KENNETH VECK is the lone Open Scholarship winner from Queen’s Royal College. Winning one of the three Modern Studies scholarships and going off to the University of Kent in England this afternoon, to pursue a four year Bachelor of Science degree in Law and Psychology, is like a dream to the 19-year-old who admits to having always been an under-achiever in academics. “This has been like waking up one morning and winning the lottery. My reports have always read: Kenneth is not applying himself, Kenneth can do a lot better. I considered my CXC a failure with just three ones, two twos, one three, I failed chemistry and got an A in add math the only subject I studied for. All my friends did so much better.” But these results were good enough to get him into A levels. The next year he was appointed Head Prefect.

Kenneth never guessed that he would win an island scholarship: “I didn’t expect to get three A’s in mathematics, economics and literature and a B in General Paper. Then I thought that there was hope enough for me to ask Kent to extend my acceptance time and I would reply after the scholarships came out because with an Additional Schol I would not have made it to Kent.” Actually Veck had already entered the St Augustine Campus as a first year law student:  “I had my ID Card, and everything including homework for Tuesday, the day I officially withdrew.” He is proud to be one of six former Bishop Anstey Junior School students who have won National Scholarships this year.  The others are Summer Alston-Smith, who also won the President’s Medal, Alexander Paddington, Crystal Lee Lum, Melanie Tom and Tracey Lucas. At age four, Kenneth’s father, Peter, an Englishman, died just as he was about to enter BAJS, where his mother, Lorraine, has taught for the past 23 years. “After my father died, I got mysteriously sick and had to take a year off school. Actually my father came from Kent and my mother compromised with his mother and called me Kenneth, rather than Kent.” At age eight his mother remarried Dutchman, Johan Van Druten.  “He became my Dad, my father was Daddy. And I got a brother, Arie, who is 12 years younger than I am.”

Six years ago, at an age when most teens live for the next ‘lime,’ Kenneth’s parents moved to the Maracas Hills, on the other side of the Northern Range: “It took a lot of guts for them to move up there. We live there, and are building it around us, as it is still being built.  I was always a limer and to move from the heart of town to Maracas Hills with no proper phone so that friends could give me a call, no driver’s licence, I missed being in the middle of everything. But then it all came together with the cell phone, and even that is an experimental unit by TSTT.  The whole house is on solar as there are no electricity lines.  I do have a computer and a television. In the beginning you had to use a four wheel drive, but now a road has been fixed and my friends come, especially now they are older and everybody has a licence and a car. “At age 14, it was impossible for them to come and there was no going by the neighbour because it is on the way to nowhere.  I am now a ‘beach boy’ as we have our own beach.”

When Kenneth entered QRC, the late Laurence Mc Dowall, who was like a father to him, steered him into athletics. “I wasn’t very good, I was skinny and really didn’t fit in, but stayed to prove everybody wrong, especially my Mom who wanted me to be a swimmer. It was her sport.  She had been a National swimmer.” Kenneth’s first National selection was as a high jumper to a Junior Caribbean Meeting.  “But I didn’t get to go, the excuse was that because of an injury a year before, they preferred to take a healthy athlete.  The next year I chose not to accept the selection, in hindsight that was stupid of me as it was just to show them.  And the year after I was a reserve hurdler for Carifta here in Trinidad, I remember making the back page of the Newsday. The next year I finally went with the team to Grenada as a 100 and 400 metre hurdler.  Technically I can only say I participated that one time.”

“But what I will remember when I am boasting to my grandchildren, is the one major award when I was in Form Four.” At the 1998 National Amateur Athletics Association’s annual awards. Veck was nominated Outstanding Juvenile Field Athlete of the Year. Darrell Brown, silver medallist in the recent World Athletic Championships, was Outstanding Junior Track Athlete of the Year and Ato Boldon was the Outstanding Senior Track Athlete of the Year.  After the death of Mc Dowall, Veck called it a day because, although he was good at hurdles, he never really liked it.   “At times I do feel guilty because of Laurence, who was really the only reason I would have continued with athletics.”   Veck ran for QRC as both club and school in the Hampton Games between Forms One to Four, and has won several super athletic competitions. Veck then picked up water polo properly, and made the national team which won a silver medal at the 2002 Caribbean Island Swimming Championships in Curacao. “We were the first team to ever beat Puerto Rico in the competition.”  He always swam at QRC and still holds several under 12 non-competitive college records. For years he assisted his mother as a swim coach at BAJS,  and was last year hired by Bishop Anstey High School as coach. “For the first time, the school won the Secondary Schools swim meet in February 2003”  says the excited Coach who is in the same age group as many of his students.

