Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
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Dear Friends,
Here is the promised resume by Krishna Toolsie, special correspondent for the CIRCULAR.
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Abbey Reunion 2008
krishna toolsie
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 11:03:24 PM
Ladislao, Nigel, Glen, and Neil:
I wish to thank you for the opportunity afforded me, by your efforts over the years, to reunite with Abbey School Old Boys and visit Mount St. Benedict earlier this month.
Nostalgic for the Mount earlier this year, I reconnected with Abbey Old Boys because of your newsletters, websites, photos and e-mails.
I am thankful that Ladislao has maintained a newsletter that informs, and brings back generally good memories of a critical time in our formative years.
The posting of pictures of the Mount in its glory days are especially effective in identifying friends and colleagues that were once lost to time.
Nigel’s work in compiling the names of mount boys and classifying members by years of attendance has been absolutely remarkable.
His effort in this regard is labour intensive, but I am sure a labour of love.
Glen McCoy’s continuous banter via the Internet, updates, wonderful short stories, posting of iconic global landmarks and bootylicious babes are always welcomed and serves as a unifying force for mount boys around the world.
If Glen is a cyber jockey, then Neil is old school in linking communication between boys in Trinidad and
His constant travel and frequent telephone calls are truly invaluable.
At the November 7-9, 2008
The organisers of the Abbey School Alumni Association in
The planning of events undertaken by Joe Berment, Winston Ramsahai, Ian Gomes, Chris Knowles, Jimmy Samaroo and others was truly remarkable.
The Friday night “Lime” at the Hyatt’s Pool bar was really quite enjoyable.
It was a good setting, on the waterfront, a cash bar, friendly servers, but perhaps a bit too exclusive.
It was good to see and become reacquainted with colleagues of 34 years ago and meet unfamiliar old boys of classes from the 1940s through 1983.
What a joy to converse with Chris Knowles…blessed with great institutional memory, and with Dr. Kenneth Austin and his charming wife.
I found out that
I was truly thrilled to see Keith “Puggy” Allen – I was awakened by a magazine he showed me and other similarly uninitiated lower classmen years ago-, Rene Villafana who was a formidable prefect and a widely recognised star footballer in the 1970s.
I recalled his performance on the Queen’s Park Cricket Club Football team against a combined St. Bedes and Abbey team in 1973 when the aficionados of the St. John Road community, including Tucco, raged about his talent and potential…”the best f---ing footballer on the pitch.”
Some might find Rene today, who played stopper in that game, still formidable and difficult to get through or get around.
He made certain that my and other old boys’ glasses were always filled during the Lime and Dinner.
Jimmy Samaroo looking the same fit and swim-race ready as his Abbey days was there, as was Chris Knowles, Berment, Dr. Kenneth Austin and others.
I estimate that between 20 and 30 boys and a few of their spouses were in attendance.
When we were kicked out of the pool area we relocated to the open patio area where a party with a band was in full swing.
Here Jimmy Samaroo made certain that all glasses were replenished.
I do admit to mild intoxication.
The “Lime” broke up with high hopes for a full Saturday.
My morning started when I was awakened by Winston Ramsahai who drove from his home in Valsayn picked me up in POS and drove us back to his home.
Specs joined us and Winston’s lovely wife, without any advance notice, made us all a satisfying breakfast.
Winston also shared the following pearls of wisdom: “
I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.” John 10:10.
On the way to the Mount, Winston stopped for Aloo (potato) Pies and to increase the order for rotis for the Dinner.
As we drove up
When we got to the foothill of the Mount I sat upright to take in the sights.
First, St. Bedes, then a quick look to the right for a glimpse of the pool…such memories.
The pool, site of racing exploits of Johnny Garcia, Jimmy Samaroo, Tardieu, Neil Charles, Maryun and many others, is also the site of the epic battle between Tim “Wildman” Healy and Rangel, the karate expert.
No telling blows were landed, but what a classic moment on the mount.
Then a quick look to the left to see the field, the pitch that showcased the football talents of Villers, golden left footed Ian Gomes, Morris, Neville Tenia, Zephryn and Decoteau (arguably out best footballer).
