Newsletter
for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 18 January 2014 No. 637
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear
Friends,
This is
the first complete resume on the comments received by Don Mitchell.
----------------------------------------------------------
REUNION 2014 – NOTES TO DISCUSS WITH CONFERENCE ORGANISER
ABBEY SCHOOL REUNION 2014
|
Accommodation to be explored for
availability and cost:
(1) Seminary;
(2) Monastery Retreat House;
(3) Pax Guest House;
(4) Hilton Hotel with Conference Centre;
(5) Holiday Inn Express, close to the
airport
(6) Regency Star opposite the airport, recently
opened so we should be able to negotiate a good rate
(7) . . .
|
|
Possible activities to be checked for cost
and feasibility
(1) Guided tour of the Abbey School;
(2) Climb to White Stones;
(3) Picnic at Mayaro Beach;
(4) Lunch together;
(5) Reunion Dinner and Ball at the Queen’s
Park Oval;
(6) Academic session on the historic role
of the School
(7) Sunday Mass at the Abbey Church
(8) Video Souvenir of the day by day
events
(9) Someone offered to take a boat-load of
us down the Islands (Bombshell Bay Hotel?), but I cannot remember who!
(10) . . .
|
|
Comments received upto 26 November 2013 (in alphabetical order)
Kazim Abasali: That is the idea Neil. Let us all make a
concerted effort. Forget past and the turnout. Let us concentrate on this one
with love and togetherness on our minds. Reach out. And how ever it turns
out, so be it. At least we are all trying our best one last time.
Nigel Boos: I particularly like the idea of
accommodation at the empty seminary. I presume that a cook will be in attendance,
and that a reasonable fare will be provided; that the beds are clean, the
toilets flush and so on.
Neil Charles This needs a lot of planning and we can't
do it without the assistance of the guys in T'dad, but first we need to know
how many of the foreign guys are interested and best dates for them. We
also need to inform the guys in T'dad about our plan, since most of them are
not on Facebook, i will make calls to Joe Berment, Jimmy Samaroo and Winston
Ramsahai and see if Gabe can run an ad on The Guardian. Before we start
planning, we will needs guys to commit in order to get the catering, hall,
activities etc. It all boil down to how much it would cost each person.
Trini's pay $2-3 hundred US for a carnival all-inclusive fete, which include
live bands etc, so our reunion should cost much less/person. Bandit,
the cruise thing is not happening. I tried a few years ago and got 0
response! I think after this big reunion, things will slow down, we
just want to get together and meet the older guys while some of the priests
are still alive.
Salvador Coscarart I have stayed at
The Pax for a week with breakfast included. Only $400.00 with ac and prívate
bathroom. I thought it was a good price.
David Decastro: Now, I agree with Neil Charles. Man,
let’s have some fun on a cruise-and bring pictures of the mount--that's my
kind of lime or good luck-amigos--"bandit"
Neil, friend, you go on your cruise and have a good time. Them
fellows have the Mount too much on their mind – and I have fun with the Mount
boys on mind we too far apart so let every man do he own thing -- With peace
and love -"bandit"
Robert Dumas: Please keep me advised, looking forward
to the occasion.
Sarkis Farchakh: GOOD IDEA BRO!
Hans Hermans: Hi; I would like to see the Abbey once
more and am very interested in this reunion plan. Keep me informed.
Father Harold Imamshah: I suggest to all Abbey alumni as a possibility for
accommodation for the 2014 Reunion, that the Seminary is not being used for
classes or as a Residence for seminarians; the rooms have been renovated, and
the bathrooms as well, and meals are available with rooms(I have heard a
price of $400 TT, but not sure). The building is constantly in use for Groups
on retreat or attending Conferences. The Pax Guest House is another
possibility. A modest overflow can be at the Monastery Retreat House
I will be happy to help. My local cell number is 385-4392 or he
may use my email address. God bless, contact me in January so we can
visit.
Glen G. McKoy I need to hear more, before I can take
part in this mission, and send out the word to all, this is it, the Great
Reunion.
