Baird

There is an old story that Baird developed TV in Santa Cruz valley while running a jam factory that went bust. If any reader has any information about this I would appreciate a message and mail.

Publicity for Trinidad

I was interviewed recently about Trinidad and the Caribbean. I am only a contributor to what is a generally good article.
Interview in Insider maagazine

Murder and Crime still THE problem

As the editorial in today Express says crime has reached the point of depressing the nation as it was the prime reason for my family to leave. No one anywhere is safe and thats what leads to depression and a feeling of hopelesness. Of course their is crime in new York and London, but only in certain places, well known to the public. Other than those places all is safe. That is the problem in Trinidad, no where safe.
Express Editorial on Crime

Property

In June 2008 I wrote
June 2008
I am now seeing several stories in the press that shows I was spot on with this one. Prices will fall a lot more unfortunately. A story to illustrate. When I first cam to Trinidad it was around the middle of 1992. I bought a piece of land in Moka for I think $170,000. That piece of land was originally owned by the father of Joe Elias (Crews Inn) who bought it in 1975 for $170,000! What had happened? Well the oil bubble of the late 70's early 80's had caused much land speculation and Joe's father (a very astute business man) had bought this land in Moka as a speculation. The whole of Trinidad collapsed in the eighties and prices fell so low that the story above could happen. He refused to sell and lose money. It took him 15 years to get his price back! Later in 2008 that land was sold for $3m ( not by me), and I suspect that its now worth $1m or even less. Owners face the choice of hanging on as Joe's father did, or selling at less than they paid.

Schools in Trinidad - Chapter 2

Below is the full text and comments from a blog I did in June 2008. It was my poor and inadequate but well meaning way of giving a new arriver a clue to the schools system in Trinidad. Of all my blogs this seemed to hit a chord somewhere and a lot of comments have followed.
Several mention that public schools are as good as primary and maybe I am prejudiced. I think that must be true, but when we arrived we took advice from others and chose a private school near our home. However I will point out that it is well known in the Trinidad community that the public school service is in a disgraceful state with many teachers not even coming to school to teach. Teacher absenteeism hitting the newspaper headlines regularly and not addressed by the department of education. Our boys did very well in Maria Goretti, the teachers do care and the classes are small with a lot of individual attention. In the last few years, in snswer to parents wishes the school has relaxed its "academic only" bias and now offer several sports activities. I wish them well.
One of my great friends David Jones an Editor of the Financial Times once told me “all you can hope for for your children is that one teacher takes an interest, the system does not support learning very well, but one teacher who cares can make all the difference”. I am publishing this entry as a service to the parents and teachers who care and who try to communicate.


A letter from a reader has made me realise I have not talked about education for expatriates. PRIMARY
When we arrived in Trinidad in 2001 we tried several good primary schools but they were all full and we ended up putting our child into Maria Goretti in long circular road. It turned out to be an excellent choice as our first son graduated and passed for St Marys (CIC) the top boys school in Trinidad. MG charges about TT$1500 a term and is on the low side for private education, most being around TT$2500. Their are some excellent government primaries in POS, Maria Regina and St Monicas stand out. Private schools include St Andrews, Bryn Mawr and there is an International School and an English School both very pricey.
TRANSITION
The transition here is called common entrance, and sat between 11 and 12 by all children. Based on your results you go to one of 5 schools you have named as choices. It makes sense to get advice on choice. The way it works is your child gets say 85%. Each school has a minimum they will take, eg St Marys for boys 95%, so you have to make sensible layered choices not choose all the top schools otherwise your child will fall through and be placed in what is called a 3 year school of the governments choiuce and likely to be close to your residence.
SECONDARY
The top secondary schools here are as good as the best of US or British or Canadian private schools. A boy going to St Marys, or Fatimah is going to get the very best education. St Josephs for Girls or SAGS or one of that calibre, I don't know the girl school names that well.
TERTIARY
Their are two Universities here now. the oldest and best known is UWI (University of the West Indies) a good university with campus in Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. The other is very new the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and I am not surfe its fully accredited yet everywhere b ut the government is spending big money on it and it will grow and improve I am sure over time.

COMMENTS BY DATE

GirlBlue said...
Maria Regina and St. Monicas are private schools as well I believe.