Benefiting from the coaching skills of Sheldon Gomes with some assistance from his brother Larry Gomes and friend Richard Gabriel, Abbey Cricketers like Nathaniel Sampath, Maharaj, Gangaram Rampersad, and Zephryn Robinson also made their mark on this field.
Here years ago I first saw the likes of Ghio, Guillen, Zanelli, Blajic and others hitting a hard white ball with a funny round stick, running in circles, and catching the ball with gloves…strange…I have been for over 34 years a baseball fan and regular attendee of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On that field I along with others endeavoured to follow our favourite teacher Llewellyn Macintosh as he practised his race walking skills.
Here we participated in Athletic meets, where boys threw the discus, shot putt, ran the mile, 100 meters and distances in between.
Where Tim Healy eschewing the roll and Fosbury flop to high jump 6’ 2” and “broke my f---ing wrist.”
So many losses, victories, poor and stellar performances, so many memories on the field Mr. Tom and Mr. Henry prepared.
Past the Seminary, past the Guest House, we arrived at the parking lot of the great Church which seemed much smaller now.
Already waiting are a number of boys, some a bit agitated at the late start.
Jimmy Samaroo, Puggy, Chris Knowles, Berment, Ian Gomes and about 12 other old boys were in attendance.
Snacks and drinks were provided by Ian and Winston, and Jimmy.
The Communal Worship at the Pilgrim’s Centre originally scheduled for 9:30 eventually started about 11:00 graced by the presence of Father Cuthbert and Father Benedict.
We were led in prayer by Father Cuthbert, who reminded us our duty to God, family and community.
He admonished us to pray for our brothers, sisters, and our fallen colleagues…of the work we’ve yet to complete.
And we sang…horribly…none of us improved our singing and Glen and Hudson McCoy were not there to drown out our cacophony with their music.
Following worship, the about twenty old boys drove up to the School for a Tour of the facilities.
As the road switched back and forth it became apparent that the pavement is in great danger of sliding.
Time, gravity and rainfall without adequate repair threaten access to the school and beyond.
Repairs are now underway, but much, much more will be required.
We were greeted at the school by the manager of the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, a kind woman whose name I cannot recall, and led on a tour.
The edifice remains imposing and seemingly quite grand from the distance.
But it was soon apparent that the building of the school and the dormitories are in great disrepair.
I will leave it to others to adequately describe their thoughts on this matter.
For most of the tour most old boys had anguished looks on their faces as they struggled to come to grips with the reality of what had become of their revered school.
$ 5 million US, $ 10 million US, $ 15 million US, $ 20 million US, hopeful estimates made in Spanish and English of the cost for restoring THE ABBEY SCHOOL.
There were moments of levity:
Ian Gomes proved to be the best builder of airplane gliders flown from the study hall; Puggy and Schaefer recalled the best places for clandestine smoking +++; Joseph Berment kept up a steady banter, reciting Shakespeare, Marx, and Eric Williams, John Maynard Keynes, Adam Smith, and Joseph Berment McDowell.
He of the quick wit and laughed loud and heartily at his own jokes….often he was the only one who laughed.
We left the buildings and walked the grounds, and the basketball court appears in good shape, though covered by dog feces.
Now it was time to gather at the Refectory by 2:00 pm to prepare for the assault on White Stones.
Specs was first to arrive with Winston and
“Not one damn penny” Specs murmured to us as we left to park elsewhere.
“These are the same people who are in court with the priests over usage of the Mount icons and trademark infringements.”
The place is apparently run by the son of one of the former cooks who now believes the property is forever to be his…
It is a sad commentary on the state of T&T’s crime rate when armed escort is necessary for a hike into the wilderness.
As the hike got underway the Magnificent 7 alumni of the original 30 Pretenders started the hike.
Dr. Kenneth Austin, fit and trim at 72, was steady and never faltered to White Stones and
Dennis Gurley quiet and self assured led all of the way and was only slowed by members of the army securing the trail.
