Circular No 451

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

Caracas, 26 June 2010 No.451

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Dear Friends, 

I am clearing all the correspondence that I had on the ASAA registration story, although it is an old matter but I want to publish all the information that was received.

From this you can observe what a few individuals are doing and writing on the subject.

But I can assure you that there are many others who do not want to be in the spot light but have been very helpful. 

Here is a movie on a visit to Mt. St. Benedict taken in 8mm. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL0QUrOpFps&feature=player_embedded

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FW: ASAA name registration.‏

From: Salvador coscarart (coscarartsalvador@hotmail.com)

Sent: Wed 3/17/10 10:08 PM 

WELL, THIS IS VERY GOOD NEWS. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.

BEST WISHES AND GOD BLESS. 

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Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:07:46 -0700

From: gomesian@yahoo.com

Subject: ASAA name registration. 

Gentlemen,

Please see attached e mail from Chris Knowles.

I understand that Dennis Gurley got the approval of the Registrar General for the use of the Name.

Glen, it is so strange that the day before the actual signing of the documents that you should write about the communication of information.

Chris wanted to have this done and then break the good news.

I understand that Joe and Chris were supposed to attend Dennis Gurley’s office to sign the relative documents today and Chris will be up dating Ladislao on the issue for his circular.

Glen I will forward an email from Skippy to you.

He may have explained it a little better than I.

After registration a meeting will be held to elect officers and arrangements will have to be made to open a Bank account for the organisation's business.

This morning on the radio I heard Jean Ambrose (also an old boy) stating that the condition of some of the buildings at MSB is deteriorating and we need to address this with the monks as well to see how we can help.

Stand firm brother this is Trinidad and doing anything is like as Skippy says "Pulling Teeth".

American can do ways will not work here.

You were born here and I know you were involved in your dads business so you know how it goes.

Your brother

Ian

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--- On Wed, 3/17/10, Chris Knowles wrote:

From: Chris Knowles knowlescb@hotmail.com

Subject: ASAA name registration.

Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 2:50 PM 

Gentlemen,

We have been informed by Denis Gurley that the Registrar of Companies has approved our use of the name ‘Abbey School Alumni Association’.

Legalities have been set in motion, and in due course we will have to have a meeting to formally set the Association in motion.

Success at last!

We will be in touch as things progress.

Sincerely,

Chris Knowles.  

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Kitty Marcus

...2 ABRIL 2010

From: Nigel P. Boos  

Azizul,

Thanks so much for your note.

I appreciate the kind gestures of help from David Nath and from yourself.

A million thanks. 

At the same time, I have just concluded a major project, involved with the collection of donations from the MSB Old Boys to purchase a gift of 24 dalmatics (a liturgical vestment worn by deacons) to be given to 24 new deacons who were ordained on Feb 6th at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in PoS.

This gift was made by the OB's "in honour of Kitty Marcus and the Old Boys of the Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, and tags to this effect were sewn into the insides of each one. 

I personally do not wish to be involved in yet another effort on behalf of dear old Kitty, as I think we've done enough already.

I'm also aware that her health is very poor, and that she doesn't know, most of the time, what's going on around her.

So I believe that she's on her last legs, and the best thing we can do for her right now is to keep her in our prayers for a peaceful and happy end.

Happy Easter to you and yours.

Nigel P. Boos 

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On 2010-04-02, at 6:27 PM, azizul mohammed wrote: 

Hello Nigel, 

Just a little note, and just between us-last year while in Trinidad I met Winston Ramsahai

He told me about raising funds to buy a table & 2 chair set for Kitty from Nath Furniture he even quote me a price, 

Nath gave him that he said was very reasonable. (Nath is an old Mount boy)

I told Winston that my father has a furniture factory in Arouca and that Nath is one of his customers.

If those guys really want to do something it could be done in a heartbeat.

Azizul 

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Monday, June 8, 2009 6:26:00 AM

From: Nigel P. Boos nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca 

A totally unexpected and most welcome addition to the database, Gerry.