The accursed exam has morphed into SEA since your son did his exams.

UTT from what I hear it not accredited anywhere.

I have to find out more about CAPE as well. Its not bothered me too much (well it has bothered me but not as much as it could have) because my daughter is still in primary school.

You so Westcentric! Loads of expats live in the east now too.
June 6, 2008 10:32 AM

Anonymous said...
''Their are some excellent government primaries in POS, Maria Regina and St Monicas stand out.''

Those are PRIVATE schools.....

reading through your blog you sound so snobbish.

did you really take time to learn about T&T and get to know the people other than those in your clique?

The only schools you can call are private schools?

And please try to get the spellings of names in our country CORRECT. Fatima College...not Fatimah...


Let me help you.

Excellent Government Primary Schools
Rosary Boys
Newtown Boys
Newtown Girls
Tranquillity Primary
Mucurapo Girls
St. Crispins
Diego Martin Primary

SECONDARY
Bishops Anstey
Woodbrook Gov't Secondary
Tranquillity Gov't Secondary
Q.R.C
Diego Martin Gov't Secondary
St. James Gov't Secondary
Trinity College
Bishops & Trinity East College

I'm sure someone else can name a lot more....

But please don't continue to insult our country by limiting people to your close mindedness.
September 27, 2008 12:31 AM

Anonymous said...
First, please allow me to appologize for the RUDE and HOSTILE behavior from the anonymous writer before. That's not friendly Trini attitude...

Maria Regina and St. Monica's ARE private. St. Monica's is REALLY good! The students there are doing SEA pastpapers in at age 9.

Good Government primary schools:
Newtown Girls
Newtown Boys
Mucurapo Girls
Richmond Street Boys
St. Ursela's Girls

Good private schools:
St. Monica's (Holy Faith Prep)
Bishop's Junior
Holy Name Prep
Holistic Centre
Maria Regina
St. Xavier's

Other private schools (not sure about how good they are):
Trinity Junior
Blackman's Private

I would highly recommend St. Monica's because it is GUARANTEED to get your child into a prestigeous secondary school after. All SEA students get colleges ONLY. I'm talking about first choice schools.

Good secondary schools:
Diego Martin Government
St. Joseph's Girls RECOMMENDED
St. Mary's Boys (CIC)RECOMMENDED
Holy Name Girls
QRC Boys
St. Francios Girls
Bishops Anstey Girls
Fatima Boys
St. Anthony's Boys
Trinity Boys (???)
St. Augustine Girls(SAGS)RECOMMENDED
Naparima Girls RECOMMENDED
Bishops & Trinity East College

I don't think that taking an interest in prestigeous schools is snobbish...
Some people, myself included, prefer these schools. Mainly because of the attitude your child gains. They are more diligent, eager to learn and learn way beyond the level that government primary schools offer.

I say this because I did some research, you can do some of your own, and it seems to me that these schools push children to learn as much as they can. Some people think that this is not good. It all depends on you and what you want for your child.

There are even really good pre-schools. My son goes to one on Oxford Street in Port-Of-Spain. Some of these schools take children from as early as 2 years, majority from 2 1/2 to 3 years old.

Good pre-schools:
The Children's Montessori (Gail Cabral) #1 RECOMMENDED
Holistic Centre (really good, pre-school and primary school in one, but they register only 12 students per year.)
Early Learning Centre
Little Feet

That's all I know of.

My son goes to TCMS (Gail Cabral), and I've registered him for St. Monica's. This pre-school actually gives your child a better chance of getting into that primary school.

That's my opinion, everyone's entitled to their own...a little reminder for future hostile writers.
October 9, 2008 2:05 PM

Anonymous said...
e plight of our citizens is what is forcing many parents in general to seek the safety of private schools. While it may be 'social gratification' to some, it is a safety-net to others. I don't for one moment believe that the private schools are better than some of the otherwise more prestigious government ones. It's, to me, a matter of preference. Private schools have no choice but to push academics 'down the children's throats' because their success relies largely upon the acquisition of excellent SEA results. No one ought to fault a parent for wanting to ensure his/her optimum success. But one question, what happens when your child goes through the private system and does not receive even close to the desired expectation. Think about this when you choose schools for your children. What works for one child may not work for the other.Your child's self-esteem may be damaged if forced into an environment in which he suffers culture-shock simply because you the parent heard of the school's reputation and your child just has to go there.Your child needs to be a well-rounded and well-adjusted individual to function in any healthy, and I stress, HEALTHY, social environment (school included). Think about the real issues when choosing schools for your children not about your social standing, there are after school activities when this specific ideal could be established.

