Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
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Dear Friends,
No news on REUNION 2008. Maybe next time I shall be asked to assist as a reporter?? Jajaja.
I am waiting for my reporters to check in with the Circular.
At least we have the Temporary photo page.
I am sure that the news will get down soon to
Now some news on Ms. Kitty Marcus. There is more but I must keep the rest for a future Circular.
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Ms Marcus Comment
Winston Ramsahai
Sunday, June 29, 2008 1:19:09 AM
Greetings Nigel & John.
On Friday 27th,my visit with Ms Kitty Marcus (KM) was a heart warming experience, she was jovial & very focused today.
A little frail at 91, but her humility, her smile and her sense of humour reminded me of the KM we all knew.
She was elated to hear that the old boys were considering sending her a Flat screen TV and bench but suggested otherwise, KM as usual wanted the contributions to be well spent.
The following opinion was expressed by KM :
She does not look at television and due to her back ailment, prefers a small table and chair for her room to write letters,
She is also keen to write the Old Boys a monthly letter which can be placed on Laszlo site.
She spoke of her Daddy having a sofa to relax after lunch, and suggested that a low sofa for her room, near the window, where she can relax and "have a tan, the UV is very good".
I guess that locally we can assist with other items such as CROSS pen & pencils, writing pads, 40 W reading lamp. fan, soft padded slippers, firm pillow, Time subscription, toiletries, Clothes etc.
The person or persons' who proposed this motion must be commended because KM is in dire need for clothes at this time, due to her size.
The home recommended we deliver the cloth and there is a seamstress who will make the dress and night gowns.
The Abbey a/c at MSB is not available for use at the moment and Joe Berment said he will call regarding the payment for KM items.
It should be noted that St Peters Home is independent from MSB and sending cash to the home is not an option.
Signature Collection Ltd owned by David Nath & family ( MSB 70's), have the low couch ($3.999.00), table & chair($1.999.00),
Once David is contacted he will assist and ensure prompt delivery.
Joe Berment, Ian Gomes and Peter Tang are willing to assist in achieving the goals of Abbey Old Boys.
Best Regards
Winston
----- Original Message ----------------------------------------------------------.
From: Nigel Boos nigelboos@yahoo.ca
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 11:53:31 PM
Winston,
Am I to understand that I can now send the cheque to an Abbey account, or to Fr. Abbot directly.
If it is to be sent to an account, please let me have the details.
If to Fr. Abbot, please confirm and let me have the exact address.
By the way, has any effort been made to collect funds from Old Boys based in TT or in
I think that the idea of a bouquet of flowers is a great one, and she will appreciate it.
Can you arrange it?
Thank you.
Nigel
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Nigel P. Boos
Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:11:22 AM
Might I suggest that Fr. Cuthbert could be asked for his advice, as to how we could best show our affection and appreciation for the loyal and kind services offered to the students of the
Would she, perhaps, like us to offer her the gift of a return to her homeland and to her surviving friends, for a visit; or how about our approaching the Austrian High Commission in Trinidad to ask them to officially recognise her services to education in TT by bestowing on her an official honour of the Austrian Government?
A long shot, perhaps, but these are only suggestions . . . .
Anyone got a better idea?
Nigel
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On 16-Feb-08, at 10:33 PM, gevelyn1@bellsouth.net wrote:
Apart from Dons good memory all we know about Miss Marcus is that she was exposed to more than 50 years of Abbey-school-boy-trauma.
According to Jon it's more complex than us just spelling-it-out to the government.
On his advice we need a voluntary compiler.
Before submitting an application we would have to find the appropriate person willing to undertake putting together proof of performance of service.
Jon also mentioned that because The Abbey was NOT government-owned eligibility criteria would be colder.
Lets face it awards are political.
How about something more practical?
A new mattress?
Smile
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Nigel P. Boos
Sunday, February 17, 2008 7:50:18 PM
Laz,
In the absence of any formal organisation for our group, it seems abundantly clear that we accept you as the Initiator of our Association and the Stimulus behind all of our efforts.
We have seen no opinions contrary to the most recent suggestions to honour Kitty Marcus, but a few positive approvals of the ideas, namely:
1. To provide her with a ticket and funds to enjoy a visit to her homeland for a period of say, 2 weeks. (Jon might advise us about the setting up of an account in
2. With the advice of Fr. Cuthbert, to present a case to the Austrian Consulate in Trinidad (868-623-5912) detailing Ms. Marcus' services to the education of the youth of Trinidad (and Venezuela, and Suriname, and St. Lucia, and Barbados, and Guadeloupe, etc.) and to seek official recognition of her work.
