RE: When Mausicans could not sing.

2018-AUG-10-2249Hrs

I am speaking of the day the music died.

With the death of Fitzy I mulled over in my mind whether it would be appropriate at the funeral,  maybe at grave-sdie for me to raise  raise "Death Oh"

But on the day I could not see how that would work, and did not have the courage to start it. I noticed that the funeral service did not include our standards.

Eulalee was in sacred voice, celestial as ever.

But outside of  the church as they interred the great man, our Sister Hazel Ahyee had the same idea as I, and ever braver then me, tried to start. .

In voice, Death Oh?  No Takers. Come on Scratchy!

Death Oh, Death Oh me Lord? No Takers.Felix, Donatd (now deceased) Lester, Fabian Alvarez, Korenza, Barbara,  Carol-Ann Efebo, Auldyth, Felix...others.

There were enough of us there to make it happen. But speaking for myself, I just could not find voice. I could not sing.

Neither could the other Mausicans there, all of us, stalwart Alumni Choir people.

We just could not sing.

What glorious irony.

I know why we could not sing.

We Mausicans are more than song and dance people.

Fitz James Williams was a giant. He would have been in his 40s when Mausica began, and how did he ever acquire the art that it took, for he and the Cuff, aided by the Joe, to create a cultural enclave on those 64 frog-infested acres?

I was glad that I had a chat with him in the last year of his life, thanks  to Gwendoline who as always made it clear it would be a good idea to check him out.

Speaking for myself, he influenced me. He was a force.

Scratchy

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: Mausica, A Love Story

2018-AUG-10-0619Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Yes, Linda, Mausica was a blessing indeed.

Thanks to all the visionaries who conceived Mausica Teachers College. Sincere praises to  the PNM government, Harry Joseph and his supporting cast and, of course, the pioneers  who molded  the best teachers' college in the world.

The Mausica Teachers College Choir was the flagship. and billboard. I claimed my selection from the time I heard "Lulu" and " Rice and Peas". Then one day when my dear frtory.iend, Errol Williams, and I  went to visit Harrison Joseph in Mt. Lambert,  I knew that I would become a Mausican. I believe that I was the last male student to arrive on campus in the 66-68 year group. Anthony Taitt, Selwyn Beckles and Lester Wilkinson were among the late arrivals.I'll never forget how Carl Caton and a group of girls from Villanova welcomed me. I love them dearly.

To be continued.

Rdney Foster, 66-68

Rodney Foster 68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-AUG-03

2018-AUG-08-1907Hrs

Greetings Errol

The  Mausica family  cannot thank you enough for the  yeoman's service you have rendered over the years in keeping us together and the spirit of Mausica alive in our hearts.

God bless you richly as you continue this great work.

Kathleen Luke-Brizan 65-67 year group

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-AUG-03

2018-AUG-03-2127Hrs

I agree with the sentiments here.

Mausica was there before modern technology. No power-point. Lecturers stood up at the famous lectern and we sat attentively. I can see Dukhan now and Lougheide. Fanny, the Joe.

Assembly was the thing. I think I just heard someone shout out MAYFAIR! Sounds like Andre Stephens.

No cell phone. One telephone outlet in the corridor. People lining up...the girls want to call outside men....something we Mausica men, the real men, did not like. What was the point of these outside men?.

I was a Havenite. We were the real men. Mayfair was just for card playing and the occasional flood.

Scratchy.

Mausica forever.

Theodore Lewis 69

RE: CHANGE IS UPON US

2018-JUL-27-Fri

My Fellow Mausicans,

Starting today, you will be receiving MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS from a new address, namely, mausicablog@gmail.com, Yours truly will still be the person sending them.  You will most likely find an email similar to this one in your Junk/Spam/Trash folder.  The email address (errollashley@gmail.com) will no longer be used for the weekly emails.

 Why?

One year ago, my ISP discontinued hosting web pages.  Four years ago, the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) came into being.  Five years ago, it was suggested that, I should hand over the job to another.  In an effort to make that transfer as smooth as possible when the time comes, I have changed the email address from personal to generic.  I also seized the opportunity to re-include the addresses which were dropped after 2014-JUN-27 mailing since this is a new leaf.  Given the outcome of the cases before the court after 2017-JUL-01, I’ve determined that I overreacted to the CASL and I apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.  Given that any liability would have been entirely my own, I doubt I’ll react differently under similar future circumstances.

I managed to acquire a new domain, mtcalumni.com.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. If it gets too bad, I’ll seek another alternative.  The old web pages are now available but a few links may not work.  The new site is “work in progress”.  Should you find anything wrong on the pages, please inform me and I shall fix it.