I need to share. I came across a quaint, little day-care centre and pre-school in Maraval. Little
Leaders Early Childhood Learning Centre. I did some research. These children do really well when they get to primary school, yes, both private and government ones. There are undiscovered, registered schools that no one is willing to try because they are not known in the loop, but let me tell you that these are the ones that may work for your child.
January 9, 2009 8:02 PM

Anonymous said...
I live and work in the east. My daughter is currently in pre-school and I'm weighing my options. So far, I'm considering St. Xavier's, Specialist Learning Centre and Curepe Presbeterian School. I can't go too far east though. I am aware that Curepe presbeterian has a good reputation when it comes to SEA results but I don't have too much information to go on. Does anyone have any comments, experiences or suggestions? Much appreciated.
January 12, 2009 12:02 PM

Anonymous said...
PARENTS PSE HLEP ME OUT HERE,
I VISITED GAIL CABRAL AND SAW BOTH GIRLS AND BOYS USING THE SAME BATHROOM UNSUPERVISED. NOW APPARENTLY THIS SUPPOSE TO BE NORMAL OR WHAT THE PRINCIPAL HAS PUT IN PLACE BUT THE GIRLS WITH THEIR UNDERWEAR AND NICKERS DOWN TO THEIR KNEE SEEM VERY UNCOMFORTABLE HAVING THE BOYS COME IN AT THAT TIME. MIND YOU ANOTHER COUPLE WAS THEIR VIEWING THE SCHOOL AND BROUGHT IT TO THE ATTENTION TO ONE OF THE TEACHERS. IS IT THAT THERE ARE TOO MANY CHILDREN THER?
January 12, 2009 1:37 PM

Anonymous said...
I have nothing against public schools, however private schools are a bit more controlled. Living in the east my girls both attended Specialist Learning Centre. However do not think that Private schools are above being rowdy at times. As I said they are just a bit more controlled and they pride themselves on having disciplined children. Some of these children are just plain spoilt. so all in all Even Private schools have their ups and downs. Now that I live in the West I've enrolled my son in Dunross Prep which cost wise is almost 3 times the amount that I pay for my last daughter who is still at Specialist. My eldest Daughter has moved on to Providence Girls which I'm Positive she worked for(for those who know what I mean.)Dunross Just for information sake had about 21 children sitting the SEA in 2008 an every single one passed for a 'Prestigious school' as we say, such as fatima, cic, st anthony's providence, st joseph convent...
So I don't think anyone who prefers private schools or anyone who prefers public schools is being selfish or snobbish by saying so. We all need to determine what our children can handle and what environments are best for them as individuals.
January 25, 2009 3:12 PM

Anonymous said...
I am looking for a good nursery school for my child (will be two) in Maraval or Woodbrool area. Someone already mentioned good ones and someone also mentioned Little Leaders Early Childhood Learning Centre in Maraval. It seems not easy to find where they are and their telephone numbers. If you know any good ones in the area, could you please let me know? I actually went to look for Little Leaders Early Childhood Learning Centre today, but they didn't answer the door bell nor I didn't hear any kids voice...
Thank you!
February 6, 2009 11:22 AM

Anonymous said...
I wrote the comment just before yours. My son is 20mths and is enrolled at The Childrens Montessory School on Oxford street Port of spain, However as far as I recall, their registration period for September has ended but you may be able to get on a waiting list. also here is a link to check for some other's for you to check out. http://www.tntisland.com/schools-nurserytdad.html Although some other bloggers have views on The Childrens Montessory being a bit crowded and such, they have 2 teachers per class as far as I know, but i don't mind doing some more research on it and letting you all know. There is one more link that might help, it's a list of all private early childhood schools in the west. http://www.moe.gov.tt/school_pdfs/ecce/Port%20of%20Spain%20and%20Environs.pdf Unfortunately there are no telephone numbers on this list. Try them and let me know if they were any help ok. Earlene
February 9, 2009 7:02 PM

Anonymous said...
I'm looking for a pre-school for my daughter in the Port-of-spain area. Gail Cabral is already filled so I'm thinking about Gervais Junior Academy or First Step Pre School, which are both on Abercromby Street. Does anyone know anything about these two or can suggest another in the area please. Thanks.
February 18, 2009 12:39 PM

Anonymous said...
I'm the second anonymous person to leave a comment...