Around Form Three, another of this young man’s talents surfaced. Unknown to him, his Literature teacher, Rhona Bisram, entered one of his poems in the 1996 Colonial Life International Poetry Day Competition. He was judged the Best Junior Poet in the Caribbean and came third overall in the entire contest. “I love literature and have to thank my teachers Mrs Bisram and Francis Warner. They are the reasons why I have done so well.  I can’t thank them enough as they are more than teachers to me.” What sport does Kenneth plan to play at University?  “I have always played football every lunch time up to Form Four. That’s why I went to QRC and will never trade it for any other school. Education there is all-rounded, it feels like a family, you are not pushed with academics and you can’t put a price on it.  I might go into football as it is a lot easier and you can play on Sundays. But I have kept water polo going and will try to continue.” His studies, needless to say, are important, as it has been nice to finally sit back after applying himself and having achieved, and have everybody congratulate him.  As to girlfriends, there has been someone special for the past few months who helped and encouraged him. Before that, says the very handsome young man: “Because of where I  live, girls always dumped me very quickly.” Kenneth Veck’s dream: “I want to do my Masters definitely.  I have no idea what I want to be but I always fitted in as I love reading and can talk in public.  I have debated a few times in school.”

Many years ago a man from Cedros met a girl from Belmont where they both worked at Cannings. What draws a man and a woman together? This, no one can answer. Some say it is the possibility of completing ourselves that impels us to fall in love. Such different worlds they came from. Daddy from the wilds of a coconut estate and mummy from the narrow confines of a Venezuelan household. They each brought to the marriage their unique personalities and particular talents.

We, their seven children are the beneficiaries of their love and their union. Each of us carries within our character and our genetic code the genius of this couple. To us growing up at #95, they embodied the world. Our horizon was set by their actions. We learned right from wrong, the parameters of a decent life, the possibilities of what we could achieve and the reality that their most important asset was faith in God. We saw them struggle to love: struggle with their lack of financial resources, struggle with their desire to educate each of us to be full and complete human beings. We left their home one by one with our wives and husbands to begin the cycle once again. Many times in our lives we ask ourselves the question what would Mummy and Daddy do when faced with our own particular challenges. Confident in ourselves that if we could discern what their answer would be, it would be right for us.

I remember their involvement in the Catholic family movement working to promote the sanctity of marriage; to help other couples to understand more fully that marriage is a path to God through serving each other. They did their part to preserve this vital institution for society and they have left us a legacy to carry on. Today at a time when governments are attempting to change the definition of marriage by law, we have to be its champions. By our lives of dedication to our spouses and by the offspring we bear, we have to show our friends the example of a good Christian marriage. A diamond jubilee is as rare and beautiful as the precious gem itself. As the stone is formed in the bowels of the earth over thousands of years, so too the love of a man for a woman in marriage matures and is refined over these 60 years. A diamond taken from a mine is rough and unpolished and does not reflect any brilliance until the jeweller cuts it. A marriage after 60 years has been cut and healed repeatedly thousands of times. Each time part of the healing process includes recommitment and the rededication to the loved one. A new choice is made to love again. Sometimes we think the motivation is for the marriage itself, sometimes we think it is for the children, sometimes we think it is for our vision of who we are and sometimes we think it is what our faith teaches. They are all valid reasons for choosing to love again.

If Brazilian free-kick specialist, footballer Roberto Carlos can boast that the girth of his leg measures some 61 cm (24 inches), why can’t our national sprint champ, cyclist Clinton Grant show off his which is a whopping 66 cm (26 ? inches)? That’s his storehouse of power, which means that if he should take up the challenge to sprint from Arima to Port-of-Spain on his bike, a distance of 26 km at his personal best of 10.6 sec per 200 m, the speedster would make it in under 23 minutes. A red-band maxi travelling the same distance along the Priority Bus Route usually takes on average 35 minutes. Match sprint is Clinton’s pet event. His aim where that is concerned, “is to better my personal best and to break the national record held by Stephen ‘Tyson’ Alfred,” Clinton told People.

