.12 Nov 2012
It with regret that I inform you of the following deaths:
Janis Evrill Billy on 7th Nov at age 63 in Toronto
Marie (Huggins) Coombs at her home in Golden Vale St.Vincent 13 November at age 83.
Wade "Kojo" Williams passed away 3 Nov in Winnipeg.
I offer my sympathies to their family and friends.
The students of the C.W. Prescod Primary School (CWPPS) brought a cultural treat to residents of the Thompson Home in Kingstown on Tuesday, November 6th 2012
The primary school, which prides itself on taking deep interest in the cultural and musical development of its students, was recently the recipient of a Grand piano, donated by the musical icon, Patrick ‘Pat’ Prescod, who had recently taken up residence at the Home.
The CWPPS is named in honour of Mr. Prescod’s father, Christopher Wilberforce Prescod.
The treat by the students included items from the school’s steel orchestra, songs, dance and a piano recital.
While the steel orchestra, the reigning Junior (Schools) Panorama Champs, rendered a variety of uplifting songs, including Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’, Ancar Gordon serenaded with Josh Groban’s ‘You raised me up’, a well known and inspiring song, in apparent gratitude to Mr. Prescod, not only for his donation but also for his work with the school and in the advancement of music in the country.
The highlight of the morning’s proceedings was Mr. Prescod himself. He took to the black and white keys of the school’s electronic keyboard and performed, rendering among others the tune ‘To God be the Glory’. The maestro played as though he had never left the keys, which was inspiring to all present.
Wishing Mac Olliviere good health.
Wishing Dr Chris Stephens and Elsa Stephens-Jones the best of health.
Althea Ballantyne Commissiong:
I can now confirm that Althea's Funeral Eucharist and Burial will take place on Saturday, June 9th, 2012,
at the Cathedral Church of St. George, Kingstown, at 3:00 p.m. where she worshipped God faithfully,
even up to last Sunday, the Day of Pentecost.
May Althea's soul find Sweet Repose In The All Embracing Arms of Jesus.
Rest Eternal Grant Unto Althea, O Lord and may Light Perpetual shine upon her. May She Rest In Peace, Amen.
Thanks, Fr. Jones.
-----------------
WF Fencer Wins Historic World Championship Title
New York, NY April 16, 2012 – The Peter Westbrook Foundation capped off one of its most successful weekends, as it’s star athletes made history around the world. This weekend in Virginia Beach, Nzingha Prescod (daughter of of Marva Prescod) finished a grueling Olympic qualification period on the highest note possible as she was named to the 2012 Olympic games in London this summer. For the19 year old Prescod, qualifying for her first Olympics highlights at 10-year journey including three world championship titles.
Hi,
I just spoke with Paula Nanton. Her Mum, Ruby Nanton, passed away this morning
in Texas. She was 103 years old.
May she rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.
Cheryl King.
I regret to announce the following:
Carl Glassgow passed away early this morning (March 22 2012) in SVG.
Our hearts go out to Lynette and family.
Lucy Cato will be buried next Wednesday.
Lucy Cato - wife of the former Prime Minister of StV, passes March 19th at the
Milton Cato Hospital in St.Vincent. As her neighbor, I heard her playing this chopin piece with great expertise Click here
VERONICA SIMMONS nee JONES (FORMERLY OF Union Island), St. Vincent and the Grenadines.Died Friday, 9th March, 2012
at the age of 82 in London, England. A funeral service will be held March 20th.
Cheryl King writes:
May she rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.
Cheryl was a friend and class-mate at the Girls' High School (GHS), SVG.
She passed away in St. Lucia yesterday, March 8, 2012.
Thanks to her cousins Yvonne Huggins John and Rosita Spooner Mandeville
for the information. God bless.
Love,
Cheryl.
**Please note that this DOES NOT refer to Cheryl Williams Remy
(daughter of Henry Williams) who also resides in St.Lucia.
My congratulations to both the Vanloos and Conliffes of Montreal on the recent success of their daughters Cherisse Vanloo and Phyllis Conliffe.
Cherisse Vanloo, P.Eng., ing., M.Eng.was recently earned her designation as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in the province of Ontario. Cherisse currently also holds an engineering license in the province of Quebec. Cherisse earned her Bachelors and Masters of Building Engineering at Concordia University.
.
Phyllis R Conliffe, Ph.D. was recently promoted to Executive Director, BioPharmaceutical Services AVANZA Laboratories (
ADVANCING Cures Through Drug Development & BioPharmaceutical Services). Phyllis earned her doctorate from McGill University in Physiology.
