Top Ten Blog Posts of 2015!

There little more than a day left in 2015, which means it’s time to recap your favorite posts from this year! We didn’t try to make an assessment of what was “best” based on content, but simply by what was viewed and read most frequently. Here's a countdown of the top ten blog posts:

10. The Many Moods of Christmas: BAHS on the road to Wales in 2016

The BAHS Senior Choir presented the annual concert, “The Many Moods of Christmas”. Patronage contributed towards giving young Hilarians of the choir and steel ensemble an opportunity to be proud ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago, at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, next July.

9. Actress Karian Forde "Over the Moon" with excitement! 

Karian Forde played the lead role, "Rosa" in Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, a Proscenium Theatre Company Production, which was originally written in 1957. Completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Trinidad & Tobago with a major/minor in Acting/Dance, Ms. Forde seems comfortable and competent in her fast-track to creative arts success. 

8. Hilarian High Five: Keba Williams

In the ten years since Keba graduated from BAHS and migrated to Florida, she earned Bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Music, Cum Laude, became a regular R&B/Soul singer in Miami, established her own music production company, invested in her own recording studio. In 2015, Keba performed at The Tobago Jazz Experience and launched a women's empowerment seminar series, Women Untold. The series is geared towards celebrating young women from all cultures and backgrounds and helping them realize their full potential, just as Keba was able to overcome obstacles in her own trajectory. 


7. Cabinet's finest from Bishop Anstey High School

Not one, but TWO members of our distinguished Alumnae received the nod from the Prime Minister, Dr. The Honourable Keith Rowley, to undertake responsibilities that would ultimately shape the socio-economic dynamic of Trinidad & Tobago over the next 5 years. These Hilarians areMinister of Planning and Development, the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis (left), and MP. Minister of Social Development and Family Services, the Honourable Cherrie-Ann Crichlow-Cockburn, MP (right).

6. Hilarian History: SHIP - Sailing for 29 years

The need for intervention was recognized, in 1986, having witnessed girls in distress during assembly as well as in classes. The Problem: lack of food. For some, the problem was economic, while for others it was poor management of time. Girls were traveling to Bishop Anstey High School from distant places such as Sangre Grande, leaving home as early as 4.30 am, without breakfast. "That discovery gave rise to a breakfast programme at the school", says Mrs.Catherine Cumberbatch, who attended BAHS and taught Home Economics there for 24 years, from 1968 to 1992.

5. Hilarian Fashion Entrepreneurship: Timeka Harry presents Sade Roxborough

It's been said that there's one thing millennials are clamoring to own: their own business. The entrepreneurship trait is not lost on Timeka Harry, a Hilarian and co-owner of Sade Roxborough: a fashion house creating designs for the quintessential Caribbean woman who is stylish, confident and marches to her own tune. Outside of the fashion industry, Timeka currently teaches Family and Consumer Sciences (which includes teaching Food & Nutrition), at our alma mater.

4. Journey to authorship and reading advocacy: Khamini Leston

Khamini Leston weaves an endearing story about a little boy growing up in Brooklyn, whose curiosity was piqued by his grandfather's narration of his own childhood in Trinidad & Tobago. The mention of games such as 'rounders' and 'pitching marbles' evoke nostalgia for parents and are powerful learning moments for their children, as these games are becoming obsolete in today's playgrounds. The book, "Grandpa take me to T&T" earned Khamini an award from NALIS. Acknowledging that today's children are less encouraged to read for leisure, Khamini advocates reading as one way to encourage openness to new experiences, perspectives, and to pass on values.

3. Fashion Brand grows with a Hilarian at the helm

“BAHS encouraged me to appreciate individuality and creativity, to be independent; a go-getter”, says Jhodi Archer-Royer. Her brand, De Lujo Things TT currently specializes in handcrafted handbags, which are reflective of Jhodi’s aesthetic – her eye for color and prints. As a mom of 2, student, designer and businesswoman, Jhodi can relate to and design for the lifestyle of an active woman who likes to travel and wants to have a bag that fits every aspect of her life.

2. Remembering a Hilarian giant: Ria Mark

On October 20th 2015, the sporting fraternity was plunged into mourning when it was learned that the legendary tennis champion and sport educator, Ria Mark, passed away after a lengthy illness. She an excellent player of badminton, table tennis and field hockey, but one sport eventually won her love and admiration in the 1950's: lawn tennis. From the Pan Am Games to her Phillips Trophy win in the Bahamas in the 1970's, and having won every open tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, she became a stellar player with an impressive local and international record. Mrs. Mark was inducted into the Trinidad & Tobago Sports Hall of Fame for her achievements in tennis in 1987.


