Message from Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism, the Honourable Winston “Gypsy” Peters For ‘We Beat’ Magazine 2011.
On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the ‘We Beat’, I wish to commend the organizers – The St. James Community Improvement Committee - for their undaunted devotion and commitment in staging this event over the years.
In the face of adversities, particularly as they relate to sponsorship, the CIC has remained steadfast with holding the event together and for this, you should be applauded.
My ministry and I recognize several positives emanating from the annual ‘We Beat’ series of activities. Elevating the esteem of St. James and its residents is among these positives. So too is the provision of a platform for a wide variety of artistes to showcase their talents. Generating revenue for the many businesses in the area, is yet another of the positives coming out of the annual ‘We Beat’ festivities.
It is my sincere wish that as you all continue to celebrate and uplift “The City That Never Sleeps,” the area’s business community will wake up and lend sponsorship support to your endeavors.
I extend to the St. James CIC, sentiments of success befitting such an undertaking.
Permit me to especially congratulate this year’s ‘We Beat’ honorees – veteran announcers Winston Maynard and Mervyn Telfer for blessing Trinidad and Tobago with their voices at events, (carnival and otherwise), and of course on the radio and television for a virtual combined “century”.
May God continue to bless Messrs. Maynard and Telfer, all of St. James, and indeed the rest of Trinidad and Tobago.
“Webeat St. James Live” – an anticipated cultural event
22nd May 2011
For the past ten (10) years the WeBeat Committee/St. James Community Improvement Committee (CIC) has played a significant role in producing the Annual We Beat St. James Live celebrations resulting in it becoming an integral part of Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural landscape.
The activities have not only been successful in bringing together a multi-cultural community to celebrate its heritage but also to share it with the rest of the country.
The 2011 edition of this nine-day extravaganza runs from June 3rd to June 11th. The festival commences with the Honoree’s Dinner and culminating with the ever popular Steelband Parade with a number of cultural and social activities at the “home base”, the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James.
We are all experiencing tough economic times, but despite the situation, we are thankful to have some of the best sponsors in the world who share our view that keeping our culture alive, and celebrating St. James is an important facet to maintaining a responsible and forward thinking community.
For that reason, we want to extend a special recognition to all of our sponsors over the years.
We wish to thank the returning sponsors for their comittment to the WeBeat celebration. Without you the festival would not have grown to what it is today.
To those sponsors who could not return this year, we wish you a strong recovery, and hope that you will join us next year.
In this our Eleventh Annivarsary year, WeBeat has become a much anticipated event in the St.James Community and the country at large. Without the support of our sponsors, participants and the general public, this treasure would not be possible. So we thank you all and we look forward to enjoying the best ever celebration of our country's talent and culture.
The origins of Carnival trace back to Europe with extravagant costume parties held before the beginning of Lent, the Catholic period of fasting. We discuss the history and culture of Carnival as it stands today: its origins, dazzling costumes and dance, and the themes behind celebrations in different countries. [Air Date: 9/19/2010]
Interviewees:
Gerald Besson comments on the origins of Carnival and the Steel Drum with Dr. Edward Largo in the documentary The Rhythm of Steel with an audio clip of Mansa Musa drummers with Andre Tanker on flute.
Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago originally had its roots in both West African festivals and French Catholic carnival celebrations, where masks were donned and social visits ensued. When the use of drums and religious practices were prohibited, slaves (and then former slaves) found novel ways to pass on their heritage. Carnival then grew with African influences from the slaves who added singing, dancing, and music to transform Carnival into what we see today
The highly anticipated WeBeat St. James Live 2011 kicks off with the Honoree’s Dinner on Friday 3rd June 2011 at the Lion’s Cultural Centre, Fitz Blackman Drive, from 8:00 pm
Winston Maynard and Mervyn Telfer are this year’s celebrity guests having been chosen for their invaluable contribution in the field of communication.
Maynard was born in Tobago but came to Trinidad when he was just three years old. He has been acclaimed over the years as having one of the most outstanding voices in Trinidad & Tobago. The veteran broadcaster and cultural aficionado is fondly remembered for his program “Bring Your Music and Come” with the late Rocky Mc Collin. After more than 40 years Maynard is still an active broadcaster co-hosting “Hardline” with Eddison Carr and Vernon Ramesar Sr. on 730am Radio.
Telfer like Maynard covered all aspects of mass communication- print, news presenter, journalist and show host. He was the first news anchor on Trinidad &Tobago Television (TTT) when it began operations in 1962. Mervyn “Sharky” Telfer is remembered for his long standing stint as the house announcer at Pan Trinbago National Panorama competitions sharing duties with the late Tony Williams.