Thank you very much.

Please keep me informed as further info develops. 

Also, would you mind sending me a one-paragraph summary of your "Life after Mount", together with a +/- recent photograph of yourself, for the records.

Rest assured that your response will be published subsequently in Ladislao Kertesz's (Class of 1960, Venezuela) regular Circulars.

Abrazo.

Nigel P. Boos 

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On 7-Jun-09, at 10:57 PM, productintnl@aol.com wrote: 

Hi Nigel,

Got a copy of your Old Boys List from Barry Rostant and find it very interesting that someone has kept these records.

There is a lot that I can add/correct from memory and will as I get the time..

Please add the following names and address..

Will get you phone numbers / emails addresses later..

. John Kom Tong   Vancouver BC.. Retired from Construction.. Left mount in 1968?

. John Soo Kaim  Vancouver BC.. Retired  .. Left mount in 1968.

You can update my profile as follows..

Left Abbey 1968.. Retired Banker Manager ..

Currently Self Employed.

Lives in Burlington, Ont. Canada 905-510-8414 cell..

Regards

Gerry Chin - Cham  

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Abbey Boys List..

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 8:52:51 AM

From: Nigel P. Boos  

Thanks for the update, Gerry.

Any chance of getting a recent photo?

Nigel  

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On 8-Jun-09, at 12:41 PM, productintnl@aol.com wrote: 

Hi Nigel,

Have a few minutes so here I am with the info., you requested..

Left MSB during the Black Power threat which eventually lead to the school closing.

Spend time up to 1972 in Trinidad in family retail business..

Migrated to Vancouver BC in 1972 and attended Simon Fraser..

Left Vancouver in 1978 for Calgary.

Worked for Dun and Bradstreet for a year or so, and then joined Bank of Montreal.

Managed Branches in Calgary and later transferred to Burlington in 1982 to head up a major project.

Later managed the Burlington Data Centre for a couple years, and then transferred to Toronto Data Centre as Sr. Manager.

Later transferred to a Sr. Head Office position at Bay and Bloor.

Retired from the bank in 1994.

On the road to final retirement, I am self employed and own a Commodity Trading Company. 

Over the years business in Trinidad requires frequent visits back and forth.

Currently active in Trinidad.

Have kept in touch with a couple guys but not to the scale as you have.

I understand that I have missed some re-unions over the years, but intend on attending the next.

I also understand that there is a Canadian Group of Old Boys.

Great to see you are doing this though.

Gerry Chin – Cham 

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From: productintnl@aol.com

Date: 18 July 2009 23:11 

Hi Guys ..

Thank you for the update and pictures..

Looks like I missed out on a great night..

Will attend the next gathering for sure..

I knew Cornel well at MSB and would never recognize him on the street.

Time has changed us all, however the memories remain like yesterday..

I remembered Terrance singing "Big Big Bamboo" just about every day in the showers.

Great memories..

Regards

Gerry    

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From: Ladislao Kertesz

Date: 19 July 2009 09:15 

Dear Gerry,

Good to hear from you.

Do not forget to look up the blog page for all the past issues.

Please help out with the Circular.

Send in your brief Curriculum Vitae so that your friend would keep from guessing of you career.

Any photo???

Also how about the memorabilia, need old stories photos.

God Bless

Ladislao Kertesz (editor) 

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From: Glen Mckoy   

Well so good to know Zephryn in back,

Welcome to the Club my brother, we have been waiting a long time for you my friend.

Now I must thank you for these updated, Krishna, you mentioned in another email, about the May 27 election,

I hope not and that the right forces are in the right places, and it depends on who supports whose right ??

Very interesting, Later Glen. 

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From: krishnatoolsie@hotmail.com

Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 13:25:38 -0700 

Yeh.

Zephryn Robinson from San Juan, footballer, cricket player, best table tennis player on the Mount, member of St Lawrence house (I remember most students by their house affilation after all these years)..