I have, in the past, made my Mausica files available in the “Cloud” to two other trusted and responsible Mausicans.  I take your privacy seriously.  I have also provided a copy of all the email addresses to a member of the Mausica Reunion organizing committee.  Updates are forthcoming.

To date, no one has stepped forward to take over so the job is still mine.

In case you are wondering, to the best of my knowledge, I am in reasonably good health mentally (I still remember how to dance.) and physically (I can still dance.).  Some may disagree with my self-assessment but the debate on that is now closed.  The heat might get me first.

I enjoy the job of keeping Mausicans connected and look forward to continuing for some time to come.  You will be informed if and when I am no longer capable.  Who knows what the future holds?

Change is good.

Errol Lashley 65

RE: Condolences

2018-JUN-29-0747Hrs

Oh dear ! Oh dear! I feel like Alice in Wonderland.

I am very thankful that Errol has kept this engine working. I am very thankful for Reunions. May there be blessings on us all as we go forward to other reunions. Thanks to the Mausican for sending the order of service of Carl Smith's farewell service.

I reunited with Carl at the 2011 Reunion. Selwyn and Jean Jacob, Carl,  Winston and I stayed at the Marriot Hotel. Fortunately for us, Carl came along with his Benz or BMW

(I don't remember), but it was immaculate white. We all drove in style to the main meeting places. Transport was difficult from that hotel. I could not remember Carl. He had now changed to the picture that was sent. He said he was my 2nd Year. Three days I pondered on who he could have been. Then remembrance dawned. I remembered him as being tall and slim and standing in the Lunch line, a reserved person. If it weren't for that Reunion I would not have known who Carl was.

Another picture of him that stays with me is of him at the Park Outing, at that reunion. He wore immaculate white shoes, a white hat, white shirt and I think cream trousers. He looked so very immaculate I thought of the Great Gadsby.

Now softly, he has gone over the sunset mountains.

'Bye Carl. Your labours are over. Rest in peace. May there be comfort for those who mourn.

Barbara Mellowes 66

RE: Carl Smith

2018-JUN-18-1457Hrs

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-JUN-15

2018-JUN-15-1454Hrs

I am sorry to hear of Yolande's passing. May God comfort her family.

Euline Fox-Peters 70-72.

RE: Mausica

2018-JUN-13-1703Hrs

Hi Errol,

Please pass on the following information......

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Yolande Beraux - Pantin [70 /72].  Funeral takes place on Thursday June 14 at the St. Joseph R.C church at 9:00 a.m.

Teachers Credit Union A.G.M. will be held on Saturday June 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Centre of Excellence.

Please take note.

Carol Brown 74

RE: Another Mausican

2018-JUN-13-0618Hrs

Hi Fellow Mausicans,

The year is going by so quickly, we are half way through, bring with it more sad news. Some of you would remember Yolande ( I do not know her Maiden name) Pantin. She was married to a UWI lecturer (deceased) . On Saturday she left us after being ill for a while. Her farewell service takes place tomorrow, Thursday, 14th June,  at the St Joseph RC Church, Abercromby Street, St Joseph at 9.00am.

Errol, CAN THIS NOTICE GO OUT URGENTLY? I learnt of it only last night.

Yolande was one of my co-workers at St Joseph Government School. She was also a Reading facilitator with the Ministry of Education prior to her appointment at St Joseph. She adjudicated with me at a couple of biannual Arts Festivals of the Methodist Church. I used to enjoy listening to her choral speaking groups. Now that her labours are ended, may she rest in peace. May God comfort her family and those who mourn at this time.

Barbara Mellowes 66

RE: sad news

2018-JUN-12-0830Hrs

another one of the family has passed on. yolande bereaux (70-72 ) i have heard has passed.

Ansel Knights 71

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-JUN-01

2018-JUN-12-0729Hrs

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Yolande Bereaux- Pantin, 70-72, which took place at 2.00pm at the Caura Hospital on June 9. The funeral service will be at the St Joseph RC church on Thursday 14 June at 9.00am.

May the Lord shower them with mercy in their time of grief.

Rest in peace "Lande".

Clare Creese-Woodley 72

​RE: Reunion 2019

2018-MAY-25-0518Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

It's 4:42 am in Atlanta, GA and a voice just suggested to me; "Let's have the reunion in TNT"

Let's "Start With Why", the title of a book written by Simon Sinex.

Things we can do in TNT: Visit our alma maters. Take gifts, address the students, give thanks, share our stories,the history of MTC etc.

Visit the media.

Advocate for a  Performing Arts Center in the East, West and Tobago.

Visit and reunite with our own families.

Reunion 2017 was a beautiful experience., It was another opportunity to "Live the Legacy" and "Leave A Legacy."