Currently, he’s in “endurance phase” which translates to building strength and stamina. “I’m putting in long rides, three hours on average, and working out at the gym twice a week.” Training techniques have changed, he said and this he observed when a local team of cyclists, including himself, visited Scotland some months ago. So, while he’s increasing his squats to 400-450 lbs by next year, he’s also shedding the weight… he’s 170 lbs and dropping! Clinton was part of a nine-member team, which included Emile Abraham, Elisha Greene and Azikwe Kellar, who took part in the International Cycling Union’s B World Championships in Aigle, Switzerland in July. In the 1 km Time-Trial sprint event Clinton placed tenth in the qualifying round. In the Keirin sprint event he moved on to the finals, placing fifth out of six competitors. Emile Abraham brought home bronze in the Elimination event.

Clinton counts his experience at the Championships as a “good” one. He revealed: “Competing for Trinidad at an international event is like leaving Common Entrance to sit CXC. The (foreign) cyclists are better prepared. A lot of the times we have to go outside to see how it is done and you have to make a lot of sacrifices, like the Bovells (George Jr), the Gene Samuels and the Roger Gibbons. A lot of money is spent on the athelete’s part, and a lot of effort is made to get coaching…” Nevertheless, he hopes to compete at that “elite” level for the next three-four years. He’s not getting younger, the 32-year-old joked, and holding down a full-time job cuts back on training time. As Insurance Sales Representative for Clico (Maraval branch), Clinton’s daily routine is less than accommodating since he’s mostly on the road, and often times checking in on his roster of clients. And, for a change, the tanned legs (usually from mid-thigh down) are hidden under full-length trousers and his muscular frame, hidden behind long-sleeved shirts – a complete transformation from his appearance on track.

However, not only is his wear giving him that new image, but in recent times Clinton had been sporting a bald look, side burns and beard.
If you see the Clico ad where he’s all-dressed up in suit and tie, as well as the after-shave and deodorant Neutrogena ad – you’ve seen Clinton! Now he’s reverted to clean face – no side burns, no beard – and low fade. The change goes with the mood. Clinton joined the team at Clico in 1999, following in the footsteps of his father Winston Grant, a long-standing member of the insurance company. His mother, Marcia, is a retired primary school teacher. “Your father does a certain job and you look up to him,” Clinton said. It’s his first job ever, and “I feel comfortable doing it.” First job? He explained: “I am mono-focused. I always loved sport. My brother, Christian (who is ten years my senior) was a cyclist and he was a great influence.”

When Clinton and family moved from Tumpuna Ct, Arima to Petit Valley, the Arima Boys RC ex-student transferred to Newtown Boys and thereafter, Fatima College. A College classmate too, encouraged him to ride and when the duo met up with former cyclist Corkey De Gannes, who now runs a bike shop in Maraval, Clinton knew then he was heading in the right direction. Clinton joined then Corkey’s Casuals Club and in 1987, won his first Junior Bees (now Juveniles) race. Five years later, at the peak of his performance, he won his first match sprint at National level, his first International Grand Prix and Championships in Barbados, all in the same year. “Cycling brings a lot of enjoyment to me. I’ve never regretted it. I have a lot of great experiences and I’ve travelled to Argentina, Malaysia, raced through Europe the US and Canada,” he said. The commendations from admirers of the sport would tell him: “You’ve reached far considering where you come from (Trinidad)… You’re very fast.” For Clinton, that’s a whole lot of encouragement. The simple and unassuming bachelor, resides with his parents in Aranguez. When he gets the chance to sit back and relax, he cherishes it. Even if it means catching a movie – he likes the whole package, action/suspense/comedy/drama — or having an occasional beer with his friends in downtown Port-of-Spain, he relishes that.

As Public Relations Officer of X-TAC Promotions, the charming Felicia Layne, known in the calypso arena as Sister C, spends most of her time reaching out to youths of the Morvant/Laventille area. She travels to various communities and talks to the youths about coming together and showcasing their talent as performing artistes. On this venture Felicia stumbled upon great talent that is hiding behind the reported “crime villages.” Having come in contact with many of the youths who are willing to take their art on stage, she took one step further to establish the group called X-TAC and to work along with a few of her friends championing the cause of talented youths of these areas.