1. Hilarian Family in the Political Spotlight

Dr. Keith Rowley was elected Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on September 7th 2015. Here's the Hilarian connection: Dr. Rowley has been married to attorney-at-law, Hilarian Sharon Rowley for 30 years.Their daughters, Tonya Rowley-Cuffy and Sonel Rowley have won national scholarships after completing major examinations at Bishop Anstey High, while being heavily involved in football (as captains of the school's team) and track and field during their high school years. Currently, Tonya specializes in Corporate and Commercial Law. Sonel is pursuing her PhD in Education Psychology at Fordham University in New York.

We will do our best to provide you with more wonderful content in 2016. Hopefully reading or rereading a few of these posts will jar your memory of the past year (it certainly did to us!) of what has happened, why it mattered, and how we go forward into the new year as engaged members of the Hilarian community. 
What else did you enjoy reading on our blog this year? What do you look forward to in 2016?

Journey to authorship and reading advocacy: Khamini Leston

Khamini Leston, author of "Grandpa Take Me to T&T"

“I would hate to think of what would have happened if I didn’t go to Bishops”, says Khamini Leston, award-winning author of the childrens' book, "Grandpa Take Me To T&T". She weaves an endearing story about a little boy growing up in Brooklyn, whose curiosity was piqued by his grandfather's narration of his own childhood in Trinidad & Tobago. The mention of games such as rounders and pitching marbles evoke nostalgia for parents and are powerful learning moments for their children, as these games are becoming obsolete in today's playgrounds. Rooted in patriotism, and admiration of his grandfather, Grandpa's little boy references his desire to experience cultural traditions such as 'bussing bamboo' for Divali and singing parang at Christmas time.

"Grandpa Take Me To T&T" was born of homesickness, as Khamini lived in New York for an extended period, and longed for her family. At the time, she worked as a caretaker of children. Inspired by their playful cheer and innocence, she wrote a poem about a little boy who wanted to go to Trinidad. After reciting it for the parents of her charges, Khamini realized the poem would make a great children’s book. Having re-discovered her passion for writing, Khamini affirmed, "By the time my child is born I want him to say, "my mother is a writer"...not for the status, but for the truth of it." In true Hilarian fashion, she followed through. Knowing very little about the publishing business, Khamini began her research. She found a book titled "How To Write A Children’s Book" and began taking the steps. Along the way, she had a baby and publishing the book became, to her, more overwhelmingly necessary.

Khamini poses with son, Joshua.

Khamini describes her journey to becoming a writer, poet and published author as "gathering a lot of life experience". She mentions, "When I first went to BAHS, I didn’t quite understand what was happening or what was required of me. It was like water rushing on a stone, it smoothed me out without breaking me.” While she valued formal education, and loved the learning opportunities school afforded her, post-secondary school, Khamini hadn't gone about professional development in the traditional way of immediately pursuing formal tertiary education. She instead found her own path of development towards the same destination.

Today, Khamini balances her career with her role as the mother of an inquisitive three year old boy, Joshua, for whom she reads nightly bedtime stories. Acknowledging that today's children are less encouraged to read for leisure, Khamini notes, " I want his [Joshua's] childhood to be full of new experiences, rather than having to wait until he gets older to then make those choices." Khamini hopes to give Joshua exposure to other ways of life, and reading is one way she chooses to encourage his openness to new experiences, different perspectives, and to pass on values. "What you do becomes the voice of your child’s conscience", she adds the caveat, "If you are active, it does. If you aren’t, you run the risk of someone else becoming the voice of your child’s conscience." 

Giving back: Khamini did an author reading and donated copies of her book to Diego Martin Government Primary School, where she attended as a child. 

"Grandpa Take Me To T&T" has performed well in paperback and e-book versions, has been featured in national newspapers, was shared online by television media houses, and in 2014 earned Khamini an award from NALIS. When asked, would you write another children's book? Khamini responds, "I have another book: a baby's book called "Mommy’s Musical Bangles"- when your mother uses her hands a lot, to a baby it's music, every movement is music." For now, Khamini wants to give "Grandpa" his time. She hopes to have "Grandpa" take his place on the booklists and bookshelves of pre-schools across Trinidad, as a primer for their Social Studies.

