Circular No 997

 

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 12 of December 2020 No. 997

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Dear Friends,

Marco Sulentic died 21 of October 2020, in Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Also, Nigel Scott died, in this case from Covid.

As promised, I am looking out for ways to continue publishing the Circular post issue 1000.

There have been a couple of ideas on how to obtain funds necessary to continue, one is to make it available for the donors direct from my computer.

These donors would not only give a year into the newsletter but would receive the Circular direct from the Editor´s computer. I have several Oldboys in this mode of help since a couple of years.

From the Circulars viewpoint this new group would consist of those that have recognized the efforts and separate them from those that only speak and do not convert their words into action.

When we started the Circular´s the requirements were 50 words or 50.00 usd per year.

That was in 2001, now in 2021, I let you make the decision and show your generosity.

Please give me your comments.

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Nigel Boos <nigelboos@gmail.com>

Thu, Oct 15 at 5:37 PM

Nigel Scott was my cousin, but we never knew each other socially or otherwise.

Nor did I ever know / suspect knew that he had attended the Abbey School until Rafael raised the matter.

May his soul rest In Peace.

Nigel

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On Oct 15, 2020, at 7:42 AM,

GEORGE MICKIEWICZ <amickiew@att.net> wrote:

Came cross this death notice during a recent search…..we have a Nigel Scott listed in our database with very little information…….listed with a “dante” email address which is mentioned in this article as a company that he co-founded .

Seems to have been a victim due to C-19 restrictions/requirements.

May Nigel rest in peace.

Here is Fr Emmanuel Pierre words during the Mass

An artist practises God’s grace. Artistic grace helps one become less violent, less cruel and live a compassionate and kind life. Fr Emmanuel Pierre encouraged all at Nigel Scott’s funeral to see grace in creativity like the late actor and businessman did.

The funeral was held on September 29 at St Mary’s RC Church, St James. A small group of family and friends were on site, while 470 people viewed it on a YouTube live stream.

“We are either creative or we give ourselves over to some kind of brutality. Become an artist or become a demon…. When we are creative, we get a bit of what God felt,” Pierre said.

People cannot will themselves to be good, but creative work gives people the avenues to overcome violence and outrage.

“We cannot just decide we are going to be happy or never again decide to be angry, bitter or jealous. Will power alone does not have that kind of power. Only an influx in the very bones…We call this grace.”

Pierre said artistic work is a vital source of grace and believed that's why Scott was known as a gentleman actor.

Scott, 73, was married to Minnie Gopaulchan. He had four children, Jason, Dominic, Crystal and Kimiko, and four grandchildren. His sister was radio announcer Celia Scott.

Standing next to his widow family friend Kamla Rampersad read part two of the eulogy. Scott suffered from cancer for 18 years but died from a perforated stomach. Covid19 hospital restrictions meant he waited hours outside to be tested for the virus before he was sent to a ward. His surgery was on September 18. He died two days later.

“It had all taken a toll on him. He was not ready to leave and we were not ready to lose him…We are thankful that the doctors at the Port of Spain General Hospital who took the time and diagnosed him properly.” Gopaulchan had wanted him to be home in his own bed so all his family could say goodbye.

“We are all grieving, because we would want more of him. I certainly wanted to have many more years. Nigel has been a major part of our life for the last 30 years. He was present at my wedding and each of our events.”

Scott was the love of Gopaulchan’s life. Years before they married, she would listen to him on Radio 610 as he read the daily horoscope. Little did she know they would be married in the future.

She first saw Scott in 1987, when he acted in The Joker of Seville on Boxing Day. She knew theatre was his passion and she was willing to share him with those who loved him on and off stage.

“His love for her encompassed the various facets of his personality, to be the dashing and handsome love of her life, the supportive and caring friend and provider. Theirs is a special love story which had faced many challenges but triumphed because of the unconditional love they shared.”

Rampersad said Scott’s best friend was his mother, Freda. He adored her and when she died, he did not want to say goodbye.

One of Scott’s first jobs was at the Singer Sewing Company.

Scott later became an entrepreneur, starting Scott’s Trading Company in 1977. He managed the company for 22 years and also set up Specialist Furniture.

Scott became a stakeholder in CTC Electronics, built a head office at the O'Meara Industrial Estate and was chairman of the company's board for years.

