Honoree for 2011

Mervyn Telfer's was the first face seen on Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), as news anchor, when the station came on the air in 1962.

Born on Warner Street, Newtown on July 17, 1931, Mervyn grew up on Luis and Hunter Streets in Woodbrook before settling on Carlton Avenue, St James in 1961.

He received his early education at Newtown Boys' RC, Rosary Boys' RC, and St Mary's College where he was successful in the then Cambridge Examination.

Mervyn became well-known to Trinidadians and Tobagonians, as well as people all over the world, as the long-standing stage announcer for Carnival events hosted by the Carnival Development Committee (CDC)/National Carnival Commission (NCC), Pan Trinbago, and Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO).

He recalls starting as stage announcer for the National Steelband Panorama Competition in 1963, unaware that he was to be paid for the service until a friend brought the issue to his attention some five years later. For his contribution to these cultural activities he was afforded public recognition by the National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA).

Mervyn's working career began at Radio Trinidad's B station where he was cast in the multiple roles of announcer, sportscaster and sales executive. His concept and production of the programme “Plans of the Bands” on the frequency, he regards as the “genesis for major expansion of membership in masquerade bands.”

Among the then bandleaders who contributed in large measure to the programme's success were Irvin McWilliams, Mack Copeland, Harold Saldenha, Cito Velasquez, Stephen Lee Heung, and the Johannesburg Fascinators Steel Orchestra.

Mervyn also allowed for national exposure to Parang music when in 1963 he introduced on TTT a programme titled “The Lime” that featured the music and history of the genre.

The soon-to-be 80-year-old (July 17, 2011) has enjoyed a varied work experience, having been employed as well, over the years, in the positions of announcer/producer/sales manager; pharmaceutical salesman; real estate salesman; marketing manager; Public Relations Officer; and communications consultant.

In addition, he was the founder/chairman of the Radio Workers branch of the Union of Commercial and Industrial Workers (UCIW), and political campaign manager for two local government candidates, and sat as an executive committee member of a political constituency.

Mervyn, who lived and worked in New York USA for two years, is the youthful-looking father of 13 children, grandfather to 33 and great grandfather to six.

“All my children grew up in St James, attended schools in the community, and forged lasting relationships with our neighbours who have always treated us with kindness and respect over the years,” he said.

Mervyn continues to be active in all forms of cultural activities taking place in Trinidad and Tobago.