Rosanna Farmer has been among a few consistently at the forefront of the environmental movement in Trinidad and Tobago. She has dedicated her career to educating and sensitising the public about ecological systems, human health and environmental sustainability. Plastikeep, a company which she founded in 2007, has as its goal, getting rid of the harmful excess of plastic products (there are seven types of plastic) that are shamefully strewn throughout the length and breadth of T&T.  Among the organisations she has consulted for or worked with in the environmental field are the Smelta Karavan, a mobile platform created to travel throughout T&T to inform the public on best practice development options, the EMA and UWI. She has won immense support from grassroots and community-based initiatives for her singular work, sincerity, determination, focus, and warm personable style of mediation. These experiences focused her energies on improving the local environment and minimising the ecological impacts of industrialisation on our islands.

Q: Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
A: I was born at Nurse Johnson’s Nursing Home, Dere Street, Port-of-Spain, and grew up in Blue Range, Diego Martin, days when we had no fences, no burglar proof and we climbed trees to eat our stomachs full of whatever fruit was in season. We roamed the hills, dug crystals out of caves, caught Guabines and Guppies, and washed our hair in springs, occasionally encountering a mysterious and respectful stranger smoking something with a strong and unique smell. Life was pretty natural in Trinidad in the early 70s, and we were all very connected to the environment.

Interesting surname you have…was it written that you would become an environmentalist?
I guess what we become is written somewhere, and marrying someone with the last name Farmer has played a big part in who I am today. Over the years, I have learned that my destiny is to be fearless. Fear will not serve me in this lifetime.

Anyone else in your family with the passion that you have for the environment?
My mother has always found solace in her garden, and when I was a child she never missed an opportunity to point out to me how truly beautiful Trinidad is. Her garden was a magical playhouse for us girls who pretended that her plants and their buds were all different kinds of produce which we sold in our Barbie market. We also would stand between my mother’s plants, especially the ones with large leaves, pretending that they were Carnival costumes and we were the kings and queens.

How does T&T rate in terms of environmental awareness and taking action to preserve it?
If I were to rate solely the implementation of environmental policies and programmes, my grade would honestly be quite low. I can specifically speak here to the construction of the proposed highway between Debe and Mon Desir that would pass through the Oropouche Lagoon. Strictly on environmental reasons, I completely oppose this action. For instance, there are a number of precious species whose ecosystems will be destroyed by this construction. In addition, the Armstrong Report also mentioned there will be significant destruction to the Northern Range due to the requirements to construct a nine-foot embankment which is the foundation for the highway, which will require 187,000 truckloads of aggregate. Finally, we have to understand that lagoons, mangroves and swamps serve vital roles in flood protection and nutrient removal which is essential for the protection of many marine species; many of which we rely on. However, I do feel that there are a number of valid efforts under way by numerous NGOs and concerned citizens whose actions are quite commendable but remain woefully inadequate without government backing.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general?
My parents Bernard and Ruth-Ann Brash were my first influence and are probably most responsible for who I am today. They made me strong and offered me many opportunities to think deep and to think outside the box. Sr Paul (principal of the high school I attended) taught me that running from problems did not make them go away, and at the age of 17 she forced me to face my fear, dry my eyes and look ahead. Mr Sydney Phillips, my first boss, carried me into the world of big business and through his own life story showed me that we can become anything we want. He pointed out once that persistence is the common denominator of success. Fr Gerry Pantin showed me that feelings of rejection are just illusions that we do not need to allow into our lives. We need to know our truth and be proud to live it. Jeremy Farmer, my son, has taught and continues to teach me that unconditional love is the only thing that is real. The rest is “wig,” as he would say. My partner in activism, Dr Wayne Kublalsingh, has fanned the fire felt in my belly as I entered this world of environmental protection. His single-mindedness and devotion to our social, economic and ecological wellbeing never cease to amaze and inspire me.

What schools/institutions did you attend?
I went to St Monica’s Prep, St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain, and Ryerson in Toronto, Canada. At Ryerson I earned a degree in business management and marketing.

What advice would you give to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago?
The information revolution has given us more information than we can possibly process in order to make wise decisions. The head is the navigator and the gut the compass, one cannot be valuable without the other. From my life experience the head is the “ego” (which I believe stands for ‘edging God out’), the gut is the inspiration (coming from spirit, ‘in spirit’). If it enters you in your gut do all that you can to honour and follow it. The Plastikeep project entered my gut on December 5, 2006, and I have been following God’s lead ever since. My yoga teacher, Yogi Bhajan, taught me that future generations will have to rely more on the gut than the head. Complex discourses often disguise, hide and lead us away from the truth rather than towards it. I must also warn against the use of alcohol, narcotics, and the uncritical use of pharmaceuticals. This is because these dull down the feelings in the gut. 

This has resulted in a world of navigators without compasses.

What motto do you live by, and what is your recipe for success?
Sharing, openness and generosity, especially in a cosmopolitan culture such as ours. Being open to the ideas of others as well as sharing my ideas with others have always seemed to expand my success. Even in the business culture, when I share the rewards of my work it helps to expand the business and bring dynamism to it.

Who was your hero growing up and why? 
My Bajan-born grandmother, Alice Ganteaume, who I loved with all my heart. She was my most favourite person in the whole world. For the first 19 years of my life she lived in a little house on the corner of Gordon and St Vincent Streets in Port-of-Spain, for which she paid $20 a month rent. Shower and flush toilet in the yard, kerosene stove (she never had an oven), and up until I was about eight or nine a block of ice was delivered in a crocus cloth to the pavement in front her house which we would chip with excitement to fit into her icebox. She lived simply and beautifully and did everything with great care. Her simplicity was very profound, and now I find myself remembering her anecdotes often and realising their value. Her love was the closest thing to unconditional that I experienced.

What philosophy regarding the environment would you like to share with our readers?
My desire is for the public to understand that the environment is not outside of us. We humans may consider ourselves the masters of this technological and innovative world, but even in the 21st century, we remain as our ancestors who left Africa as hunters-gatherers utterly dependent on this planet. We still need clean air, clean water, and food to survive and always will, so I hope that readers will  understand that as citizens of this world, God is our Father, the earth is our mother, the trees, plants and animals are our brothers and sisters, and we are one.

When and how did you get into the business of saving the environment?  
In January of 2006, at the end of a yoga class, I managed to overhear a conversation between two men. They were discussing the proposed introduction of two aluminium smelters in the south western peninsula of Trinidad which immediately struck a nerve deep within me and represented a turning point in my life. I have always felt a strong connection to the environment, but I realised at that moment that my life’s mission was to work as best as I could to preserve it. 

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
Your choice of the word ‘still’ implies that I have concluded my environmental activism and work towards building awareness in the nation, and this is not the case, I have only just begun. One project that I am particularly passionate about is the complete removal of styrofoam from our society through a nationwide ban on the production and use of this very harmful product as our Caribbean counterparts such as Guyana are pursuing.

What is your schedule like for the next year, and what are your plans for the future?
My project, Plastikeep, is concluding its second phase in August of 2014. I sincerely hope that we will receive funding for a third phase from the Green Fund. Our work has only just touched the surface in terms of building awareness in schools and communities throughout north west Trinidad of the gravity of our plastic problem. The impending Beverage Container Bill will help to alleviate the problem of the type one plastic which are plastic bottles, so in our application for the next phase; we are desirous of introducing a recycling machine, the first of its kind in the Caribbean region. This machine will process all other types of plastics and produce valuable materials such as plastic lumber. Given the high demand from communities and schools outside our catchment area, I would also love the opportunity to expand the project nationwide.

What was your inspiration to start Plastikeep? When was it started? Where is it based?
Back in 2006, I was working on a documentary film titled I Spy Recycling with Elspeth Duncan, which was based on a group of children who had initiated a collection and recovery of plastics programme in their school in Sangre Grande. I thought to myself, if these children could do it, then why not the rest of the country. From there arose the idea and name of Plastikeep which stands for Plastic “i” Keep. The “i” is instrumental as it represents the sense of personal responsibility we all need to embrace to become a part of the solution. I developed a business plan early the following year, which I presented to private sector players over the next year-and-a-half without success. Finally, I received funding in 2010 from the Green Fund as one of the initial applicants, and the project was launched in May of that year. Due to the Green Fund mandate, we operate solely in north west Trinidad.

Who are some of the people who are actively involved in your crusade to clean up the environment?
My team at Plastikeep comprises young, hardworking women namely project officers Sarah DeFreitas and Nadia Rudder, and education officer Nikita Mohammed. In addition, I owe much support to my wonderful young-at-heart board members at Greenlight Network, Dianne Hunt, Elizabeth Camps, Anke Kessler, Louise Fleury, Juliet Pasea, Victor Potter and Elspeth Duncan. And our office manager Gina Hatt-Carvalho. Our work could not be accomplished without the passion and diligent efforts of the numerous schools and community stakeholders that are now part of the plastic recovery and collection work.

How effective is the EMA?
This is a hard question to answer simply because I know there are many people working at the EMA who do so in earnest and who truly care to improve the environment of T&T. Unfortunately, politics plays a very important role in the decisions of the EMA and, therefore, I feel it is not as effective as it can be. In April and May of 2007, I was part of a protest action which entailed sitting outside the EMA for 40 days in order to bring awareness to the fact that the EMA had issued a flawed Certificate of Environmental Clearance for the Aluminium Smelter at La Brea. The EMA had failed to ensure that the La Brea Smelter had a safe disposal system for its toxic spent pot-lining. At that time I got to know many of the employees of the EMA and realised that most (if not all) supported our actions. The EMA is an interesting dynamic. The CEO is employed by the Government and the board is government appointed; this typically gives the line minister the illusion that he or she can order the chairman of the board and the CEO to flout proper processes and tow the Government’s agent. On the other hand, the EMA itself often pulls out its own bull dog teeth with respect to large Government back projects. 

Describe yourself in two words; one beginning with R, the other with F…your initials.  Resourceful and fearless.

Types of Plastics

There are seven types of plastics: 

1—Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) which are soft drink and water bottles.
2—High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which include detergent containers and caps
3—Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes, gallon bottles and tiles
4—Low Density Polyethylene (SPI) grocery bags and cling wrap
5—Polypropylene (PP) yogurt, egg and other food containers
6—Polystyrene (PS) styrofoam boxes, cups and plastic cutlery; any other plastics
7—CD’s five gallon water bottles.

Dreamer in chief and lead tree shaker, The Growing Leaders Foundation (GLF) is the manner in which she signs her correspondences. Sallyann Della Casa (nee Sawh) is the wearer of many hats in a world that she is determined to change, starting with the young citizens here in T&T and further afield in Dubai, where she maintains a second base due to her husband’s work commitments. 
GLF writes and mobilises leadership programmes into school curriculums for students and teachers globally. The foundation’s publication Lead Up (http://leadupmagazine.com) is the only youth-based leadership publication in the market today. Della Casa describes herself as being “imperfect in every way,” but each misstep gets her closer to the perfect step.
According to Della Casa, “No child can ever be a failure. Failure often is a much needed detour or a delay to warn us that we were probably going down the wrong road in the first place; it gives us the opportunity to begin again—just more intelligently this time. Failure seems to be the best way to find our courage and bring forth the greatness within us. And failure, if we look closely, is an event, never a person.”

Q:Where were you born and where did you grow up? 

A:I was born in T&T in the 70s (do not ask an exact date because for the record I will be 35 for the next ten years). My parents had a business in El Socorro and most of my very childhood was spent being around them and their business. I attended St Lucia’s Private Primary School, had a brief stint at Curepe Presbyterian under Mr Oudit in Standard Five after I wrote Common Entrance, since my parents thought I was not going to pass. I did end up passing for St Augustine Girls...and everyone exhaled. I did one year there, and then I left T&T for boarding school abroad.

Interesting surname, what is its background?
Della Casa means “of the house.” My husband is Italian. We met for 20 minutes some 16 years ago, during his airport layover in Miami. After 20 minutes, I knew I would marry him. For eight months he flew to Miami every weekend to take me on dates, and on my birthday eight months later we got married in Maui. I got the fairytale as they say.

What schools/institutions did you attend?
I am blessed really to not only have experienced T&T schools, but I also went to Bishop Strachan in Canada, University of Toronto, Franklin College in Switzerland, Lynn University in Boca Raton, University of Miami and St Thomas School of Law, Florida. I became a lawyer at 21 and really excelled in the school environment. Who would have thought, after all I was sent for Mr Oudit to be straightened up if I had failed common entrance. And here I am today, with the foundation in school environment every day teaching young people how to dream bigger and say it out loud. Funny how life works out.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general? 
In my early childhood, it was my aunt Linda Baboolal. She was a first for so many things in T&T for women and went to medical school with five kids at home under ten years of age (which I only learned in the last few years). My uncle Wayne, too, was like a hero to me, exerting a calming influence. Other than that, for me it has been books mainly. In no way is this to offend anyone or my parents who have all impacted me, but I was always a “brain misfit,” and the “very traditional” adults around me in Trinidad had no clue “what to do” with the things that I would say as a child. Even then, I would announce big plans (that seem impossible) and then go jump off the cliff to go get it. This did not go over well with adults who simply wanted their child to fit in.  So yes, books have always been there for me. Even my foundation’s name came from a Robin Sharma book, where he talked about the countries that would take over this world order will be the ones who grew leaders faster than others…sirens went off in my head. 

