Village Drums of Freedom Travel Through Time . . .

St. James J'Ouvert Jam 'Post' Observations and a Radical Approach to an ' Old Problem'.

J’Ouvert celebrations in St. James this year were marred by the 'virus' that now infects our nation, a total disrespect for law, order and common civility.

The disruptions that occurred J'Ouvert morning was by the hands of a minority and is in no way reflective of the majority of celebrants. We at St. James Times are of the opinion that even to the most lawless of society they (the lawless) see the need for law and order. How then are we to nurture and see to maturity our (St. James) contribution to the National Carnival celebrations? Ours must be a clean and incident free J'Ouvert.

In the two (2) weeks prior to Carnival Monday and Tuesday the ' hub' of activity in St. James is centered between Vidale Street and Bournes Road. The approach of Carnival Monday and by extension J'Ouvert Morning brings with it a heavy crowd presence and this crowd gains its fuel from the gigantic music systems lining the Streets. We now have a problem! The Crowd that gathers legitimate as they may be is a deterrent to those 'Bands' wishing to 'revel’ the Western Main Road. As a consequence the competition St. James J'Ouvert Jam becomes adversely affected.

A number of proposals have been proposed as viable solutions to this situation but it is only one that though radical in nature seems workable. The proposed solution to this situation is, at the commencement of the National Carnival celebrations - 4 A.M. Monday Morning there should be a cessation of all sidewalk music until the J'Ouvert period ends. This is a new approach (though being applied at the international Carnival Celebrations) St. James Times believes that it has potential and invites discussions among all stakeholders.

The stakeholders in St. James the Business Community, the St. James Working Council, CIC, and MANGEN and others are vying for the rights to have St James declared an Official Judging Point for the Carnival Season. The benefit that these developments can bring to the region is far reaching. If we are united in these efforts then St. James and the wider community by far can improve our quality of life and at the same time elevate St James' reputation as a City that not only does it not sleep but is also the entertainment Capital of Trinidad and Tobago.

Village Drums of Freedom - Finale

After 41 years of staging this after Carnival production the Village Drums of Freedom has taken this extravaganza to new heights. Sunday the final day of this three day fest clearly established itself in the chronicles of history. There are many ways that can be used to describe greatness but one had to be there to experience this year’s production of Drums Salute Dance - Dance Salutes Drums. Nyron Greenidge and Gerald Achee are to be complimented for their efforts not for this year but for all the years producing this masterpiece. Sunday’s presentation (day three) began with the elaborate preparations of the grounds which made way for the Children’s Treat and Fun activities. DJ music served as the fill in between the first segment and the start of the final presentations.

The M.C. opened the show to an eager crowd long in anticipation. The first act the NorthWest Laventille Drummers proved to be truly entertaining. This act was followed by a succession of performers Masters in their own right. Brother Valentino, Conqueror, Scrunters, Wafasi, PetroTrin Phase2 and the endearing Village Drums of Freedom. The crowd in attendance was truly enthralled by the high caliber of entertainment. The closing act, the Drums of Freedom, made their performance a memorable one. Their retrospective performance reminiscing of past greats in the personas of Julia Edwards, Carlton Francis, Henry White and Nyron Greenidge are a few of those whose contributions served to enlarge the perimeters of Dance and Drum Cultural adaptation. Echoes of 1970, the Cultural Revolution filled the air with this performance. Mansa, WilliBoBo and the Japanese Experience all underscored the importance of Drums Salute Dance-Dance Salutes Drums. St. James Times salutes Nyron and Gerry on this momentous occasion and extends their sincere wishes that their future presentations continue to enrich our Cultural Heritage and keep the spotlight shining on the jewel in Port of Spain’s Crown, ‘St. James’.

Village Drums of Freedom

Village Drums of Freedom opened February 26, 2010 with a glamorous night fashion. This event, normally the weekend following Carnival, lasts for three nights. However fashion was not the prime presentation of the evening. There was also indigenous food as well as local film presentations. In the past the opening night would traditionally be the portrayal of past presentations. This night however was brought forth by individual presentations. The first segment was choreographed by Ms. Flora-Belle Achee. Ms. Achee said that she has more concepts and ideas that will be presented in the near future. The presentation of the fashion was designed by Mr. Jaumack Pierre. Mr. Pierre lives in the village. The indigenous foods were prepared by Yuri Ballah.