Would you accept a motion that you, as our Leader, agree to appoint Glen Evelyn as Head of the "Kitty Marcus Project" currently being discussed?
Perhaps someone else might wish to second the motion, so that Glen can get started on the project?
If anyone else has alternative suggestions, perhaps they could make them known to you.
With best wishes.
Nigel
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Nigel P. Boos
Sunday, February 17, 2008 11:21:53 AM
Jon,
Thanks for your support.
Just a cautionary note:
Since this initiative came from Glen, I suggest that, to avoid duplication of effort, with a number of folks going off in different directions, ONE man should head up this exercise, and everyone else who contributes towards it should operate under his direction –
I further recommend that Glen Evelyn himself should be asked to manage the whole thing, but that individuals / volunteers who wish to get involved should let it be known to him so that he can delegate as he sees fit.
This is not a difficult exercise.
It merely needs some coordinated control with good communication from the get-go.
I think it's a worthy project and I heartily support it.
Regarding the Chinese lady who ran the monks' kitchen, I have to confess that I don't remember / know the lady, so I will bow to your better judgement in this case.
Of course, there is no way we could really recompense / honour everyone to whom we may be indebted, but perhaps ASOBA, through its Presidency, might develop a list of names of people worthy of mentioning, as a first step.
The we can see what we can do
Nigel
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On 17-Feb-08, at 9:50 AM, Jon Golding wrote:
Nigel
This is an excellent suggestion and hopefully Fr Cuthbert has the time to do it.
But let's not forget the other 'inmates' at the old people's home on the hill who might be able to help under Fr Cuthbert's direction.
There is Ms ?? (Chinese lady who ran the refectory and monk's kitchen for YEARS) I can't recall her name but saw her and Kitty about 5 years ago at a function up there.
She is still going strong and living in the house next to the Old People's home and a good friend of Kitty's).
These are the unsung heroes behind the scenes who gave some balance to the hard-discipline Dutch monks.
Let's make sure we do not forget any others in favouring Ms Marcus bit I think that they are the only two left.
I do like the idea of the Austrian Ambassador if we have one.
I'll check with my diplomatic contacts.
Forget the government - this is a private thing among a private school club!
I especially like the idea of a trip home to her relatives.
Let's see who else can add to this from this mailing.
Regards
Jon
----- Original Message ----------------------------------------------------
From: azizul mohammed
Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2008 6:33 PM
I am with u and maybe at the next reunion we can organise a an award from all of us is it up for discussion guys
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From: gevelyn1@bellsouth.net
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:40:23 +0000
To All,
The dream is to recognise Miss Kitty Marcus for sharing knowledge.
Yes she is due and more than eligible to receive a National Award for outstanding Teacher, Secretary and Lady.
As far as I know NO one from Mt St Benedict has ever even been submitted.
Not even posthumously.
Now that we have a data base what are we going to do with it?
I suggest we all write the Government and ask for a end-of-tour-public-service-medal-of-merit to hang on the neck of the "Queen of The Abbey School".
Principals, Teachers, Directors --EVERY Educational institute in
Should we name and design our own?
A Heart? Is this email causing your stomachs to turn sour.
Well withdraw.
Glen
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From: mckoy43glen@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:39:18 +0000
Gentlemen:
While we are on the subject Miss Kitty,.
I was dreaming - A presentation at the guest house, invitation only, a select 50 or so depending on seating arrangements.
Light refreshments of course, a news paper photographer will capture the event, because the minister Mr. Imbert will be handing her the gift ?? what ever, on behalf of the Abbey Old Boys Club because father Cuthbert will be handing the Gift?? to him, and will also tell him, to be there on time, just thinking out here, just throwing ideas O.K.. Glen. I will stop now, me and my big mouth.
About us $2000 - 2600 working budget for everything??
(I might be invited to the ceremony? Ed)
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From: nchacha57@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 14:03:06 -0500
Yeah Glen,
You 100%correct,money talks and bullshit walks!
Some of the old boys in
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In a message dated 2/17/2008 12:36:19 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, mckoy43glen@hotmail.com writes:
Gentle men,
I so agree , with what that has been said, as we all know, in order to do things we require money.
All I can say is when a final decision in done etc. just tell what the bank account is, so I can forward my contribution.
This all I have to say on this matter for now.
Yours always in full support, ´
Glen McKoy...