What advice would you give to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago?
Be curious about everything. Travel to as many different places as possible.  Only believe what you see with your own eyes. Life gives us all a second chance called tomorrow, so keep moving. Trust your own intuition above everything.  Smile at strangers for no reason, just to say “I see you.” Kindness wins every time. Be fearless and the universe conspires and helps you. Those of us destined for greatness get the biggest challenges always. Have faith and believe in miracles…should I continue?

When and how did you get into what you are doing now, and what was your inspiration to start the foundation? When was it started? Where is it based?
I had a crisis when I turned 30. For five years straight, leading up to it, I would write every January 1 in my journal: “I am not living up to my potential…” But the thing is I was not sure what to do about it. And then life happened, and it forced me to find my purpose.  I went back to school to do my Masters in Real Estate Development and Urban Planning, an area I did not even know I had an interest in and loved it. During that time, I was also reading like crazy and doing so much introspection. At some point it dawned on me that for my entire legal career, since 2003 I was always out teaching and volunteering for a programme called Kids and the Power of Work. In fact I was redesigning their curriculums, opening up new educational alliances for them etc. In a very indirect way, I had been practicing all along to do my foundation’s work, and I did not even know it. I started the foundation in 2010 after my dad passed away, and I did it in Trinidad in many ways as a continuation of his and my mom’s commitment to community. 

What is your schedule like for the near future, or the next year? What are your plans for the future? 
I plan six months at a time. And it is this simple measure I use, “I am not growing if the upcoming six months looks like the last six months.” This is not only in activities and things but also people. And you can imagine how I drive my foundation staffers mad with my constant “tree shaking,” since most folks like things to “remain the same.”  We have taken the foundation into Barbados. Our impact numbers increased tenfold, reaching over 13,000 Caribbean youths. We are introducing social enterprise as a third way to the T&T arts, business, education and food community through four events we are having December 1-7: The social enterprise Hive we are hosting is inspired by Dubai Social Enterprise week which happened in February this year. We are calling it a “HIVE” because like a bee hive the most important task that benefits both nature and humans is to pollinate. Successful pollination depends more upon the strength of a colony than the number of adult bees within it. Our pollinators aka panelists are social entrepreneurs who will share their expertise and address over the course of four events the issues they have faced in areas of art—at Medulla Gallery, today at 6:30 pm; business—at the Lok Jack Business School, tomorrow at 6:30 pm; education—at Woodford Square, Tuesday at 3:30 pm; food security—at Upmarket/Woodbrook, Saturday at 6:30 pm.

Then in February I head out to the Middle East for six months. The largest school system in the world—GEMS—just green lighted us to go into their Asian schools (they have over 10 million students globally), the National Bank of Abu Dhabi just approved our programmes to be part of their 2014 corporate social responsibility roll out, not only in Dubai but across the Middle East region. Our University Leadership Field Study programme is about to take off since our first beta at the Abu Dhabi University in May this year was extremely successful. I have begun licencing my programmes to other training companies globally in order to scale up faster. Our programmes are now part of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce etc. So the next six months, I will not be in the Gulf of Paria region but on the other Gulf coast.

What goals and/or ambitions do you still have? 
The list gets longer every year. Without a doubt, I want Growing Leaders programmes to be impacting globally, like yesterday. In fact when I go back to Dubai in February I plan to start conquering Africa, India etc. I want to develop an animated series of our leadership lessons so every child can access it from anywhere. I need to finish my book “Am I a Leader” and get it published. I wish to sit and have a real pow wow with the two Bills…Clinton and Gates. Also Branson and Oprah.   I would like to have Growing Leaders Academies all over this globe. I need to get some kind of degree in leadership at some point, since somebody might ask. I have already prepared my Nobel Prize speech just so I leave some evidence to the future children of T&T that I once existed. Shall I continue? 

Who are some of the younger people who are actively involved in your crusade, if we can call it that? 
The average age of folks I surround myself with gets younger and younger every year, because I surround myself with those who have not given up on their dreams.  In Trinidad and Tobago there are some amazing young women who will make some bad leaders in the near future, if given the chance. Giselle Mendez of the Volunteer Centre of T&T is one to watch. Giselle Roberts, director of business Development at the TTMA is a brilliant young lady, Analiese Moonsammy of the Back Pack project is another sharp civic minded young woman, Charlotte Elias is such a tremendous support for all women, Lisa Roop, an engineer at Repsol who volunteers and coordinates for my programme etc.  And then the “ladies who rock” circle in Dubai, Sheena Khan, you might know her, of the Change Initiative, Fereshteh Amary of Social Enterprise Week, Media Nocenti of C3 etc.  I am truly blessed but make no mistake, in the last few years women in leadership roles in T&T have taken a huge hit. Just look around and you will see we have lots of women in powerful positions who do not see it as their duty to uplift and bring up younger women. And after getting rid of the weeds, I can truly say I have a garden full of brilliant women, younger and older, who use their hand to lift each other up. How cool is that? 

Describe yourself in two (or more) words, one beginning with S, the other with D…your initials?  

Sincere, Don’t mess with her!

How can people contact you…email, phone, social media links?

founder@growingleaderfoundation.comhttp://growingleadersfoundation.com/;https://www.facebook.com/growing.leaders.foundation

Former T&T hockey team captain Joycelyn Francois-Opadeyi holds the reins as leader of the T&T Women’s Cricket Association (TTWCA). Women’s cricket is now one of the fastest growing sport.  The all-round sporting personality was also appointed to manage the T&T U-17 women’s football team in its World Cup qualifier games in Guatemala in 2011, bringing a wealth of experience as athlete and manager to the TTFF. Francois-Opadeyi’s day job sees her as a chartered accountant and business development consultant with her own company, Jade Accounting Services.

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
Monte Grande, Tunapuna. I left Tunapuna at age five to live in Jerningham Junction, Cunupia, where I stayed until I got married.

What schools/institutions did you attend/achieve your qualifications?
Cunupia Government School, St Augustine Girls’ High School; B Sc (Hons) Mgt; ACCA, MBA, Executive MBA-UWI/Institute of Business (Finance & Entrepreneurship); Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA); B Sc Industrial Management-UWI, St Augustine.

    
What do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable occasions?
Achieving the principal’s prize for the Best All-round Student in 1981; completing my first degree in management at the UWI as a single parent having to work, study and raise a baby—this has been the springboard/motivation for all my other achievements; becoming a street pastor in the Tunapuna area, an extremely fulfilling experience.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a vocation/career such as yours?
Have a vision for yourself. “You can, yes you!” Apply commitment and dedication in all you do.

When and how did you get into hockey?
In Form 1 at St Augustine Girls’ High School through the encouragement and motivation of Carol Wynn-Whiteman, a Form Three student, who was dedicated and committed to sporting and academic excellence. She was my mentor throughout my hockey career.

When and how did you get into cricket administration? One would have thought that it would be hockey administration?
My friend and colleague Mrs Ann Browne-John played both hockey and cricket, and when I retired from hockey playing, I was invited in my capacity as a finance professional to assist with managing the then scarce finances of the women’s cricket board. 

What are a couple of your most memorable performances on the field of play?
No particular memorable performance. I took my game very seriously (maybe a little too seriously, my friends would say).  I enjoyed every game I played. It was an opportunity to win…self actualise. I love to win!

What inspires you to do what you do?
The strong desire to make a difference in the lives of young women. To give them a vision of what they can achieve. I benefitted through the commitment of my predecessors, and I want to share my experiences and to help open up opportunities for other young women.

What are some of the challenges you face in your cricket administration role?
Mainly a lack of funding for women sport and low spectator support.

How do you plan to overcome them?
By encouraging our players to set high standards, perform, and to be at their best at all times. They are the key ambassadors of the sport. Represent and reinforce the values of our association—with each other and external stakeholders. And finally, demonstrate honesty and integrity in all our administrative affairs, and the general operations of the association.

What are some upcoming events and contact info?
The opening of the local women’s cricket season this month. TTWCA Secretary Monica Hylton—780-7799.

Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general? 
There were quite a few:
1. My cheerleaders, my dad and mom—Mr Henry Francois (painter) and Mrs Martina Francois (housewife).  
2. My mentor and “mom,” Dr Pearl Glasgow, evangelist and author.
3. My ministering angel, Ms Janet Smith, reverend and poet.
4. My stern adviser and conscience at a critical time in my life, Mr Carl Parris, former dean Social Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine.
5. My adviser, guide and priceless friend, Mr Osborne Nurse, management consultant. 

How many games did you play for T&T in hockey?
Quite a few, over 50.

Who do you consider a sporting hero?
Hasely Crawford, T&T’s 1976 Montreal Olympic Medallist.

Describe yourself in three words, one beginning with J the others with F and O, your initials.
Joyful, Fearless, Obliging.

Representing T&T, which countries did you compete in? As a T&T cricket  official, which countries have you been to?
Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Barbados.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?
That I have had the courage to nurture a qualified, self-employed daughter who is loving, fearless, entrepreneurial, customer sensitive, warm, and an awesome boss! Priceless.

What is your management philosophy?
Non-dictatorial, yet decisive—I encourage collaboration in decision making. I believe that everyone has something positive to contribute to the growth and development of our organisation.  Sometimes that positive gem is buried beneath a deep fear of failure and is, therefore, masked by attitudes of arrogance, bravado.  By listening intently to others, I am able to discern insecurities. I believe my role is to guide people on my team to discover their abilities, and to operate from a position of genuine humility and strength.

What is your vision for women cricket in T&T?
Wow! Actually I have a bunch of goals that would make up that vision:
1. At least five nationals playing on the West Indies team at the World Cup level.
2. That women’s cricket becomes the “sport of choice” for young women wanting to develop a strong sense of self-esteem, discipline, and achieve sporting excellence.
3. Increase in women’s cricket supporters.
4. Greater involvement of people who have benefitted in the past from women’s cricket.
5. No funding challenges.  

The career of David Lopez in the Carnival arena dates back to 1984 with the Carnival Development Committee (CDC) and the National Carnival Commission (NCC), where he began as a gate guard and track steward. In 1987 after gaining some experience in the Carnival field, he took on responsibilities in the hospitality and bar section for four years, until 1990. From 1990 to 1995 he was a member of the hospitality committee, a sub-committee of the NCC board. This proved to be the real start of his many years in Carnival at the organising/management level. Since then he has progressed through various positions of increasing responsibility having joined the National Carnival Bands Association of T&T (NCBA) in 1998. In 2005 he was elected to the executive board of the NCBA and was officially appointed as the operations manager of the association; in 2009 he was elected vice-president. He was also selected as the coordinator for both Carifesta VIII in August 2003 in Suriname and Carifesta IX in September 2006 in Trinidad.

As a member of the NCBA executive, Lopez was instrumental—along with other members of the executive—for the Incorporation by Act of Parliament No 27 of 2007 of the National Carnival Bands Association of T&T. He helped expand the NCBA, with the opening of the NCBA San Fernando office. He became NCBA president in October 2010, due to the passing of Owen Hinds. He was duly elected for another term from 2012-2015. With some 30 years of Carnival experience at all different levels under his belt, the Sunday Guardian caught up with the busy president.

What is your vision of a perfect Carnival Monday and Tuesday?
We could never get perfection, but as close to it as possible. Given the history of Carnival as an event, the first vision is creating a congestion-free route. This is accomplished via working with all stakeholders to ensure the paying participants, the masqueraders, have a safe and enjoyable event. Consideration must also be given to the spectators and vendors.

What is the primary role and function of the NCBA?
To produce the 11 shows, starting with the preliminary appearances of the kings, queens and individuals, to the last show, the Senior Parade of the Bands. The NCBA also has the responsibility for the preservation of the traditional character masquerades which is the bedrock of T&T Carnival. The NCBA has the moral obligation to ensure that anyone who enters any of its competitions will be judged with integrity and fairly compensated for their appearance and placing within the competitions. The NCBA also has responsibilities to all participating bands including: providing for them an environment that is safe, based on recommendations from all stakeholders; procuring prize monies for competition winners via negotiations with the Government’s arm, the National Carnival Commission (NCC); procuring ideal competition locations and facilities.