The night was held in memoriam of Mr. Dave Robeson. Mr. Robeson is the first person, within recent memory, to perform the Moko Jumbie as a living art form. As a guest of the Village Drums of Freedom he performed to the rhythms of the ‘village’ drummers. His memory is honored this year.

The opening night presentation was well attended by locals (villagers), invited guests and the few foreigners who came for carnival and have yet to depart. February 27, 2010 is the Reggae Night and February 28, 2010 is the Culture Fest. Drummers, pan soloists and special children’s treat are some of the highlights of Sunday's event. The ‘Villagers’ have taken a special interest in the children by providing games and activities prior to the show.

In Celebration of Hosay

“Hosay is really commemorated in the tenth month, the Muharram month, and the big day is the day of Ashura; that is the night that the Hosay comes out.” The Tadjah comes out on the tenth night. Prayers start ten days before, and then on the eighth night, you have ‘Flag Day One,’ which is the most important day for the Hosay. The flag symbolizes the body. The small Tadjah is the coffin, and the large Tadjah is the tomb. The procession is a commemoration of the grandsons of the prophets. The Tadjah are supposed to be built within thirty days. You live in the Mumbara. The Mumbara is where you build the Tadjah.

When the Tadjah is being built, those who do the fast, try their best to do it from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Long ago you had older folks doing gatcar, which is a stick fight. They built something in commemoration of Hussain. The Tadjah is supposed to be built from our pockets. It is supposed to be a sacrifice.

( Compliments of Michael Goring a.k.a. “Mr. Hosay.” )

Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day

INDEPENDENCE DAY THOUGHTS:
As we celebrate our 47th Independence Anniversary it may be wise of us as a nation to contemplate one of the most potent sayings of the State of Israel: "Lest we remember saying never again."

On the 31st of August 1962 Independence enshrined in the psyche of our diverse community a new meaning. Our Constitutional wathcords adopted at Independence gave us a sense of vision that would assist us as we traveled toward 1st world status. The pillars of "meaning" and "identity" ensured us that we would never again revert to a dependency state.

Independence is an intangible that is transformed into a tangible and the reality of this tangibility is responsibility for our actions. Trinidad and Tobago's Independence was attained as a result of the endeavours of many powerful individuals. Thereforewe must not be careless with such hard won achievements.

We as a nation have almost overcome all the growing pains associated with achieving 1st world status. However, there are some negative elements of these achievements that have adhered to our nation and are in need of serious attention. The correction of our problems must be solved by a unified Trinidad and Tobago regardless of any differences of opinion, politics or ethnicity.

As we celebrate Independence let us look at what we as a nation have to do to ensure that the Trinidad and Tobago of the future is a true representation of the efforts of 47 years. As we move forward the vision that would have once been hazy in the beginning now presents a picture of absolute clarity.

Happy Independence to all and a hope of a bright future as one nation.

Long Circular Mall

Patna Street as far as my memory goes was one of the most sedate streets in St. James. The landmarks on the street at the end of St. James were Auguste Parlour at Brunton Road and Patna Street and “Lidlo” which stretched from Kandahar Street along to Patna Street. There was also a fledgling industrial concern. For all intent and purposes Patna Street was a quiet street for either pedestrians or vehicular traffic.

The passage of time has a way with shaping who and what we are and Patna Street was no exception to the rule. As Trinidad and Tobago developed so did its taste for concepts in shipping and this was reflected in an international flavor. The real estate on Patna Street that was once home to a farm and manufacturing concerns was transformed into one of the largest malls in Trinidad and Tobago if not in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Long Circular Mall, affectionately called ‘The Mall’ by St. Jamesians, is one of our local jewels and presents us and the country with a unique shopping experience. ‘The Mall’ has also brought much more than glamour to St. James. There has been an increase in vehicular traffic making Patna Street another main vehicle thoroughfare. The increased traffic can be an asset to St. James. Hopefully, this real time situation can influence the city planners to introduce legislation that would make for more regulated traffic and parking rules.

The Long Circular Mall is an important asset to St. James and this is realized by the number of business enterprises that have opened along the length of Patna Street. This is good for the economy of St. James and as a result an explosion of commerce can further enhance an already vibrant city. Hats off to ‘The Mall!’