.Skippy St Lawrence goalkeeper, Glen McKoy St Francis, Gangee St Francis good scholar (who helped me with that darn new math), loud at times, been known to take Chinese coconuts from low bearing trees just under the Church...

yes...the same...regards,

Krishna 

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From: mckoy43glen@hotmail.com

Date: Fri, 21 May 2010 20:11:19 +0000 

Thank Krishna, 

Is this Zephryn from the Mount ? 

If so, it’s nice to reconnect. 

This is excellent reading of many good facts. 

Thank you guys, have a good day,

Glen 

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Nigel Boos

AddWednesday, April 15, 2009 4:41:00 PM 

Hello, Zephryn,

Thanks for these updates.

Everyone is useful, and all information is welcomed.

Can you help me to get the telephone numbers and more importantly, the email addresses of your brothers, please?

Also, if you have any old photographs of your days at MSB, is it possible to scan them and send them to Ladislao Kertesz in Venezuela?

What are you doing today?

Are you married?

Do you have a family?

What is your own contact information?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Happy Easter.

Nigel Boos 

======================

On 15-Apr-09, at 11:02 AM, Zephryn Robinson wrote: 

I enjoyed going through the old boys list and I enjoyed remembering the names of the old boys.

I would like to share some information for the next update the Ramkeesooon you have I think his full name is Ramkisson Rabindranath he was a left hand spinner on the cricket team,

Odderson Moses and Mayuen Joseph died a couple of years ago

Moses died of Aids and Joe died from a massive heart attack.

I also had two elder brothers who attended Mount in the sixties: Noel Robinson an athlete and cricketer and Michael Robinson a footballer.  They both lived in Toronto for a number of years however Noel returned to Trinidad after retiring.

Hope this would assist in updating the data base. 

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Now to the photos. 

Ladislao Kertesz at kertesz11@yahoo.com,

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Photos:

XXWK0010UNKNOWNS, Pls send me the names, use this number.

10GC0001GCHCHA, Gerry Chin Cham

61LK0001SPORTSDONATION, Request for donations.

09LK1755LKEBLA, Your editor and Brian Lara

Circular No 450

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

Caracas, 19 June 2010 No.450

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Dear Friends,

Some more information on ASAA and a rehash on the problems that we had with our school´s name.

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25 mayo 2010

From: Nigel P. Boos nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca 

I had written an article for a local (TT) magazine published by Marie Gurley, Dennis' wife.  

The relevant section declares that "When the first monks, led by Dom Ambrose Vinckier O.S.B., arrived on October 6, 1912 at the site selected for them by the Right Rev. Dom Mayeul de Caigny O.S.B. a year earlier, they found only a tiny mud hut with a thatched roof.

Within two years, on August 14, 1914, after the monks had cleared the land and erected temporary rooms for their domestic use, the first little chapel was consecrated.

The new foundation was granted the status of a Consensual Priory on March 6, 1915, and was dedicated to Our Lady of Exile" 

It would be wonderful to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the monks arriving in Trinidad.

But is this idea being discussed at the Association level as yet?

Is the Abbot involved? If not, he should be!

Joe - anyone taking this up?

Nigel Boos 

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FW: from Ian Gomes‏

From: Glen Mckoy (mckoy43glen@hotmail.com)

Sent: Wed 3/17/10 12:54 PM 

My dear Ian,

I just wrote it as I saw it, looking from the outside.  

The excellent work that has been done, by you guys have been noted, for the home front, and yes the same guys did all the work, and the guys spent their own money in doing a lot of things, and this is not how it should be.  

You said the chairman is doing a good job, and it pleases me to hear this, well then problem here is your communication officer, we not getting no feedback, we are not reading in the Circular what is on the home base agenda. 

Ian, I know many of the boys do get together on little trips, and that's so good to hear.  

We do understand that, everyone has a life, and Ian, many of the brothers you and I know, are working just as hard out here, our life is our choice, I still have my son to complete university, if you have kids, you could never be rich, ha!ha!. 

Ian, I understand how busy our brothers are, all over the world.  