____________________
e are deeply saddened to inform you that our dear sister Muriel Eudora Fraser née Velox passed away earlier today - Tuesday February 21, 2012.
Muriel is the mother of our GHS sisters Jean, Dawn, Sharon, Deborah and Donna, mother in law of Laverne Baynes-Fraser and sister of Vilna Liverpool née Velox. She also leaves to mourn one son Dr. Peter Fraser, two sons in law, Raymond England and Clayton Williams, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Please keep the Fraser family in your prayers during this very difficult time.
May Muriel's soul rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.
We will provide funeral details when available.
Jean Fraser's relative, Sheila Regis, who lived in Florida and was quite close to Jean
also recently passed away.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Featured Vincentian:
Dr. Melanie Kirby is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto and a member of the Haematology Section in the Division of Haematology/Oncology. Dr. Kirby received her medical undergraduate training at the University of West Indies. Following a paediatric residency at the University of West Indies, Dr. Kirby completed further training in paediatrics and in paediatric haematology/oncology at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Dr. Kirby joined the Division in early 2000 following a staff physician appointment in the Division of Haematology/Oncology at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa. Dr. Kirby is the Divisional MD responsible for the Hemoglobinopathy Program and is she Director of the Division's Undergraduate Program. Dr. Kirby was recipient of the Hour Glass Award from the National Thalassemia Foundation of Canada in 1998.
The Death is announced of Lady Graham of Lance Aux Epine, St. George,
Grenada who died on Monday 9th January 2012. I offer my sympathies to her family.
Click Here for a recent article on the Kingstown market written by Laine Doss - Wed., Jan. 4 2012 at 1:14 PM.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The funeral for Dentist Ewarth "Ells" King will be on the 16th of December at St.Paul's Anglican Church in Calliaqua at 3 PM. Dr King was killed at his home and for more info please access the Vincentian newspaper link above.
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Coast Guard and other national security officials here have been deployed to investigate what has been described a part of a “Russian spacecraft” found in the Tobago Cays this morning.
The discovery comes even as the European Space Agency said on Friday that it had abandoned efforts to contact a Russian space probe, increasing the likelihood that it will plunge to Earth, according to international media reports.
The unnamed Phobos-Ground probe was to head to Mars for a 2½-year mission to take soil samples then fly back to earth. But it became stuck in Earth orbit after its Nov. 9 launch and attempts to send commands that would propel it towards the Mars moon have been unsuccessful.
__________________________________________________________
Cheryl King writes:
GHS Class of '62 and other GHS sisters will remember Yvette Sutherland.
This announcement was at
nbcsvg.com
MS YVETTE FAUSTINA SUTHERLAND formerly of Biabou died on Thursday
3rd November in Indiana, USA at the age of 66.
May Yvette and Arabella rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon them.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Sutherland family.
God bless.
Peggy Gibson Barley would like to let you know that her dear son, Michael,
passed away in England this morning, Saturday 11/19/11.
I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Gibson/ Leigertwood families.
LONDON, United Kingdom – Vincentian Renwick Rose has won the 2011 Guardian International Development Achievement award ahead of four others finalists.
The award is designed to recognise some of the unsung heroes of international development — people who have made a profound contribution to the alleviation of poverty, working above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people, according to the British newspaper.
“To have been considered for nomination for this award, much more becoming a finalist, could not have been further from my thoughts five or six months ago,” Rose, a community activist and social commentator said in his response.
“What an honour for a simple man from a small-island chain with a population more than 100 times smaller than that of the London metropolis. To go on to win such a prestigious award is nothing short of miraculous,’ added Rose, who is celebrated for his work with banana farmers in St. Vincent and the Windward Islands.
“We needed to look beyond just producing and complaining about markets and looking to see how we could link up with other forces in the world and what we could do to try and influence the trends in world trade which were affecting us,” Renwick Rose says as he talks about his work with the Windward Islands Farmers’ Association (WINFA)
___________________________________________
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- Consultant engineer of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Leonardo Perez has said that by the end of this year about sixty-five percent of the excavation work at the new international airport site in St Vincent would be completed.
Perez was presenting a progress report on Wednesday on the construction of the airside facilities at a symposium hosted by the IADC.
Perez reported that they have already completed over six million cubic meters of the area, which included the excavation of rocks and the blasting activity.