Having done three months work, she got the nod from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to organise a show for the youths she discovered. As a result she has organised a show entitled, ‘Unexposed Artistes In Concert’ at Paradise Heights, Basketball Court, Morvant, today, from 2 pm to 8 pm. The main attractions of this event are the performances of Calypso Jomo, Gladiator, DWD, Rebellious, Lady Wendy, Baby Pink and Crew, Zion, Soldier Ants and herself as Sister C. Music will be supplied by Papa D and admission is free. Felicia is happy that local producer, Peter Persaud from AVM Channel 4, has agreed to tape the programme for a later telecast. “This project has been designed to facilitate the youths and interested persons in the reconstruction of communities in these areas. I have been doing the necessary ground work for this project and I expect that the people of the surrounding areas will participate and help the youths to find themselves,” she said on a serious note.

Felicia has spent 10 years in the calypso arena and has recorded her own compositions such as, “Aids Up Ah Nani,” “It’s A Pity,” “Honey Stick,” “The Town Man,” “Rudder Correction” and “Tickers.” Her latest tune “Tickers” is now gaining a lot of airplay on local frequencies. She told People that in recent months, many people have been complaining about the increase in crime in the Morvant/Laventille areas, but no one is willing to spend quality time reaching out to the younger ones who will be the adults of tomorrow. “Sometimes when I hear the politicians talking I get outraged at their comments. They talk as if they really care for the people and they are doing so much.  Yet there is no change. These people wear fancy suits and drive around in their fancy cars just scoping out the area. They do not care whether a young child is being exposed to drugs or crime for the first time.

“They do not care whether the mothers are sitting home fearing that their children may never return home,” she spoke with a high level of concern. She added that change can come if those in those in authority are willing to have outreach programmes in the centre of these areas, where youths have direct contact with the people in charge. Felicia was born in Belmont, but moved to Fabeau Village, where she grew up. She attended the Barataria Junior and Senior Secondary Schools. After graduating from school she worked as a private nurse for many in the Belmont area. She also attended to Lord Pretender, before he passed away last year. Because of her talent for caring for the sick, she was encouraged by friends to pursue courses in Geriatric Care, Psychology and Physiotherapy at the Institute of Health, at Mount Hope Medical Institute. Today, she is contracted by many people to do private nursing jobs. “By doing this job part-time I have more time to do the things I want to do. I am able to concentrate on social projects and get results quickly,” she said.                              

In the future, Felicia would like to establish a halfway house for teenagers. “I would like to establish this institution so that the various religious heads and other knowledgeable people can come in to counsel those who are in need,” she said. She would like to establish projects that will attract the youths. “I believe we must convince the youths who have gone astray that we have something tangible for them. It must not just be from a religious, but also sporting and recreational angles, or even where they would be attracted to a prize for a performing talent,” she explained. Felicia did not want people to think that she wants to re-invent the wheel by talking about talent shows when there is Scouting for Talent and other shows. “These shows accommodate the people who are very much into the arts. But we have to find a forum that will encourage the youths in the performing arts,” she said. Felicia has been trying to get sponsorship from the business community for her ideas and has met with great difficulty. But she is determined to succeed. Looking at her progress in this field she is heading on the right road.

The dictionary of Trini dialect defines the word Bazodee (or Bazodi) as a state of confusion, or being stunned or dazed. It can also mean head over heels in love or as some like to say “Totoolbay.” For local rock band Bazodi, winner of this year’s Anchorage Pop/Rock Awards, all one can say is “if the cap fits — or in this case name — wear it.” Never has one band been so aptly titled, since bazodee is exactly the word to describe the fans of this Central-based band during one of their high energy performances. The five member band made up of Joshua Manickchand, bass guitar; Jude Nidhan, lead vocals/rhythm guitar; Rhion Karim, lead guitar; Sean Rampersad, keyboards/backing vocals and Anson Benette, drums/background vocals, officially entered the local rock scene three years ago. However, the members, who range in age from 21 to 29, are in no way novices when it comes to music.