Glen Schaefer: Great to hear that we are looking at
2014. Please put out an email requesting suggestions for a date,
location and length of meet. Lots of stuff will be going on for the North
Americans and the Trinis, World Cup in Brazil, personal family reunions not
to mention the kids’ summer vacations and back to school/college challenges.
Krishna Jerry Toolsie: Not quibbling
about cost, although it must be a factor for some...I am simply lobbying for
a sensible summer schedule that will accommodate more ole boys.
Tony Vieira: I believe that the time of the event
should be settled now, since the Trinidadians are already calling it a summer
event, but it’s more economical if it is a very late summer / autumn event.
September and October. The actual date could depend on personal preference.
World cup soccer [another reason why we should not think of June or July to
do this] is from 12nd June to 13th July 2014.
|
|
Comments received to 27 November 2013 (in alphabetical order):
Fr Harold Imamshah: I am in Trinidad
for a year and I am thinking of staying for another year, since my mother is
now 91(although she continues to go to work daily) and since my only sibling
and brother died a year ago. That's why I was willing to liaise with the
Abbey and the Seminary. I may be helpful mainly with the Seminary;
there are good guys like Winston and Joe Berment who can liaise with the
Monastery.
Glen McKoy: I just want to see meh old buddies, hang
with the guys for the weekend, go for ah boat ride, eat good food all the
way, rent a spot down the islands for the day, or on the mount picnic, so
many options Don, and this you will be checking out, on your trip down there,
or, maybe rent a conference room at Le Hotel, where many of us may be
staying. Come and see us every day ha! ha! Some nice music,
somewhere to relax and chat about what happened since ah last saw yuh, 40 years
ago ha! ha! It will be a pleasure to see every one of my brothers, new
& old, that are still alive. Long Live The Reunion Of Our Brotherhood,
Long Live The Mount. We are here for a good time and for ah long time
too, ha! ha! Welcome To The Club, Mis Amigos.
Don Mitchell: All indications are that the best time
will be sometime in the West Indies Tourist Off-Season, when air fares and
hotel rates go down. That compels a date between April 14 and December
14, the high tourist season. June-July is World Cup time, affecting
international travel. August-September is School Vacation, world
cruise, and foreign vacation time for West Indians. It seems to me that
leaves October-November as the period most likely to be convenient to a
majority of us.
Glen Schaefer: Krishna can you hit up Zephryn?
Pogs, see if we can catch up with San Juan, Chandler, Guerra, Stuart,
Copeland and even Neville; Neil can you hit up Azzizul, Gangaram and
any of our Orlando brothers? I think Glen Campbell is in your neck of
the woods. I just really would like to see a big turnout for this.
Gordon Thavenot: While I
agree with you on Oct & Nov, I believe that September is also a pretty
good month to consider. Children are now back at school, there is a
guaranteed holiday on the 24th (Republic Day). Sometimes the Divali
holiday falls into Sept Oct or Nov. The other one is Eid ul Fitr.
|
|
Comments received to 29 November 2013 (in alphabetical
order):
Neil Charles: Krishna, you don't have to be
wealthy or retired to attend a reunion in Trinidad, it's not on another
continent, we know hotels are expensive, but Fr Imamshah just let us know
something we did not know existed, The Monastery, and if I was wealthy I
would surely charter a plane for those that could not afford to pay for the
trip.
Salvador Coscarart: Keep me
updated, please.
Gabriel Faria: I suggest we do a human interest
story on it and probably link it to the trip that Cutty recently went on
which the old boys contributes to. We can then talk about the school
and the old boys and how they have maintained a close relationship after 50
years from across the world. Then raise the fact about the
reunion. An ad is not going to have as much as editorial.
Stuart Henderson: 1. We see basically
the same persons each time. Also, graduates from earlier days (up to 1972)
seem to have little in common with later graduates and each group tends to
associate with their own generation. Maybe two functions are necessary
(different times of the year for early / later grads, let each handle their
own.)
Stuart Henderson: 2. I, and perhaps
most other locals, do not want to participate in various activities over a
weekend (long or not) with "unknown" old boys since we all have our
preferred activities. I realize foreign-based old boys will not come
for one function, so this is a dilemma.