He said that about 9.5 million cubic meters of hard-rock and soil remain to be excavated. Perez further explained that the embankment construction is 70.25 percent complete.
He added that they are currently experiencing challenges with the transportation trucks, as only about 54 percent the equipment is functional.
_________________________________________________
A fire at Jack Dear's house in Lasalle Quebec caused extensive damage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of CYRIL GEORGE ELFORD FRASER of Toronto, formerly of Cane Garden, St. Vincent who passed away on Thursday, October 27th, 2011 in Toronto.
Cyril is the son of our GHS sister Muriel and the brother of our GHS sisters Jean, Dawne, Marcelle, Sharon, Deborah, Donna and brother-in-law of Laverne Baynes-Fraser.
As you know, Sharon is the current president of the GHS Toronto Chapter and Jean is a past president.
Visitation for Cyril Fraser will take place on Friday, November 4th, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m and again from 7 p.m to 9 p.m at Highland Funeral Home, 3280 Sheppard Avenue East (at Warden Avenue), Scarborough, Ontario, Tel: (416) 773-0933.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday November 5th, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Paul L'Amoreaux Anglican Church, 3333 Finch Avenue East (at Warden Avenue).
Interment at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 33 Memory Gardens Lane (at Don Mills, just south of Steeles), Willowdale, ON, M2H 3K4, Tel: 416-493-9580.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Fraser family at this very difficult time. Our hope is that loving memories bring strength, comfort and peace.
May light perpetual shine upon Cyril. May he rest in peace.
Also Ann Margaret Murray passed away on Oct 18th 2011 in Brooklyn New York.
"Consider how the lilies grow, they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these". Luke 12 v27. I have been told recently that this was recited at BGS during the morning assembly. Under Lopey?
Click Here for youtube images and music of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.
I received an e-mail recently with a link to some very old images of St.Vincent including some of the 1902 Volcanic eruption. Some of the images were taken by J. Wilson who spent his last years in the USA and my attempts to track his negatives or images in the USA has come to a 'dead end' for quite some time. Here is a slideshow of these old images - Click Here
12 sep 2011
It is with sadness that I announce the death of Auldene Jones-Cochran in the UK after a brief illness. Our sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Wishing Tom Austin the best of health!
17 APR 2011
It is with regret that I announce the passing of Henry Ash in Brooklyn New York 10 March 2011
Also, Mr Edwin Nigel Brazel also passed on March 7th 2011 in Toronto. My sympathies to all of the family members.
Some computer hardware has slowed the updates and still getting back to speed with a new Hard Disk and the associated recovery process. I have received a few e-mails but was unable to respond or take action appropriately. I would suggest you click on the Searchlight newspaper link for some interesting highlights.
21 Feb 2011
St Kitts and Nevis’ first governor and Vincentian born, Sir Fred Phillips died at the age of 92 last night (February 20, 2011) at his Hodges Bay, Antigua home last night after a prolonged illness. Sir Fred became the first black Governor of what was then St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla on the attainment of statehood on February 27, 1967, and served until 1969. He had served earlier as administrator. He was also Cabinet Secretary of the West Indies Federation from 1960 to 1962, Senior Assistant Registrar at the University of the West Indies from 1966 and 1967, and chairman of Grenada Telecommunications Ltd, Telecoms of Dominica, and U.S. Agency for International Development of Agricultural (USAID) Venture Trust.
Sir Fred also authored many publications, among them West Indian Constitutions: Post-Independence Reform (1985), Caribbean life and culture: A citizen reflects (1991), Commonwealth Caribbean Constitutional Law (2002), Ethics of the Legal Profession (2004), and The Death Penalty and Human Rights (2009), among others.
10 Feb 2011
Ms Pearl's Memorial Service:
Ms Pearl's Memorial and Funeral Service would be held at the AP Shaw Congress Heights United Methodist Church, 421 Alabama Avenue South East (The corner of Martin Luther King Ave) Washington, DC 20032 USA
The Wake on Friday18th February 6:00pm to 9:00 PM
The Funeral Service on Saturday 19th @ 9:00 AM
Thanks for your heartfelt condolences, The Cyrus family
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b 2011
Since February is Black History month I thought I would include an article about "Black Ice" - CHL Colored Hockey League which existed in Nova Scotia but is difficult to find in any history books. Here is a 7 min ESPN youtube link which you may find interesting. Click Here
--------------------------
Source: Vincentian: The body of Edison ‘Sheggy’ John was laid to rest at the Kingstown cemetery, Wednesday 29th December 2010. This, after a service at the St. George’s Anglican Cathedral, officiated by His Lordship Bishop Leopold Friday.