Paramount is the NCBA’s responsibility to develop the mas industry as evident in initiatives such as the NCBA Mas Academy, charged with the mandate to pass on the knowledge of mas making and management, and producing trained employable graduates who can contribute to the growth of Trinidad Carnival and other Carnivals globally. 

How would you describe your job at the NCBA?
A challenging job that is easy because I love what I am doing. The challenges occur as managing the NCBA incorporates managing people; but I love what I am doing.

What is the favourite and least favourite part about your job?
My favourite part is the opportunity to see the growth of T&T Carnival. I have been assisting with Carnivals in Grenada, St Lucia, Jamaica, England, Gauteng in South Africa, and Calabar in Nigeria. Calabar is now recognised as Africa’s biggest “street party” and I was fortunate to be involved and continue to be involved in its development. However, my ultimate satisfaction is seeing the look of enjoyment on the faces of all masqueraders who participate in the parade. My least favourite part is seeing all the bickering and divisions within the mas fraternity which hinders the growth of the fraternity and by extension the growth of our Trinidad Carnival industry.

What challenges are you and your team facing for Carnival 2014?
The resistance to change is what our team faces for Carnival 2014. While we all say we want change, it becomes challenging when people show reluctance to accept change. 

How would you like your post-analysis of Carnival 2014 to read?
That the change recommended for the reduction of parade route congestion was successful. With this occurring, the NCBA would have accomplished one of its major objectives, which is to facilitate masqueraders’ enjoyment of a free-flowing parade route.

What is your favourite thing about Carnival?
The opportunity to do what I do best. To see the satisfied faces on masqueraders and share in the enjoyment of teamwork, working behind the scenes in preparation for the NCBA events.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

My grandmother, may her soul rest in peace. She taught me family values such as respect for people and their belongings; humility and the responsibility for one’s own destiny.
What are some of your Carnival-related achievements?

As mentioned previously, my assistance with Calabar Carnival in Nigeria. However, at home, I was primarily responsible for a number of initiatives and successes including: being the lead person for the incorporation of the NCBA; the streamlining of the mas adjudication process to one that is online and real-time; operating on a secure and encrypted platform with the assistance from a local IT solution and web development company which understands Carnival; other electronic/computerised initiatives; the video production and streaming of all NCBA events on the Web site ncbatt.com with assistance from a dynamic market research and brand intelligence company which understands our Trinidad Carnival as a brand; the development of a Mas Academy and outreach programme to facilitate the passing on of knowledge of T&T Carnival development.

What are your favourite calypso and soca songs of all time?
From the Mighty Sparrow, Education. For soca, it would be David Rudder’s The Hammer.

Which super power, if you could have one, would you like to have, and why?
I am very comfortable in my own skin (chuckles).

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Arima and grew up at Simeon Road, Petit Valley.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do.
To have the opportunity to make a difference and spreading the T&T culture throughout the world.

Who was your hero or “idol” growing up and why? And who do you admire most today?
Nelson Mandela. He was committed and believed in what he was doing. I admired his persistence in the struggle to stand up against injustice, against all odds. He touched the lives of so many people—those with whom he came into contact, and those with whom he never came into contact. I was blessed with the opportunity to visit his home at 8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto 1804, South Africa. 

Today, I admire Barack Obama the most. Against all odds, he accomplished what no one expected him to.

At what schools or institutions did you receive your education? 
I attended primary school at Petit Valley Boys RC. I then went on to Daniel’s Education Institute. From there I had training and experience in financial and business operations, and I attended courses at The University of the West Indies.

What daily motto or credo do you live by; and in three words, what is your recipe for success?
“One day at a time.” My recipe for success: Dedication, Perseverance, Respect.

What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make?
My most difficult decision was to decide to continue to lead this organisation given the challenges which I faced.

What advice would you give to the country’s leaders to create a better society?
Stop playing the blame game and address the issues at hand. Lead by example and set standards that citizens would make the citizens of T&T proud.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
An early retirement where I can be of assistance by passing on my knowledge and experience gained for the development of people, and touching lives.

Describe yourself in two words: one beginning with D, the other with L (your initials).
Devoted and Loyal.

Ever since he burst onto the calypso stage in 1986 and became a household name in T&T, calypsonian David Rudder has maintained his place among the top entertainers wherever he performs. Though currently resident in Ontario, Canada, this son of the soil is frequently back and forth to his native Trinidad, where he still commands premier billing. The former accounting clerk started as a back-up calypso singer whose big break came when the lead singer of the band Charlie’s Roots fell ill and he was thrust into the limelight. So impressive was he, that he soon became the co-lead singer of the band! But it was in 1986 that he really shot to prominence with the release of his first album, which spawned two huge hits: The Hammer (a tribute to the late steelpan ace Rudolph Charles) and Bahia Girl. These two hits earned him all the winning titles that year—the Calypso Crown, the Road March, the Young King title—and have been eternal hits since then. 

Following his 1986 propulsion to fame, he did not find the previous year a tough act to follow and released his mega hit Calypso Music in 1987, which captured the rhythm and vibe of our nation.
Not contented to rest on his laurels, he followed up in 1988 with what many considered to be his best album to date, Haiti, which included the title track, a tribute to the glory and suffering of Haiti; Engine Room, which captured the energy of the steel band; and Rally ’Round the West Indies, which became the regional anthem for the world champion West Indies cricket team. Rudder’s innovative songwriting has been influenced by the uniqueness and inescapable styling of the chants and rhythms of the Shango Baptists, which is the foundation of much of his music. The endless awards that he has been showered with over the 25 years of his career include Male Artist of the year, Album of the year, Best Party Song of the year, Best Social Commentary, Song most played for Panorama, Best Produced Album, Male Vocalist of the Year, Best New Wave Soca, and Most Humorous Calypso. He has delivered performances at several World Music festivals and performing arts centres around the world—in the USA, Canada, UK and Europe. He has been featured over the years in prestigious magazines and publications such as Germany’s Gorgenpost and Stern Magazine, The Guardian in England. In the US, the Boston Globe, New York Times and Newsweek, was a cover story for Class magazine, featured artist in Ebony Magazine. Rudder has performed with such stars as Barry White, Billy Ocean, KC and the Sunshine Band, Third World, Steel Pulse, Musical Youth, Miami Sound Machine and Chalice.

In 1990 he sang the Bahia Girl in Wild Orchid, a major Hollywood movie produced by Warner Brothers, performing with internationally acclaimed Brazilian singer Margareth Menezes. Together Rudder and Menezes sang Dark Secrets, one of three songs. Rudder contributed to the movie which stars Mickey Rourke and Jacqueline Bisset.  Some 32 albums/records/CDs later, this Trini to the bone, also his most recent hit, shows no sign of letting up as his fans locally, regionally and internationally would attest. He was awarded one of the nation’s highest awards in 1992, the Humming Bird Medal Silver for his contribution to culture. (From Nasser Khan’s feature in the annual Ins and Outs of Trinidad and Tobago 2013 publication)

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born and grew up in Belmont (Freetown), Trinidad’s first open university campus.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education? 
I attended Ms Edmund’s Private School, Belmont Boys’ RC, Belmont Intermediate. Then I spent several years at the University of Belmont proper, honing my skills.

What are the plans for Carnival 2014 in terms of shows/performances?
My season is quite busy with several performances at the Hyatt, five nights at the Normandie, Machel Monday, Kes in Concert, Blood Bank, etc.

Plans for the rest of 2014?
I plan on completing my album Catharsis, and hitting the road.

What is your greatest accomplishment in the Carnival arena?
Greatest accomplishment in Carnival? Hmmm…making people feel good and in general, making people think.

What was your first paying job?
Singing at concerts all over the country with the Billy Reece rodeo in the early sixties. I used to get $5 a gig.

If you could dine/lime with someone past or present, with whom you haven’t, who would you choose?
Nelson Mandela.

I wish I had known sooner...
I wish I could have known how to be a better parent. Working on it still.

What is your vision of a perfect Carnival Monday and Tuesday?
Carapichaima and Paramin on Monday, Port-of-Spain on Tuesday with sweet music swirling over and around the people, making them fly.

What is the favourite part about Carnival, outside of performing?
My favourite thing about carnival is a steelband on J’Ouvert morning.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? 
Biggest influence...apart from my parents, I would say Belmont as a whole.

What are some of your Carnival related achievements?
Achievements...the triple crown in 1986, representing the Caribbean at the UN, the love of the people throughout the region. Ahhhh! Too many to mention.

What are your favourite calypso and soca songs of all time?
Favourite songs? That’s tough, too tough. It’d take an entire newspaper!

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do.
I was just born to do what I do. What feeds that founding sweetness is the “noises” I get from the people.

What advice would you give to the country’s leaders to create a better society?
I can’t advise the country’s leaders. Listening to them...they “done know.” Ok, ok...how about stop encouraging tiefing. Start there.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
To the youth I’ll say, “In spite of” is your key to the light.

Calypso has taken you to many countries. Can you remember them all? Which are they?
Ahhh! Let’s see. Most of the Caribbean, almost the entire USA, Canada, Venezuela, Panama, Brazil, UK, Finland, Switzerland, France, Germany (east and west), I was there when the wall came down. Belgium,  Italy, Holland, Japan, Nigeria, India and more.

Who was your hero, real or fictional, growing up?  
I didn’t have a hero, I had heroes. My neighbours Lord Beginner and Edwin Roberts; Cliff Bertrand; Wendell Mottley; Kent Bernard; Jerry Browne; Lincoln Phillips; Sparrow, Charlo; the leader of Sisson’s Wonderland; Steve David; Leroy De Leon; Warren Archibald; Lord Kitchener; Alvin Corneal; Ellis Sadaphal; the Aleong brothers; Clive Burnette; Leslie King; Roger Gibbon; Fitzroy Hoyte; Jean Moutett, Bert Neptune; Sammy Llewellyn to name a few. The Toussaint brothers Mackie and Roderick; Jason Griffith; Ken Morris; Horace “Pepperwine” Lovelace. I’ll stop because we’ll need two newspapers!

Other than your singing career, what else have you been engaged in?
I also paint, draw and was trained in copper repose by the great carnivalist, Ken Morris. If you see copper murals in the lobbies of the Hilton and the Kapok, chances are you’ll be watching at work that I have had a part in.

What daily motto/credo do you live by? 
The motto that I live by is: “How can I be better today.”

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
My next goal is to start writing.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?
My most special award is the love of my fans.

You currently live in Canada...do you have any intention of returning to T&T to live?
Yes I do.

Describe yourself in three words, one beginning with “D”, the others with “M” and “R”; your initials.
I’d say Determined, Misunderstood and Restless.

Not content to rest on his laurels, Kerwin Du Bois, one of the popular soca artistes for yet another year, plans to continue to perfect his craft and to take Caribbean music to international audiences. The Sunday Guardian caught up with the extremely busy, much-in-demand, though affable and calm soca star as he was heading off to yet another gig on the 2014 Carnival circuit. He was hailed as one for the future from his early schooldays (he captured the Junior Calypso monarch back in 1992), and his melodic voice and well-thought-out lyrics have taken him up the ranks to being today one of the most popular exponents of groovy soca. His skills at production (sound and audio editing and engineering) are well recognised and he is also an accomplished DJ, skill sets which he used effectively in England, where he earlier lived, to establish himself as a force  to be reckoned with. 

He has collaborated, written and/or produced for other stars in the soca arena such as Bunji, Machel, Denise Belfon, Farmer Nappy, Blaxx/composition of Breathless and Kees/composition of Wotless and enjoyed a fantastic 2008 with the hit single Gyal Farm, featuring Shal Marshall. He has been nominated for many awards and in 2008 was the International Soca Awards Soca Producer of the Year winner. In 2009 he brought together three of the biggest female soca artistes—Destra Garcia, Allison Hinds and Denise Belfon—by composing and producing the smash hit Obsessive Winers. In 2012 Du Bois enjoyed tremendous success with his hit single Bacchanalist, which secured him second place in the Groovy Soca Monarch category of the International Soca Monarch. 

In 2013, he returned to Trinidad to participate in the Carnival festivities, as he usually does. A bout of pneumonia limited his involvement until the latter part of the season, but his contributions were well received and his fan base continued to grow, and for Crop Over and going into 2014 he released the hugely popular tracks of Monster Winer, Doh Beg, Fight D Feeling, Forget About It and Too Real. He aims to take the Groovy Soca Monarch Title in 2014 as this feature goes to print.

Where were you born, where did you grow up and where do you currently reside?

I was born in Pt Cumana, Carenage, which is also where I grew up, as well as in Maloney. I lived in England for a few years and presently reside in Toronto, Canada.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?
My pre-schooling was with Mrs Miles, which was a private school and I attended Tranquillity Primary and Secondary. Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do. I am inspired by the people around me, my environment and current situations. I am moved by my genuine love for music and the creation of music which makes my job worthwhile. 