As I said, my son goes to Gail Cabral (the Children's Montessori House, as it's now called)and their method of learning is great. He is in the third year class (which is like first year in primary school) and doing well. He is doing addition and subtraction and reading 'Happy Ventures'. I'm not hating on any schools but a friend of mine has a son going to Diamond Vale Government Primary, in first year, and for homework he is writing letters (one letter per day), which I think should be covered in pre-school.

I just think the government system holds children back a bit. Yeah, a child from a gov't school may go to a college, but I think the child who gets her educational foundation from a good private school will retain more information.

About the unisex bathroom thing at Gail Cabral, I don't think it's a big deal to the teachers or the children. I probably do not fuss because I have a son, but my daughter will be going to the same school in a couple years.

I believe Gervais Junior Academy (formerly Early Learning Centre) is a good pre-school. You can always go in and ask questions about the school. My best friend sent her son to First Step Pre-school and she was complaining to me up to Saturday about them not teaching him much.

St. Catherine's Private located in Woodbrook is a great school. They used to be on Pembroke Street. It's a pre-school and primary school in one. They take children from the age of three. And, they're much cheaper than alot of schools at only $1,000 per term.
March 3, 2009 6:54 PM

Anonymous said...
hi everyone, i am looking for a good teaching school for my child who is a slow learner, she is 11years old. I prefer a school in the west.
Does it have a list of state school or private school of that sort.
Thank u.
March 12, 2009 10:21 AM

Anonymous said...
To anonymous person looking for school for slow learner. Call this number 628-4917 ask for Aunty Sue. She is an excellent educater and runs a private school for slow learners. She also runs an after school homework /study centre not just slow learners but for any child. I'm sure your daughter will do excellent their. It's also a very small school therefore more idividual attention. It's on Kitchener St in Port of Spain. Let me know if this was helpful. Earlene.
March 14, 2009 5:01 PM

Anonymous said...
For the record if the parents posting on this would do their homework they would see that the majority of students who get National Scholarships attended PUBLIC primary schools. Me specifically being an additional scholarship winner for 2008 and many of my friends got additional scholarships and most of us went to GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS and a government ASSISTED secondary school, that being St. Joseph's Convent POS. I think it is very ignorant and closed minded for parents especially to think that being in a private school guarantees a child enterance into a "prestigious college" what prestigious college is that Providence? (the rich girl jr sec) or st. francios? are you merely concerned with your child going to school with other people with money because thats what it sounds like. children from private primary schools that actually get in to schools like SJC, St.Marys etc are usually there because their parents used a connection and got them on the 20% list. If one did actual research instead of trying to sound "prestigious" they would know that schools such as SJC,SAGS,Naps etc actually have at least 50% of their population coming from PUBLIC primary schools so to give the impression that only the "prestigious" schools are the best is a dis-service to the hardworking teachers in govt schools and the diligent, focused students who were the product of these schools.
April 3, 2009 9:41 PM

ayas said...
Can anyone assist me to enroll my child into a primary school (private or government assisted), i prefer the POS area "closer to work'. I never knew that it is so difficult. Either you should look like money or you should be connected. I do hope this is not what we all are defining as prestigeous.Email: ayasnatri@hotmail.com
April 5, 2009 3:54 PM

Anonymous said...
Hi, I'm looking for a preschool to register my 2 1/2 yr old in Port of Spain,Woodbrook areas. Anyone kno where i can get on a waiting list?
April 9, 2009 7:38 AM