In a fitting send-off for the legendary masman, teacher, craftsman, trade unionist, and singer, hundreds joined the procession to the cemetery, and ‘jigged’ to the sounds of the X-Pan Steelband.
Before, though, Renwick Rose chose, not simply to eulogise the fallen comrade, but to invite the diverse gathering to draw positive lessons from the attributes that characterized the life of Sheggy John – not least being his humility, his willingness to assist, his attentive ear and his simplicity.
Ken Isles offered a rendition on pan, and calypsonian Lex-I ex-temporized, both in tribute to a man that had given his life to fostering a cultural identity for Vincentians.
One masman summed up the outpouring of sentiments this way: “Sheggy never said no to anyone who wanted advice. And ah never see him get vex yet!”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 December 2010
I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Blessed, Merry and Safe Christmas.
I am sad to report that MR EMERY WALLACE formerly of Paget Farm, Bequia died in Toronto, Canada on Monday December 13th. The funeral took place on Friday December 17th in Toronto, Canada." Emery was a long time contributor to this site in terms of 'old' images. Emery wrote to me this year identifying his medical issues and I had hoped for a different outcome. I extend my sympathies to his family and friends.
see new P156 Kingstown town Board members of 1958-1960 - click here
____________________________________________________
24th Oct 2010
Something uplifting: Ben Underwood uses click sounds to see even though he is blind. Click here. or here
This communique is to inform you of the passing of Jean Anderson
this evening (19th October 2010) in New York after being diagnosed with cancer three months ago. There will be a viewing for Jean at Chappy's & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. 22 East Main Street, East Islip, NY 11730. Tel: 631-581-5600
Time: Wednesday, 10/27 at: 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Funeral will be on Thursday, 10/28
New fast St.Vincent and the Grenadines Ferry service - Click Here
Seems like you can travel to Union Island and return the same day.
Barbados Robbery/Fire - Vincentian among the six that died:
Six persons including Vincentian Kellisha Ollivierre perished Friday night during a fire in Barbados that Barbadians are describing as one of country’s worst tragedies.
On Saturday September 4th, the Nation Newspaper in Barbados reported that, “a fire believed to have been started by two men who robbed the Campus Trendz store in Tudor Street, The City, engulfed the two-storey building along the busy shopping street, trapping the hapless victims within the inferno”.
Health TIP: if have a darker skin and you live in a place where the sun does not shine too much (especially winter), then you are at a higher risk for cancers like colon and prostate. The lack of sun creates a Vitamin D deficiency unless you compensate by comsuming more food with Vitamin D or taking supplements.
Molly Romeo writes: Re Maureen (nee Cupid) Alexander: Hi Tony, it is with great sadness that I announce the death of my friend and ex-teachers together at the Kingstown Methodist School. Maureen passed away on August 10th 2010 at the Mt Sinai hospital in New York City and was buried on August 16th, 2010. Please add to your site. Maureen was always a teacher, she graduated from the St-Vincent Teachers College, then migrated to the U.S. She was currently the Vice-President of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Ex-
Teachers Association in New York up to the time of her passing. Thanks Tony.
Cheryl King writes: TRIBUTE TO THE LATE SYBIL DOUGAN MARSHALL
We extend condolences to the family of the late Sybil Dougan Marshall
of Ratho-Mill who passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2010, in St. Vincent
and the Grenadines. Sybil will be fondly remembered by many of us not only
as devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, Aunt etc. but also as student at
the Calliaqua School and Girls' High School, teacher, Assistant Guide
Leader, Post-Mistress at Calliaqua and friend. She contributed much to the community. The funeral service takes place on Saturday, September 4, 2010, at St. Paul's, Calliaqua, at 3:30 p.m.
May she rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her.
NEW ACADEMIC YEAR:
To those who are starting a new academic year all the best.
To all of the staff and students at the Calliaqua Anglican School
we want to wish you a productive academic year.
Thanks to my brother Artie Phills for adding a Calliaqua Anglican School web-page
on the St.Paul's Anglican Church web-site.
See:
Remember if you can be of assistance to the school at any time please
________
PUBLICATION /THANKS
Re the information below, Baldwin & I are working on an additional project for publication that continues along the lines of the book release below. We would like to profile a few more persons (SVG) and we would be delighted if you could write an article about a trailblazer for the next volume. The deadline for submission is December 15, 2010. Please let us know if you will be willing to join us in this project and we will send you more details.