Several dignitaries including Their Excellencies Professor George Maxwell Richards and Dr. Jean Ramjohn-Richards, Minister of Arts & Multiculturalism Hon. Winston Peters, Mayor of Port of Spain and Patron Alderman Louis Lee Sing, Hon. Marlene Mc Donald MP are among the specially invited.
Music for dancing will be provided by the popular Louis & The Lynx and DJ Crosby Sounds. A limited number of tickets priced at $350. are available upon request at Crosby’s, Western Main Road, St. James.
Honorees receive not only a plaque but a cash gift and a variety of hampers. Both Maynard and Telfer will be officially inducted in the “Hall of Fame” two days later at the St. James Amphitheatre. Over the years, the James CIC has honored a number of individuals. These include Carlton Franco and Lincoln Phillips, Pelham Goddard, Julia Edwards, Anton LaFond, Carlton Phillips and Emrold “Bro. Valentino” Phillips, Hugh Borde and Allyson Brown, Anthony Williams, Norman Darway, Mohammed Emamali, Cecil Crosby and Roy Alexander.
WeBeat continues with a series of events for everyone over a nine-day period culminating with the steelband parade along the Western Main Road on Saturday 11th June 2011.
“The History of St. James” will be the topic of choice at this year’s We Talk segment of WeBeat St.James Live 2011.
Popularly referred to as the Sidewalk Historians’ Night, this event is “the serious aspect” of the nine-day festival at which patrons in particular the youths “receive insight into aspects of St. James history that are locked away in the minds of a diminishing few”.
Sitting on the panel will be this year’s honorees, Winston Maynard and Mervyn Telfer, both orators and long-standing residents of the “City That Never Sleeps”.
The interactive discussion takes place at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, St. James at 7:00pm.
In addition, there will a special presentation by the National Heritage Trust of Trinidad & Tobago. This will be accompanied by a slide show.
Day Five, Tuesday 7th June, has been designated We Film Night. It is being held in collaboration with the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival. Local featured films will be shown. Audiences who attended the outdoor cinema last year welcomed the initiative giving it thumbs up.
These events along with the Shotoboe Fitness Warm Up on Saturday (June 4th ) and Sunday (June 5th) are free to the public. For those interested in The Shotoboe Burn Out Finals on Monday 6th June, there will be a registration fee of $10. Trophies and Cash Prizes are at stake for the winners.
WeBeat St. James Live continues on Wednesday June 8th with the Football Game sponsored by All Sport at the St. James Barracks at 4:00pm. This will be followed by the JazzBeat featuring Errol Ince Quintet with Leston Paul, Pelham Goddard & Roots and pannist Earl Brooks.
The steelpan and steel orchestras hold the spotlight on Thursday 9th June as reigning Panorama Champions Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars, Caribbean Airlines Invaders, Rhapsody and St. James Tripolians perform in concert format.
Come Friday 10th June, some of the best exponents of the calypso art form will go down memory lane at We Vintage Kaiso. Denyse Plummer, Drupatee, Errol Asche, Explainer, Bro. Mudada, Poser, Rikki Jai, Stalin, Superblue along with Junior Calypso Monarch Aaron Duncan will make up the playbill. MCs are Nikki and Penny.
Showtime for each of these events is 8:00 pm. Patrons can enjoy $25. off tickets purchased before June 8th. Venue is the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road.
The curtain comes down on Saturday June 11th with the Steelband Parade and Traditional mas Individuals along the Western Main Road from 7:00 pm
Bob Marley’s grand daughter will be attending WeBeat’s We Film Night at the St. James Amphitheatre, Western Main Road, tonight.
Donisha Prendergast, Bob Marley’s first grandchild and daughter of Sharon will be the guest of T&T Film Festival for the showing of the feature film “Africa Unite”, a documentary on a Bob Marley tribute concert in Ethiopia. The other is a dramatic Trini short ”The Suspect.” Showtime is 7:00 pm. Admission is free.
We Film Night is a collaborative effort between WeBeat St. James Live and the T&T Film Festival.
Last year was the first time that Film Night was featured on the WeBeat calendar. This was made possible by the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company.
![[LAS LAP - STEELBAND PARADE]](../images/Steelband-Parade-Grand-Fina.jpg)
![[Minister Winston Peters]](../2011/images/GypsyPortrait.jpg)
![[Mayor's Message]](../webeat-docs/2011 media releases/Ltr_mayor.jpg)
![[We JazzBeat (Guardian article)]](../2011/images/WeJazzBeatc2k11.jpg)