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From: salborbolla@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 23:03:38 -0600
Well , I agree with Glen Mckoy let us know where to send the money and am all for it
Ms Kitty was like a step mother to us all.
I'll contribute $ 200.oo
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"Don Mitchell CBE QC" <idmitch@anguillanet.com>:
I remember Kitty Marcus when she first arrived at Mount.
It was probably about 1959.
At first, she was just the Headmaster's secretary.
She gradually got promoted to teaching responsibilities.
She told us her story in one of the early classes.
She had been a PhD student in either Chemistry or Physics in a University in
Then came the 1938 Anschlaus.
The German Nazis invaded
Her Jewish parents took her mother and her on a boat going to the
The
The boat ended up in
That is how she became a resident of
She and several other Austrian Jews.
Her parents died there.
She eventually became one of our teachers.
But, as the years passed, I learned to appreciate how much she had gone through just to survive.
She has my utmost respect.
Don
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On 23-Jun-08, at 9:42 PM, Winston Ramsahai wrote:
Greetings Nigel & John,
Further to your last enquiry on emails Chris are in direct with most of the guys, Ian Gomes will fill in the blanks for Dr Kamal Khan, Kelvin Khan and Gerald Khan.
The new companies ordinance in TT regarding NGO's / CBO's mandated all Directors to declare their assets ????, Joe & Chris will be meeting Mr Gurley to verify same soon, in the interim The Abbey ( Fr Abbot ) indicated that MSB is a registered charitable trust as such they are exempted from duties and taxes.
Donations can be sent to The Abbey a/c which I will confirm on Tue together with the lectern.
Ms Marcus condition is deteriorating , Oscar, Carlos and Alfredo was asked to let her rest when they tried to visit her a few weeks ago.
She has her high and low's.
Lets Keep her in our prayer, will deliver some flowers and photo gallery of Victor's visit on behalf of the Abbey boys.
Regards
Winston.
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On 22-Jun-08, at 3:58 PM, Jon Golding wrote:
Hi Nigel,
Looks like you're making good progress.
As soon as the account has been set up in
I have tried to get the bench from Prest-T-Com.
Dobbie de V has since retired but the new MD says he'd help us but he has a backlog until Dec/Jan 09 including an order from
Not sure if we can wait that long but perhaps if the other gifts go ahead the bench can be on order and follow later order.
They do make the best benches in TT.
They are all around the
We can get a plate saying donated by the old boys of MSB.
Cost would be TT$700-800 approx + delivery which may ensure a faster delivery than begging for a freebie.
Let's say TT$1,000-$1200 each = US$400 for 2 benches.
Rather than setting up bank accounts here etc for such a small transaction it might be better if I go round Westmoorings or St Finbars one Sunday after mass and collar the Mount boys to give me the cash to buy two benches.
I have the names of my targets.
Sounds great!
Winston can do the same thing with the lectern and other smaller gifts.
Winston, can you get someone to make a nice lectern for us?
You might need to consult with Fr. Cuthbert or with Ms. Julien, Supervisor at the St. Joseph Home for Old Folks at MSB as to what they'd suggest.
The TV is the only item and if we identify a model at Courts or at the mall here we'll have a price to aim for.
The funds can be wired directly from
Or in one transfer from
Ask around who wants to go and choose the TV.
I guess for about US$800 - we could get a real decent large flat screen set $400 from
All the best
Jon
Thanks for your help and advice, John
Nigel
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Winston Ramsahai
Monday, November 10, 2008 2:07:12 AM
Abbey School upgrade, Hike to Whitestones and Old Monastery , Mt Tabor - Saturday 8th Nov
Just follow this link to see the photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32268131@N02/3017707787/
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Glen Mckoy
Monday, November 10, 2008 8:09:08 AM
Thank you Winston for this email,
This is probably one of the best email I have had for the year, just to see the guys alive on the stones , in the school walking around, I am so happy to see so much love,
I did have tears in my eyes, for how far we all have come.
Thanks again , best regards
Glen McKoy.
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RE: ASAA side show -
Oscar Cantore
Friday, November 7, 2008 10:39:13 AM
Winston,
How are you? I do not see any pics of the Venezuelan group….
Saludos
OSCAR
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That is for now, till the next one
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08UN0647REUNION2008, The hike to White Stones.
08UN0510REUNION2008, Fr. Cuthbert
08UN0537REUNION2008, UNKNOWN
07RE0143RECMARCUS, Ms Kitty Marcus and Rafael Echeverria, Reunion 2007
