Mannette, ‘Cobo Jack’ get Invaders’ awards

Elliot “Ellie” Mannette of Osage, West Virginia and Emmanuel “Cobo Jack” Riley of Brooklyn, New York were presented with the Invaders 75th Anniversary Award.

Desiree Myers, music co-ordinator and Michael Dinchong, managing director travelled to New York courtesy the band’s sponsor Caribbean Airlines to make the presentations. A special reception was hosted by friends and students of the Mannette Music Instruments Workshop in West Virginia, where Dinchong presented Mannette with the band’s 75th Anniversary Award in recognition of his historical contribution towards the formation of Invaders Steel Orchestra on October 8. Mannette also received a copy of the Invaders’ history book entitled Invaders Steel Orchestra: The history of a legendary Trinidad and Tobago Steelband by Dr Jeannine Remy and Ray Funk, said a media release In his presentation speech, Dinchong remarked that nine years ago the Government declared 147 Tragarete Road, Woodbrook, a National Heritage site and that 147 Tragarete Road has been the untenured home of Invaders since its birth in 1940. “It was the home of Ellie Mannette and the sacred grounds where many of his inspirations bore fruit under the famous ‘breadfruit tree’. This declaration in essence immortalises Invaders Steel Orchestra. It also immortalises the name Ellie Mannette,” Dinchong said. Mannette expressed his sentiments of appreciation and was moved by the band’s effort to deliver the award to him personally.

In Brooklyn, the reception for Emmanuel “Cobo Jack” Riley was organised by the Invaders’ New York Elders on October 9. Upon receiving his award from Myers, Riley commended the band’s management for recognising his contribution at this milestone in band’s history and stated that it was an honour to receive the 75th Anniversary Award.

Ronald Dennis and Terrance Hinds, two of Invaders’ Elders residing in New York, also received their 75th Anniversary Certificate of Appreciation from Myers.

The band’s management expressed thanks to Caribbean Airlines for its support in making the presentations possible.