Thanks for all of your good wishes re this new publication. Please pass on the word and thanks for all of your love and support over the years. Much appreciated. We know that you will enjoy reading this publication and in particular, you will be filled with nostalgia reading and reminiscing about Franklyn Seales whom we all remember fondly growing up in Calliaqua, Rev. Fitz John who grew up in Brighton and Lawyer Alban "Uncle" Radix as well as all of the others who have been profiled.
10 YEARS :
Thanks to Tony Hadley for putting this book release information on his web-site and congratulations & thanks to him and his Tonyoldies website for ten years of sharing valuable information with the public. Great foresight and keep up the good work !!!
_______
KUDOS
Congratulations to : Nzingha Prescod daughter of Marva Prescod
___________
REMINDER-GHS CENTENNIAL MAGAZINE
The GHS centennial magazine is due to be published as part of the celebration of
the GHS centennial next year. The deadline for articles is September 30, 2010, so please get your articles in to the editorial committee by then. Thanks.
________
BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, WEDDINGS etc
To those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings etc.-
Have a good one and congratulations.
Those on vacation-be refreshed !!
I am sorry to report that Brenda Quashie Crawford would like to inform you with deep sadness that her brother, Charles "Luxie" Quashie passed away on Thursday August 19, 2010, in Kingstown, St.Vincent and the Grenadines. "Luxie" was the brother of Castine, Brenda, Curtis, Russell, Lyris Quashie Persad (now in Trinidad ) and Jackie.
The funeral service took place Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at St. George's Cathedral, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
While he may have other cousins, I am aware of Dr Hughes Dougan and Roderick Browne - both classmates of mine at BGS. I have an unconfirmed report that it was pancreatic cancer.
If you want to know more about pancreatic cancer - Click here and read about the shocking POSSIBLE link with soft drinks. The beverage industry says the study is flawed.
15 August 2010
Next update will be after Aug 29th
With profound sadness we announce the death of our sister Ai-Ling de Riggs-Adams in Charlotte North Carolina on Tuesday, August 10, 2010. She is survived by her mother, Mildred de Riggs, her siblings Gwendolyn, Arthur, Marijke, Elvina, Donald, Anselm and Rebecca de Riggs and their families, her children Jennifer, Timothy and Gwendolyn and their families.
May she rest in peace
As per our conversation see info., for your perusal
1 Carlton Richard Gurley / July 7th1915 to October 26th1992 (SVG).
2 Thelma Noreen Gibbs-Gurley / May 1st1922 to March 28th1998 (SVG)
3 Anita Verona Gurley-Dillon /October 14th 1942 to October 5th 1999 (Toronto)
4 Nevin Colston Austin / September 29th 1908 to July 9th 1988 (SVG)
5 Agnes Claudine Francois / December 9th 1908 to January 17th 2009 (Los Angeles,) 100yrs)
12 August 2010
Book Release:
KINGS-SVG Publishers is pleased to announce the publication of
“ Caribbean Trailblazers: St. Vincent and the Grenadines".
The new book is edited by Baldwin King and Cheryl Phills King and contains biographies of fifteen persons (12 men and 3 women) who have made significant contributions to St. Vincent and the Grenadines itself or the diaspora.
The individuals profiled are Joseph Chatoyer by Adrian Fraser, Edgar Julian Duncan by Baldwin King, J. L. Eustace by Ann Eustace, J. P. Eustace by Vin Samuel, Bernard "Ches" Gibbs by Peggy Antrobus, Fitz Allen John by Catherine John, Nesta "Clarie" Paynter by Ann Samuel and Joan Samuel Simien,
Phyllis Joyce Punnett by Andrea Punnett Boos, Alban Radix by Hazeldene Phills Hercules and Cheryl Phills King,
Thomas Mowbray Saunders by Adrian Saunders, Franklyn Ellison Seales by Jean Dorsinville, Shirley Richards Squire by Elizabeth Punnett, George C. H. Thomas by Monica Thomas Woodley, Henry Harvey Williams by Sir Fred Phillips and Earl “Old George” Daniel by Bertram John.
The retail price of the book (paperback, 164 pages, ISBN: 0-9778981-5-6) is US$19.95 plus shipping and handling (US$4 in the US, US$5.50 to Canada and US $10.00 to the Caribbean and the United Kingdom, by airmail).