The band was formed by Manickchand and Karim, who were long-time friends. They later recruited Benette (who strangely enough had made a name for himself playing bass guitar for Rumours — another local band) as their drummer. Rampersad and Nidhan came on the scene shortly after and Bazodi was born. At this year’s Pop/Rock Awards Bazodi reigned supreme, beating out fellow bands, Five Piece and Bullets (formerly Blackrose), to walk away with the first prize of $6,000 in cash, a Yamaha guitar amp valued at $4,300 and a ten-song recording deal with 200 CDs to be duplicated and labeled with the band’s original music at a value of $7,000. Many were surprised when the results were announced, including the members of Bazodi themselves, since Five Piece was clearly a favourite, copping the top spot at the preliminary and semi-final rounds. Bazodi was the second place band for these two rounds. “We thought it was going to be really close with Five Piece,” Manickchand stated. And close it was, since only a point difference of .44 separated the two bands. Five Piece scored 71.27 points to take second place, while Bullets walked away with 70.26 points and third place.

“The first two rounds told us that we didn’t put out as much effort,” Manickchand said, “and we waited until the finals to bring out what we had.”
During what can only be called a high energy-set, Bazodi managed to wow the judges with their renditions of popular tracks like “Crash” by the Dave Matthews Band, “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, Collective Soul’s “Shine,” and the ever popular “Enter Sandman,” by Metallica.  And in true Bazodi style, they also performed a reggae/dance-hall medley of songs by Sizzla, Junior Kelly and Barrington Levy. Dispelling talk that they are merely a pop/rock cover band, Manickchand asserted that they are in fact a cross-over band, with a finger in every pie so to speak. “We grew up listening to all kinds of music which we incorporate into our performances. Rock, pop, metal, reggae and soca, we play all types of music,” he said. “A good musician should be able to handle any kind of music. This ability is the mark of a good band.”

The band listed its main influences as Metallica, the Dave Matthews Band, Led Zeppelin, Incubus and the Red Hott Chilli Peppers. Local talent was not to be left out, as they also added Orange Sky and Xtatic to the already lengthy list. “We admire Xtatic for its performance ability,” Manickchand noted, “which we find is something severely lacking in local bands today.” This is the second year that the band made it to the final round of the Anchorage Pop/Rock Awards, having placed third last year. However, they still managed to walk away with  individual prizes for best vocalist, best drummer, best guitarist and best keyboardist. While they admit that they are pleased with their success, life does not begin and end at the Pop/Rock Awards for Bazodi. “Pop Rock is not proving anything to us,” Manickchand noted. “What makes the difference with us is the constant performing which helps us improve our performance.”

“Of course we are all really happy, but it’s not going to change us in any way. We’re still going to play gigs and go back to the studio to focus on recording our CD.” The band has already booked its hours in the studio to complete the recording of its 16-track album. They have also planned gigs in Tobago and are looking at taking their repertoire to other islands. “I am not satisfied with being a ‘local celebrity’,” Manickchand stated. “It’s dumb to see some guys get stuck up just because they are in a band.” “When it comes to bands,” he went on, “you can either be bedroom good, or stage good. Some bands disappear just after Pop/Rock without knowing that you can’t just start off good. You have to crawl before you can walk.
“We have never needed judges to tell us we are good,” he continued. “We have no problem with the competition, but for us it is more of a chance to entertain and to be seen. “It is all about the crowd in the end. Personally I won’t be happy until everyone knows us.”

On tuning in to 103 FM, one comes across a voice that is spontaneous, lively and versatile. This dynamic voice heard on prime time radio (103 FM) each day from 1pm to 4 pm belongs to the beautiful and charming young woman Cherryl Dookie, 22.  She is a  “country girl” from Rio Claro who followed her dream and roped in the success she wanted as a radio announcer. Today she wakes up in her St Augustine home and gets into gear for her job that is both demanding and rewarding. Although she wears a sad face these days having lost her father, Shaheed Ali, she managed a smile as she spoke to People about her trail to success as an announcer. “First of all I never thought my voice would have earned me a job. I wanted to get into business management because I did not want to settle for just a job as a clerk like the other girls. I wanted to go for something  bigger,” said the ambitious Cherryl who spoke with a certain conviction in her voice.