We take this into consideration, that's why, you don't volunteer to something, you cannot give a few hours per month, 

We are a shoe string operation, we require very little to operate, but do require a small fund for expenses.   

Ladislao sent out a circular on a couple of ideas, I see no feedback, about 25% of the mount boys, are in Trinidad. 

Ladislao had suggested someone in Trinidad, could be hired part time to keep up with some of the work load, which we will try to support from small donations, so please understand, we are not asking no one to disrupt their lives on behalf of us, we are just asking for better communications.  

You must forgive me for my urgency in these matters, however it has been like two years before, and we are not get some kind of explanation. 

The last thing I heard was Peter Tang, was going to speak to the abbot, any feedback there, good, bad, indifferent, nada.

Now Ian, I understand what you are saying, some bad dealings went on with the refectory etc., so the abbot refused to allow us to registrar the alumni, because the school no longer exist, and past old boys tried to obtain property belonging to the monks, for their own selfish gain, whose fault is this, ours? 

I understand his caution on this, but he can't hold back hundreds of members from forming a non-profit Alumni, did he attend a school, how would he like it, to be told the same thing. 

We would not draw up a document without the Abbots approval, we are gentlemen, and cannot allow a few bad apples, to spoil something that is good.  

He cannot just bury his head in the sand and think this will go away, if it’s our right, we will have it, if it’s not attainable, because of church law, well so be it, we don't exist, but we will have to find this out in our own way, I guess.   

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Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:35:42 -0700

From: gomesian@yahoo.com 

Glen,

I read the under mentioned.

While there is some merit in what you said, the group down here I believe are also very diverse and trying to find common ground is difficult.

I was one who wanted to formalize the group and Dennis Gurley gave it a shot but was shot down at the Registrar's office, when the Registrar said we needed a letter from the school agreeing to the association.

The abbot refused to do this as the school no longer existed and attempts were made in the past by old boys to obtain property belonging to the monks, for their own selfish gain.

In addition, one such venture resulted in the refectory now being in the hands of outsiders who have no respect for the monks and are laying claim to that property as their own.

This whole mess has left many boys here disillusioned, including myself.

Up to last week I was talking to Keith Allen and Milton Julien.

Keith is to try to contact Chris Knowles to see if we can call a meeting to try to organize a day visit to La Vega (Bert Manin's establishment in Couva - Douglas Watson manages the estate and is Bert's son-in-law) to try to bring together boys from all the generations for recreational purposes and to try to come up with ideas to go forward.

Let me also mention that we are not as fortunate as many of you out there, as we still have to work here and have families to maintain, including Kids in school here and abroad.

The work of the group down here is extremely difficult and (not trying to defend Joe or anything like that BUT) Joe has been an excellent chairman.

He was the one who got things done.

In the group, special mention has to be made of Chris Knowles, who recorded everything discussed and was instrumental in arranging all meetings in the past, as well as Peter Sammy, Kelvin Khan, Keith Allen, Norman Gabriel, Peter Tang, Winston Ramsahai, Gary Mathews and Jimmy Samaroo.

I was fortunate to work with these guys for the Last Reunion and they did a lot to promote the event to make it a success.

But we still have to go back to our jobs the next day and retirement to devote more time to the organisation is still years away, son.

It's not as easy as you make it out to be.

Ian 

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Dear Shaun,

Thank you for the suggestions, all good.  

I am sorry for confusing you and John, the names are close, like my last name also, we spell McKoy, there were two other brothers on the mount that, were also McCoys, different spelling. 

I must thank you for your honest comments; we are a very special and unique group,

I understand that Trinidad needs some kind of help, but right now, our brothers in Vene, have a lot more to worry about, this is looking at the picture from where I am.  

We as a group cannot be a voice, without unity, only then will we know our capabilities. 

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Hi Glen,

Phew, where to start.

MAC...lol

I love Macs. I just upgraded to the latest MacBook Pro 17" from a 4 y.o MBP 17"

I now have a very powerful machine and mobility. 

In deciding which Mac to get for yourself you have to weigh in your lifestyle. 

