BOROUGH DAY 2K6 HIGHLIGHTS

IT'S ALL OVER

Well we can now safely say that the “Fat Lady Has Sung” signaling “The End” to what was three (3) weeks of good fun.  As usual, the comparison will always be made; “was this year was better than the years before?”  This comparison takes place ignorant to the fact that enjoyment of the festival is a personal issue.

 There were changes to the format, with some additions being the Mayor’s Culinary Festival, which replaced the Mayor’s Dinner.  The Mayor’s Ball was kept at the newly built Town Hall Auditorium, creating a different ambience for the event.  The annual Wednesday Night boxing was replaced by “Stick Fighting”.  The Monday Night gospel show was not held on the same week as before and was shifted one week earlier. There was the inclusion of the Bollywood Meets Hollywood cultural extravaganza and the “Rhythm-Rama” on the Wednesday & Thursday nights respectively, prior to “Borough Week”.

 Also happening within the mix, the Point Fortin Business Chamber awarded outstanding contributions in the fields of business development and national security.  It was at this event it became aware that most of the nation’s top security personnel came from Point Fortin; i.e.  The Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner & Deputy Commissioner or Prisons and the Chief of the Defense Force.   

One major disappointment spoken of by all was the annual Military Parade which took place on Friday April 28^th.  With only one parade band accompanied by fewer than the usual amount of troops, the parade ended before most even realized that it had begun. 

Kudos in a big way much be extended to Casablanca restaurant located on Adventure Rd for their big Sunday evening “freeco” street concert which showcased Island Vibes, Rhythm & Moods along with Explainer, Johnny King and other popular calypsonians.  Casablanca did what most, if not all other Point Fortin business establishments would not do. 

The regular fetes leading up to the big day all lived up to the expectation: Leading the pack was Liverpool’s Fete, then Tuesday night’s “Hatrageous” @ the South Western Court, Wednesday’s Glow @ the Clifton Hill Beach Facilities and Thursday’s Point Fortin Originals “Yankee Fete”.  However, another attempt by promoters to host an event on the Friday before borough Saturday failed.  This Friday is regarded by most as the time to lime on the streets and meet folks. 

Another first took place when the borough J’ouvert was streamed live on the internet via www.pointalive.com. Also this year, prominent mas band, Legacy, with big Mike and friends took to the streets with costumed portrayals.  As expected, J’ouvert was enjoyable. 

 Lots of praises went out to the protective services for letting any rogue element to be aware that they (the police) were ever-present.  Constant aerial surveillance were provided by the much talked about blimp and helicopter patrols.

 The Pan on the Move competition was well supported as per usual after which the crowd dispersed to either the Sunrise fete @ Clifton Hill Club to listen to Shurwayne Winchester with the band Traffic and Rita Jones with Roy Cape or to the Civic Centre where Pal Joey Lewis and his orchestra was featured.

 Sunday, although being very drained, people flocked the Clifton Hill beach for the annual cool down – or the Alternative St Michael’s annual charity fete at the Clifton Hill Club.  Both events featured live performances and were well attended. 

On Monday the regular vintage was on and on Tuesday, Pointalive, Calvin & Friends held a farewell lime at the Clifton Hill Club to say thanks to those who visited. 

 The management of this website understands and acknowledge that the participation of our foreign based residents goes a long way towards us developing as a people.  The love shared when we all get together as one big family during our borough day celebration, makes us kindle the feeling of appreciation.  We also know that it takes a lot for most of these visitors to come back home, but the love they possess as Point Fortin people forces them to make the trip whenever it is slightly possible and for this, we sincerely love you all.  Not just for bringing back the good memories of times gone by when we were all growing up as friends, but also for nurturing the realization that WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.

 On behalf of the entire Pointalive.com team – Thank you all for a wonderful celebration.

CEO of the Point Fortin Borough Corporation
Ms Patricia Bradshaw

BORO DAY LAUNCHED
April 21st

Borough Day 2k6 was officially launched on Friday 21st May at the Victor Chin Kit Park. This year the Festival runs for eighteen (18) days beginning from the launch and playing a major role regarding sponsorship is TSTT and B-Mobile.

The proclamation that the celebration has begun was made by Deputy Mayor Marlon Richardson standing in for Mayor, The Honorable Sinclair Natta.