One day while listening to the radio station she heard an advertisement for young DJs. “I thought I would try out just for the fun of it. I wrote in my application and mailed it to the radio station. After that I forgot all about this and decided to get into business studies,” she said. She then purchased books and enrolled in a school for part time studies in San Fernando. Within three weeks she received a letter from that station telling her to attend a workshop at the studios. Young Cherryl was thrilled. She made a demo and submitted it to the radio station and she was selected from a list of more than 250 applicants for radio announcing. “I could not believe this. I had an opportunity to be on radio,” she remembered the moments leading up to her entrance into radio. Although she did the graveyard shift of 12 midnight to 4 am, she enjoyed reaching the people who wanted to hear the soothing music of the past and the present. Cherryl really impressed her boss with her command of the programme. Soon she was on her way to do advertisements and later when there came an opening for daytime announcing, Cherryl was chosen to do the 1pm to 3 pm shift called Sargam.

Cherryl noted her love for East Indian music came from her school days at the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha’s Rio Claro Hindu School. She was exposed to music and song from her early childhood days at the school where she participated in the singing competition for the annual Baal Vikaas. “I was attracted to the beat of the drums and the sound of music that came from India. I would listen to this type of music whenever I was alone. Although I love to listen to pop songs, I had a special liking for the songs that came from India,” she said. While she was at Rio Claro Senior Secondary School, she lost her mother Ena Dookie. Her mother who worked long hours as a cook had died. During the days that followed, young Cherryl wanted to quit school and go away to another country. But her brother Robin Dookie stood by her and gave her everything she needed for school. Being without a mother, Cherryl grew stronger. She had to do everything for herself. She managed to pass her exams in Modern Studies and languages. “I had to be strong and take control of my life and I believe that my mom was looking down at me and helping me along,” she said. Many of Cherryl’s relatives complained that she was always by herself. “I love to be alone researching books and taking notes of the topics that interest me and I didn’t care for gossip or too much company,” she spoke softly  about her growing years.

The funny thing is that when she decided to get an apartment in St Augustine, she really missed home. “The gossip and talking and laughter really makes home, home. And I remembered my grandmother talking but in the city there is a distinct loneliness. I have to get out and go into the office to meet my friends,” she said. Although she was blamed for being a loner, when she came on her own she missed the love and laughter of her family back in Rio Claro. Cherryl noted that her love for business is still very much there with her. “I would like to open a club or an entertainment centre or even a cosmetic shop. I feel I would eventually get into business after my stint as an announcer has come to an end,” she said. She also loves drama and would like to get into acting if the opportunity presents itself. The sky is the limit for this ambitious young lady.

Sitting in his arm-chair full of exuberance, 81-year old Alpha Syms remembered the day he was contacted by former Pakistan Test player Imran Khan’s lawyer to give evidence in a libel case brought by England International’s Bob Willis. “I remembered it was in 1974 and I was umpiring a game involving the Islanders and England the touring team at that point. England fast bowler Bob Willis made some unkind remarks to young Viv Richards and I had to step in to quell the row.” “Richards must have spoken to Pakistani Imran Khan about the incident and years later Imran writing in his autobiography stated that Willis was a racist, citing the incident involving Richards and Willis.” “Willis then sought to sue Imran on the grounds that he never made any racial comments on that incident. Imran’s lawyer then wrote to me and told me that he wanted me to detail the incident and post it to him. I did and the matter was thrown out. “It was just one of the many instances when my sporting life brought thrills to me.”

Syms can be called an administrator extraordinaire when it comes to sport. At 81 years of age the bubbly grand-dad is still actively involved in sporting administration and holds down the highly respected position of secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) players welfare committee. Syms was born on May 12, 1922 in San Fernando, a city he would later do his  best to develop. His parents Edwin and Agnes moved the family to Port-of-Spain during his early childhood and young Alpha just went along with the re-location. “My dad worked in the Railways and we had to move according to where he was posted.” Alpha gained his early education at Belmont Boys Intermediate and soon after it was back to San Fernando where they settled at Pointe-a-Pierre Road. On his return to the Southland, Syms fell in love with every sport that was available but he had a special liking for swimming, cricket and football.

