RUMBLE IN NEW YORK

If prior to this past week, someone asked me if I like the New York subway system, I would say, "definitely NOT." However, after a very painful experience with Spirit Airlines who canceled my flight and kept me in the Big Apple for more than 5 additional days, I found that it to be much more comfortable in the subway than trying to negotiate the torrid baking heat and the wicked humidity in and around the city.  The subway turned out to be a safe haven for me.  Wow! I can't believe I said that. Anyway, the highlight of my time in New York took place around the JFK Ramada Hotel in Queens from July 27 to 29, 2007.  "Oh, how sweet it was," I was in heaven.  I realize this weekend that the strength of the Sam Sharpe family is limitless. People , mek mi tell ooonoh, I had so much fun on this trip; I don't think I will be able to explain in words, but mi wi try anyway.

Friday July 27, 2007 went into the annals of our journey.  It was then that we made our first and most important step in ratifying our constitution.  A most memorable turnout of past students and tutors converged in a section of the Ramada ballroom to meet, greet and conduct essential business.  We were joined by the ever supporting Cecile Walden and Simon Clarke. Surprise of the night was seeing the faces of Ms Barrett and the one and only Millard Lowe, traveling from Jamaica and California respectively.

Friday, as I mentioned, was memorable.  In the midst of all the shouts and laughter in the foyer and before we gather for the nights activities, I was able to recognize many who I had met before.  The likes of "Munchie" Brown from Maryland; the crew from Florida including Letibel, Jasmine, and "Hogman" Henry. Michael Rigg a very vocal past student expressed his disappointment in the fact that the Florida reunion was held in his back yard and of which he was unaware. Michael brought added energy and was very helpful throughout the weekend.  From New York, there were Carlton, Shedigel, Valrie, Monica, Millie, Garth and Andrea Thompson, Dahlia, Norah and Annie.  Ferdinand and Sylvia were new to me but they provided pivotal support in organizing and executing as did the rest of the New York gang.   The Jamaican delegates in attendance were Steven " Nutty" Kerr, Glendon Brysdon, and Barbara Singh among others....???? From California, Carol Davison, "Jim" Bowie, Linda Coy and myself ????? Stephen "The Ever-ready photographer" White and wife Loretta, were our delegates from Europe.  From Canada, "Laro" Lawrence and wife Priscilla, drove all the way to New York.  Surely, I am not able to mention all, but we had visitors from all across the US and other parts of the world.

Carlton Grant, presenter of the first segment of the evening, led us through the discussion and suggestions on the constitution, which was accepted in part by an overwhelming majority.  A committee has been appointed, and will coordinate and review needed changes before the document is formally ratified. Please follow your e-mail to give feedback, if necessary.

The second segment of the evening was coordinated by Dr Walden who gave us the chance to reminisce and recapture stories of on-campus activities. As usual, Mrs. Walden's splendid performance evoked memories of happy times during our stay on campus.  She made us aware that she had always known of her affectionate nick names- Joint Board , with "Prini" being the latest.  She encouraged each of us to stand, identify and name class mates among us.  Some of us nuh kno which batch we belang to, but mi naw cawl nuh name.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time before we could get the karaoke session going.  You could tell by the look on   Dawnella face; him wen bex.  She assured me that she practiced so hard for this moment and to have the rug pulled from under her feet was unfair.  Sarrry Dawnella, a suh life guh. Next time yuh wi hav nuff mo time fi sho wi yuh stuff.    At the end of the Friday night session, I found myself counting the days.  A tru.  mi neva want it fi dun so quick. Lawks massa.

Saturday morning was a huge success. We descended on Baisley Pond Park in Queens.   The turnout was great. We were happy to have Dr Clarke and Dr Walden and Ms Barrett join us. They participated in competitive activities of the day. I have to tell you guys, these moments that were captured will be cherished. An obstacle in the form of duck poop presented itself. As true Sharpites, we rallied to the occasion by designing pooper-scooper from card board boxes and in a matter of minutes the field was ready for our activities. The drunken driving race created major laughter as we had contestants, out of their 10 circle motion, running towards the pond instead of the finish line- nah cawl nuh name.  The women took off down the field, and in an exciting finish, the wig of the 2nd place finalist of the women's 25 meter race came in 3rd. Mi nah cawl nuh name eeda. Steven, the photographer was on hand to capture the moment. Ms Barrett wanted to compete in the three-legged race, but was banned because she wanted to use her quad cane which has four legs.  The three legged runners would be no match for her with six legs. Thanks to Steven "Nutty" Kerr, who coordinated the morning's events, we were nicely entertained by the competitive spirit of the contestants in each of the following events: Three legged, the sack and, potato races; patty, bun eating, and water drinking contests as well as tug-o-water. The morning's activities were very well executed.

Preparation for the gala Saturday evening event created a magnet that drew members of varying batches together, everyone worked harmoniously to get the dining room and surroundings ready for the big evening. This mimicked the atmosphere that prevailed in Florida last year as the venue was prepared for the Saturday night affair. We inflated balloons and decorated the hall concurrently with the hotel's waiters/waitresses.  By the time our guests started to arrive, the ballroom was elegantly finished and all the glitter and glamour appeared into view.  The buffet was carefully designed to offset the décor. Man not ongle did di food look good, it tace good to. The food for the entire weekend was excellent- Kudos to Ramada. Guests including past tutors, MS Barrett, Mr. Millard Lowe and MR. Clarence, 'Squita,' Mesquita had their opportunity to reunite, they were seated together, and took a trip down memory lane. A splendid evening culminated after the appearances of Dr Walden's report, Dr Clarke's presentation and Dr Bryant's keynote speech.  Dr Bowie was the MC for the evening.  The evening could not finish without recognizing some of our guests from other colleges including Mico and Church. I must tell you that the occasion was a pleasing experience that drew attention from other schools, who said they will copy the concept into their own.  We have something to be proud of.

Reverend Green delivered a stunning sermon to a record breaking Sunday morning audience.  He incorporated the weekends theme "I remember when.." into his message then, surrounded it with our motto; Service, Commitment and Excellence.  This session drew great reviews as it seemed a natural fit to culminate the weekend's activities. At the end of the Sunday event, Dr Walden announced that she will host the 2008 grand reunion.  This announcement could not come at a better time.  I feel that at this time we needed to be back on campus where it all started.  Thanks Dr Walden.  We are looking forward to the 2008 reunion.  The dates will be announced soon.  Please follow your email. Please keep this link alive; watch us grow as we go.

A LEO GILLING

see donatation made by SSTC