The Regiment band provided musical entertainment along with other local artiste including; Jeunes Agape, Rando, Kizzy Peters, Rootsman, and reigning calypso monarch “Luta”.

The main attraction for the night was the introduction of the delegates for the Miss Borough Beauty Pageant. They were welcomed to the stage by local songster Collis Durante who serenaded them with his own composition, “Anything you want”. Durante also performed later amongst the guest artistes.

Onhand were TSTT / B-Mobile representatives.

Sharon St Hillarie  Performs @ JazzPoint 2k6

Neil Bernard from the band
Elan Parle

Michael Dingwell

Patti Rogers

Ian Ochoa performs with
 "Just Cool"

From the
Clifford Charles Quartet

Jerrod Lett from
Just Cool

Jazzpoint Jazz it …Again!
April 22nd

Billed as New Orleans syncopation, I’m sure the patrons were expecting music for the mind, music with the accents falling where you least expected it, kindly provoking your attention. Clifton Hill Club Point Fortin turned out to be the venue for much more on Saturday 22nd April 2006 though. The Jazzpoint 2006 offering was an education, an experience for both mind and soul and just a nice lime for people with distinctive musical taste.

In a cozy atmosphere of not more than about 100 seats, patrons were able to get an up close and personal experience with the jazz artistes and their many moods of jazz. From an impressive local line up, there was a bluesy jazz, jazz gospel, calypso jazz, “Caribbean” jazz and even a little jam of Jackson 5 music. The Master of ceremonies or should I say club scene commentator shared interesting pieces of jazz trivia according to his research: Jazz began in West Africa he said with its roots in work songs he said. He advised us that Miles Davis explored hip hop, that the description of the genre transformed into “jazz” after being know as “jas” and “jasz” and that even Kitchener sang a Bebop Calypso. And for the real student in us, he also advised us of jazz references such as “The Jazz Book”, “The Art of Listening to Music” and the CD “London is the place for me.”

6:30 p.m. greeted me with the sounds of Take 6 echoing through the small theatre style set up as some musicians went through their paces, getting into the groove, while sound checks were being done. Of course, with a particular bias for rhythm instruments, I first noticed drummer Wayne Tobitt, beating out the rhythms on a chair, twirling the sticks and even doing some wrist exercises as he warmed up. Clearly, he was aiming for perfection during performance.

In a simple attempt to breathe life into the New Orleans theme, the Club was decorated with banners marked Bourbon Street, French Market and the like all in the shadows of a painting by Hugo Quan Vie capturing local jazz artistes on canvas. And so while the MC gave us a brief synopsis on its significance, it set the scene for an evening where though there were some hiccups, a forgiving audience, who soon became known as “friends and family” took full advantage of the disjointed flow of the “Club scene”, chatting, eating and drinking with keen focus on the talent on stage.

The evening warmed up with the performances of Clifford Charles quartet as they launched their CD, creating an easy listening mood with their renditions. And sure enough, when Mr. Perfectionist, Mr. Tobitt got his turn to shine solo, he did not disappoint, evident by the claps and affirming calls from the audience. His cool persona got a little more intense when he showed his mastery of the skins.

Later on, together with Patti Rogers, the quartet got the audience all caught up in clapping during her performance of “Caught up in the rapture.” Then, in animated appreciation for Patti’s rendition of “I wish you love” heads bopped and fingers snapped. Of course, many audience members were all smiles when Clifford Charles showed his versatility by echoing Patti’s improvisations on guitar.

Home grown and internationally exposed Michael Dingwell teased us in the second set with just a few renditions of him belting out some jazz interpretations of gospel music that was sure to move the faithful, myself included as I no longer had any control and just had to jump to my feet as he began to sing. He left the patrons calling for an encore. Clearly, even if we didn’t come for deliverance, we would have been prepared for it after his catchy version of “Blessed Assurance” on horn, not to mention after this man’s other powerful and arresting renditions.

Just Cool was just that! This is a band of young Point Fortiners, who had a smooth and easy sound which endeared the audience and further induced a light and friendly mood. Fitz Ryan St. Hiliare, delivered “Ordinary people” with such vocal precision and a caressing tone, it wowed you from the very first note. I was also particularly impressed with the pannist Jerrod Lett’s ramajay skills, as they played “Old time days” and later, taking over so effortlessly when some technical difficulties were experienced.

