Circular No 496

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 7 May 2011 No.496
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Dear Friends,
Here is a partial indication on the Associations movements.
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Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 21:37:46 -0700
From: bermentmcdowald@yahoo.com
Subject: Fw: The Future of the ASAA, if any

Dear Friends,

I am not certain that all of you would have been captured in my previous e-mail to the ASAA group: here it is if you were not!

I would appreciate your feed back and if you would facilitate pass it on to all your old boy contacts.
Sincerely

Joseph Berment-McDowald
bermentmcdowald@Yahoo.com
(868) 6788731
----- Forwarded Message --------------------------------------------------------
From: Joseph Berment-McDowald bermentmcdowald@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, May 2, 2011 9:28:30 PM

Dear Ladislao,

Would you please kindly include this item in you mailings to all of the past students.
Sincerely,

Joseph Berment-McDowald

----- Forwarded Message ---------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Joseph Berment-McDowald bermentmcdowald@yahoo.com
Sent: Mon, May 2, 2011 8:38:54 PM

Chris's resignation has forced my hand to inform that my interest and enthusiasm in the ASAA has greatly diminished over the last few years for several reasons:

The most important are the lack of facilitation, trust and openness on the part of those whom are the “custodians” of the legacy of the Abbey School; seemingly irrevocable differences amongst a large number between the generations of the inheritors of the legacy of the school and harsh and unhelpful criticism (sometimes viscous, vitriolic and demeaning) by some whom have no idea of the financial cost and personal sacrifice that those of us whom had assumed the mantle of leadership had made. The rudeness, arrogance, hubris and condescension are a story to tell and the unpleasant memories difficult to quell.

Most disappointing have been the unequal contributions (both financial and otherwise) of individuals whom have been bold enough to initiate activities and in some cases even manipulate outcomes beneficial to themselves whilst others expend in the anticipation of making a contribution to the collective good, only to realise that the prime beneficiary is or was an individual or an individual's interest. It would be helpful if even at this late stage if those whom owe would pay their bills for the dinner tickets which they brought.

Both those whom have been loudest in their support and most vocal in their criticism have been slow and reluctant to part with their money, whilst simultaneously burdening us with a requirement for corporate transparency which is expensive and almost impossible to maintain without robust financial support. Nothing in my experience at Abbey School would have led me to believe that Mount boys (at least amongst ourselves) wouldn’t practice anything but the most honorable standards of conduct and propriety. That being the case, I could not have imagined that so many hurdles would have to be overcome if one were to attempt to do something, as an expression of how the experience at the Mount touched our lives, in the group’s interest. It seems that we have had to meet the most stringent conditions of transparency (even to the extent that they [the conditions] have (and will)) pauperise us and overcome a significant overhang of suspicion to obtain the most minimal support and financial assistance.

Quite frankly, I am not a sociable person, in the sense that I do not enjoy many hours of small talk, liming and trivia without any purpose and I didn’t get involved to spend time on these activities.

So, like Chris I am ready to "throw in the sponge" except for the possibility that we can chart a new and interesting way forward by initiating actions which possibly will seed a "school" that will be about the replication of the positive experiences that we had at the Abbey School - - impersonate The Abbey School. As a paradigm I suggest that any whom have an interest may care to look up the academy system as operated in France (residential) and the UK (non-residential).

I am suggesting that we (the ASAA) become a training facilitator and build to the institutionalization of a Centre of Excellence which I envision to includes elements of:  scout craft; survival training (Outward Bound) and soft military style basic training for developing life skills for youth at risk AND ALSO as a corporate business team building service, thus creating a sustainable revenue stream. I imagine that we will deliver training periodically over 5 to 7 day periods, year round and possibly have some sport, recreation mentoring programs in between. I am open to other ideas which will support doable similarly noble aims and purposes. If not, I will always be available to offer service and assistance to any member of the Abbey School fraternity, whom needs me: one doesn’t need to have a formal organisation to do that.

Depending upon the responses that I get in the next 30 to 60 days I will either organising a meeting at Dennis Gurley’s office to chart a new more positive way forward or will also be resigning, so that others can carry on with their own vision. I believe that I can speak both for Chris and the other members of the company in saying that every effort will be made to sustain the company so that others will be able to continue if there is no interest in my suggestions.

yours Truly,

Joseph Berment-McDowald

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Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 23:22:42 -0700
From: gevelyn1@bellsouth.net

Joseph,
On reading i was thinking what a good written letter.

Not a single cuss word. Very colourful and no ink :-)

In this reply wish I could include the two best words that I know in English ---"CHECK ENCLOSED"
Suggesting that you don't "throw in the sponge"

Quite frankly I remember you as someone who was always positive in the past and very sociable.

The truth is that most of us ( like you ) want to resign from adulthood and become Abbey students again. However, we are too busy downloading porn.

Joe this is not intended to make fun of you.

Just to make you smile like we did on the Mount. 

Your friend Glen

P.S What was your GCE grade in English?

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From: Joseph Berment-McDowald bermentmcdowald@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, May 3, 2011 12:37:46 AM

Dear Friends,

I am not certain that all of you would have been captured in my previous e-mail to the ASAA group: here it is if you were not!

I would appreciate your feed back and if you would facilitate pass it on to all your old boy contacts.
sincerely,

Joseph Berment-McDowald

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From: nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca
Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 08:07:45 -0400

Joe,

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of ASAA during the past few years. I wish you happiness and good luck in everything you try to do.

Regards.

Nigel Boos

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From: azizul mohammed <salo00011@hotmail.com>

Joe,

I can understand your frustration ,but because of brothers like Ladislao and others we are able to stay close as a group , remember we are all over the world busy taking care of our families and trying to survive.

