St. James' Motivating Advocate

Congratulations!

St. James Times congratulates Mr. La Fond on his addition to material that is lacking in regard to individuals with disabilities. This publication demonstrates the ability of differently abled individuals and the strengths of Mr. La Fond as an advocate and educator.

We Living With Doubts ; By: Merlin Mannette

Inspirations By Merlin Mannette
“We Living with Doubts”

We Living a lie, and I wonder why
Sometimes, sometimes I does cry, oh me, oh my –
We talk about unity, about integrity
About transparency, which I don’t see
We aspire to achieve, what we don’t really believe
Actions speak louder than words, we have all heard –
Yet I see segregation, I see discrimination
Too much separation and increased desperation
These things we could live without, but
We Living in and Living with Doubts—
© 2010

Reflections of WEBEAT 2K10

St. James Honours a NEW Icon

St. James Times had the opportunity to interview a new St. James Icon who received a National Award. The Independence Awards that accompanies our celebrations of nationhood had special significance to the people of St. James this 2010 year. Ms. Cynthia M. Toney was awarded the Medal of Merit (bronze) for public service. Ms. Toney, no stranger to high awards (awarded the Golden Poui 1994 by the Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago), displayed the proverbial 'cool as a cucumber' as the interview progressed.

Ms. Toney’s award was for public service all well deserved, but her passion is scouting. She indicates that her 'boys' are the inspiration for what she does. Her love of children and adherence to the rules of discipline is evident as she speaks about camping and encouraging respect with good attitudes in both scouts and parents. Strength and honour, two important elements in building good citizens and integral to scouting flows from Ms. Toney. She sets herself as an example to her subordinates and encourages proper leadership. Forty (40) years of scouting has revealed its rewards. Ms. Toney thanks God for the recognition of her work and was happy to see such good work rewarded. Her future is bright. She sees herself continuing on the road of scouting the by-product of which has enriched lives and greater value to the general public.

St. James Times and by extension the St. James community wishes to congratulate Ms. Cynthia M. Toney on her achievement! She has been added to the ranks of St. Jamesanians whose accomplishments serve to demonstrate the quality of talent that abounds in our community. God’s blessings and continue the good work.

St. James Celebrates Newest Member of Nineties Club

On Sunday Evening St. James Times was invited to spend some time with Gertrude “Hetty” John. Hetty turned Ninety and was celebrated by friends and family at the family home. Hetty has joined an elite group that has increased the ‘rolls’ of St. James’ Super Senior Citizens. Hettys’ Daughter Angela explained that ‘Mammy’ was getting on in age but still has the vitality for life. Well, Hetty is at the top of her Game now and time is now spent reflecting and just being alive. St. James wishes to Congratulate Ms. Hetty John on her Birthday and may God’s Blessings be with her always.

Is It (The St. James Youth Facility) Ready Yet?

The construction of this magnificent building that is fast becoming an ' elephant ' does no justice to the rationale that gave birth to such a brilliant concept. The Nations’ Youth are hungry for institutions such as the ' Centre ' which can make a difference in their lives. Those on whom the responsibility falls to fulfill their promise should be aware that delaying only increases the possibilities of Young Adults becoming attracted to negative influences. The immediate catchement area for this Facility is of a sizeable proportion. At the last observation by this writer and from conversations with area residents, it appears that the impatience of the youth is winning over and they have started entering the compound in an attempt to use the facility. There can only be negatives from these actions: vandalization, and the chance of property damage are the results of these actions. Considerable monies were spent by the Government to erect this building and the general ' theory ' that prevails of government philosophy is, Government must get as much Bang for their Buck then in this case the Bang should be heard nationwide. St James Times shares the impatience of the Youth and is calling for the speedy opening of this facility. There need not be any grandiose affair because there is little benefit in ' glamour ' in instances such as this. The Centre must be outfitted and made ready for utilization 'post haste'.

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.