What are your plans for post-Carnival 2014 in terms of shows/performances, etc?

I am already confirmed for a number of performances throughout the Caribbean, USA and Canada which will commence in less than a week after T&T’s Carnival. 

What is your greatest accomplishment in the Carnival arena?
Gaining the love and support of the people who support me. I would not be in the situation that I am in today without that immense support. 

What is your vision of a perfect Carnival Monday and Tuesday?
I enjoy every aspect of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, to be quite honest…the colours, the people, the vibe. 

What is your favourite thing about Carnival?
The vibe and the energy of those people who engage in it. It is really an amazing feeling to see people enjoy themselves and let go of their worries and, yes, “forget about it,” even if it is for a moment! (laughs)
Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

I am influenced by my children: They look up to me and I have to do good by them at all times. The simple “I love you” and “I missed you, Daddy” goes a long way in making sure that they benefit from the sacrifices I make at all times. Because of their support and unconditional love, I have been able to push more and to challenge myself more. 

What are your favourite calypso/soca songs of all time, other than your own?
The first one is Watch Out My Children by the late Ras Shorty I and the other is The Hammer from David Rudder.

What advice would you give to the country's leaders to create a better society?
Understand the problems that the people are facing. The negative situations are based on the problems of the masses; do not ignore the cries of the people. The frustration is real and people will act out when they feel they are not being heard. 

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
To continue to perfect my craft and to take Caribbean music to international audiences. To create a musical movement that not only benefits me but the genre/s that I am involved in. 

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
It is really important to believe in yourself as a lot of things will be difficult to acquire; but once you keep your eyes on the prize and remain positive, eventually you can achieve your goals and more. Hard work pays off.... and always be grateful and humble.

Calypso has taken you to many countries…which ones?
In my younger years when I was singing calypso, I was not afforded travelling opportunities. When I extended my talents to soca and began releasing/producing and writing, the opportunities came. I have been fortunate to visit almost all the islands in the Caribbean and have travelled throughout the USA as well as the UK. 

Who was your hero, real or fictional, growing up?  
My fictional hero was He-man.

Tell us about your early years in calypso…were you “discovered”?
When I began to show an interest in singing and calypso during primary schooldays, there were a number of people who saw my talents and assisted in moulding me and helping enhance my craft. One person is Larry Yearwood, who used to write my songs for me, and the other person was Mr Lance Heath, who mentored me.

Other than your singing career, what else have you been engaged in?
I am not only a singer but a producer and songwriter. Music is my life and it is all that I am involved in. However, if I had to do anything else, it would be in area of the culinary arts, because I love to cook and always wanted to become a chef. 

If you had to choose a singer, any singer, to perform for you, who would it be?
There are a few, but off the top of my head I would say Anita Baker.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?
One of them is from the great Nelson Mandela and it says: “A winner is a dreamer who never gave up.”
Describe yourself in three words, beginning with K, D and B—your initials.
Kind, Driven, Bold

Hailed as the “Paganini of the Steelpan,” 40-year-old Liam Teague currently serves as the head of Steelpan Studies and associate professor of Music at Northern Illinois University, and he co-directs the NIU Steelband. He has received many awards, including the Humming Bird Award (Silver) for “loyal and devoted service,” and won a number of notable competitions such as the T&T National Steelband Festival Solo Championship and the Saint Louis Symphony Volunteers Association Young Artiste Competition.

His commitment to demonstrating the great musical possibilities of the steelpan has taken Teague to Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as North and Central America and the Caribbean, following in the footsteps of other steelpan luminaries like Hugh Borde, Ellie Mannette, Bertie Marshall, Tony Williams, Boogsie Sharpe, Jit Samaroo and Dimes Fernandez.
Teague has performed with many diverse ensembles, including Taiwan National Symphony, Czech National Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, Panama National Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, Vermeer String Quartet, Dartmouth Wind Ensemble, University of Wisconsin-Madison Marching Band, Nexus, TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra, bpTT Renegades Steelband, Starlift Steel Orchestra, and most recently as the arranger for the 2014 Panorama for Silver Stars Steel Orchestra.

Teague has collaborated with such prominent musicians as Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Samuels, Zakir Hussain, and Evelyn Glennie. As a performer and clinician, Teague has given presentations at several Percussive Arts Society International Conventions (Pasic) and at many educational institutions throughout the world. He is steelband director at Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin, and he has also taught and performed at the California State University Summer Arts Camp and at the Interlochen Academy for the Performing Arts.
A strong advocate for original steelpan compositions, Teague has commissioned a number of significant composers to write for the instrument, including Michael Colgrass, Jan Bach, Libby Larsen, Deborah Fisher Teason, Joey Sellers, Ben Wahlund, Erik Ross and Kevin Bobo. 

Many of his own compositions are published with MaumauMusic, PanPress and RamajayMusic. To date, Teague has recorded/produced ten cds, including Hands Like Lightning (1993), For Lack of Better Words (2002), Panoramic: Rhythm Through an Unobstructed View (2005), and Open Window (2010).  He was recently named the Arts and Letters 2014 Laureate of the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence. 

When and how did you get into playing and teaching the steelpan?
In the late 1980s, my father, Russell Teague (deceased), had a Cub Scout Troop when I was a boy. One of the members, Darren Sheppard, brought a steelpan to a meeting. I instantly fell in love with the sound and asked my father if I could join a steelband. He agreed, and I eventually started playing with the T&TEC Motown Steel Orchestra in San Fernando. From there, I eventually moved on to Hillside Symphony Steel Orchestra. My first official role as a steelpan teacher came in the 2000s at Northern Illinois University, shortly after graduating with a masters degree in Music.

Was it something you had to work hard at or did it come naturally?
I think that in some ways playing the pan came naturally. However, I definitely had an insatiable thirst for learning music and was an extremely disciplined practicer.

What was your full-time job? 
Head of Steelband Studies/associate professor of music/co-director Northern Illinois University Steelband.

Where were you born, where did you grow up, and where do you currently reside? 
I was born and raised in San Fernando and currently reside in DeKalb, Illinois, USA (about 60 miles west of Chicago).

Who were the people who have influenced you the most in your career and in life in general, and how did they?
There are numerous people who have helped and/or influenced me in my life, so it is impossible to mention all of them. However, I’ll mention a few: my parents—Pearl and Russell Teague; Shirley James—one of the first people to assist with my early musical development; Gunilla Tang Kai—my violin teacher in Trinidad; Robert Foster—former manager and producer of some of my early CDs; Joy Caesar—former vice president at CitiBank, who made it possible for me to get through my first semester at Northern Illinois University; Al O’Connor—former associate dean and founder of the steelpan programme at NIU; Cliff Alexis—one of my best friends in the world and co-director of the NIU Steelband; Robert Chappell—one of my very close friends and musical colleagues at NIU.

Who are your role models/who inspires you?
Other than my parents, I can’t really say that I have had role models, though I have been inspired by countless people—especially musicians. My early musical heroes were violinists like Heifetz and Perlman. Later on, I started emulating steelpan musicians like Ken “Professor” Philmore, Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Robert Greenidge, Rudy “Two Left” Smith, Dr Jit Samaroo, to name a few. Once I moved to the USA, I started to be enamored with jazz and was deeply moved by the music of Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, Joshua Redman, etc.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?
Coffee Boys’ Anglican School; San Fernando East Junior Secondary; Pleasantville Senior Comprehensive; Northern Illinois University.

What are your favourite calypso/soca songs of all time other than your own?
I really love the music of the past and hold musicians like Lord Shorty (Ras Shorty I) Om Shanti, Watch Out My Children, etc), Lord Kitchener, Sparrow, and people of that ilk in high esteem. They knew how to craft a good song as they actually understood melody, harmony and rhythm. I’m really into what Bunji Garlin has been doing (loved Differentology, Truck on de Road and Carnival Tabanca). Of course, there are a number of other musicians out there (famous and not so famous) who are doing good work.

What do you still want to accomplish with your steelpan talent?
I have only skimmed the surface. I am still at a very elementary stage of my musical development, and I know that it will probably take many lifetimes before I feel like I have actually arrived close to what I’d like to achieve. I’d love to be able to spearhead a movement which could bring the steelpan to the masses internationally on a consistent basis. It would be made up of stakeholders, all of whom would be conscious of the bigger picture, and were driven and inspired by peace, love and music—no competition necessary.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?
Be happy, peace, love and music

Would you like to tell our readers about your family?
I am a very private person, so I would prefer not to divulge too much. However, my wife Lorena is from Panama, and she used to play the viola with the Panama National Symphony. We met when I was a steelpan soloist with that orchestra. I immediately fell in love with her fantastic viola technique—at least, that’s what I tell everyone…lol. Our son, Jaden, is six-years old and was born in Panama. He’s now in kindergarten. Our daughter, Jeida, is one year old and basically has me wrapped around her finger. I had heard rumors that that would happen, but I didn’t believe it— little did I know how wrong I’d be…lol.

What are your most prized possessions: one tangible, one intangible?
Tangible: my tenor (soprano) steelpan. I’ve had it since I was about 15 and continue to play the same instrument at the ripe old age of 40. Intangible: the love of my mother, sisters, wife, children, friends and family.

Of all your shows, concerts, performances, which would you like a first time audience, listener or viewer to experience? 
Tough question, but probably my performance a few years ago with the Czech National Symphony in Prague, Czech Republic. I was not prepared for the love that the audience showed as they called me back on stage for at least three encores.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?
 I treasure all of them, but if I had to point out a couple, they would be the Humming Bird Award (Silver) for my contributions to culture, plus being recently recognised by the Ansa McAL Caribbean Awards for Excellence as one of its laureates.

If you had to perform for an audience who had never heard or seen you before and you had to perform one song, which would you? 
Probably my composition A Visit to Hell. I feel it demonstrates many facets of the steelpan’s versatility and profundity.

What goals/ambitions do you still have?
To become a better overall musician and human being. To do more to help the up-and-coming generation of Caribbean musicians and to do whatever I can to bring happiness to the world.

What is an interesting facet of your personality that most people do not know about you?  
I can be a bit of a clown. Most people would not know that about me as I generally appear to be very serious and/or shy. However, once I get comfortable around people, I tend to lighten up. Also, I’m a huge wrestling and ultimate fighter fan (please don’t judge me). I know it seems at odds with my non-violent personality, but I think that I’ve always had competition in my blood and the soap opera that is wrestling has been hard to let go.

What is the best compliment you have ever received? 
I am actually a very self critical person, and while I am always grateful for compliments, I tend not to always take them to heart as I am always striving to be better. However, I love to laugh and love people’s senses of humour, so one of the “compliments” that was giving to me, happened at a concert where a musician I was performing with said to the audience, “Of all the steelpan players that I have   worked with, Liam Teague is definitely…ONE of them.” Lol. I never forgot that as I really respected this musician and thought that he was going to pay me the ultimate compliment (though I know it would not have been deserved).

I am always most appreciative when people tell me just how much my music has impacted them emotionally and spiritually, though.
What are your plans for the rest of 2014?

The NIU Steelband has a number of performances for the rest of the semester, including its 40th anniversary concert on April 13. I have to premiere a new steelpan concerto with wind ensemble by Kevin Bobo in April, plus a new composition for steelpan and violin by Jan Bach. In addition, I have several other performances with steelbands in the USA. After that, I’ll be returning to Trinidad for the Ansa McAL Caribbean Awards for Excellence, and then teaching at the Birch Creek Music and Performance Center in Wisconsin. I’m looking forward to a bit of down time with my family during the summer, and then it’s back to living my life as a musical chameleon.

What advice would you give to the country's leaders to create a better society? 
Lead with honesty, compassion, sensitivity, dignity, and with a vision for the future.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
First and foremost, remember to live life with respect and dignity and to honour the sanctity of life. I feel that one of the reasons why crime has been so rampant and devastating is that many in our society have no fear of God and, as a result, are unconcerned with repercussions. Finally, I would say that the young people of T&T should strive for happiness. I believe that at the end of the day, this is the one thing that we all want.

How can we find out more about you and keep up to date with your latest news?
liamteague.com; niu.edu/music; Facebook

 Describe yourself in two words; one beginning with L, the other with T, your initials.
Loving and Thankful.

• See Liam Teague in action: http://ow.ly/uAWlL 

Joel Wilson is the latest and newest of T&T’s international cricket umpires following on the footsteps of famous sons of the soil Ralph Gosein, Clyde Cumberbatch and, more recently, Peter Nero. According to Wikipedia, an umpire (from the Old French “nompere,” meaning not a peer—that is, not a member of one of the teams; impartial) is a person who has the authority to make judgments on the cricket field, according to the laws of cricket. With today’s increasing popularity of the T20 (Twenty-Twenty) format of the game, umpires like Wilson and Nero are seen worldwide by millions of viewers as they are called upon to make split-second decisions determining the fate of batsmen, bowlers and fielders during the course of a game. Getting it wrong is an umpire’s worst nightmare, but thankfully, due to technology, there’s the opportunity, via replays and appeals, to get it right.