Maybe we can try to have 2 reunions a year, one in Trinidad and one in Florida and from there we can try networking with others as a group helping each other and staying in touch at the same time.

Lets set definite dates for each reunion and try.

Its not going to cost anything to try

Azizul Kenny Mohammed

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Hi Nigel

A bit of melodramatic message, to Joe, is it.?

Failure is no in my vocabulary if I can avoid it.

Would have liked to have read a few words with a zest or positive thinking.

Joe surely needs it.

God bless

Ladislao

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RE: Resignation.
From: KAZIM ABASALI <kazim2u@hotmail.com>

Sorry to hear of this Chris.

I know that your service to the Alumni was one of dedicated commitment to the boys. You will be missed and you are very much appreciated.

Wish you the best in your life's journey.

Blessings to all .........Kazim

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From: knowlescb@hotmail.com
Subject: Resignation.
Date: Mon, 2 May 2011 01:41:16 +0000

Gentlemen,  

On April 6th last I submitted my letter of Resignation as Interim Secretary of the ASAA to our Interim President Joe Berment Mcdowald, and I am now passing the information on to you. Perhaps the delay tells a tale.

It has been a pleasure to have known and worked with you, and the time will be fondly remembered.
I will be in touch with Denis Gurley to find out what needs to be done as far as my legal status in the Association is concerned.

A belated Happy Easter to you all.

Chris Knowles.

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From: Don Mitchell CBE QC <idmitch@anguillanet.com>

Sad, Chris.

But, I am not surprised.

Nothing has been happening, and I know it must have been even more frustrating than we can know.

Maggie and I are off on our long-delayed honeymoon tomorrow.

We pick up a boat in St Maarten and end up in Malaga.

She goes off to visiting friends and family in England for three weeks, while I fly back to Antigua where the Chief Justice has asked me to help out a bit.

Keep well.

Don

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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca>

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your years of loyal service to all the Old Boys of the Abbey School, and for daring to make a change through your actions on behalf of us all.

I have always felt confident in your support and effective action in the various projects in which we have together been involved.

I do not know, of course, the reason/s behind your resignation, but I know that you must have thought carefully about this, before taking action.

Please let me take this opportunity to wish you well in all your future efforts.

May Almighty God bless and keep you in good health and happiness always.

With very kindest regards,

Nigel Boos

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SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON Wayne Vincent Brown
From: Chris Knowles knowlescb@hotmail.com
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 10:55 AM

One memory of Wayne on the Hill is that we were No 10 and 11 in Woodpeckers Patrol (I was No 11).
As such, we got to chop wood, clean fowl, fetch water and other such vital and undesirable tasks for the patrol:

I am not sure of our badge achievements.

Another is his having spent an entire school holiday (Easter?) in the Savannah checking Horse form and subsequently coming out on top in the later Race meeting.

He later told me that he enjoyed the experience, but that it was too much effort for little reward.

I took that to mean that his betting float was small.

God rest you, Wayne,

Chris (aka Pupsy).
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From: jjhenderson@flowtrinidad.net
Subject: Re: Wayne Vincent Brown (R.I.P.)
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:11:44 -0400

I have very fond memories of life at Mount with Wayne as we both very keen on races and we spent hours on the subject.

I remember him being forced to play a cricket match against St. Lawrence and he objected to having to play.

First ball from Owen Serrette cut his finger in two and that was that.

His finger healed for him to become one of the best Caribbean writers in recent history.

God rest his soul.

----- Original Message -------------------------------------------------------
From: David Bratt
Subject: Re: Wayne Vincent Brown (R.I.P.)

Yes, real, real sorry to hear this.....I had hoped to meet him again.....apart from his incisive writing and dour but amiable personality,

I will remember him for the Juniors A (remember that category?)St. Francis vs St Lawrence football game where he played right wing and Christopher Date, left wing, Cokie Joe could run fast and Date had the most natural left foot I ever saw, I played centre forward and both of them kept crossing the ball for me to score 4.

May his soul rest in peace.

David
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From: Brian Lewis brian@aclaworks.com
Subject: Re: Wayne Vincent Brown (R.I.P.)
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 4:27 PM

I sat next to him at Mount for one term - his work will live on
Brian

Brian Lewis director

acla: works architects + urban planners
tel: +(868) 625 2784   fax: +(868) 625 2785   
www.aclaworks.com
algico plaza 91-93 st. Vincent street port of Spain Trinidad + Tobago
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On Sep 16, 2009, at 3:09 PM, Peter Laughlin wrote:

My God he was a young man!

Please extend my sympathy to his family.

He was a great contributor to the Caribbean, and a good friend to all who knew him. 

All the best,

Peter

Peter G. Laughlin
Principal
C.941.356.8428
P. 941.364.5900

941.364.5900
F. 941.365.8881
Peter@EcoTechnoUSA.com
2101 47th St., Sarasota FL 34234
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From: Nigel P. Boos [mailto:nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 6:58 AM
Subject: Wayne Vincent Brown (R.I.P.) 

Dear Mike,

Thank you for including me in this message.

I am very sad to hear about the death of our good friend, Wayne Vincent-Brown.

May he rest in peace.

Here are a few pictures I have of Wayne, at MSB and later in life.

Nigel P. Boos
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On 15-Sep-09, at 10:47 PM, Michael Howard wrote:

It is with sadness that I must advise that Wayne Vincent Brown (Cokie Joe) passed away of lung cancer this morning in Jamaica, where he had made his home.

Lisa please pass on to Jean and Roger Henderson

Regards,

Michael Howard.

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Ladislao Kertesz at kertesz11@yahoo.com,
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Photos:
Mount Inside No. 10 page 16
09GR0001GRA, Rampersand Gangaram
85FP0001FPR, Fr. Prior
07EV7466, Fr. Hilderbrand Green and Unknown.