Despite obstacles L’tille show a success

THE EDITOR: Sir, I would like to pay public tribute to the Chairman of the Council of Elders of Laventille, Mr Selwyne Sandy for his grit, determination and faith in the people of Laventille in meeting the challenges which now confront them, and have been with them from time immemorial. The exquisite confidence in the people could have found no better example than in the staging of the Laventille Junior Monarch Calypso Competition on the Basketball Court at St Barbs, Laventille on Carnival Sunday. Mr Sandy’s insistence that the competition be staged at this venue inspite of resistance and argument to the contrary at all levels is testimony to his leadership, vision and confidence in the residents of the area for a new Laventille dispensation.

As a proud member of the Elders, I cannot contain my joy and deep admiration for Mr Sandy’s tenacity and insistence, even in circumstances where all odds were against him. He stood his ground when it was argued that the current negativity associated with Laventille would prevent people from attending the show (especially on a Carnival Sunday). He singularly resisted claims that the mere potentiality of violence would preclude future efforts and hurl scourge on the name of the elders for all times, if any such violent incidents should take place. Mr Sandy vigorously defended his confidence in the Laventille people and their willingness to be part of a better Laventille, now and in the future. He rebutted calls by influential elements within and without the Council of Elders of Laventille to have the Laventille Junior Monarch Calypso Competition staged outside of Laventille.
After all was said and done there was consensus for the staging the show at St Barbs, arguably the most volatile area in Laventille. It turned out to be a most historic event and, as many have confirmed, has laid the foundation for the resumption of free movement and socio-cultural activities in Laventille.

All must be proud and bubbling with anticipation for a peaceful, violent-free, gang-war-no-more and integrated Laventille and environs community. We have taken the “bull by the horns” as elders, in the name of our community. I must mention the able, speedy and kind assistance of the Honourable Minister of Public Utilities, Ms Pennelope Beckles, The Solid Waste Management Company and the National Carnival Commission for their collective magnanimous facilitation to make the calypso venture a success. I hope that other Government Officials, Civil Society Organi-sations, the business community and behind-the-bridge as a whole take these signs seriously and play a meaningful role in sustaining the peace, prosperity and social stability of the area as the Vision/Programmes of the Elders take root in the coming months.

ADVIN WILLIAMS Member of the Council of Elders of Laventille