Like his fellow Trinidadian Nero, Wilson has yet to officiate in the longest version of the game, a Test match, but is hoping the privilege will come in due course as he makes his name in the ODI (One Day International) and T20 formats. Umpires are indeed a special lot—underappreciated, you might say. Unlike the players who are present for just parts of a game, umpires have to stand for the entire duration. From Santa Cruz, the articulate, 47-year-old Wilson, after putting in his dues on the local and regional circuits and completing the necessary certifications, officiated in his first ODI game, Windies versus India at Sabina Park, Jamaica, in June 2011. His first T20 was Canada versus Netherlands in March of 2012 in Dubai. He is currently an executive member of the T&T Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council, chairman of the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, and a member of the National Training and Examination Committee and the Constitution Committee, T&T Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Born in Siparia, Trinidad. Spent the first 11 years of my life there and then came to San Juan, and now Santa Cruz for the last 12 years.

What do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable occasion?
Standing in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Final in New Zealand, on February 1, with Michael Gough. First major world finals.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating a vocation/career such as yours?
Be certain that you love the game; be prepared to work hard and take nothing for granted. 

What inspires you to do what you do?
My love for the game and the support I receive from family and friends. Enjoying the game I love from the best seat in the house.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role as a cricket umpire at the regional and international level? 
The lack of opportunities for umpires in the West Indies; not enough cricket regionally. The absence of support mechanisms for regional and international umpires in the West Indies. It’s still not a professional sport in the region, so we can’t be considered professionals in our field.

What schools/institutions did you attend?

Siparia Boys’ Primary and Belmont Boys’ Secondary. I achieved my postgraduate diploma through the Chartered Institute of Marketers, London, England.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Trust in God, work hard and enjoy what you do. Nothing worth having in life comes easy, and we will be rewarded for hard work.

What motto do you live by and what is your recipe for success?
My motto is: “I am not giving in.” My recipe for success is my faith that the Lord is in charge of my destiny and all I must do is believe and work as hard as I can. 

Which countries have you been to, officiating as an umpire? 
Besides almost every island in the Caribbean where cricket is played—England, Bangladesh, Dubai and New Zealand.

Who were your heroes growing up, and why?  
My cricket hero was Augustine Logie…I loved his cool disposition even in the face of trouble. Outside of cricket, Martin Luther King Junior. [I admired] his peaceful disposition even in the midst of unacceptable situations.

Who/what inspired you to become a cricket umpire? 
It happened by accident. I attended a session at the Oval in January 1995, through the invitation of a friend, believing we were just talking cricket. It turned out to be about the laws of cricket and umpiring. I subsequently fell in love with it, and the rest is history.

Of all your accolades, prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?
The North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association—Most Promising Umpire in 1999. It kept me in umpiring when I was about to give up. I didn’t think I was capable; but someone or some group felt I did, and they kept me in it.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have? 
I am working towards becoming the best umpire I can become, and to reach as far as I can on the international scene; and making my zone, country and region proud of the quality we can produce.

What are your plans for the future? 
Well, at present I am involved in the regional four-day competition, and later in the year I hope to be involved in CPL 2 and the visits of the New Zealand and Bangladesh international teams to the West Indies.

What did you do before becoming an international cricket umpire?
I was marketing manager and a part-time lecturer in public relations and marketing at the Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies; and a part-time lecturer at Sital College.

Describe yourself in two words, one beginning with J, the other with W…your initials. 
Jovial and warm.

As she prepared to head off to England to represent T&T, the Sunday Guardian caught up with busy 29-year-old Teneille Newallo, who before long, hopes to become a household name in T&T as she further forges her name on the film scripting, acting and producing fronts. “A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from the T&T Film Festival stating that the British Council would like to send two female filmmakers to the Birds Eye View (BEV) Film Festival in London, and that I was one of the selected two. Juliette McCawley and I will be attending the festival which takes place from April 8–13. I believe that the British Council also selected two women delegates from each of the other participating countries around the world, to attend this festival, funded by the British Council. BEV is focused on encouraging women filmmakers from around the world, since most international filmmakers are men.” 

Newallo earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Florida Atlantic University. Being one of eight selected to receive the BFA, she graduated at the top of her year, summa cum laude. In her first year of college, she received an Irene Ryan Nomination for her work in the play Conflict, which was uniquely created by the students in collaboration with their professor. As an actor, she also worked on other various plays, short films, feature films and commercials in the US, including principal roles in the Akon music video: Don’t Matter, Rapids Water Park commercial, and the short film: Adam and Eve Uncensored. Newallo returned to Trinidad and worked on many television, print and voice commercials, and also the music video for Kes The Band, My Girl. After hosting the popular show on Synergy, Tzone, and guest hosting on several different episodes of different TV shows, she moved on to co-host the very successful bmobile Danceoff, which aired on CNMG. This was not before playing a supporting role in Raymond Choo Kong's theatrical production, What Sweet in Goat Mouth Does Sour in de Bam Bam.

Following that production, she was cast as Candice in the MTV/Unicef feature film, Tribes, shot in Trinidad. She also showed her range by working on the short film Minutes to Midnite as the old woman folklore character of Mama Glow. Among numerous guest appearances on local film and TV programmes, casting for other productions and various writing projects, this actor/writer/producer played the role of Jessica and was also the casting director for The Midnite Affair, a short film that premiered in the 2010 T&T film festival. Newallo is also the executive producer and writer of the award-winning short film The Cutlass (feature film in fundraising stage), and co-director of The Cutlass Productions Ltd. The Cutlass won the BpTT Best Film in Development award at the T&T Film Festival 2012, and premiered its short in LA, Ft Lauderdale, London, Boston, Grenada and Trinidad. Recently, she also played supporting roles in Shaun Escayg’s Noka—Keeper of Worlds and Kaz Ove’s Dubois (both films scheduled to air in TTFF 2014). Newallo also starred in the Caribbean feature, Escape from Babylon, which was released in cinemas in August 2013. Currently, this entrepreneur, as she prefers to be described, is writing the feature film trilogy Soucouyant, which is already generating interest. 

When and how did you get into film? 
When I was a kid, around six or seven, my brother used to own and run a video store. Sometimes there would be multiple films on at a time and I was fascinated by the medium of communication. From as far back as I can remember, my main interest has always been in understanding human behaviour. I was a very energetic child and played many sports so I was naturally drawn to acting, as it is an active way to study human behaviour. Later on in life, I first got my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance but was inevitably pulled back to film.

Who were the people who have influenced you most in your career and in life in general; and how did they?
Everything and everyone influences me and yet sometimes I don’t allow anything or anyone to influence me at all. I am fascinated by what makes people tick and I am fascinated by the similarities and differences of how people react to circumstances and things. At the same time, I am very independent and unconventional in my thinking and don’t allow other people’s opinions to ever affect that—I can be very stubborn in my own way of thinking sometimes. But I have to say that I had a best friend that encouraged me a lot when I was too chicken to take my first acting class. When she passed away, my entire perspective on life changed and I was no longer scared to take that step. My parents have also always been very supportive, regardless of who doubted me in the past. I love to prove people wrong through my actions, so I found strength in both those who have supported me and those who have doubted me. Now, I don’t care as much about what other people think of my choices.

Where did you grow up and where are you currently from?
I grew up in Petit Valley and ended up right back here, after living abroad. 

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?  
Blackman’s Primary and then St Andrew’s Primary, St Joseph’s Convent, Port-of-Spain. I received a BFA (summa cum laude) in acting from Florida Atlantic University (Dean’s List and President’s list in 2004, 2005).

What daily motto/credo do you live by, and in three words or less, what is your recipe for success?
Wu Wei—it means “effortless action” (or at least I try to live this way). Recipe for success—always be thankful.

 
What are your most prized possessions: one tangible, one intangible? 
My cooking and my acute intuition. 

If you had to present to an audience who had never heard of or seen you before, which of your works would you show?
Well, this all depends on whether I’m presenting as an actor, writer or producer. If it were as a producer, I’d present The Cutlass teaser. As a writer, probably the dark folklore fantasy that I’m currently rewriting, Soucouyant, as it’s all based on my imagination. As an actor, even though I haven’t seen it yet, I already know that there is some work I’ll be proud of in Noka—Keeper of Worlds, so I’d probably show that.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
My lifelong goal is to continuously learn and grow into the best version of myself that I can, which would also automatically make me grow into the best actor and screenwriter that I can be. But I can definitely say that an Oscar would be nice! I’m also very excited about our team producing the feature film The Cutlass because I think that this film will resonate well with both local and foreign audiences.

 
What is an interesting facet of your personality that most people do not know about you?
And buss my files? (laughs). I would say that I am an extremely contradictory person. I live in extremes and that is how I keep balanced. 

What is the best professional compliment you have ever received? 
I recently met with a Hollywood executive producer who was so impressed by our business plan and the quality of our material for The Cutlass that he is interested in representing our project. He said: "Teneille, I was not expecting this from you when you walked in. This is how the pros do it." He has over 20 indie feature films under his belt and is highly connected in the international film industry. Other than this, last year a highly successful entrepreneur told me in a meeting that I reminded him of himself when he was younger. I sure hope he’s right!

How can we find out more about you and keep up to date with your latest projects?
www.thecutlassmovie.com or www.facebook.com/thecutlassmovie I will eventually have my own Web site. For now, I communicate on my Facebook page.

Describe yourself in two words: one beginning with T, the other with N, your initials.
Thoughtful and non-discriminatory.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do. 
My inspiration comes from everything and everyone because I can learn something from everything and everyone. There are some amazingly talented people that I have been blessed to work with in my life and they inspire me tremendously. My inspiration also comes from myself—this passion is something that I can’t get rid of. I have things to say and my internal self will not be happy unless I say those things. The most fun medium for me to “speak” is through writing or acting, and film in general, because it can reach a large audience. 

What advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours? 
If you can see yourself doing anything else, then do that other thing. This is one of the toughest careers to choose to pursue. If you love it, then you will be unstoppable and you will succeed. 

Who was your hero or idol growing up (fictional or real or both) and why? And who do you admire most today? Your favourite actor/actress?
Alanis Morissette, because when I was younger I couldn’t imagine how someone would be so brave to put their entire soul out there for everyone to hear. Today I admire anyone who is brave enough to vulnerably and humbly explore his or her craft. And just to name a few (actors): Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep, Leonardo Di Caprio and recently, Jared Leto and Matthew McConaughey are some of my favourites—they do fantastic work. 

Which of your work(s) do you rate as the most satisfying and memorable?
In university I played Die Alta, in A Bright Room Called Day by Tony Kushner. It allowed me to explore the character’s peculiar movements and strange speaking range and manner of speech. She was the furthest character from myself that I ever played, so it was fun trying to find the ways in which we connected. It was also great to work with all the graduate students when I was in undergrad—I learned a lot from being on stage and rehearsing with them. I also had enormous fun doing West Side Story and Oklahoma! with the live orchestras. My university years were some of the most fun.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T? 
In whatever you want to do in life, believe in yourself and trust your gut. Be humble and open to learn. While no one is perfect, optimism and positive thinking will take you far in life and hey, you’ll be happy on your journey, so why not? Try to have respect for everything and everyone. Know that the only difference between a master and a beginner is that “the master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried”—Stephen McCranie. You can do anything you want to in this short life, so why not choose what makes you the happiest? “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right”—Henry Ford.

The one place you would like to visit and why?
Anywhere simple and slow paced with the ocean—I love the ocean. Oh! And the Galapagos, so I can see all the animals in their natural habitat.

What are some of the challenges you face and how do you deal with them?
You know, I try to see everything as a learning experience and continuously move forward—I enjoy a challenge. Currently, the most difficult obstacle for all local filmmakers to overcome is fundraising for film, in Trinidad. While foreign investors will take interest in a good film regardless of where it is from, most local investors have not yet seen the benefit in investing in a local film, for a profitable return. There are some fantastic filmmakers currently working on some amazing films and soon we will see a boom of profitable, local films. I predict that after this happens, investors will have a completely different opinion about investing in local filmmakers’ businesses—filmmaking is a business. 