Don Mitchell, having travelled 24 hours to go 400 miles from
Having suffered heart failure as a young man, he lives fully with the aid of a pacemaker.
Breathing heavily, he continued to tell numerous stories of his many and varied experiences so other members of the hiking party might forget their aching muscles and overworked hearts.
Adrian Chandler came prepared with proper boots and clothing and moved ahead with Gurley and Austin.
As he did back in the 1970s when I knew him, he emphasised the fact that he was better looking and smarter than his twin brother Allan.
I did not argue.
About 150 yards from White Stones he called one of his lovers by cellular phone in the valley about 3 miles below to ask her to find him in the tree line.
Dennis Gurley, Adrian, and myself then began to motion and wave frantically to someone who needed supernatural vision to see us…
We were boys again trying to impress…Puggy, Winston and I had enough…If a case of Cold Carib was placed at White Stones, I am confident we would have fared better.
Puggy, and Winston remained at White Stones while the rest of us pressed on to
We arrived about 30 minutes later and were pleased to recognise the foundations of the earliest attempts to establish a monastery on the Mount.
Don Mitchell was beside himself with excitement during our tour of
We the Magnificent 7 descended White Stones as conquering heroes.
We bested a taxing climb and hoped for a cold beer at the end of the hike.
There was no beer left but Jimmy brought juices and water.
Berment suggested a small token be offered to the Soldiers for the escort and good service to the boys…
Without hesitation Jimmy Samaroo and Winston Ramsahai gathered up their own personal finances and secured gifts.
As true scouts and good hosts they bore the burden alone.
Knowing these two, they probably wished I had not recognized and noted here their good deed.
I should add, that Villafana, Samaroo, Winston and Ian Gomes attended to all of the extra expenses, drink, snacks, gifts, food out of their own pockets.
Having connected with Glen “Skippy” Schaefer, and Puggy Allen, I decided to forgo a ride to central Tdad to prepare for the dinner.
Walking from the School to the Church Skippy, Puggy and I picked guavas and slowly walked the trails of our youth.
As we approached the long walkway to Church, it began to rain and we stopped to enjoy the moment.
We spoke about the school, of the old boys, the reunion and the many ideas about what we could collectively do to help.
Skippy said that “the only thing I would like right now is to see Father Cuthbert”.
No sooner had the words left his mouth Father Cuthbert came around the corner…no kidding…ask Puggy.
We greeted Father who was on his way to prayers and descended to the old café.
Skippy then led us to the overlook at the Guesthouse.
There Puggy remembered why Glen brought us to that place.
From that strategic viewpoint 35 years ago, on a night they broke out seeking adventure and excitement they came upon a couple deep, deep, in the throes of passion…live an in living colour…an awakening.
Glen Skippy Schafer thought that the
We could work to repair roads, cut grass, paint walls, and any endeavours that might improve or maintain upkeep of the mount buildings, and grounds.
At the same time we could reconnect with our friends and create new networks with old boys from other eras.
This is certainly worthy of consideration.
We lingered in the parking lot of the waiting for Skippy’s nephew Ronald Sewnarine to pick us up.
Seated nearby was a familiar face…Morris another old boy, star soccer player, who now resides in British Vancouver.
His father was a long time bus driver on the Mount.
Also joining us was Junior another old boy called back to the Mount, at a time when so many happened to be there.
Having been dropped off at Warrenville to ready for the dinner, Skippy and Ronald Sewnarine (thanks to Ronald, I was delivered portal to portal on three occasions Saturday night) returned to take me to the UWI’s JFK Hall, site of the Grand Dinner.
Arriving at the Hall we were greeted by the sweet sounds of the “ROYAL’S Steel Orchestra” and by Ian Gomes.
Ian immediately took us to meet several old boys on our” must see” list.
There stood the mighty swimmer Johnny Garcia, the winner of many races and the nationally recognised saviour of lives in danger of drowning.
Johnny looked good. So did Edmund Sanoir, the only T & T Policeman never to have accepted a bribe and my dear, good friend Zyphryn Robinson.