"This is a fun rhyming educational story about a little boy in Brooklyn whose desire is to go to his grandfather's home country. An excellent resource material for pre-school children." - NALIS 

In "Grandpa Take Me To T&T", Khamini has a remarkable way of seeing the world through a child's eyes and amplifying the T&T experience for the young reader. Her writing is very honest and almost childlike in exploring emotions of longing and excitement. For the adult reader, there is a comfort in Khamini's expression of the T&T experience, which feels very much like speaking to a friend who listens, empathizes and says "I understand". 

"Grandpa" is available online, at Newsstand (Piarco Airport), and at Nigel Khan's Bookstore in Piarco.

Hilarian Fashion Entrepreneurship: Timeka Harry presents Sade Roxborough

Model Latoya Robley wearing Sade Roxborough
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography

It's been said that there's one thing millennials are clamoring to own: their own business. The entrepreneurship trait is not lost on Timeka Harry, a Hilarian and co-owner of Sade Roxborough: a fashion house creating designs for the quintessential Caribbean woman who is stylish, confident and marches to her tune. "Sade Roxborough aspires to be more than just a clothing line or fashion brand", says Timeka. "Think beyond fashion. We intend to portray a Caribbean woman who is well rounded, who is able to excel in all aspects of life." Sade Roxborough was thus named as the co-owners found 'Sade' to be a very feminine, and a fitting representation of the Caribbean woman that inspires the designs; they paired it with Tobago's town, Roxborough which has distinctive vibe – easygoing, relaxed and simplistic.

Model Kameko Holder, wearing Sade Roxborough's 'Ms. Alana Maxi'
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography

Sade Roxborough is operated by the virtual team of Timeka Harry, who lives in La Horquetta, Aquisha Francis, residing in the brand's namesake - Roxborough, and their Trinbago born U.S. based business manager. They hold true to the brand's mantra, 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' Though geographically dispersed, the team has internal processes that allows for the full gamut from idea creation through successfully providing a high quality product to their clients. 

Timeka and Aquisha met while studying pattern drafting and clothing construction at University of the Southern Caribbean. Aquisha helped Timeka to improve her construction skills, and the two developed a sisterly bond. Their virtual team allows their relationships to grow despite distance, and building the business is a rewarding experience, even though full-time work schedules are a constraint to their work time. Outside of the fashion industry, Timeka is the Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at BAHS. "It feels good to be back", she says of her role which includes teaching Food & Nutrition, "being a teacher is like being a role model." 

Last week, we mentioned that Sade Roxborough will be outfitting R&B Soul singer, Keba at the December 6th "The Many Moods Of Christmas" concert, presented by the BAHS Choir. Timeka and Keba have known each other since 'BAHS days'. Timeka played in the BAHS Steelpan Ensemble from Forms 1-5, during which she met Keba, who at the time was a choir member who also often accompanied the Steelpan Ensemble on the clarinet!  
 

When you think of Sade Roxborough, it's like Tobago: there’s a distinctive vibe – easygoing, relaxed. Not fussy, simplistic, ease of wearing and quality. 
Models: Kameko Holder and Miah Francis, photographed by Mark Gilbert 

Timeka proudly recalls Sade Roxborough's first runway show during Tobago Fashion Weekend, in May 2013. To be featured at the weekend, designers are required to show a sample piece to various gatekeepers, including renowned Caribbean fashion giant, Meiling. Eager for the opportunity, Timeka and Aquisha wrapped the 'Meeks Maxi dress' in a white box and their signature brand aesthetics that looked like a box of chocolates. They delivered it to Meiling--and prayed. "The next morning, I was awoken by a phone call from Meiling", relates Timeka. "She was so impressed by the packaging and the design!" Timeka dislikes assimilation, and wants to discourage the notion that 'what we do isn’t good enough unless outside [the US] validates it.'

The 'Meeks Maxi', of Sade Roxborough's Pieces of Me Collection.
Model: Miah Francis
Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography 

The 'Meeks Maxi', of Sade Roxborough's Pieces of Me Collection.

Model: Miah Francis

Photo: Ranan Jerry Photography 

Sade Roxborough fully embraces our Caribbean heritage and aspires to have women feel the difference in the brand. At the Tobago Fashion Weekend, many other designers presented their designs with heavy metal music. Sade Roxborough used the local music of Calypsonian veteran - Shadow's 'Dingolay', and the reception was overwhelming. "We launched in that year", says Timeka, "and months later were on a runway show. Walking down the runway with Aquisha was a very proud moment for me." Following the event, the brand was praised in the Guardian Newspaper's "WomanWise", and has since been featured in Tobago News three times.  