“I loved swimming and when I was a boy I visited the Kings Wharf where we used to swim and dive a lot. My love for water sports took me to the water-polo team in San Fernando where I played for many years.” “At the same time I joined the Tollgate football club and began my career as a footballer. There I played with former minister under the Peoples National Movement (PNM) Errol Mahabir as well as prominent guys at the time Harry Smith, Collin Paul and Jim Paul. “I also played cricket for many teams in the San Fernando area and was more of a utility player.” Syms’ career in sporting administration came after he joined the San Fernando Town Hall as a clerk at age 28 in 1940. “Being actively involved in sport at the time I saw just how much work was needed to improve the facilities and so on. Working in the Town Hall was a plus because I frustrated the authorities a bit and was on them to improve the facilities.”

“One of the first things I worked on was getting the required infrastructure for lighting at Skinner Park. We in the south had so much time for sport we wanted a night facility. With the help of the Town Hall and the donation of old drilling equipment from the oil fields we were able to install the lights at the Park.” In 1954, Syms decided to quit both cricket and football and get involved in umpiring. “I started off  in the Rahamut league and after my first game the guys thought that I did a good game. This motivated me and I took a keen interest in umpiring after that.” Two years later he made a highly successful move by marrying Gloria Oudit. The union stands strong today and the couple will soon be celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary. “I must say that my marriage to Gloria has been really wonderful; she can never say that I quarrel with her. I never raise my voice in this house. I believe that everything can be worked out with a level head. The couple share three children Anthony, Andrea and Alison. The latter two live abroad, while Anthony, his wife Jackie and their daughter Jessie live with Alpha and Gloria at La Romaine. While conducting the interview it was evident that after all these years the couple was still very close. Gloria was able to recall incidents in Alpha’s career that he himself couldn’t.

Around the time of their marriage, Syms was made secretary of the South Zone Umpires Council. This coincided with his stint as secretary of the Southern Football Association (SFA). He also served as secretary of the Southern Chess Association as well as secretary of the Southern Football Referees Association. Cricket umpiring however was where Syms would make a name for himself. He officiated extensively in regional tournaments as well as in touring matches involving England, Australia and India. Since his retirement Syms has been catching up on playing with his grand-daughter, doing some travelling and sitting by the television a lot. “I have worked hard all my life; now is the time for me to sit down and take things easy. I enjoy being at home and now and again I visit the Oval to look at a cricket game.” His life’s motto is: “Discipline. Once you are disciplined in life you will achieve your goals. I would like to let the youngsters know that discipline will take them very far and I am a living example of this.”

Vernon Duncan, a foremost name in gospel music circles in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, will launch his new CD Out of the Experience at Christ Castle, Miracle Ministries, Chase Village, Chaguanas, on September 27 at 6 pm. Expected to join Duncan on this launch of his fourth CD are Rev Angela Williams, Sean Daniel and others. The Divine Encounter Youth Choir will debut at this launch. The event is billed as “The Caribbean Worship Experience.”

Says Duncan: “This is not just going to be a launch of my album, it is going to be a glorious worship experience. Many are going to be healed and empowered through infectious and inspiring ‘throne-room worship’ music. It is going to be an extended Power Release 2003 for all who attend.” Duncan will be accompanied by a full band in the likes of bass player, Stephen Forde, saxophonist Learie DeVignes, guitarist Dirk Jagroop, Drummer Cyril Augustine and keyboardist Enoch Annan, as well as by a strong team of back-up singers lead by Ayanah Ross. Duncan has been writing and singing gospel music for over 30 years. One of his songs from a previous album, “I Recommend Christ,” was nominated for the Bahamian Marlin’s Award last year.

Many who have heard this latest album claim that it is perhaps the best local praise and worship album they have listened to. The music is contemporary Caribbean in style with 12 tracks of very powerful worship lyrics and “sweet” melody lines. There is also a rich blend of R&B and “Latino” rhythms. One of the more popular songs, “I Love You Jesus” even carries some Spanish lyrics. According to a release, his version of the 23rd Psalm is superb. Patrons should look forward to seeing him perform live. In addition, there are four tracks of teaching nuggets on “Worship.” The album was recorded and mixed at Tehilla Music, Arima by Mark Romero. Duncan is currently working on getting the album marketed internationally.
Admission to the launch is free, but patrons are asked to collect invitations at outlets soon to be named. Duncan promises special bargains on CDs and cassettes as patrons will be challenged to tangibly support the venture of getting the music marketed internationally. A video production of the event will be available soon after the concert.