Minshall gets standing ovation in NY

Masman extraordinaire, Peter Minshall received a standing ovation for the brevity and content of his acceptance speech after receiving an award at the 41st Independence Anniversary Ball held at the New York Marriott Hotel in Brooklyn, New York last Saturday night.

“I am a wonderful hybrid,” he stated quietly. “I am not African, I am not Chinese, I am not Indian. I am all of those. I am Caribbean. I’m in you and you’re in me. Thanks for the award. I am hungry, let’s eat.” Minshall’s remarks caused some 500 formally attired Trinidad and Tobago nationals resident in the United States to collectively rise to their feet and cheer loudly since it was fast approaching midnight and dinner was yet to be served. A presentation of the Trinidad and Tobago Independence Celebrations Inc (TATIC) under the patronage of this country’s Consul General to the United States Terrence Walker, the gala, black tie event paid special tribute, as well, to Jit Samaroo, ace steelband arranger; Dr Courtenay Bartholomew, Professor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies; David John, First Vice President of Information Technology at Bayerische Landesbank, New York and Grace Blake, former executive director of the Apollo Theatre Foundation and motion picture producer for over 25 years.

Among the awardees, Samaroo was the only absentee. His commemorative plaque was received by a family member who apologised for his absence, stating that he was unavoidably detained elsewhere. New York-based TATIC comprises nationals of Trinidad and Tobago and interested parties, representatives of Trinidad and Tobago Government offices, corporations and commercial enterprises who have a Trinidad and Tobago connection and a deep and abiding interest in the promotion of Trinidad and Tobago to the world. Representing the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the function was Minister of Housing Senator Martin Joseph who, in addressing the gathering, gave an update on Government’s performance, since attaining office following the last General Election. He dealt with the topics of health, education, the Integrity Commission and crime.

In elaborating on the latter, he assured the New York-based nationals that Government “will deal with the crime situation to the satisfaction of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.” Joseph was also Government’s representative at the 2002 edition of the event when he held the office of Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment. Also present was a contingent from clico Investment Bank, led by its chairman Andre Monteil, who is also chairman of the National Housing Authority (NHA). The Tourism and Industrial Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TIDCO) was represented by Denyse Geyette. Locals in attendance included musician/arranger Pelham Goddard and his wife Glenda and calypsonian Tigress (Joanne Rowley). Also seen were entertainment personalities Gil Figaro, chairman of the Sunshine Awards Programme; Orville Wright, notable musician and Chair of the Ensemble Department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and Eric St Bernard, former local radio announcer now resident in New York.

Corporate awards were presented to Desmond Chase, community leader and activist; Mohan Jaikran of the East Indian diaspora; Winston Munroe, hardworking community leader and visionary and Mary B Walters, community leader and advocate for Trinbago causes. Last Saturday’s function began with a cocktail reception from 9 pm at which appropriate music was supplied by the Sesame Flyers Steel Orchestra. Following the awards presentation and dinner, the happy New York-based Trinis danced away until 3 am to superbly rendered soca songs from the musical aggregation Lambert and the Matadors.