To order, please send us your name, address and payment (check or money order payable to KINGS-SVG) to: Baldwin King, P. O. Box 702, Madison, NJ 07940, U.S.A . You may also place your order through our website:http://www.kingsinn-svg.com (Click on Bookstore). Our email:kingba@aol.com
BOOK WILL BE MAILED TO YOU PROMPTLY ON RECEIPT OF YOUR PAYMENT.
In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, books may be obtained from Kings Inn, (Villa, 784-457-4086) as well as other local booksellers.
---------------------------------------------------------
I am sad to report the following as written to me by his sister Silma Phillips: Desmond Harry, Age 63; Funeral Service 10 am Saturday July 31, at St Michael and All Angels Church, at 611 St Clair Ave.
Viewing at Jerrett Funeral Home, 1141 St Clair Ave W on Friday, Jul 30 from 4-5pm and 6-7pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Eileen Ena Cummings
The family of the late Eileen Ena Cummingswishes to express their sincere appreciation to those who offered comfort in both words and deeds during their recent bereavement. To all who visited and assisted her and supported the family in several different ways, we are truly grateful.
---------------------------------------------------------
I offer my sympathies to the family of the late Tony Clark. This eulogy was delivered by H.E. Kingsley C.A. Layne, CMG, former Ambassador of SVG to the USA.
Gordiano Antonio Clarke was born in Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, on May 10, 1945. He was the only child of William Augustus “Willie” Clarke of St. Vincent and Eileen Muriel “Jule” Williams-Clarke of Grenada. As a child he was sent to St. Vincent to live with his paternal grandmother, Eugenia Clarke, until his parents returned to take up residence.
After his early education, he attended the St. Vincent Grammar School, the Caribbean Union College (CUC) in Trinidad, where his schoolmates dubbed him “Pittsburg,” because of his physical prowess, and time spent in that US city, famous for its steel, and finally the Emmanuel High School. Back home in St. Vincent, he was given a new name that reflected the ethnic and cultural diversity of the land from whence he most recently arrived, i.e. Trinidad. Henceforth he was known as “Ramsingh” to friends and colleagues.
In his youth, “Tony,” as he was popularly known, was an enthusiastic and talented track and field athlete, specializing in the sprint events, in a class that included some of the finest in the athletic tradition of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). He participated in several local and regional meets, and was a regular member of the sprint relay teams. His interest in sports was wide-ranging, and included cricket, the NFL, basketball, baseball , boxing, soccer, and yes, his real passion, motor sports. Up to now, friends still marvel how he was able to continually rent vehicles, after his many miraculous escapes, while testing their capabilities to the max on the narrow roads of SVG.
Always the community activist, Tony was a founding member of the Striders Social and Cultural Club in the parish of St. George, SVG. The members engage in a range of social, cultural, sporting, educational, and other community activities, as a unit, and in collaboration with other similarly dedicated groups. He had a profound love for people, and was always willing to extend a helping hand to those in need, oftentimes at the sacrifice of his own affairs.
During the 1960’s, at the Labor, Social Welfare, and Youth Employment Departments in SVG, under the legendary leadership of the late Ernest Laborde and V. Young, he worked with a dedicated group of civil servants, including Elsie Payne, Mildred Dublin, the late Jennifer Williams and Jean Cambridge, and others, to oversee a number of programs for the improvement of people’s lives. Among these was the opening up of training and employment opportunities for young Vincentians in the nursing profession in the United Kingdom.
Tony migrated to the United States in the late 1960’s, but maintained a strong connection to SVG and all things Caribbean. He had an enduring passion for the Calypso art form, and regarded himself as somewhat of an authority on the genre.
The Service of Remembrance for the late “Tony” Clarke, who died on Tuesday, June 22, was held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at 7.00 p.m., at the historic St. Marks United Methodist Church, 2017 Beverley Road, Brooklyn, NY, 11226. The service was conducted by Rev. Dr. Glyger G. Beach, a cousin of the deceased, and the newly appointed pastor of the congregation. The eulogy was delivered by H.E. Kingsley C.A. Layne, CMG, former Ambassador of SVG to the USA. Musical renditions were made by Ms. Erlene Williams and Lynette Clarke. The daughter of the deceased, Ms. Toni Eileen Clarke, read her father’s favorite psalm # 16. Mr. Lennox O. Joslyn, a fellow founding member of the Striders Social and Cultural Club, paid tribute on behalf of its membership. Other tributes were delivered on behalf of alumni of CUC, Trinidad and Tobago , and by others. Interment was on Wednesday 30, June, at Rosedale Cemetery, Linden, New Jersey.