“Nigel was well respected. He always had a good word for everyone. The staff loved him. He would remember their names. Whenever he visited the store everyone would stop what they were doing to say hello,” Rampersad said.

In 2006 Scott and Dale Laughlin, who was CEO of CTC Electronics, founded Dante Consulting, offering training in leadership, customer service, sales and presentation skills. Fen Mohammed Stores, Lensyl Products, Reliable Appliance Parts and Service, Standard Distributors, American Stores, Century Eslon, Coffee Express Ltd, Nestle Caribbean, the Maritime Financial Group and East Port of Spain Development Company were among their customers.

Scott's oratory skills made him a popular master of ceremonies. He hosted weddings, anniversaries, staff events and read over 30 eulogies for friends and family.

Scott understood business and theatre, straddling and integrating both worlds.

The first time Rampersad saw Scott act was in The Sound of Music at Queen’s Hall.

“I was enraptured by the handsome actor who played Captain Von Trapp.”

One of his earliest roles was in a school production of Othello at St Mary’s in 1967. Scott joined the Trinidad Theatre Workshop after he left school, working with Nobel laureate Derek Walcott. Legend had it, Walcott trusted Scott’s acting instincts enough to tailor roles for him.

Rampersad said TTW member Albert Laveau recalled in the early days, roles for Scott were limited because he was a white man in a predominantly black group.

“According to Albert, there was no great need for a young white actor, but whenever Nigel performed you would notice, because he was a beautiful man.”

At TTW Scott played seducer Don Juan in The Joker of Seville.

“Many brilliant actors did Joker of Seville…but Nigel was gentle and passionate at the same time. This was a part of his personality which was displayed when they went on tour.”

A review by Marilyn Jones said: “If the original Don Juan looks like, spoke like and smiled like Scott then we would not feel so much sympathy, so much as envy of the women who were his victims.”

He performed in Walcott’s last play, O Starry Starry Night, which opened in 2013 at Essex University, then played in St Lucia and at the Central Bank, Trinidad.

Scott toured with the TTW to Boston, St Croix, St Lucia and Jamaica with plays such as Joker of Seville, Dream on Monkey Mountain, Lover Lovers and
Steel. He played Don Juan for years until he was succeeded by Wendell Manwarren. He then played Don Juan’s father.

Scott served on the TTW board and invested his own money in several productions.

Rampersad said actor Eunice Alleyne, one of the oldest female TTW members, recalled Scott being one of her first theatre friends to reach out when her husband died. She described Scott as the perfect gentleman.

“Eunice said she treasured Nigel’s ability to express loving concern and care for others.”

While the theatre community was in conflict, Scott would act as peacemaker, trying to resolve disputes. He was always open to ideas.

“His language was impeccable, which no doubt helped to make him a great conciliator. This quality in Nigel added to his charm on the stage..He was always protective – especially making sure the ladies were taken care of.”

Scott did a lot of commercial work, including radio and TV advertisements. One of his last productions was voicing one of the lead characters in Fruitville, a full-length animated film produced by Lallan Samaroo and Larry Horrel. In early 2020 he narrated the children’s book Sea Tales for Kerry Kitson. This was his last work.

He produced Dimanche Gras in 2010 with playwright Davlin Thomas, and worked with writer and director Mervyn de Goeas on Mantalk and Carnival Messiah.

When the National Drama Association (NDATT) was revitalised in 2017, Scott positioned himself as a mentor and trustee.

“He enjoyed the role of mentor, because, just as in business, he was willing to share of his skills and knowledge with everyone.

“He was a man who loved deeply and offered his friendship without reservation.”

His cousin Ronald Harford lamented that Scott should not have died during covid19 restrictions.

“He was so dearly loved and regarded that in a normal time, the church would have been overflowing with sympathisers who regret they could not be present today.”

Please be extra careful and stay healthy, safe and sound,

George

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George Mickiewicz  <amickiew@att.net>

Thu, Oct 15 at 9:15 AM

Thanks for your clarification, Alan

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On Oct 15, 2020, at 9:11 AM,

Alan Date <alandate@gmail.com> wrote:

George y los otros hermanos de MSB

(& that is just about all of mi Espa~nol!),

Two things about Nigel (Scott):

1) I remember Nigel fondly from brief (1981-2) interactions with him at his Scott’s Trading Company, when I went out to visit him (in Arima?), as a client of my brother & his partner's CPA firm; 

2) I believe that, like me, Nigel was a student at MSB and then, later, at St. Mary's College (CIC) in POS. 