One of our goals is to become a major brand in the Caribbean. "What’s the sense of doing something halfway?", says Timeka. She and her team are working on new collection for January 2016. The designs are going to be full of Tobago love, and an evolution of the last collection. Think: ensembles to wear to functions, which are elegant, vogue and sweet. The designers plan to limit production to no more than two pieces of each design; to maintain the uniqueness of the collection. Sade Roxborough 2016 will be available online, via direct contact through the designers, and through various retail spaces including Akimbo, located in Arima. 

In the long term, Timeka hopes for Sade Roxborough to pursue different fields that encompass design, and pursue ventures to encourage women to embrace and love their own heritage.  

Founders of Sade Roxborough: Aquisha Francis (left) and Timeka Harry (right)

The Many Moods of Christmas: BAHS on the road to Wales in 2016!

BAHS Choir at the Eisteddfod in 2007

You would be hard pressed to find a Hilarian who is not ambitious, or doesn’t appreciate high quality music. On the evening of December 6th, in an enchanting open-air space, surrounded by a canopy of trees, The BAHS Senior Choir will present the annual concert, “The Many Moods of Christmas”, held Under The Trees at the Hotel Normandie. Supporting this concert means empowering and enabling the BAHS Choir and Steel Ensemble to represent Trinidad & Tobago in July, 2016 at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, a world famous annual celebration of international culture, held in North Wales. The Eisteddfod  attracts competitors in song, dance, poetry and instrumental folk music from over 40 countries, performing for audience of more than 4,000 each night over the five-day period.

In past years, BAHS has represented our country well at the Eisteddfod. Under the leadership and musical direction of Ms. Lorraine Granderson, the Choir placed fourth in the Adult Female and Youth Choir categories in 2005 - It is to be noted that BAHS was the lone school choir competing in the Adult category! In 2007, the Choir and the Steel Ensemble again competed in the Eisteddfod’s Female Open Choirs and the Youth Choirs category; they placed third and fourth, respectively. “Competition, I don’t always like, admits Ms. Granderson, "but sometimes it's necessary since it forces them [choir members] to stretch towards a new standard”. The 2016 Eisteddfod will be a challenging and invaluable experience for the young Hilarians' development.

"The Many Moods of Christmas" concert tickets

At "The Many Moods of Christmas", you will enjoy stellar performances from BAHS Junior Choir, Senior Choir and the Steel Ensemble. This not-to-miss holiday concert will also feature RemBunction!, the Voces de Promesa parang band, and R&B/Soul singer, Keba.

photo credit: Sally's Way Film

REMBUNCTION! has been on the music scene in Trinidad & Tobago for over 20 years in various capacities. He is a contemporary calypso artiste who blends the sounds of traditional calypso with new groovy ‘soca’ beats. He is well known for his soca-parang hits which include ‘ Mr. Santa Claus’, ‘Samantha Claus’ and most recently, ‘Macafouchette’. 

[Insider scoop: Ms. Granderson introduced him to 'de stage', when she was his teacher at the Diamond Vale Primary School!]

photo credit: Voces de Promesa Facebook

The first performing members of Voces de Promesa were a mixture of students who performed and won the Junior Parang Competition in 2008. Buoyed with confidence, they

joined the National Parang Association in 2009 and stepped out into the professional parang arena. They were crowned the Champions of the Viva Parang Competition and the Lions Club Parang competition in 2014. Three of their four frontline vocalists: Lisa Theodore, Sache Alexander, and Gabriella Sambrano, who have been a part of the band almost from inception, are Hilarians and former BAHS Choir members.

photo credit: Keba Musik website

Keba is a gifted singer/songwriter, and award-winning clarinetist. She performed at The 2015 Tobago Jazz Experience, sharing a stage with an outstanding array of artists, before thousands of local, regional and international visitors.

[Insider scoop: Keba's "The Many Moods of Christmas" concert wardrobe will be courtesy Hilarian co-owned brand, Sade Roxborough!]


Show your support! Your patronage will help to give young Hilarians the exposure and opportunity to be proud ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago, and to develop into the well-rounded and cultured women of whom our community can be proud.

Tickets are available for $ 150 at The Bishop Anstey High School's office (Chancery Lane, P.o.S.).

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley poses with members of Bishop Anstey High School Choir.
PHOTO: ABRAHAM DIAZ