Ravi B, Maharaj to perform in Cunjal

They will join with Nisha B and the band Karma to bring the best in soca and chutney, folk and film songs. Also sharing the spotlight will be the Shiv Shakti Dance Company lead by Michael Salickram and the husband and wife team of Rick and Vanessa Ramoutar.

According to community council president Shaheed Allaham, this year the council will be honouring people who have contributed to the development of their home town through sports, culture, education and social welfare.

“There are many people in the Princes Town area who are deserving of recognition but we have chosen to honour those from Cunjal Road who are considered our own local heroes,” Allaham said. The council has made great strides in community development over the past 30 years and this year is celebrating in a big way, Allaham said. He said history will record 2017 as a very significant year in the Indian diaspora chronicle as it marks the 100th anniversary since the last ship, SS Ganges, brought indentured immigrants from India to Trinidad.

Among those who will be honoured is Jameer Ali, 87, who is the a well-known cricketer and founding member of the popular Yorkshire Club. Ali who is the only surviving member gave an account of the early days before Independence.

“In the colonial days, the clubs were named after the British.

These include Stollmeyer, Cambridge and Yorkshire clubs,” he said, adding that the East Indians and Africans who settled in the Cunjal area benefited from these clubs. “Everyone wanted to be a member in the club since they loved cricket,” Ali said.

He noted that he lived all his life in Cunjal and he was part of the council that lobbied for the community centre and the Lengua Islamia TIA School.

He said in the early days the men worked hard in establishing these public buildings and grounds so that the future generation will have the privilege of enjoying these facilities.

The CRCC will also honour radio and TV personality Jairaj Singh. Singh who has since established his own recording studio in Cunjal Road has been performing for the past 25 years as a singer/musician in TT and overseas.

Added attractions include tassa drumming and a food centre.