Perhaps our dear Nigel (Boos), who I remember as a Prefect (Temporary Deacon?) at CIC in the 1960s, can clarify this?

Thanks, George...and  RIP Nigel (Scott).

Alan

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On Thu, Oct 15, 2020 at 5:52 AM

Ralph Echeverria <ralph.echeverria@gmail.com> wrote: 

I knew him at Mount.

We were not close, but he always kept a kind attitude and friendship which I can clearly remember. 

He smiled all the time.

May Nigel rest in Peace in the Arms of The Lord !!!

Thank you, George for sharing!!! 

Ralph Echeverria, MBA

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WhatsApp:

GEORGE MICKIEWICZ wrote:

Hi, Nigel et Al

In response to your note below, my humble opinion based on my limited historical knowledge, there has been a TEAM OF SEVERAL LEADERS who have emerged over the last decades since the closing of our beloved school.

I reconnected with the Abbey School around 2007 when I found a reference to the Circulars in Google. Reflecting on what I have learned since, I see the following as leaders that have contributed to our global alumni in one way or another:

Val Knaggs – Oasis

Ladislao Kertesz – Circulars

Don Mitchell -Blog for Circulars, reunion, and overall contributor

Nigel Boos – Database, Scouts, Photos, Librarian/Historian and overall contributor

Joe Berment-McDowald – Past ASSA president, organizer & main fund raiser for our Venezuelan alums-in-need

Dr Adolfo Aumaitre – courageous transporter of USA $, medicines, goods, etc. to our Venezuelan alums-in-need via a boat trip from Trinidad to Venezuela

Don Goddard – 2018 Brother Vincent/Lionel Roberts St Petersburg reunion organizer

Glen McKoy – Cheerleader and overall contributor

Kazim Abasali – Creator & keeper of the MSB web page, Facebook, current Database and general IT related contributions plus overall contributor

Father Harold Imamshah – Spiritual Director.

Many others, unknown to me at this time, have stepped up and led Abbey School-Mount St Benedict related efforts at one point and time. We recognize them too.

Thank Y’All Very much for your value adding leadership in these accomplishments. I am very proud and celebrate each one of you.

16/1/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: This is a note coming from:

Abbey School Leadership Team

13 de Enero 2020.

Thank you George and Nigel for your contributions. As Nigel shared, I consider Knight Ladislao as our present leader. And as Nigel shared King Arthur for his herculean task. Ladislao is also courageously fighting this battle of survival in this our times as Arthur did in his time. With what Venezuela is experiencing and Laz efforts it is indeed admirable of him too.

Nigel, I know you are a humble person. You have contributed a great deal my friend. What you have done too needs mention and Knighthood.

And Glen for his overall cheer-leading support and keeping the White Stones stories alive. Don for sharing what Ladislao puts together. All in all, everyone mentioned by George has paid their dues and is truly loved, admired and appreciated.

Joe, Dr Adolfo, Don Goddard, and so many more

As Don told me in our Trinidad reunion, what we do is a labour of love. We seek no payment. To God be all the praise and glory.

Finally, I am in the process of writing a report communicating the happenings of my life recently. Thanks to Ladislao for asking me to contribute. He works behind the scenes also. There is a great deal happening at present that I must share with you all. First and foremost, it goes to Ladislao as my yearly submission to him. Thank you Ladislao for continuing and for keeping us together.

Love you all. Nigel, we are keeping you in our prayers.

“Empower with Art” - Hearts empowering lives.

18/1/20 Lopez Jesus: Brothers good afternoon, if for me a pleasure to tell you that I am in the island, wao all's of you don't imagine how this country is now

18/1/20 Robleda Santiago: good for you hope you send photos to see the changes enjoy it brother

18/1/20 Lopez Jesus: Remember brothers is a house in San Fernando from 1966, and it's an island, because all around they are buildings of concrete gravel sand and cement, I am token this FOTO in a fuel station, and here nobody makes a long line to buy gasoline or any fuel, really this it's an easy country have a good economy and the people here look without problem, like us 20 years ago poor Venezuela, here the store are full of everything and people can buy all they want

1/18/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: Good afternoon brothers, I was chatting with Joe on WhatsApp and I commented that our brother Jesús López left for Trinidad to work this week illegally, due to the problems there are to get the visa, the He told me to tell you that if any of us think of going there to work, not to do it illegally, because it is very complicated for them (TT old boys) and almost impossible to help them legalize, now that there is an incessant persecution, almost a hunt, against the Venezuelans who are illegal there. The police raid all the houses without prior notice, they ask for the documents and they take prisoners to those who are illegal, in addition they are selling false yellow refugee certificates and those who catch one of those false certificates they put from 15 to 20 years in prison. That was his comment to you.