What would you consider your dream or ideal achievement?
If we’re speaking career, I would love to just be able to make a comfortable living doing what I love… and again, an Oscar would be nice…(laughs)

As with his dentistry practice, he dedicates his life to helping (and entertaining) others. As a well known dental practitioner for the past 25 years and one of the chief cook and bottle washers of the world famous Trini Posse group, Nigel Camacho, cricket super fan, recently teamed up with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) to form and launch the much needed West Indies Retired Players Foundation (WIRPF). As with many of our ex-players and entertainers, there is usually no mechanism in place, especially for those from previous eras when professional sportsmen and women and entertainers were not as well paid as many are today. Camacho has sat on the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) from 1995-1999, has been a director of the Sir Frank Worrell Committee since 2006 and has been a member of the management committee of the Queen’s Park Cricket Club since 2000.  Wearing his hat as a dentist, he is the president of the T&T Dental Association, a position he has held since 2009, sits on the St Clair Medical Centre’s board of directors since 1999, and is a founding director of the Cancer Treatment Foundation since 2007.

 
What inspired you to take up the cause of the retired West Indies cricket players?
Having benefitted so much in my own life from the successes of West Indies cricket, I hope that I am able to give back something in any way I can to my heroes who have given me and many other West Indians so much. My good friend Gordon Greenidge had challenged me to make it happen, and I have taken this up as a call to action in a most positive way.

In what ways will the WIRPF help the retired greats of Windies cricket, many of whom lament that they have been ignored by the WICB?

We intend to help former players in two ways: Firstly, to get these former players more involved in West Indies cricket. Secondly, to assist former players, in any way we can, who have run into hardships or difficulties…areas such as health benefits, insurance, financial and coaching certification. One of our main goals is to try and bridge the divide that exists between our ex-players and the West Indies Cricket Board. Not being naive and understanding that some of these scars run deep by engaging the players themselves through their own West Indian Players Association, we can begin the process of so doing. We hope to maximise the fundraising capacity of former players through benefit events in all of the territories in the region, as well as in cricket playing countries throughout the world. 

In addition, we are hoping to reach out to the diaspora in both North America and Europe, who would cherish the opportunity to hear from some past legends and actually rub shoulders with these ambassadors of their West Indian heritage. We also hope to assist players in getting the best possible healthcare opportunities available. It is hoped by bridging the gap between the former players and the various territorial boards we can set up the opportunities to have our former players more actively involved in our own West Indian cricket development. We also plan to recognise and celebrate milestones of our former legends of the game. Finally, we intend to provide bursaries and scholarships in the names of former players to help aspiring cricketers.

You have been to many countries to support the West Indies cricket team, which countries have you been to in doing so? I have been to every test venue in the Caribbean (Guyana, Barbados, Grenada, St Vincent, Dominica, St Kitts, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica) to support the West Indies over the past 20 years. I have only been to England and the USA outside of the region to support the West Indies. 

Where did you grow up?

Born here but as my dad worked at Hilton, I spent most of the first years of my life in Jamaica, then St Thomas and Puerto Rico. From the age of four, I lived and grew up in Maraval. 

What do you rate as your satisfying and memorable occasions in West Indies cricket?

Listening to the West Indies win the first Prudential World Cup in 1975 and then repeating in 1979. Following the magnificent West Indies tour of England in 1976, a tour in which we annihilated England and Viv Richards made two amazing double centuries, and Michael Holding took 14 wickets in a match. Following the all conquering Windies team throughout the 1980s. Watching Gordon Greenidge’s amazing double century against Australia in 1991. Following Brian Lara’s entire career from his 277 in Sydney to his two amazing world records in Test cricket in 1994 and 2004. Cricket was always at the centre of my life. Going to Lord’s with my mother in 2012 to watch the West Indies play England also ranks very high up there. 

Although West Indies eventually lost the match, the entire experience with my mother who inspired me to love this great game called cricket was unforgettable. 

How did the Trini Posse get started?
At Trinity College in Canada, I met Fred Nadur from Barbados, without whose friendship I honestly believe that the Trini Posse would never have happened. He was instrumental in ensuring all was organised at Kensington Oval, Barbados, when a small group of us went to support the West Indies in 1991. We had such a great time that in 1992 we organised a lot bigger group, some 40 of us, to witness the historic boycotted Test match between South Africa and the West Indies. While the boycott by the fans took place, the next day the Bajan newspapers trumpeted that had it not been for the Trini Posse, the ground would have been empty…and that was how we got the name! The Trini Posse is a great hobby of mine. The main challenge was the loss of one of my best friends in the world, Sean Grosvenor, and also Bryan Seenath, another inspiration in my life. Both were co-founders. I honestly believe Sean, better known as 'Gruff', was instrumental in us making Trini Posse a reality.

 
What advice would you give to someone contemplating a vocation/career such as yours?
Dentistry is an amazing profession. Although in the very demanding medical field and requiring total dedication at school and after graduation, it still affords you great flexibility in your hours, allowing one to do things like watch cricket and make an honest living. 

  
Who are the people who influenced and inspired you the most, in your career and in life in general? 
My greatest inspiration in my life has been my parents.  My mom, besides introducing me to cricket, her dedication and love led my brother and myself to believe nothing is impossible in life once you put in the hard work, have faith in God, and try to be the best you can always be at all times. My current soul mate Shivan has also inspired me to continue to chase my dreams, she is an amazing partner to me.

My first cricket coach at Fatima, Harry Ramdass, played a critical role in my early development and was instrumental in giving me confidence to feel I could achieve anything I set out to do in my life. Also important in my days at Fatima was my principal Clive Pantin who taught me about integrity, honour, as well as spiritual belief. I was fortunate to be amongst many good people during my formative years, however the most important were my grandmothers, my great grandmother, my great aunt Sally and our family’s caregiver, Theresa (who was also a big cricket fan). In dentistry my initial inspiration came from Dr Max Sobrian, a fantastic dentist and a good man, who gave me my start in T&T. The sportsman who inspired and influenced me most in my early years was none other than the great Viv Richards.

What schools/institutions did you attend—primary, secondary and tertiary?
I attended Holy Name Prep School opposite Memorial Park. I later attended Fatima College before going away to school. After leaving Fatima, I went to boarding school in Canada, Trinity College to do grade 13. After leaving TCS, I attended the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, to get a BSc in natural sciences. I went to dental school at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from dental school, I did a post graduate degree in hospital dentistry and general practice residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Cherish your family, apply yourself in school, play sport, get an education, and always keep God in your life.

What motto do you live by and what is your recipe for success?
Work hard, play hard, always try to do your best, and above all always try to play by the rules. 

Who was your hero growing up and why?  
Viv Richards, without a doubt, he was a 'gladiator' in the world of cricket. He always maintained a swagger, he intimidated his opponents to make them feel he was always in control. His batting was breathtaking and inspirational.

Who/what inspired you to become a dentist? 
After talking to Dr Paul Fagenbaum at 13 years old (he sutured my lip after a cricket accident at Fatima), I told my great grandmother that I would one day be a dentist. I was so convinced of it, that in Form Three at career guidance day, I told my dean I already knew what I was going to be...a dentist. My only regret; my great grandmother died before I graduated in 1989. 

How did you become hooked on cricket? 
My mother, and caregiver Theresa, every radio in the house was always tuned in to cricket, always.  However, my great uncle Noble Marquez took his son Theron and myself to my first Test match at the Queen’s Park Oval in 1971, in the now demolished Sir Errol Dos Santos stand. Growing up in Ellerslie Park, Maraval, we would play cricket every day of the holidays; Theron, my brother Chris and the Sabga boys. So cricket just became and remains a special part of my life. I still play the occasional game when the spirit moves me.

Which famous cricket legend have you had the privilege of discussing cricket at length to gain some insights into your beloved sport?
It would be Clive Lloyd to find out what he did to inspire the West Indies to rise to world dominance in the 80s and 90s. I had that opportunity last year, while having lunch with him at the Queen's Park Oval. My big question being: Why can’t we replicate that success today? I might share his answer to me one day if given the opportunity.

Before and ever since he graduated from Hillview College in Tunapuna as its valedictorian in 2009—receiving ten out of the 14 awards—Nicholas Morris showed his leadership qualities that have propelled him to the limelight on the youth leadership front today. Among the awards he received at that graduation ceremony were Student Making The Most Significant Contribution to College Life, Principal’s Gold Medal for Top Performing Student and Award for Promoting School and School Values.

In that vein of leadership, and at the young age of 24, he has risen through the ranks of a number of organisations and delegations. Most recently, he was commended by the United Nations (a commendation which he proudly showed off to the Sunday Guardian) for his leadership and commitment towards ensuring youth engagement and development...a vision for ensuring a place, plan and purpose for the youth, which led to UN Habitat officially appointing him to be UN youth co-ordinator of the My World 2015 Campaign and Youth 21 Initiative in the entire Caribbean.
UN Habitat analyses and studies human settlement patterns, and develops methods for controlled settlement with the preservation of the environment in mind.

In November 2013, young Morris led the youth delegation from T&T to the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) Youth Forum where he led the sessions on Education and Technical and Vocational Skills. He has represented T&T three consecutive times as the nation’s delegate to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Youth Forum from the period 2009 to 2013: Trinidad—2009, Australia—2011, Sri Lanka—2013. As the UN youth co-ordinator of the My World 2015 Campaign and Youth 21 Initiative, Morris’s first agenda was to attend the World Youth Conference in Sri Lanka very recently, inclusive of ministers and governments, where he presented and represented the Caricom Youth Position in the interest of the Caribbean Region.
He is responsible for creating a system for sustainable youth engagement in the Caribbean as well as establishing a permanent forum on youth issues in the Caribbean, so it would be reflected globally and in the United Nations.

This means he has to examine all the youth systems of the Caribbean to ensure they are working towards development and establishing the development goals set by the United Nations and the UN Habitat programme. His second duty is to ensure the Caribbean youth is actively involved in the UN My World post 2015 agenda, which is a global survey being conducted by the United Nations to develop the new Millenium Development Goals. He has to ensure that at least 60 per cent of the Caribbean’s youth are involved in this process by ensuring each Government’s support along with importance of the project. Morris is currently the youngest ministerial adviser in T&T, serving as adviser to Attorney General Anand Ramlogan. Before assuming the office as adviser to the AG, he served as personal assistant to the Minister of Food Production Devant Maharaj. At 19, Morris became one of the youngest directors of a state company in the Caribbean region when he was appointed a director of Ytepp Ltd (Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme).

He is serving his second term as youth arm chairman and youth officer on the national executive of the United National Congress, and he has served two terms as youth parliamentarian, first in 2008 and then in 2010 as Youth MP and Youth Minister of Education in the 7th Regional Youth Parliament. He has served as research officer in the Office of the Prime Minister from July 2011 to June 2012. His latest thrust locally is the formation of a ‘Youth Cricket For Life’ league following his recent ‘Youth Football For Life’ initiative.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Mayaro and spent the first six years of life there. I then moved to Arima, where I currently reside.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of ‘work’ you do in the field of youth development.
My inspiration comes from my background. I have come from a single parent home, and I thank God for all the opportunity he has given me. My inspiration is to work to ensure that all our youth are given the opportunity to achieve success. I always say my duty is to ensure the children of janitors and taxi drivers have the same opportunity and path to success as those of lawyers and doctors.

What are some of the challenges you face as a youth leader?
The greatest challenge I face is the greatest asset I have—youth. Many people in society are not willing to listen to young people or give them a shot at life changing opportunities. We hear the rhetoric of "the youth are the future" but hey man, the youth are also the present. I wish I could tell you that I overcame that challenge by protesting and leading thousands into a revolution, but I didn't. At this point in time, I am working towards making the youth voice stronger and creating a place, plan and purpose for all youth. One of the main issues is the area of youth engagement; we need to solidify the avenues by which youth can express themselves. We must ensure youth realise, utilise and maximise their talents. I have just started to lobby the major media houses for more youth-based programming, and they are responding well. By next month, we hope to have our own show...I will keep fighting for a louder youth voice and input.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
My advice to my fellow youth would be: we all have talent, we must find that talent in each other and respect that it may be different but not any less important. We must then hand in hand utilise and maximise this talent to find a place, plan and purpose for each other.

If you had to solve the ills that prevail in T&T, what would you do?
My entire mantra is finding a place, plan and purpose for all. I believe it is when everyone finds that place they belong in they can work hard to change a nation. Thus to change the ills, I would listen more and then allow and assist everyone to find that place they feel or know is the best way they can work to a better nation.

What goals and or ambitions do you still have?
My goal is to continue with my youth engagement campaign through my various groups so that the youth voice can be heard and the youth can use their talent to define our nation along with world history. My ambition would be to capture or obtain any other positions or move up to any other position where I can serve and develop youth and generally people while bettering their standard of living.

If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be? 
I would love to meet Tony Blair because I am a great follower of his past political career. Tony Blair, at a young age, captured the leadership of the British Labour Party and modernised it, allowing it to capture power for three terms. In those three terms as PM, he displayed courage and grit. I think in today’s world, in any circle, one has to have vision and fortitude, as he did.