I needed as much screen size (real estate as they say) with mobility. I do sales and financial presentations all over the island. 

I also dabble with the creative side with photography, video and music. 

If mobility (even around the house) is not an issue for you, then the iMac is the next best choice.

So now you have to look at budget.

Buy the best you can afford. GO for a bigger Hard Drive or get an external storage HD (especially if you edit video a lot), wait a few months before upgrading RAM Memory.

Apple's own is expensive and you can get that cheaper elsewhere as the price drops (and it is easy to install yourself, without affecting warranty). 

I really like the 27 inch iMac. Plenty "real estate" and cheaper than the top of the line MacBook Pro.

Great for editing video and photos and music.

Also, if you buy the Elegato EyeTV for Mac, you can also watch, record and edit TV programs and so on as well. Sort of like TiVo.

The 27 in screen makes for a great spare TV.

Unless you use MSN Messenger a lot, switch your email over to Gmail from Hotmail. Much better spam protection and it integrates with Apple's Mail programme beautifully.

I don't use Messenger, I use Skype for video chatting with my kids in Australia. 

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MSB:

By the way, John Gioannetti is no relative of mine.

His name sounds phonetically like mine, but my last name is spelt differently (Gioannetti - Gianetti).

But we are friends and email each other stuff regularly and share similar interests.

I don't really have too much contact with past students of MSB, but I have been part of the listing for ages.

It is interesting to note that we have some "powerful" and I guess influential alumni within the society and maybe that will be of use some day. 

When I attended MSB, the Spanish Borders were being phased out.

SO there were only a handful there.

I never really experienced any bullying.

I was one of the "bright sparks" at the top of the class during my tenure, so I stayed out of trouble.

Both my brothers Michael and Ian also attended MSB.

I have never attended any reunions, mainly as Ladislao's emails tend to be 6 months out dated when he sends them out.

They are less regular now.

Whether I would actively get involved in Alumni stuff is debatable, as I am tied up in so many other things including being the President of the Offroad Motorcycle Association, organizing Motocross Races every few weeks. 

I don't really know if the Alumni have any focus or purpose at present.

What should they be doing?

Besides reunions, the occasional fund raiser, there could be a stronger more cohesive unit if we wanted or had the will to be.

Not that we necessarily want to go that route, but there are enough influential people within the group to effect change on Trinidad & Tobago, bring down this farce of a Government into a reality check.

Lobbyists, Political Action Group to effect change.

Get rid of the stupidity we are experiencing here.

Without a plan, any road will take you there (or something to that effect).

Like you say the lights on but no one is home.

Well sometimes the electricity gone too!

Chat soon

Shaun 

(I agree that there should be a person in charge to send out info on events etc, ed,)

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Dear John, 

I am sorry for the mixup with Shaun, I am slipping up with age ha!ha!

Thank you the information, I've been working with cibc now for about 3 yrs, I get good discount on all, I am just a user, and it must work 24 hrs.  

I am proud to boast with pride that I am a mount boy, you are a mount boy, we have so many good brothers, its impossible, for me to hide, because one or two of my brothers, may have drawn negative vibes to themselves, while doing their jobs. 

None of this, is Club business, we don't judge brothers

On this site we walk in the light, everything we write is seen, by Great Knights.

Welcome back to the Club, let’s get the party started.

ha!ha! Thanks

Glen. 

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iMac vs Mac Book  

I started with an iMac 2 yrs ago, when I saw how fast Shan's old Mac Book was I bought one so I have 2 right now

The reality is I hardly ever use the iMac, except for Photo Editing, but I use the MacBook for everything

LOVE IT, after my iPod it’s my best friend

As I said give me a call and I'll advise you IT / Computers has been my profession since I left school at 18, so I think I have picked up a thing or 2 

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Re Shaun saying that we both have some common interest, which is highly exaggerated 

Our fathers worked together

We both went to Mount

We both are Mac fanatics and share technical info

We are both ipodophiles (people who like to play with ipods)

We both do photography

We are both lovers of motorcycles and motor-sports in general

We are both Curry Mount White Boys   

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From: Glen Mckoy (mckoy43glen@hotmail.com)

Sent: Tue 3/16/10 1:46 PM 

Shaun,

Thanks, I changed my password, the last tech, who did some stuff for me and a buddy, was good for awhile, but lately he's has been sloppy, I will be getting a new system or a new tech.