19/1/20 Lopez Jesus: Good afternoon dear brothers, remember and enjoy this FOTO, I hope all's of you can come here, and experiment the emotions that this moment went for me The negro woman is the daughter of the Mrs, how sold us the Candies and the ice cream, when we walked to the swimming pool  She is the sister of my daughter’s husband  I beg you pardon, because I wrote with mistakes but I very emotional

19/1/20 Robleda Santiago: thanks for the photos It brings me memories 50 years I haven’t seen my school although I have pretty bad memory

1/26/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: I still can't understand why people are so easily manipulated, one passes through the PSUV identification points and there are people like ants. Could it be that the Maduristas are not hungry and needy? That they have everything covered with the bonuses they give you and is that enough to cover all your needs? It is incomprehensible! Good morning brother Humberto, how are you? I have registered 3 of your phone numbers 0416, 0426 and 0424 now, which is the one that you are not going to use anymore?

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: Believe all of the trouble in nineteen century an in this twenty had been created for humans

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: Jesús, did Joe contact you?  Winston is back on TT he arrived last night and I send him your phone number, he promised me he will contact you this week

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: No brother, how do you do, when you have an opportunity to speak with him said him I am waiting for his aides Ok brother thanks a lot for your good wishes

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: I spoke with Joe this morning and he told me he was going to call you, has excuse but he missed you phone number  Spoke with Winston this morning too and he will call you during this week

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: I at this moment need to contact them    here where I live said me if them go with me to the emigration ministries I get the pink card, that is the residents card for had been studied at Mount  Well brothers how do you all's, every night I checked the news of our country and my hoped are standby Ok brother Adolfo, I going to try contact with them

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: By the moment at least we are alive

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: My God protect you all's, but brothers, what difference is here to our country

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: It is different for us that used to study there for a few years

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: You maybe not believe me but here I start to remember all the English that father Bernard tech me

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: Jajajaja

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: Teach

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: You will never forget that because you learned it as you second mother tongue  Jajaja

2/2/20 Lopez Jesus: Yes that is really the truth

2/2/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: I am happy that you are well and enjoying it

2/14/20 Robleda Santiago: I hope this doesn't happen to you today 2/18/20 Aumaitre Adolfo: This email was sent by our old boys in the USA who contribute to send the humanitarian aid that reaches you annually. Read it with entertainment and send me answers to what they ask and your suggestions for me, send them your answers, no matter if they are in Spanish Adolfo: Thank you very much, Adolfo. I cannot even start to imagine your and the other alums’ personal and family suffering as I read your note. My heart and soul break every day as I follow the news in Venezuela. The situation worsens by the day with no end in sight as the Cubans, Russians, Chinese, Iranians, etc. continue to prop up the Maduro government.

I suspected that those outside Caracas might not be able to get the money via Western Union which you confirmed in your note.

Following up on your note, please let me know:

What manner of transfer in May (per your second note) do you recommend for the $$ to those areas where you and the non-Caracas boys live?

Due to the increase in the cost of food, goods, protein, etc. – what is the approximate amount that the alums need in USA $ per month to get the necessary items if available?

Are there any NGOs or other Christian operations serving your area that we can use to send powder proteins, medicines and other needed but non-available items?

Any other ideas that you all may have to get you the needed assistance will be greatly appreciated.

I feel very helpless in trying to help and solve the terrible situation that you are all in. I pray for you all and Venezuela every day asking Jesus to bring peace and end the suffering.

I am very, very proud and grateful of what you have personally done over the years in your boat trips to Trinidad in leading the assistance effort with courage, perseverance and love.

Un fuerte abrazo,

Jorge

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EDITED by Ladislao Kertesz,  kertesz11@yahoo.com,  if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list or any old boy that you would like to include.

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Photos:

20UN0101MSBEDI,

61UN0144SCOUTS, Bridge with UNKNOWNS

18LK7606HBAGRP, Henry Bailey

58RB0010SPORTSMARCHING,