Anonymous said...
the anonymous writer who seems to have their head stuck up their *** needs to understand that each individual in this blog just like her has the right to voice their own opinion, whether good or bad. The information here is just to help people and meant to be harmless and fun interaction. My daughter passed for Providence your "rich girl Jr SEC" without using the 20% list and I am very proud of her, and she attended a private school. Call it what you will, presitigious or otherwise, no one is dog tagging any one institution better or best we're all just here to give and share info. So the next time you have an opinion to give, remember little girl choose your words wisely and sometimes a still tongue keeps a wise head, Not a tongue that voices idle stupid criticism. As for the teachers in the service...Research them...not the parents choice. It is after all our choice where our children go to school. I don't see your name on my checkbooks.
April 12, 2009 11:01 PM

Avalaughn said...
Anonymous whose daughter attends Specialist, I am considering sending my dauther there from September 2009. What is you general experience and opinion of the school?
April 14, 2009 1:39 PM

Anonymous said...
Hey Avalaughn emailme at earlene_bj@hotmail.com
April 19, 2009 7:18 AM

Ah Young! said...
Does any one have any comments/opinions about Little Feet vs. UWI? Let me know.

Thanks
April 21, 2009 7:40 AM

pt said...
The anonymous person looking for a pre school for a two year old in the POS area....My daughter (2yrs & 4 mnths) started at Gervais Junior Academy last week. They are registering now for September (325-5744). I feel comfortable with them as they are quite frendly & helpful & I haven't had any problems thus far. Anyway, you can call or go check them out. They are on Abercromby Street just after Park Street if you're heading in the direction of the savannah. Good luck.
April 28, 2009 8:46 PM

pt said...
The anonymous person looking for a pre school for a two year old in the POS area....My daughter (2yrs & 4 mnths) started at Gervais Junior Academy last week. They are registering now for September (325-5744). I feel comfortable with them as they are quite frendly & helpful & I haven't had any problems thus far. Anyway, you can call or go check them out. They are on Abercromby Street just after Park Street if you're heading in the direction of the savannah. Good luck.
April 28, 2009 8:46 PM

Anonymous said...
Precious Moments is a really excellent school for pre-schoolers.

Address: #11 Fitt Street, Woodbrook.
Number: 623-6533
April 29, 2009 12:16 PM

T. Little said...
Hi everyone,

This site was mentioned to me by one of my clients and I saw the name of my school in two conversation threads. I am the administrator for Little Leaders Early Childhood Learning Centre, now located at #8 La Seiva Terrace, Maraval. Our contact numbers are 1-868-222-4988 or
1-868-793-7714. We provide a range of early childhood services. Day-care (2months-3years). This is a developmental programme. Parents have begun to arrange pre-birth registrations for day-care. Pre-School begins from the age 3 years until 5-6 years of age. This is an eclectic programme that is holistic in its approach. There is an after school programme to accommodate parents and their children from other schools. Finally, there is individualized SEA private tuition. We allow registrations throughout the academic year. At the moment, we are holding registrations for the September 2009-July 2010 academic year and for our first annual 'Summer' Vacation camp.

My qualifications are as follows:
BEd ECCE (UWI, hons)
MEd Educational Studies (Inclusive Education)- University of Sheffield
May 29, 2009 10:04 AM

More Madness from Foreign Affairs

My wofe called her sister in Long Island and was told "oh yes I replaced my passport with this new digital version, all I had to do was send it by mail to the NY Trinidad office and they sent my new one in 5 days. In the UK Trinidadians have to go to the High Comission in London (a 5 hour train ride and a hotel for us) in person and queue for a passport and even though this is a replacement you have to supply original forms galore. The High Commission here sucks.

Turtles

This article from the Express shows that their are so many good people struggling to do right in Trinidad and the government is doing nothing to help them. Unless it will win votes it won't get done. Can you imagine that this lady and her group is struggling with Costoms to get supplies donated to her off the dock!
Foreign Awards and International Recognition for Turtle Woman

Signs of a country wide decline

I was saddened but not surprised by the news in the Express today about Claudia Pegus being robbed.
Express Article
As I have mentioned before our friends who owned Bastille left because they had so many robberies in Woodbrook. The police are totally inefective and often know who the criminal is and are either to scared to act or are looking the other way for other reasons. One of my good friends was robbed outside his own house at gunpoint and has moved to other parts and a secure compound.
Woodbrook had emerged as an upcoming business area but my impression before we left was a derelict area with people looking over their shoulders and worrying about their cars.