G. Antonio “Tony” Clarke was a devoted father to his seven (7) children, especially his beloved daughter, and alter ego, Toni.
He leaves to mourn, his family and relatives, many dear friends, especially his partner, Elizabeth James and family, close associates, and colleagues.
A photo will be added later
***************************
A Tribute to Barbara Olive Elaine Palmer
7 June 2010
Full name: _John Melvin Ethan Cuffy__
Date of Death ___May 3, 2010_
City/Country of burial ___St. Vincent_
Here is the eulogy.
A REMEMBRANCE - John Melvin Ethan Cuffy by Errol N Allen
We are gathered here this afternoon to formally bring closure to the life of John Melvin Ethan Cuffy who has been called to the great beyond, a path which sooner or later all of us gathered here will take. Vin, as he was affectionately called, was the third of six children, three boys and three girls, raised by his late parents Mervin and Beryl Cuffy. Vin’s life has been in two distinct phases. Phase I up to age 20 was marked by success and accomplishment; while Phase II from age 21 was a challenging period of prolonged illness. In this tribute which I call a ‘Remembrance’, I address these phases chronologically.
PHASE I
Vin, like his other brothers and sisters, was brought up in a God fearing Christian home. As a youth he attended weekly Sunday services in this Chapel. He also attended Sunday School and participated in other Church activities of the day. He was a lover of all sports but had a particular passion for cricket which he played from a tender age coached by his elder brother Victor. In these early days he attended music lessons and learnt to play the piano with great flare. In later years when I lived briefly in the Cuffy household and attended the Georgetown Government School, I could remain in the yard and tell whether it was Victor, Pearl or Vin on the piano. Each one had a distinctive style. The Vin I knew in my youth was a quiet, courteous, soft-spoken individual who never got flustered. Indeed these qualities led many persons with whom he interfaced to refer to him as a ‘Gentleman’. At elementary school he demonstrated a quick grasp of matters which to many of his peers would seem complicated and showed that he possessed a good analytical mind. It was, therefore, not at all surprising when at age 11 he sat the open scholarship for students entering secondary schools and was awarded one of only two Government Scholarships tenable at the St Vincent Grammar School in 1948.
VIN THE CRICKETER
Vin found time in conjunction with his studies to further develop his cricketing ability during his years at Grammar School. When Everton Weekes visited the St Vincent Grammar School during the 1950’s on a talent search, Alfie Roberts was singled out as an outstanding talent and later represented the West Indies at test match level. Vin was also recognized as a promising talent. Some of the cricketing purists regarded Vin’s elder brother Victor who was a left handed batsman and left arm spinner as the better batsman; while Vin, a right handed batsman and right arm off-spinner was regarded as the better batting all-rounder. There were arguments in support of each player as to who was the better batsman, but they never played together on the same team, so it may have been difficult to judge during these halcyon days of Grammar School cricket that spread over a period of ten years. I do recall Victor remarking before he proceeded to study in England that he thought Vin was, or would develop into the better batsman. Be that as it may, Vin in his quiet demeanour turned out to be a fine leader of men during his captaincy of the Grammar School cricket team. He led his team to the Division 1 championship during the mid 1950’s, in what was regarded as an upset win over the previously invincible Kingstown Cricket Club (KCC). Even though Vin represented St Vincent & the Grenadines in the annual Cork Cup Tournament for cricket supremacy among the Windward Islands and was appointed vice captain of the team upon leaving school, he regarded leadership of his Grammar School team to the local first division championship as the high point of his career. I believe this was the only occasion on which the Grammar School was crowned champions of local cricket.
During these halcyon days, Harrison College and Foundation College of Barbados visited St Vincent because of the talented players that were being produced. In the Harrison College team at the time was Teddy Griffith, the captain who played for Barbados and later for Jamaica while studying at Mona. He also served in the number 2 position as General Manager of the Central Bank of Barbados. In the Harrison College team as well was Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford who later became Prime Minister of Barbados. But for Vin, his career was not destined to flourish as a cricketer or academically after leaving school upon successful completion of his Higher School Certificate. He was almost immediately plagued by a nervous condition.
