gcumbermack@gmail.com

Mausica 71-73

Many thanks and all the best for the season.

Sandra Lewis-Borde (70-72

RE: Mausica Reunion Update

2012-DEC-05-2042Hrs

Reunion Update:

Just to let you all know that we have extended the date for Registration/Dinner&Dance to December 31st 2012.  There will be no late payments for this First Phase. We must book the HYATT for the Dinner and Dance by January.  We must understand that Hotels need $$$$ to make the bookings, and with them it is "First Come with the $$$$, will be First Served."  The time has flown. Our committee worked to get information out early (mid-year) to avoid the possibility of missing deadlines for bookings.  We tried.  Keep those registrations and bookings for Dinner/Dance coming.  To all our Trinbago Colleagues, look out for a list with names of committee members and telephone numbers, so that those of you who find this easier, can call and get hard copies of the Registration Forms. We are a committee which will do all in its power to make it easier for you.  Season's Greetings and Season's Blessings. Never forget the REASON for THE SEASON.  Maria

Anna Maria Mora

RE: Living The MausicanLegacy.

2012-DEC-04-1032Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,,

This morning, as I was about to read my Daily Word, I spotted "Mausica Looking Back", a collection of poems penned by my Haven Brother, Carver Milton Scobie.

What a delightful reexperience! I had read the book several times before but this time I discovered new insights into the genius of  Carver Milton Scobie, that man from Sangre Grande.

I urge you to get a copy of this booklet.

At Reunion 2011 in New York, we had a Mausica Network session during which Mausicans displayed and sold their goods and services. I suggest that we repeat this event when we Return to Mausica. Authors, artists, entrepreneurs, toute monde come prepared to showcase your talent, your gifts.

NALIS hosts storytelling and other events that could help us in "Living The Leg acy". Contact Debbie Goodman at Nalis.

During one of my brainstorms with Me, Myself and I, we reflected on the Grell Cup, the hostel Flags, the blankets, the kitchen utensils, the mace, the trophies we won, etc. Where are those artifacts?

Would the conservationists return them for archiving at some museum or UWI and UTT? Some time in 66-68, some plates and teacups with the burgundy MTC logo were introduced. They quickly vanished..  I should have "conserved" a few sets.

Ah wonder if meh visionary pardnahs , Efebo and Geezmo,  could put dey hands on ah set or two. There will be no questions asked.

Performers start rehearsing your acts for the concert. at "Return to Mausica."  In 2011, the "We Limin" session at Hofstra was a g reat success. We transformed a barren classroom to Queens Hall. We will have a ball in the familiar HMJ Hall.

So long for now, my dear friends. Spread the word, "Reunion 2013" will be great.

As  usual,

Rodney Foster

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-02-2039Hrs

Errol,

Please include Claudette Hinkson (claudettehinkson@gmail.com) 72-74 on the mailing list.

I would like to join with the Mausica family in extending condolences to Elizabeth Chew-Lin (Betty Toney 71-73) on the passing of her father David Toney of Sangre -Grande. Mr Toney, a former Principal, was more than a master teacher and he made a significant contribution to the professional development of many young teachers in his time. His principles and modus opernadi continue to have an impact on those of us who were blessed to be mentored by him. May he rest in peace.

Bernice Dyer-Regis

I'm blessed!!

Re: Havenites 1971

2012-DEC-01-1552Hrs

Do you remember these Havenites from 1971? 

Ricardo Hospedales

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2012-DEC-01-1328Hrs

Good, Ricardo, Keep up the photography. Same to the other photographers who maintain  an update for us who are absent.

I enjoy reading about Bertie Marshall from olden days of Mausica. He was a great one indeed. His name must go down in TnT's history. Musicians attract people from all walks of life and break barriers of language, country, class, religion and  political affiliation. Thank God for them!

I also salute those of my year group '71-73, also '70 and '74 of Mausica....

Roland Gordon (deceased)

V.Duncan

Philomena

Vernella

Earl Knights,

Hudson Phillip

"Sweet" Mike

To name a few, not forgetting Miss June Joseph our teacher and guide, and dear Mrs. Cuffie with Parang in Arima and elsewhere..  My classmates can add the rest who accompanied us to win that trophy at Queen's Hall with the"OUR FATHER" and "YO HEAVE HO"

On another note of Culture, I salute in Art, Critchlow and Makemba with Dr Isaiah Boodhoo who never embarrassed us, but would always say, I like the colours even if the painting was not up to standard.

May God continue to bless us Mausicans to share our God given talents and "look up each other"

Pat Phelps.