Ming, Neil Bernard and Loris Adams were not billed to perform. But I was not surprised that they turned out to be the real lagniappe, as a humility almost pervades the air around the members of the band, Élan Parle. How could they leave without giving the patrons a taste of their music? And so they set us down a road of original music, Caribbean jazz, according to leader Michael Low Chew Tung. They delivered some fast paced tribal sounds, some intricate yet delicate syncopation that engaged your mind while leaving you as unruffled as drummer, Neil Bernard as he calmly but expertly commanded the skins. Grover’s Groove in particular set you in a mellow and romantic mood, a mood for reminiscing. And with their other pieces too, they brought an air of experience to the evening which had many patrons leaning forward, looking on in keen interest or just quiet in the presence of the music. I must confess I closed my eyes at times to let it all soak in.

And so some 6 odd hours of music was wrapped up. Neither the “club commentator” nor the patrons really felt the hours go by. Hats off the Jazzpoint for bringing such talent together in one spot! A non-profit organization, a group of persons interested in the art form, interested in showing local talent, interested in giving the people an option for music for the mind and soul. It just goes to show what an organization of interested persons with the zeal to achieve, can do.
Looking forward to an even better Jazzpoint 2007!

By Lesley Ann Phleary

The Mayor's 1st Annual Food Festival
April 23rd

Ckick image for album

Superblue @ the concert

Prophet Benjamin

BOLLYWOOD MEETS HOLLYWOOD
April 27th

Councillor Kennedy Richards on Wednesday 28th April Coordinated a very packed cultural extravaganza titled Bollywood meets Hollywood, at the Point Ligoure recreation grounds.  The show which surprised many, showcased eight time Road March king Superblue as well as Prophet Benjamin who is now regarded by many as Point Fortin's current flagship entertainer along with tassa and other East Indian entertainment .

During the show the crowd delightfully roared when fireworks were set-off.

Please view the photo album --- click here

LIKE WE JINX

We are fully aware that most of our fans are probably wondering what is happening with our recent service?  After all, “is boro day time” and the website is not being updated as it should.   The queen show went by and nothing has been mentioned, Liverpool Fete and no photos online, the Prime Minister visited and so much more happened but still no coverage.

 Well hear what --- like we jinx this borough day.  Between T&TEC, and our hosting company which is Globat.com located in Los Angeles CA. USA, I am not quite sure which one is doing more injustice to pointalive.com.  I deliberately mentioned the name of our hosting company to allow upcoming website developers to know where not to host their websites.  Since last Friday (April 28^th) we have not been able to publish and update anything due to their server issues --- Their service is extremely poor.

 T&TEC on the other hand has been shutting off electrical supply regularly because they are running new overhead lines.  This exercise is expected to last for a few weeks/months.  We can accept this with a pinch of salt for the sake of progress. 

 These issues affected our Trini-Bashment Stream and updating the website.  However we are putting things in place to have contingencies so as to prevent future occurrences.

 Your satisfaction is our goal.   

Webmaster - www.pointalive.com / www.southtrini.com
Denzil James

Pearl Katwaroo - Timla
receiving her award from the Prime Minister

PM & Mayor Sinclair Natta

Francis Bertrand, Chamber President, makes presentation to Mr John Rougier

Hasley Crawford, 1976 Olympic gold medalist was present at the function.

PRIME MINISTER MANNING VISITS
April 28th 2k6

On Friday April 28th, the Point Fortin Chamber of Industry and Commerce held its award function at the Clifton Hill Club.  The feature speaker at the event was Prime Minister Patrick Manning who also made presentations to awardees.  During his address, Manning sort to justify his then ministry's position to shut down operations at the Point Fortin refinery.  He also appealed to the chamber to play its part in regarding the construction of two (2) aluminum smelter plants in the area.   He acknowledged that there is public resistance to the construction of the plants which he claimed are unfounded.  It was based on this that he made his appeal to the chamber.

The Prime Minister also identified that most of the countries top security positions are currently held by persons from Point Fortin some who were on hand to receive awards.

Awards were presented in three categories, business development, national service and corporate development. 

Here are the list of awardees

Business:

• Carol Bahorie

• Nizam Mohammed

• Vincent Rampersad

• Pearl Katwaroo-Timla

National Service:

Corporate:

Petrotrin / Trinmar Operations

Pointalive.com wishes to congratulate all the awardees on their achievement.