Stuart Henderson: 3. I suggest you
mention this will definitely be the LAST reunion dinner (for the older
generation). This might attract a bigger than usual turnout.
Also, suggesting it be held on a Friday night at the Queen’s Park Oval
in September/October. They have ideal facilities for such an event (are
wives / girlfriends invited?) Guest entertainers could be Robert Elias,
Swami Galt and other old boys who can perform. If it is the last
dinner, we could invite the Minister of Education (or the Prime Minister? or
Archbishop?) to speak about the Mount and its contribution to society, etc.
Luciano Mellone: Please!!!!
Keep me updated, won't miss it this time.
Don Mitchell: Kazim, I am not on Facebook.
Please keep sending me updated comments from the Old Boy’s page, as I cannot
access them.
Paul Quesnel: So, how do we encourage and help
fund "Others" that would like to attend?
Gangaram Rampersad: Keep me
informed. Interesting.
Chandra R. Teelucksingh: I like
this.
Krishna Toolsie: Don, I am
pleased you have taken on the daunting task of organizing the 2014
reunion. I have been receiving updates through the Facebook accounts
and through Skippy and Neil Charles. I am excited about our planned
gathering and look forward to renewing relationships. Do keep in touch
and good luck with coordinating the logistics.
Krishna Toolsie: A
summertime program, anytime from June to August, should draw more attendees
from the North. Some, I suspect, may have family and work requirements during
the Spring and Fall. Summers tend to offer greater flexibility for
international travel. This does not, of course, affect those who are in
blissful retirement or are independently wealthy, "Brother
Charles."
Tony Vieira: I agree with the October-November time
frame as being the most economical especially to those who will have huge
travel expenses from destinations as far away as Scotland, Australia and
Canada.
Salah Wilson: Any excuse to get back to T&T is
fine with me. I will love to be there.
|
|
Most recent comments received to 2 December 2013 (in
alphabetical order):
Neil Charles 1: What about April/May/June? We
have to go with the majority, so let’s take a vote. I can travel
anytime. I like Gabe Faria’s idea and he is the best one since he is
connected to The Media in T&T. He is also a very reliable person we
can depend on.
Dennis Gurley: I have some suggestions for
improvement which I have inserted in the draft Questionnaire.
Fr Harold Imamshah: I spoke to
Abbot John Perreira this morning and he was thrilled with alumni visiting
next year and with the possibility of staying at the Seminary close by and
possibly the Pax Guest House and a possible overflow into the Retreat House.
I promised him details if and when we choose the Mount facilities.
Glen McKoy: Don, I like what Stuart is saying
also. Some good points. Keep it interesting.
Luciano Mellone: I am also
happy with the last weekend in September. October is kind of impossible
as I have to go to a USA world shoot. Take care and hope to see u soon.
Don Mitchell: Thank you, Chandra. What
will happen is that I shall come down to Trinidad sometime in January or
February 2014, when I am finally retired from this job I am doing, and make
arrangements with a Trinidadian conference/event organiser who will (for a
fee, I am sure) negotiate on our behalf the accommodation, and advise on a
balanced range of activities (depending on how many days we want to stretch
this through, not that everyone would or should want to participate in every
event). This is just the sort of information that I would want to pass
on to whoever that Organiser will be.
Azizul Mohammed: I would
love to come for the reunion. Any dates yet? I would need to know
months in advance. You see, every January I bid for my
vacation. After that its hell to get time off.
Paul Quesnel: We'll never be able to meet
everyone’s needs. Once we give as much advance notice as we can, that
is as much as we can do. At some point we are going to have to
pick a date and we'll just have to canvass the hotels and other venues for
best prices.
Chandra Teelucksingh: Don, there
are closer hotels such as the Regency Star (opposite the airport) and they
have recently opened so we should be able to negotiate a good rate.
Also, Holiday Inn Express, again close to the airport. Two of my
nieces, my brother Dave's daughters, are in middle management positions at Hyatt
Regency. I am sure they can obtain some concessions for us. Dave
is a MSB Old Boy. My first choice would be Regency Star as they are
new, clean, well-managed and good food.