Folk moved around and greeted each other, faint recognition gave way to “ah has” after reading the ever present name tags.
Good Food; fish, chicken, roti, callalloo soup, salad, soursop and coconut ice cream…Good Time… too short.
The Organizing Committee, Berment, Ramsahai, Gomes, Knowles and others sat uncomfortably at the head table.
Concerned, I’m sure about the smooth running of the program.
The record will show that their program was a resounding success.
Peter Tang served well as the Master of Ceremonies, mixing candour with humour during the proceedings.
Father Cuthbert and Abbott Dom John Pereira joined the head table later in the evening.
The Keynote was delivered by Justice Anthony Lucky who tied the
Mr. Seales, a former teacher who looks marvellous, was recognised for his service and awarded a gift.
The program drew to a close with several old boys making comments about their time on the mount and the gathering of November 2008.
Then we slowly dispersed, promising to keep in touch and meet again…soon.
We were also reminded that the next gathering will be organised by Neil Charles of
Neil will need help and I hope some of the North American old boys will assist.
The Centenary Celebrations of the establishment of the Mount in a couple years will probably trigger a program like the November 08 event or a hybrid of the type Skippy suggests.
Regrets:
That Llewellyn McIntosh was not there.
Skippy remarked that Mackie was more that a teacher of History, Literature, or English. “
He thought us to be confident men…young men of colour who would encounter many obstacles, but would prevail because of good education, uncompromising ethics, diligence, the willingness to make accommodation, without the sale or denial one’s faith and ideals.”
(I hope I got Skippy’s quote right) I wished more old boys showed (over 110 showed) and I could get contact information for my buddies, Feisal Khan and Stuart Petit.
I lamented the loss of Moses Oderson, Jean Pierre Tardieu, Maryun, Bharret, Lambkin and so many others listed by Nigel Boos in his data base.
I wished we had more time to break away from the familiar faces and connect with boys of different eras.
The
I wished Ladislao, Nigel, Glen McCoy, Neil Charles and Salvador Coscarat were there because their efforts are as important as the Trinidad Committee in organising the future of the Abbey School Alumni Association.
I am also reminded that our fraternity will continue to shrink and the remaining brothers must band together.
I do not know the future of our endeavours regarding the Mount but I am confident the Interim Committee will make wise decisions.
Whether, we incorporate, start a non-profit or any other entity for the preservation of the institution we hold dear, we must remain mindful of the concerns and sensitivities of the priests.
They have been burned, I am told many times, by people just like us.
Whatever our course, there is an abundance of talent among Abbey Old Boys to assist in restoring the Mount.
The above remarks are but one person’s observations of a moment in time.
Boys unable to attend, I am sure, will be pleased to have other perspectives and accounts.
The Mayaro lime deserves mention.
Nostalgia and a longing to return to an uncomplicated time in my life drew me to the
The memories returned vividly…and I made more memories that will cause me to seek out Abbey Old Boys and return whenever possible to the Mount Saint Benedict.
Regards to all,
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That is for now, till the next one
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08UN0553REUNION2008, The shower stalls, 1968 remod.
08UN0504REUNION2008, Bunch of UNKNOWNS
08UN0531REUNION2008, Another UNKNOWNS and Christopher Knowles
08UN0529REUNION2008, Gordon Mitchell, Kenneth Austin
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1 comment:
Pic #08UN0529REUNION2008 - To the right of Gordon Mitchell in the background is Christopher Knowles (Secretary - of the Old Boys Alumni Assn). The lady is blocking Jimmy Samaroo. The Unknown person is Keith Allen. Dennis Gurley is partially hidden by Kenneth Austin.
08UN0504REUNION2008 - The unknown person is Krishna Toolsie author of the resume.
08UN0531REUNION2008 - 1. Photographer did not get his name.
2. Peter Sammy (one of the committee members considered the treasurer)
08UN0576REUNION2008 - Gordon Mitchell
08UN0515REUNION2008 - The unknown pwrson is Jimmy Samaroo (Committee member)
For more on the other pics - contact Christopher Knowles
Ian Gomes
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