Who was your hero growing up and why? 
Growing up my hero was cricket star Sanath Jayasuriya because at that time he was doing something against the odds. He was leading a team of guys who were all underestimated, and from a nation plunged into civil war against world teams full of resources and skill. But he used his determination and never say die mentality to ensure Sri Lanka would one day become the super power it is today in cricket. 

Upcoming events and contact info?
I was recently in Sri Lanka at the World Youth Conference, and soon I will be launching the “My World Youth Campaign” and “Young Women’s Leadership Programme.” For those willing to offer support and work with us, they can call me at 710-2603 or email me at nick-970@hotmail.com

Describe yourself in two words one beginning with N, the other with M, your initials. N—natural, meaning I’m always me I never pretend to be something I’m not I’m always me and even if my environment changes, I remain Nicholas Morris and stand for what I always believe in. Mature—as a young person in a leadership role, I always try to be mature in all my actions since one to whom much is given much is expected. 

She’s a long-distance professional athlete. Twenty-five-year-old Tonya Nero—petite at 5’ 2” but powerful in her sport both locally and internationally—recently completed a hat-trick of victories in the 26th Annual Eastern Credit United’s (ECU’s) 15k Granny Luces Classic road race and followed that up only last weekend with a first-place finish in the inaugural West Benn-Diego Martin half marathon. She completely dominated the field (from the Arima Velodrome to the ECU, St Joseph) finishing in 58.31 minutes, well ahead of the second-place finisher. Nero also won the T&T International Half Marathon earlier this year.

She is the national record holder of the 5,000m, 10,000m, Half Marathon and Marathon titles, as well as the NCAA All American 2011 title. She comes from a family of long-distance runners: both parents, three brothers, one sister, grandmother, uncles and an aunt. She says this makes it easier for her—she gets lots of advice and encouragement. Nero has been running since the age of five. Born to run, you might say, she received an athletic scholarship in 2007 to pursue her studies in the United States of America attending, at first, Colby Community College in Kansas, and two years later, Wichita State University in Kansas. 

Her list of accomplishments includes: National Record Holder 5,000m—16:01:69 (2011); National Record Holder 10,000m—33:11:71 (2011); National Record Holder Half Marathon—1:15:13 (2012); National Record Holder Marathon—2:43:14 (2012); NCAA All-American Cross Country (2010); T&T Female Road Runner of the Year (2012); T&T Female Road Runner of the Year (2013).

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born at Mt Hope General Hospital and grew up in Maracas, St Joseph. I spent five years in Kansas on an athletic scholarship, then I returned home.

At which schools/educational institutions did you receive your education?
Maracas RC School, Maracas, St Joseph; Asja Girls’ High School, Tunapuna; St Augustine Senior Comprehensive School; Colby Community College, Kansas, USA (Associate of Science Degree in Biology); Wichita State University, Kansas, USA (Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry); and I am currently enrolled at The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of T&T (COSTAATT) in the Pharmacy Assistant Certificate Programme.

What are your hobbies and interests?
Apart from running, I enjoy babysitting, cooking, shopping and doing hair. I enjoy working in the field of science, dealing with and administering medicine where possible, meeting the needs of children, showing the importance of good nutrition and exercise and helping create a better environment.

Tell us about your inspiration to do what you do as a professional long distance athlete.
My inspiration came from, and always comes from, my family. While I was growing up, I would always hear my different family members share their experiences on their running career. They always reminded the younger ones that we were born to be runners. It was very encouraging to hear my mom talk about running long-distance races while she was pregnant and it was even more encouraging when she and my dad took me and three of my siblings out jogging with them from the time we were about five years old. I have always enjoyed it.

What are some of the challenges you face as an athlete?
The biggest challenge I face as an athlete is having to prioritise my life. It takes a lot to be a great athlete but I make sure that other important things in my life are not neglected. Also, being a top athlete, I have to deal with the pressure of performance. I am expected to do well regardless of the circumstances that I face on race day.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement was the time I ran 2:43:14 at the Rotterdam (in the Netherlands) Marathon in April 2012. I missed the Olympic qualifying time by 14 seconds. It was great to know that I was in reach of a dream.

Of all your prizes and awards, which do you rate as extremely special?

The T&T Female Road Running Athlete of the Year award is a special award to me because it reminds me of how well I represent my country.

What is your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my body. My body is important as an athlete because if one part is affected, my overall performance is affected. I try as much as possible to take care of myself.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Don’t wait until life is almost over to realise how precious it is. These days, the younger people are dying out faster than the older ones. We need to search out their God-given talent and make the best out of life. We should work hard so that when we accomplish something, we will know the value of it.

What goals and/or ambitions do you still have?
My main goal is to make it to an Olympic game to run the marathon for T&T. That dream is still alive.

Any tidbits about you that you’d like our readers to know?
One interesting fact about me is that I clean in order to calm my anxiety before a race.

If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be? 
If I had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world, it would be Paula Radcliffe. She is the current world record holder for the marathon. I admire how the challenges that she faced in life did not stop her from being a great athlete. She suffered from asthma and anaemia while she took up running at the early age of seven. I am also an asthmatic, so I understand how hard it is to accommodate the lungs during a race. It did not deter her one bit.

Who was your hero growing up outside of your family?
While I was growing up, my hero outside of my family was “Granny” Luces. I admire how she kept on running throughout her life. Not many women can finish a half marathon at the age of 82. Even if she had to walk during a race, she made sure to finish. When I think of her I think of pure love for the sport of long distance running. She has inspired me to keep on running, regardless of my age, just as long as my legs are working.

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?
My daily motto is: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”—Phillipians 4:13. My recipe for success is working hard and believing that my talent was given to me by a powerful God. I do my part and leave the rest up to Him.

Upcoming events and contact info?
For now I will be doing a lot of local races leading up to the UWI International Half Marathon in October. There would also be a few international races in the later part of the year. Email: tonya_nr@yahoo.com.

Describe yourself in two words: one beginning with T, the other with N, your initials. 
Tenacious: when I put my mind to something, there is no stopping me.
Nurturing: I enjoy taking care of people, especially children, and seeing others happy.

Kenneth Suratt, 45, from Marabella, is an outspoken activist for the well-being and welfare of the blind and visually impaired. Suratt, blind since the age of 14, is the chief executive officer (CEO) of the T&T Blind Welfare Association (TTBWA). Before becoming the CEO at the TTBWA, he was involved for many years at the association as handicraft worker, music teacher, welfare officer, instructor, supervisor and acting manager. He has taught the use of computers to the blind and visually impaired and is an authorised songwriter at Cott (Copyright Organisation of T&T). In 1994 he received the National Youth Award for special education and leadership.

His mission as a social entrepreneur is to continue to be an agent of change for the community of the blind and visually impaired. In his words, “I lead the blind instead of following the sighted.”
The TTBWA celebrates 100 years of existence this year, and the milestone has already been celebrated with the association hosting Jewels of the Evening 2, a two-concert series which featured talent from the blind and visually impaired community. This was the second year for the concert series under the patronage of the President’s wife,  Reema Carmona. The theme of the centenary celebrations is Empowerment and Inclusion of Blind Persons in Society. The TTBWA was formed back in 1910 due to the pioneering efforts of blind Guyanese immigrant James Alves after much hard work and advocating for the blind community (at the time some 533 blind people were registered). The history of the TTBWA will be commemorated in a publication marking its centenary milestone.

Tell us a bit about your early years.
I was born on Lagandeaux Estate in Guayaguayare. Even though I was a low-vision child, my mother especially insisted that I get an education and enrolled me in the St Thomas RC School in Mayaro. At age eight, the teacher realised that I could not see on the blackboard from where I was seated and suggested to my mother that I should have my eyes examine by an ophthalmologist. She took me to the San Fernando General Hospital, and the doctors informed her that my sight would not improve and suggested that I should be enrolled at the School for Blind Children in Santa Cruz. 

I performed well as a student there and was selected to attend QRC as part of the integration programme, where blind children were mainstreamed into the regular school system. My eyesight allowed me to use regular printed books but I had to bring it very close to my face to read the printed text. I did not develop the skill of reading brail with my fingers. Instead, I used my little bit of eyesight to do so. This became a problem when I lost my sight completely at age 14. After returning from eye surgery in Miami and England, I found it difficult to cope immediately with reading brail with my fingers and as a result of that, I did not return to QRC. I continued my education at the School for Blind Children and developed my coping skills to understand my blindness. 

What is the most prevalent misconception about blind people or those who are visually impaired?
Most people believe that they have to speak loudly to people who are blind. When this happens I quietly say, “I am blind, not deaf.” Not in a way to belittle the individual but to educate them on how to interact with people who are blind.

If someone only reads a couple lines of this interview what would you want them to know?
That blind people are created in the image and likeness of God, we just do things differently. 

How do you communicate, what communication tools do you use in today’s technological world?
To access my computer I use software that converts the text on the screen to synthesised speech. This technology is called text–to-speech (TTS) software. Since Apple started building TTS in their products, a lot of other companies followed them because they realised that blind people also have money to spend, too! I have an Apple iPhone where I could have access to my contacts, send text messages on BBM, WhatsApp, make free calls with magicJack and Viber, and navigate my surrounding with Waze and BlindSquare, read the news locally, regionally and internationally. My computer at the office has a software on it called Jaws (Job access with speech). I could scan printed letters and it is converted to text by the system called optical character recognition (OCR). I can read and send messages, and before my secretary comes to work, I will e-mail her things to be done from either home, on the road from my phone or from my desktop computer. We are working with all major banks to install the necessary TTS software at their ATMs so that people who are blind could access their finances when the banks are closed.

What is the biggest need/priority of the TTBWA and how can people help?
We need more money so that we could purchase the required aids so that blind people could be equipped to function in a sighted world.  Also, parents need to encourage their children to learn how to give service by volunteering from an early age for the TTWBA. The ongoing training and retraining of our employees so that they could improve the quality of service we offer to people who are blind. Working together with other disability organisations to implement a national building code to accommodate the disabled community is also up there on our list.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of “work” you do. 
I am not driven by money or by selfish desires, but to structure an organisation to deliver quality service and opportunities for all people who are blind. As they say, a rising tide lifts all boats. If the TTBWA becomes stronger, then all people who are blind or visually impaired will be better for it and be able to contribute to the building of our nation.

What are some of the challenges you face and how do you deal with them?
My biggest challenge is overcoming my fear of blindness. Today, I am still trying to deal with my condition and consider myself as a student of blindness. Living in a sighted-dominated world as a blind person may have setbacks, but it also gives me an opportunity to become a symbol of hope for those who are yet to travel this road as a blind person. Every time I achieve something it brings me closer and closer in overcoming this fear. When people who are sighted reach out to me and do not focus on my blindness but on my ability, it helps to make life as a person who is blind enjoyable.

What would you consider your dream or ideal achievement?
My dream is to repay my mortgage and other loans by age 55. Make my home, my most prized possession, as comfortable as possible so I could have my special place for relaxation and comfort. All my life, I either lived on an estate or by my grandmother. It feels great to own your own home and I intend to make it my castle, fit for a king.

At which schools/educational institutions did you receive your education?
St Thomas RC, Mayaro; QRC; School for the Blind, Santa Cruz; Hadley School for the Blind, Illinois, USA; other institutions for computer literacy and other courses; currently enrolled at Costaatt pursuing the BSC in human resource management.

What are your hobbies and interests?
Listening to music, playing the guitar and keyboard, swimming, meeting people and writing songs.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement?
My biggest achievement is securing a permanent home for the southern branch of the TTBWA. The southern branch of the association was housed in an old rum bond on St Andrew’s Street, San Fernando, with limited space and unsanitary conditions. 

Of all your prizes and awards which do you rate as extremely special?

Composing for Asha Kamachee, the blind chutney singer. When she was crowned the Tuco chutney monarch with one of my compositions, I felt proud that we broke the bogey that stood in her way of winning a crown.

What advice would you give to the young people of T&T?
Know what you want and ensure it wants you. Get advice from the professional on how to achieve it. Formulate a plan. Keep monitoring your plan to ensure you are on target to attain your goal.

What goals and/or ambitions do you still have?
My main goal is to close the gap between the blind and sighted and, as Martin Luther King wished, for all of us to walk hand in hand as brothers and sisters, as children of God in an ever-changing world where buildings, cities, and the natural environment could be made accessible for people who are disabled to enjoy the beautiful things this land has to offer its citizens.

Anything else about you that you’d like our readers to know?
I could still enjoy a cold drink and light conversation with friends and family, go swimming at Maracas, and have a shark and bake. Will never get fed up of doubles. I think it is our national pastime.

If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to meet Brian Lara. The reason is that whenever people criticised him, he did not respond in words but with the bat. In that way, he silenced the critics, leaving them with their mouths open…I admired that.