Tony Vieira 1: For the Canadian residents, I have
discovered that Caribbean Airlines offers a non-stop flight from Toronto to
TT every Wednesday at 4.35 PM which arrives in TT at 11.15 PM - 6 hours 40
minutes. The return to Toronto leaves Trinidad the next Wednesday at
9.30 AM and arrives Toronto at 2.35 PM. It gives some leeway for those who
want direct flights to and from TT [always the best thing] and gets them
there to settle in for one day [cant count Wednesday since that is the day of
travel] on Thursday before the event begins on Friday. After the event
which ends on Monday there is one day rest [Tuesday] before they head out
back to Toronto on Wednesday.
Tony Vieira 2: I understand what you are saying,
but to ask 100 or 200 people for these inputs will end up with us having
100-200 different suggestions!!
Tony Vieira 3: I have started a
questionnaire. You can change and complete it after your consultations
with the TT boys and the organizer. But, it will give us a better idea
of who is coming and what they want to do, but focused enough that we don't
end up all over the pace with 100 different plans.
|
|
Most recent comments received to 31 December 2013 (in
alphabetical order):
Kazim Abasali: Facebook Group generating lots of
interest and comments.
Anthony Ali: I am planning and hoping to attend the
Abbey Boys 2014 reunion. I am back home in Trinidad and will be here
for awhile working. Can you please add me to the email listing of old
Abbey boys.
Joseph Berment-McDowald: How is the
feedback from the questionnaire going? I have been keeping an eye out to see
what enthusiasm it elicits.
Neil Charles: Ron Hadeed hit the nail on the
head. If you give some of these guys 10 years in advance they will
still come up with some lame excuse. I respect Bandit for being
honest and told us how he feel about T'dad, I did try to change his
mind. What about the guys that are in Venezuela? Edgar Moffie
keeps in contact with Fr Cuthbert and Bro Rupert. I think we should
tell everyone to think it over the holidays since most guys are busy for the
season, and will start the topic back in January.
Peter Dacosta: Sorry not likely to attend. May be
in Trinidad at end of Feb but don't plan to go back after that.
Cornel de Freitas: Sorry, I
can’t attend.
Paul Dewan: Thanks for the consideration. I would
certainly like to attend this event and would appreciate being
kept in the loop.
Sarkis Farchakh: YES GUYS, LETS
DO THIS!
Andrez Freytez: Have just had an ox tail soup
seasoned with Matuk's. Do we all like good food?
John Gioannetti: The last
few things regarding MSB Reunions I saw all seemed to be expensive and with
an effort to raise monies for MSB and or Priest. I for one would be
more attracted to a simpler effort . There may be people that also feel the
same way as I do, but may not be as outspoken as me...
Ian Gomes: I shall attend.
Harry Guildner: Sorry, can’t attend.
Ronald Hadeed: Gentlemen, it’s not possible to
please everybody. Any date that is chosen will be perfect for some and
horrific for others. My suggestion is choose a date now and advise the
guys, which will give everybody enough time to make the necessary
arrangements. I suggest the last weekend in September. This
is after the summer rush and before the winter high season.
Stuart Henderson: The fact
is that people tire of such events - if held too often. I think this
has been the case in Trinidad and may be the reason for the poor turnout of
local old boys at previous attempts. If the above is indicated, there
will probably be a better response.
Michael Howard: I am sure I shall attend.
Fr Harold Imamshah: I do
hope (if the guys agree and would like one) that we could have a Mass in the
Abbey Church with the whole Alumni Group. I spoke to Abbot John
Perreira this morning and he was thrilled with alumni visiting next year and
with the possibility of staying at the Seminary close by and possibly the Pax
Guest House and a possible overflow into the Retreat House. I promised him
details if and when we choose the Mount facilities. Concerning a
documentary movie, Clifford Seedansingh has his own Audio Visual company.
He is from the same Fatima College Class of 75 with me.
Iftica Juman: Sounds good to me.
Edward Lloyd: I am still working but plan to retire
sometime in 2104 depending on if BP will release me, so please don't
feel too put out if I'm unable to attend.