PHASE II
Upon leaving school Vin took up an appointment in the St Vincent Government Service, but after a year the first signs of his illness began to appear. He was granted sick leave and his family sought the best medical attention available at home and in the neighbouring islands. Initially there seemed to have been elements of success, but these were short-lived. The family never gave up and with constant prayer it was hoped that one day he would recapture his faculties and realise his full potential, but this was not to be. After abbreviated periods of hospital care which were largely ineffectual, it was recommended and accepted that home care would be the preferred option. So it transpired that for nearly 50 years his family rallied around to ensure that he was provided with the prescribed medication in an environment which afforded him greatest comfort. This he found in the family home in Georgetown. Whenever he travelled outside of this environment, he remained uneasy until he was able to return to his preferred abode in Georgetown. There he often found solace on his keyboard because music was another of his passions. I recall in the early 1950’s when steel plan music was in its infancy he took a small container, had the bottom sawn off, tuned it himself into a steel pan with the appropriate set of notes and played catchy tunes to the delight of the boys in the neighbourhood. Throughout his illness Vin retained his sense of humour and the ability to recall events and personalities of times long past.
The passing of younger brother Owen in 2007 must have been traumatic for Vin. Owen had been a tower of strength over the years, ensuring that he travelled back to Georgetown daily after work or other activities in Kingstown to provide brotherly companionship to Vin. The strength and togetherness of our family units of yesteryear are fast disappearing in these modern times. One can only hope that this aspect of our humanity can be preserved rather than disappear completely into oblivion.
Late last year a group of senior citizens organized a bus tour to tourism sites on the Windward side of the island, terminating at the Owia Salt Pond. The party made a stop at Vin’s residence in Georgetown and paid him a visit. These seniors included Kenneth and Karl John, Vannick and Sebastian Alexander (better known as Vannie and Bassy), Basil Williams, Joel Toney and Errol Allen. Group leader Kenneth John had plucked from his archives a selection of photographs featuring Vin and his team mates during his playing days. Vin’s eyes lit up as he was able to recognize some of the players on his own and others after being prompted. As we departed the residence, we all felt a sense of fulfillment having brought a modicum of pleasure to an old friend and colleague. I must commend the entire Cuffy family for the manner in which they worked to sustain Vin for half a century, heeding his wish to be in an environment where he was most comfortable. But the Lord never gives us more than we can bear, and now that he has left us May his soul Rest In Peace.
1 June 2010
Happy Birthday Grannie Hadley.
I have been sitting on some 'recent oldies' images of the Baynes family - not quite finished preparing the web page but you can take a peek here - Click here
Unity Picnic - July 17th at Brown's bay - 1000 islands
22 May 2010
Humour:
A bus overturned with several politicians, so a farmer living nearby buried them. The next day, the police came to question the farmer. "So you buried the politicians, were they all dead? "
He answered, "Offica when mi a bury dem, some a bawl out sey dem nuh dead, but yuh know how dem lie already!"
Nathan Gurley passes:
It is with sadness that we inform you of the death of our beloved cousin Nathan Gurley. Nathan passed away at his home in Lower Bay, Bequia, SVG on Saturday 15th 2010 following a lengthy illness. He is survived by his wife Louise Gurley, his brothers and sisters including Ivy Bailey of Edinboro, six children and many grand children
He is presently at Mills/Everready Funeral Home in Kingstown SVG. Funeral service and interment will take place on Saturday 22nd 2010 in Port Elizabeth Bequia.
Please keep the family in your prayers.
Sincerely.
Geanie Austin
From Dawn Munro and with sympathy:
Dear Tony,
I would like to inform you of the passing of my dear brother Kendall (Kenny) Durrant on Tuesday March 23rd in Brooklyn NY.
P.S His body will be returning home for Burial. Thank you God Bless Dawn
From two sources I understand that Carmen Halbich also recently passed. My sympathies to her family and friends.
From Cheryl King
Hi, It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear cousin Carol Dougan who passed away in St. Vincent this morning at 8:00 a.m. SVG time.
8 Jan 2010:
Steve Prescod informed us this morning of the passing of his mom Etaul Prescod last evening (jan 7th 2010) . Etaul was 92 years old and was living in Florida with her son Cooper. Condolences go out to her children - Rudy, Cooper, Hubie, Steve and Marva. May she rest in peace.
7 Jan 2010
- Passing of Mrs.Verina Hamlett in SVG 1/6/10 at 10: 00 a.m.
- Road accident involving PM Gonsalves’ son Storm and a mini van.
- 2009 ended on a sad note when a vehicle overturned causing the death of three persons.
- A house fire took the lives of two persons.
- Two days ago there was a fire at the Mental Health Centre which destroyed one of the three male wings.