1st time I have had any problems, the last Mac pro I had my son has it, I am using a Toshiba, its o.k. but love the Mac, will be getting something soon. 

You see I want to record also, that's what I will use it for, and homemade videos, keep me busy and creative.

I am confused on which one, what you recommend??

Maybe an Imac?

Shaun, I don't know if you have any contact with the alumni in Trinidad, but man what a waste of time trying to make contact, we operate around them now,

What is their purpose, as it seems, most mount boys have nothing to do with them?

This is embarrassing, for all the guys outside, who really have a respect for the whole group. 

Like it’s hard for me to understand, as I have not seen many of these guys for like 30yrs or so.  

Now your brother John is from my time, a real nice guy, but was not aggressive, he was not a guy who liked fighting, a descent fella, not like many of the other animals ha! ha!, and he is right, when he speaks out about the bullying, man in my time, we had a few animals, but we don't talk about it, because none of them are on our list or in contact.

Now Berment, the chairman of the Alumni, is also from my time, good buddies with me also all of us, you know that guy never sent me one email since I have been on, I use to send him emails, but I just stop. 

This is our representative down there?

He told Ladislao, when we have things organize, and a vote, he will step down, step down from what ??  

Shaun, like yourself, so many good guys down there that are in contact with us out here, but have nothing to do with the local group. 

I know we are very diverse, but there must be a common ground, where we all could share a special occasion.

Shaun, I am sorry to ask you these questions, but you seem to be a well rounded young man, and I do respect your opinions.

Should we pursue having something in Trinidad ?? because what is there now, is not functioning, it’s out of order, the lights are on but it seems like no one is home.

Have a good day, my brothers, best regards

Glen.  

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Glen Mckoy

Show details 16 Oct 2009 

Dear Ladislao,

Thank you for this Circular No.412, #1, please don’t be sorry for expressing how important, we the international body feels, about A NAME, we paid our dues, for our name. 

So what school did you go to?? Well, we are not allowed to use the name anymore. 

Is this a joke? It’s not so funny anymore. 

Also very embarrassing to all noble Knights. 

We cannot point the finger at any single brother, we are to blame only ourselves, for you are right, this is our time, however, any group anywhere in the world, that takes on a project, representing us, the entire alumni world-wide, must be prepared to deliver, must know when to ask for HELP, if there are obstacles, difficulties in a project, where members may be at a dead end, speak to the elders, past presidents, the Circular Circle, they will, then get the right experts involved, you are not alone on any project, anywhere.

You are alone, if you do not make proper contact, for we are a big group, in the hundreds, with an expert at almost anything, you can imagine.  

We must be gentlemen, under all circumstances, as we take firm actions, that a no reply or no response, as disrespectful, and looked upon by some, as a direct insult.  

I cannot predict the outcome, of this issue, or the many other obstacles we may, or not face on our climb up to "White Stones", but I can tell you this, there are many, Secret, Sacred Circles, around the world, and there is only one way in, you must have been a past student, of the "Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Tunapuna Trinidad. 

So what ever the outcome, as we say on our, "Pirate Cyber Sites" Welcome to the Club Amigos.  

I do not want to say too much more on this issue, until it is resolved. 

Just a few lines, thank you again, Ladislao. 

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Now to the photos. 

Ladislao Kertesz at kertesz11@yahoo.com,

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Photos:

08TM0417TMEWFE, Timothy Mew and wife.

03MF0003DINNERCCS, Dinner photo taken in 2003.

08IG0008UNKNOWN, can anyone help, pls mention this number.

FARFAN-1, Pls Gregory, send me a 500kb quality photo.