Michelle Khan: My tel. no. is in fact 645 3881,
Mobile 680 0765. We too are off to Europe from 10/9 to
mid-October. I will make enquiries re. finding a good event
planner. Look forward to speaking with you after the holidays.
Enjoy your cruise!
Jan Koenraadt: Me and my wife are thinking about
the Reunion, it's still optional. A whole year to plan. September or
October is good to us either. November is cold time in Holland, so nice
to be in the tropics, but other people have different climate apparently.
Glen McKoy: These mementos should be professionally
recorded, as best as we can. If we have a price range, maybe we
can see, what we can do. It is an historical venture, who knows where
this journey may take us. As most of the characters are still
alive, witnesses to these events, A Real Life Story, it just don't get any
better than this, Amigos.
Hudson McKoy: I am not sure I can attend.
George Mickeiwiscz: One of the
potential approaches to the movie is a “flashback”. We could
potentially use the reunion as a starting point and flashing back to specific
points in the past as the movie develops. I have seen the movies
taken on cell phones inserted perfectly and realistically into Hollywood
movies....Keep it rollin’, George
Azizul Mohammed:
Anytime is ok. I just need to know way ahead...... between
us I work for DHS and its hell to get time off.
Phillip Nassief: When the
information reference the Mount Reunion is received, I will respond, as I
would very much like to attend.
Eion O’Connor: Oye, Boxhead. Been many years -
maybe see you if I can make the reunion. Where's Gordon these days?
Paul Quesnel: We'll never be able to please
everyone once we give as much advance notice as we can that is as much as we
can do. Don, pick the dates and we'll just have to canvass the hotels
and other venues for best prices.
Glen Schaefer: Great to hear that we are looking
at 2014. Please put out an email requesting suggestions for a
date, location and length of meet. Lots of stuff will be going on for
the North Americans and the Trinis, World Cup in Brazil, personal family
reunions, not to mention the kids summer vacations and back to school/college
challenges. I am counting on being there.
Gordon Thavenot: I believe
that September 2014 with that Republic Holiday on the 24th could be a good out
of season time. Please note that I recently had an
experience with arranging a Hotel for visitors in June 2013. We
discovered that the Hotel with the Best Price and really great service was
"KAPOK". It is just off the Savannah in P.O.S.
The feedback was that all visitors from Guyana, Barbados, St. Vincent, Anguilla,
St. Thomas, Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica, were extremely happy with what they
got and especially the Service. They also have meeting rooms, an Open
Air Entertainment area, and of course a fantastic restaurant. Just a
thought, and if you need to negotiate a good $ price per room just let me
know!! September is the best month for me, but I am interested in
whatever the majority agree to and I will take part.
Krishna Jerry Toolsie: I am not
quibbling about cost, although it must be a factor for some...I am simply
lobbying for a sensible summer schedule that will accommodate more ole
boys...
Anthony Vieira: A movie is easily done, at our
direction. There are small companies which do this sort of thing at
Birthdays, weddings and funerals for a small price. I am sure that your
event organizer will be able to recommend someone. It can even be
established as a day by day event story. I would be happy to help. Or if the
Trinidadian price is too much give me the raw footage and I would be happy to
make a documentary of the event. Each member wanting copies would be required
to pay a small fee for the production, it will help pay expenses.
Paul Zeven: Great initiative to organize a
reunion. I attach the questionnaire duly filled in.
Unfortunately, I have to come from far, and my schedule for 2014 (I still do
a lot of projects) is already largely filled, so 2014 is somewhat
problematic. Further, I am due for a rather "heavy" operation
in 2014, which may put some travel constraints for me. Anyway, let see
where it goes; once the date is set I will see what I can do.
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ladislao
Kertesz at kertesz11@yahoo.com,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Photos:
MSBAP27MI6512, Mount Inside
03UN0001ORGCOM, None of these gentlemen have
been seen since then
08UN0010ESMERALDA, On the occasion of the
Esmeralda sailing ship’s visit
08UN0647REUNION2008, Reunion members on
Whitestones.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.