The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas would like to express sympathies and condolences to the family of Trinidadian jazz musician, and long time Houston resident, Dave Marcellin. Dave suddenly passed away last Thursday, April 28 in Trinidad, due to cardiac arrest stemming from thyroid complications.
Dave hailed from St Joseph, Trinidad, and came to US in 1972. He lived in Houston for a number of years, where he performed, and taught jazz and classical music. Among his many accomplishments were his touring with Al Green as the musical director, and manager of the musical end at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe. He recently relocated back to Trinidad where he was the attending artist in residence at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. There he continued to influence many students and other artists with his expertise.
Dave is survived by his Wife, Cheryl, daughters Francella, Donya, and Daveeta, his grandchildren, his father, musician Mano Marcellin, his mother, and his brothers Kurt and Burt, also musicians.
The Annual Independence and Scholarship Gala held on August 21, 2010 was deemed a success. Close to 300 people attended to celebrate the 48th year of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago, and see scholarships handed out to local deserving students.
President Cheryann Donigan welcomed everyone, and the national anthems of the United States and Trinidad and Tobago were performed on the steel pan – the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. Media person Andrew Bruce provide MC services, and local Trinidadian poet and teacher Linda Edwards gave a moving invocation, and guests dined on caribbean dishes, which included roti, macaroni pie, rice and peas, and more. Honarary citizen awards were given to Irwin and Aurora Perry for their dedication and service to the Association, and college scholarships were awarded to Nkosazama Aswad and Andi Rene Leacock-Williams.
Headlining the evening’s entertainment was legendary Trinidadian calypsonian Denyse Plummer, along with Tassa group Moving Stars. DJ Skintight played a selection of tunes for dancing, and live band Project One also performed.
The Association would like to thank all attendees, and hope to have the continued support from everyone next year. Please see our Membership Application for information on joining the Association.
On August 21, 2010, the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas will hold their annual Independence and Scholarship Gala. Please see the attached flyer for information.
The Trinidad & Tobago Consulate in Miami is planning a trip to Houston during the month of July to issue renewals of passports for area residents. The Consulate will be in Houston from July 19th – 21st, 2010 for that purpose – anyone wishing to have any renewals, etc. of passports should contact The Honorable Pat Younger via email at patyounger1 (at) aol.com with their email address, name, and phone number which she will forward to the Miami Consulate who will then contact your directly to set up appointment.
In anticipation of our annual Independence and Scholarship Gala to be held in August, the application for the 2010 Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas Scholarship award is now available. The Association encourages all high school and college students to apply.
The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former President Milton Brandford. He transitioned earlier this week, and a memorial service will be held Saturday February 6, 2o1o at the Shrine of the Black Madonna chapel at 11am.
We here at the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the people and families of those affected by the devastating earthquake and aftershocks in the Republic of Haiti. We will be organizing efforts to do what we can to help, and will let the general community know. In the meantime, there are a few efforts in place right now where we can all help:
The Hatian Association of Houston has set up a drop off point at the Multi Ethnic Community Center located at 9819 Bissonett, Houston, Tx between Hw 59 and Beltway 8 (maps and directions: http://bit.ly/8a9D3y)
Yele.org which is a site from Wyclef Jean has set up an earthquake fund. Text YELE to 501501 to donate $5
Happy New Year from the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Texas. May 2010 be filled with health and prosperity. Information will be forthcoming on the times and locations of our first, and subsequent general meetings for the year.