Who was your hero growing up, outside of your family?
Deonarine Ragoo stands out as my hero. Even though he had a little, he gained a lot. With very little education he became a successful businessman and the first blind person to contest and win a local government election. If I ever had any doubts that sighted people would not support a blind person, the result of that election changed my mind. Once you have something good, the world will beat a path to your doorstep. He is also a successful parent and was able to give his children an education he never had. He always said, “This race to improve the lives of people who are blind is not for the swiftest but for those who have endurance.” 

What daily motto/credo do you live by…your recipe for success?
Focus on the work and the fruits will come.

Upcoming events and contact info...
Documentary video on the history of the TTBWA by GISL, school reunion for people who attended the School for Blind Children, walkathon and health fair in Tobago to highlight the services the TTBWA has been providing for the past 100 years, bingo and domino tournaments, boat cruise to raise funds to provide canes for people who are blind, charity dinner, national award ceremony to honour people, both blind and sighted, who contributed to work for the blind.

I can be contacted via Facebook and e-mail, mrsuratt@gmail.com. 

Describe yourself basically in two words, one beginning with K, the other with S—your initials. 
Keen on success.

Cathryn Kelshall is the founder and chairman of the non-profit/volunteer organisation, The Dyslexia Association of T&T (DATT), which was formed in 1990 by a group of teachers and parents concerned about dyslexic children. In T&T there are about 120,000 dyslexics (based on our last census and the conservative global statistic of ten per cent of our population being dyslexic).
Since its inception, DATT has been able to train over 400 teachers in specific methods of teaching both children and adult dyslexics. One of its major programmes is an annual three-week teachers’ training course, held every year in July, scheduled this year for July 7-25. Cathryn Kelshall is a member of the Teachers’ Guild/Dyslexia Institute of the UK and also of the International Dyslexia Association of the USA.

Tell us a bit about your early years: where were you born, and where did you grow up and receive education? 
I was born, together with my twin sister, in San Fernando, where we lived with the rest of the family until I went off to the University in Montreal, Loyola College, Canada. I attended a wonderful little private one-room school taught by Miss Joan Lessey. At nine years old I moved on to St Joseph Covent in San Fernando. After surprising everyone with my academic successes at O’ and A’ levels, I decided to study English Literature so that I could teach. By then, I had taken some education electives and had become interested in the way that young children learnt. I went on to the UK where I studied Montessori’s methods. I taught in the UK for five years before starting our family and returning to Trinidad. We now live up north, though—St Anns, to be specific.

What was the motivating factor in starting and being so passionately involved with the Dyslexia Association? 
It is important to me that children are happy in school. Dyslexia does become a huge disabling condition for anyone having their literacy needs unmet. For dyslexics, school is a miserable place. I am not sure that people really recognise how much children want to do well, want to please their parents and their teachers, and how much misery these children carry around. It is no wonder that they come up with these tummy aches (which are real, by the way). It was my indirect exposure to dyslexic children while teaching in England that led to me becoming aware and interested in understanding their learning patterns as a result of their being taught by the trained teachers. Back in Trinidad, it was some years later when I was the reading teacher at St Andrew’s School and through a series of very fortunate events, I was sent to the UK to study at the Dyslexia Institute. When I came back to Trinidad, my dyslexic students started making excellent progress. I was hooked!

Then some of the parents suggested that we start an association so that we could train teachers in these wonderful methods. We put $35 each into an account, adopted a constitution and approached the British High Commission to fund the programme. We invited an expert from the Dyslexia Institute in the UK, Barbara Foster, to come…and so we trained our first 14 teachers. Barbara Foster is an inspiration. She is dyslexic herself and really understands the purpose behind every part of the programme. The first training course was in 1990, and we still keep in touch.

What do you think is the biggest challenge and, opportunity, in dealing with dyslexia?
There are two big challenges. First, trying to get schools to provide research-based, effective remediation for their dyslexic students. It is no use using retired teachers who are going to use the same methods which have failed them in the past. We have had many conversations with many Ministers of Education about this, but to no avail. The sad thing is that the teachers are out there. The Dyslexia Association has trained over 600 teachers in methods for teaching literacy skills to dyslexics. The second challenge is our punitive culture. We hear of three-year-olds being severely punished for not being able to read. In schools, teachers have been known to embarrass children; perhaps putting their names up on the board as the non-readers. We blame the children for not trying hard enough…but it is the adult’s job to teach the child. If they are not learning the way we teach them, then we need to look for answers. It is not the children’s job to teach themselves to read.

What is the most prevalent misconception about those with dyslexia?
In Trinidad there is still embarrassment about being dyslexic. This is understandable because we are judged by our literacy skills, and it is embarrassing to admit that you don’t read or write very well. So teachers who have a dyslexic student will often say to me, “but you know, he’s bright,” as if this is astounding. But many dyslexics are bright and are particularly talented in three-dimensional skills: art, design, engineering, business, architecture, choreography. They make excellent pilots and mechanics. For example, I have read that Brian MacFarlane is dyslexic. He never finished school, but joined Raoul Garib’s Mas Camp at 15 years old where his superior talent in colour and design was immediately recognised. I am sure he doesn’t realise that he should thank his dyslexic brain for his talents!  Think of all the major names of the last century. Ten to one the names on the tip off your tongue are dyslexic—Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Winston Churchill, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, just to name a few.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you give to those close to people with dyslexia?
Read to your children (every day), get specialist teaching, and make sure that talents are exercised. Time is also the enemy of dyslexics. Advocate for your child for reduced homework; one-word answers; or just doing the last five questions, not all 20; allowing a parent or grandparent to scribe for the child.

Who has influenced you the most (outside of your immediate family), in your career and in life in general, and how did they?
Without a doubt, Barbara Foster who taught me everything I know about dyslexia. Her favourite saying was: “Without joy, what is the point?” I try to make every lesson a joyful experience.

Tell us about your inspiration to do the type of work you do. What advice would you give to anyone contemplating a vocation such as yours? 
The inspiration is the children, their faces alight with the joy of success. Once the teachers that we train start to teach, they are just as inspired. I don’t need to give them any advice. If you are talking about running the Dyslexia Association, the advice is: small, manageable steps; surround yourself with wonderful people; and remember your family. This kind of work can become all-absorbing. Time with your family should be sacrosanct. 

What daily motto/credo do you live by?  In three words, your recipe for success?
I do not have a motto, as such, but I love what I do and I like to do things well.

If someone only reads a couple lines of this interview, what would you want them to know?
I would like them to contact the Dyslexia Association if they are worried about their child’s reading progress. We are proud that we have trained hundreds of teachers from all over T&T. If you live in Sangre Grande or Moruga, Scarborough or Siparia, we can put you in touch with a Dyslexia Association-trained teacher for tutoring.

Most times NGOs are led by mothers or women, and its participants are mainly female. Do you think fathers are fulfilling their roles as involved people in supporting equality and opportunities for those with dyslexia?
I actually think that people do the best they can. I really don’t want to get in to the gender thing. Maybe Dad is kicking the football around the yard. That’s important too. There are lots of business men and women who support our work financially.  We couldn’t operate without them.

What is the biggest need/priority at the Dyslexia Association, and how can people help?
Sign up for our teachers’ courses!

Blessed with an indomitable spirit and showing just a little sign of slowing down, the soon-to-be 84-year-old Freddie Kissoon continues to be the livewire behind the Strolling Players Theatre Group which he founded back in 1957. One might be tempted to say he continues to stroll along—but meeting Kissoon is more like being in a sprint, such is his spirit and effervescence. 
“My lifetime in theatre” as he puts it, encompasses acting, directing, drama teaching and playwriting. Before starting the Strolling Players, he was actively involved in the theatre as far back as 1951 when he was in his early 20s. 

He is an associate of the Drama Board (ADB)/UK and was awarded the Silver Hummingbird Medal in 1987 for his contribution to culture, drama and theatre. He has been awarded many other local and international awards. At the recent 14th annual WeBeat festival at the St James Amphitheatre, the St James Community Improvement Committee honoured him for his contributions. 
As an actor he has made well over 200 stage appearances in T&T, Barbados, Guyana, London, Croydon, Glasgow and Scotland; he has directed over 100 plays. As a graduate of the Government Teachers’ Training College, he’s taught drama classes throughout T&T as well as Grenada, St Vincent, St Kitts and Curacao, and he’s written scores of plays, as well as episodes of the classic local play Calabash Alley. He wrote most of the script for T&T’s first full-length movie, The Right and The Wrong. His plays have been staged all over the West Indies as well as New York, Washington, Toronto, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Montreal, London and Nigeria, both on stage and on television. He is a true cultural ambassador.

The Strolling Players Theatre Company has countless stage performances and counting (at last count some 139 plays, 2,675 times) as well as many television plays (82) and serials (six) to its credit. They have also appeared in locally made movies (11) and numerous radio and tv commercials. Their most recent performances have been at the St James Amphitheatre and in Cunupia (Girls Wanted, Beauty Contest and Doo Doo) and at City Hall in Port-of-Spain (Aunt Agatha, Mr Big Stuff and 20 and Under). Kissoon taught for six years initially at Laventille RC School and then for 25 years at St James Secondary. He also published a book on drama—the first of its kind in the West Indies—entitled 100 Exercises in Creative Drama. He is also a newspaper columnist. The widowed father of two sons (he was married to the late Nesta, whom he met very early in the world of theatre), he is a devout Catholic, and says his greatest roles are as husband and father … not as an actor!

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born at 63 Mucurapo Road, St James. I grew up in Morne Coco Road, Petit Valley, Jackson Place in East Dry River and Camille Road, Boissiere Village in Maraval and live now in Diamond Vale, Diego Martin.

At what schools/institutions did you receive your education?
Nelson Street Boys’ RC School, Port-of-Spain; Modern Secondary School, Woodbrook; Government Teachers’ Training College, St Vincent Street; Central School of Speech Training and Dramatic Art, Embassy Theatre, Swiss Cottage, London, England.

To what do your attribute your longevity in your field? 
As with any successful group, whether it be your family, your business or your theatre group, a strong and consistent set of principles and a strong sense of discipline are key.

How can we find out more about you, join your group and keep up to date with your latest projects?

Probably the easy way is by word of mouth, our flyers, the social media and you can call 637-3682. We need younger people to join. The only requirement is a love for the theatre and we’ll see where we go from there.

Who were the people who have influenced you the most in your career in theatre?
There were a number of such people and to name some off the top off my head I’d say Cecil Gray, Errol Hill, James King, John Ainsworth, Horace James and Mrs Jean Sue Wing. A film actor I admired was Laurence Olivier.

For all of the 57 years as a director, actor, teacher, and playwright, which would you rate as your most memorable and satisfying performances/presentations/experiences?

As a director, the most challenging and memorable production was God and Uriah Butler, 1967. It took me about five months to write and three months to rehearse. As an actor, my best role was Judas in the story of the Passion, staged by the Catholic Evidence Guild in 1959 and again 1961 at the Botanical Gardens. I also enjoyed playing the title role in Ti-Jean and His Brothers by Derek Walcott and the leading male role of Arjune in the play Chitra by Rabindranath Tagore. Most of all, it was wonderful acting the role of Man-Man in my play Zingay. As a drama teacher, the most memorable experience was at the Mausica Teachers’ Training College where I had 150 students in the hall and about 15 lecturers in the balcony listening to what Creative Child Drama was all about. The principal, Harry Joseph, who saw most of the sessions, said, “Freddie, you have electrified the college.” As a playwright, my most popular play is Calabash Alley which was originally a radio serial of 78 15-minute episodes, commissioned by Radio Trinidad in 1970. 

What is your greatest fear in life? 
Yahweh, as I have always said.

What are your greatest accomplishments, theatrically and otherwise? 
Theatrically, (with the help of my group, of course), having managed to stage so many productions, so many times all over T&T and the world.  Otherwise, I cycled round Trinidad and have climbed both Mt El Tucuche and Cerro del Aripo, our two highest mountains. 

What is your most prized possession? 
That one I’d prefer to keep that to myself since it is priceless (accompanied with a mischievous laugh).

What was it like growing up in your family?
There were 12 of us: grandfather, grandmother, uncle, my mother, father and six children, before I made my entrance. It was wonderful.

If you could dine with anyone in history, who would that be?
Yeshua, his Hebrew name. You will know him simply as Jesus.

What advice/recipe for success would you give to young people coming into the business? 
Actually, I wish I could give this to hordes of young people wanting to join The Strolling Players, but that isn’t happening, but I’ll give it anyway: have a good job; if you expect financial riches in the theatre here, forget about it. If you are seeking self-expression and inner satisfaction, that you will find. 

What would you like people to most remember about you?
I would like people to think of me as a good man, a man of integrity and good character…if I may say so myself (chuckles).

What would you say is your greatest virtue? 
Next question, please (laughing).

What daily motto do you live by?
Treat others the way you would like them to treat you. Simple really, and it’s a directive we have been given, not so?