Inadequate Foreign Affairs

IMage shows the Foreign Office web site contacts page...!!
One thing we are learning is that the Trinidad Foreign Office has been derelict in its duties to citizens. Over the last few years visa requirements and applications world wide have tightened and poor Trinidad is at the bottom of the pole in every country. If you are a US citzen or a Euro citizen the world is your oyster with almost every country waiving requirments for a visa. But Trinidad is treated like some third world terrorist leper. My mother in law is here in Scotland and decided to take a few days and visit Europe. It is NOT POSSIBLE as to visit any country you have to have your visa issued in Trinidad. So as she is here she cannot change her mind and take a small 3 day trip to France say. The TT High Commission in London sucks as I have emailed them many times with no response to date. The TT Foreign office sucks asd I have emailed them many time with no response. Note the web site for contacts for the foreign office. They are spending too much time going to embassy parties and spending tax payers money in my opinion.

Surviving in Trinidad

As we have settled down to life in Scotland we have come to realise something we missed about life in Trinidad. There is a huge difference and its in survival. A poor family in Trinidad does not go to Hilo with their inflated prices (in some case over 100% mark up). They buy from the market and can in fatc live extremely cheaply as long as they are content to eat only local food. Here that option has gone as more and more locamarkets have closed and Tesco and Sainsbury become the only options. We are spending about TT$2000 a week to feed 6 mouths and I find that a lot of money.

Denial

I was there when Patrick Manning and his government denied there was a kidnapping problem. Now I am seeing the same response to the economy. Basically a paranoid response, "why are the newspapers and chambers of commerce in collusion to fool people into thinking there is an economic problem, Trinidad is fine...". We in all fairness they did finally wake up to the kidnapping so maybe in 2010 they will wake up the economy

Summit

The Summit was a wonderful thing but it did not get the international press coverage one would expect. I was in the USA at the time and nothing on major news services. I guess swine flu upstaged it. Michael Jackson did a comeback concert in New York on the day before 9/11 and no one knew, upstaged by an act of terrorism. I am afraid thats what happened to the Summit. Its all timing and who can predict?

We need more of this

What a wondeful heartwarming story in the Express today about Christopher Weekes.
Christopher Weekes
The world needs more stories of this kind. There are too many people doing jobs they hate in faceless offices and just waiting to retire and die. This inspirational story shows that one can do it, one can break away and start a new life of happiness. More power to the Express for doing this piece.

The Summit

I read a lot of news about restrictions on freedoms etc that I must put down to Trinidad folks not being used to major world events. Do you think that in Brussels or in Paris things are not the same? Terrorism has reached such a concern that leaders must be protected, and that can cause inconvenience. We must respect their need as they are trying to keep this world sane. Keep a smiling face Trinidad you are in the worlds spotlight and despite your carping and moaning its your PM Manning who has pulled off this amazing success. BE PROUD

Vicarious News

Well Tnt is in the news today but only because of the Obama visit. We are just "on the list" of places he is to visit soon.

Scottish Engineer

I deleted my post on this subject. Its not that I didn't still think the post was relevant, but I had two comments one of which was in Chinese. Without thinking I posted the comment and the system I use would not let me delete it without deleting the post itself. I deleted it as I belatedly realised it may have said something horrible as I don't read chinese. I still think the use of this engineer is odd, and the failure to bring him back to answer questions about his very critical remarks. But let time take its course on this one.

Front Page News!

I always wish Trinidad and Tobago would be more in the news in the UK. As I have bemoaned in previous posts, its only our sporting heroes who make it in the local press....that is until today. Now I wish for less exposure. On the front page of Scotland on Sunday is an article headed "wine firm collapse threatens top drinks brands" and refers to the fact that Clico is closing one of its wine companies and laying off all staff, threatening the collapse of major wine brands and the European outlet for Angostura Bitters. So the problems at CL Financial are now apparently causing one of Trinidads major brands to have issues in what must be its second largest export market. Small world and indoicative of the domino effect as trouble spreads.

Trinidad Cricket

without this kind of news the world would not even be aware that Trinidad exists. It is really obvious now I am overseas that sport is it really. This lovely article from the Guardian shows Mick Jagger enjoying a day of cricket in Port of Spain.Engalnd and West ndies plus the well travelled Mr Jagger!