Click here or on images for album from the event

Candace Worrell
Winner Ms Pt Fortin 2k6

Candace poses with Pointalive webmaster Denzil James displaying her trophy for winning the Pointalive.com "People's Choice".

CANDACE CAPTURES CROWN
April 28th 2k6

Candace Worrell was crowned Borough Queen at the Miss Point Fortin Borough Beauty Pageant which was held on Friday April 28^th at the Point Fortin Senior Secondary School.  Eight delegates vied for the coveted crown worn by Leann Simon, last year’s winner. 

Candace who also was picked as the people’s choice through this website’s online poll, was immediately loved by the audience.  For this aspect of the show she received a trophy donated by Jamar Technology Services.  This makes it two (2) consecutive years that the person picked by our viewing audience eventually earned the crown.  

From the start, the competition seemed to be a battle between Candace and Kalifa Phillip.  Most of the patrons would agree that the separation came when the final question was asked.  Though considered as not the best of questions: “What makes you blush?”, Kalifa went on to answer with the confidence she displayed throughout the night.  The audience thought this was good enough since she was articulate and precise.  However, the audience erupted into applause when Candace fitted the word sincere into her answer which otherwise was similar to Kalifa’s.  Both sated that they would blush whenever someone compliments them or say good things about them.

Entertainment for the show was flawless in terms of quality. The cast included Local all male groups Surge and H2O Flow, International Jazz Singer Vaugnette Bigford, Dexter Theophil, Clico Shiv Shaki Dancers amongst others. 

 This year, Kerry Ann Brown produced the show which was normally produced by Thelma “peaches” Phillips.  Peaches who held the show’s franchise for as long as most can remember, passed on the heavenly grounds earlier this year.  Patron were asked to wear white to honor her memories.

Click here to view photos from the show

Caught @ Liverpool's fete

Liverpool Fete starts "de ting"
April 28th 2k6

The annual "Liverpool Fete" was a big hit this year to the promoters, "D Crew". This fete usually kicks off the feting aspect for Borough day.
Pointalive understands the some foreign based visitors actually came into the country earlier than usual just to attend this fete.

We were on hand to capture some of the vibes at the party and is pleased to share some photos with our audience.

Click here to view photos from Liverpool fete

Geeta & staff looks on

An early Tassa Group

TASSARAMA JAM
April 29th 2k6

Tassa Drummers United organization, the governing Tassa in T&T, hosted our 2^nd Annual Tassa Fest at Geeta’s Rest & Steak House, Tanner Street, Point Fortin, on Saturday 29^th April 2006.

Fifteen Tassa Groups participated in the event, some of which were:

• Eagle Boys Tassa Group – Point Fortin
• South Side Tassa Group – Cedros
• Sun Valley Tassa Group – Buenos Aires
• D’Evergreen Tassa Group – Santa Cruz
• Paradise Tassa Group – Esperance Village
• Tristar Tassa Group – Felicity

 Fifteen Tassa Groups came together and drummed in unity and brotherhood for the upliftment of the Tassa Drumming culture in T&T.

 Special prizes were given for the Best Dressed Tassa Group, Best Female Tassa Dancer and the Team with the most stamina.

 The event was sponsored by Petrotrin, Namalco and Ralphie’s Grocery.

Webmaster's note  ----- The Pointalive.com team arrived and left this event for another pre-arranged engagement, when most of the performers and patrons were just arriving, therefore we were unable to collect a complete photo album. -- We sincerely apologize to the promoters.

Harold "Bree" Houlder speaks @ the reunion

GVC Class of 1973 - 1975 Reunites

Students who attended the Government Vocational Centre from 1972 - 1975 held their annual reunion at the Polynesian Hut on Saturday 29th April.  The past student has formed themselves into a group which they hope to re-invoke the glory once associated with the centre.

This year, the group honored the teachers from their era for the contributions made regarding their development.

We have photos from the session -- Click here.

The Mayor's Ball

The Mayor's ball this year shifted venue from the Senior Secondary School to the newly constructed Town Hall auditorium.  The new venue provided a more plush ambience.  Not only was the venue new, the band playing was not Joey Lewis and his orchestra or any of the regulars but Rhythm & Moods a new band on the block which seems to have the potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the future where dance music is concerned.

We have photos from the ball -- Click here