I believe TNT would attract more participants.

Sincerely,

Rodney Foster, 66-68

RE: REUNION 2019

2018-MAY-24-2358Hrs

Colleagues,

It hurts to report that the attendance at last Saturday's meeting was so poor that no decisions could have been taken.

"Quo vadis"?

Please remember that volunteers are needed to assist with organizing.

Angela McAlister 72

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-MAY-04

2018-MAY-04-1444Hrs

I loved Desmond very much. He was my brother.  How could he die on my birthday?

I saw the picture on this week's blog and tears came to my eyes.

For some strange reason, after all these years, Mausica's weekly mail is going into my social box. I do not  open that one regularly as it is usually junk mail.  I, therefore, did not see that last week's mail and am now seeing this week's mail.

I was really shocked when I met a colleague in the Trincity Mall and she told me Desmond 's funeral was that same morning. I was trying to get many things done as I was travelling  the next day. I am at present in Strasbourg, France, attending a symposium and an Executive Council meeting of the International Society of Family  Law at the European Court of Human Rights.   I did a presentation there this afternoon and am supposed to be at  a dinner but opted to stay in my hotel room with my daughter, who said she was feeling sleepy. I, myself, am not feeling of the best and my doctor had  advised that I should not travel alone.

I will miss Desmond's hugs and his cuatro playing. He was always so pleasant. I have never seen Desmond angry. Does anyone know how he died?  We are going off like flies.  I read death announcement every day. Is Linda's son OK now?

Love to all. I will try my best to make that meeting at Valsayn.

Hazel Thompson-Ahye 70

Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-MAY-04

2018-MAY-04-0552Hrs

Condolences to Carol and family. I have never met Desmond but I do know Carol. Carol, may all the pleasant memories of him be a source of strength to you. May his soul rest in peace.  May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow.

Barbara Mellowes 66

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS 2018-MAY-04

2018-MAY-04-0419Hrs

I want to express my condolences at the passing of Desmond a former colleague of Los Borrachos and fellow cuatro player. He helped me out with the cuatro and I always remember him when playing as I still use skills that I got from him. I am very sorry that I was unable to attend his funeral to pay my last respects as I was out of the island. May his soul rest in peace and may his friends and relatives be comforted.

Felix Edinborough 65

RE: Tribute to Desmond Doolam

2018-MAY-03-2252Hrs

Another member of our Mausica Family  has transitioned.  Desmond was part of the '68-'70 cohort.    He was an integral part of our family. He was also married to Carol Anne Patrick who was his second year. They have two sons Carlon and Derol.  He was also a grandfather of four beautiful children.

One thing that I remember about Desmond is that when he left Mausica as a trained teacher he went straight to First Year Infants. We had never heard about an Infant male teacher before.  I think that he might have created history in Trinidad and Tobago, by being the first male infant teacher and First Year Infants at that.   This is one for Mausica's Reflections. After teaching Infants for some years, he moved to Aranguez Junior Secondary, where he taught Agri-Science.  His Aranguez colleagues were well represented.

Before Mausica he taught at Holy Cross College.  All his Holy Cross College  students, now big men came. All were dressed in dashing khaki shirts with the Holy Cross monogram on the pocket. They really paid tribute to him.

Desmond was member of  "Los Borrachos" Parang Group, which was formed by Mausicans for Mausicans. I hope that I recall correctly that it was our Felix Edinborough who christened our Parang side. Those of you who know Spanish, know that" Los Borrachos" means "The Drunkards."  Desmond played the quatro and he was really very good at it.  His children said that although "he hiked, swam, played football, tennis and planted garden in the bush," "parang" was his weakness.  After Los Borrachos,  he joined Los Tocadores.  This latter group provided some lively Parang at St. Charles R.C. Tunapuna. where we said "Goodbye" to Desmond.

He was very proud when he was chosen to go to umpire at Wimbledon. When this honour was bestowed on him, he told me this with a look of pride on his face.  We were all proud of him.

Eternal Rest grant onto him O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in Peace, Amen.

Anna Maria Mora 70

RE: REUNION 2019

2018-MAY-03-1531Hrs

Fellow Alumni,

Please attend a meeting re Reunion 2019 on Saturday 19th May 2018 at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Valsayn Campus, Curepe (former VTC). The meeting is scheduled to begin at 4.00pm.

Looking forward to seeing many of you.

Regards

Angela McAlister 72

RE:

2018-APR-28-0852Hrs

The funeral service for Desmond Doolam will take place on Tuesday May 1st , at the St Charles RC Church, Eastern Main Road, Tunapuna, at 11.00 am.

Carol Reveillac 65