Saturday, September 04, 2004

Circular No 148



Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad
and Tobago
, W.I.
Caracas, 4 of September 2004. Circular No. 148

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Dear Friends,

As for the last few weeks, every fourth, one new O.A.S.I.S.

So here is Bull No.6, May 1983, by Arthur Knaggs
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Dear Beloved:

I have been asked once more on how we arrived at our title and it is quite simple “Overseas Abbey School Interested Students”. So as you roam through the deserts of life looking for the Fountain of Youth – look to your buddies as a source of information and knowledge, and treasure those precious years at our “Alma Mater”.
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Thought of the month: A smart man can work his way out of a difficulty that a wise man would not get into in the first place.
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Here is some news from DAVID DE CASTRO, who lives in Florida and is into the Import / Export trade and wants contacts amongst the “Old boys” . His address is – 226 Winchester Dr., Palm Harbour, Florida, 33563 U.S.A.

His inclusion on our mailing list brought back fond memories of his years at Mount, and he shares deep feelings with all his “compadres”.

He has been in touch with ADRIAN ACHE, DELANO (his brother) and PHILLIP NASSIEF. Adrian and Helen Ache were recently on a Marriage Encounter weekend - Love power to us all.

David has 4 girls and 2 boys, all doing extremely well at school and work. Cassandra, who graduated this year has got an Honour Award, (one of 27 out of 3.000 students). He sends a Christmas letter out each year.

Dave also suggests we revive some old jokes and funny situations for the publication – so send them in.

(See the photo. Ed.)
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Ability is the power of applying knowledge to practical purposes.
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Fr. Cuthbert has written with some news about the Scouts.

They have now 7 boys in a Venture group and 14 new boys joined the group in November. Brother Francis runs the Scout group and Bernard Lange rules the Ventures.

He also tells me that Russell Cunha is P.R. for a “Jolly Roger” cruise (like Barbados) and the troop rented the boat to make some money, - “the cruise was jolly – but the financial success was not so hot”. They hope to send three Scouts to the Canadian Jamboree this year.

Fr. Peter is in good health and full of vitality. The good Lord knows his children.

A whole section of St. John’s road collapsed in January and no traffic could go to or from the Mount – “Cloistered Monks” for a few days.

Will Carter (once a Scout always a Scout) and Kitty Marcus (Girl Friday) are retired in St. Peter’s home (North of the Sports field – I guess, near the Motherhouse.)

Fr. Ildefonse, is charismatically driving his motor bike all over the island. One is never too old to feel young.
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Got a lovely letter from Phillip Nassief (Dominica) who not only sent his subscription in but has made a fantastic contribution to the continuation of our Newsletter.

He is well and heavily involved in his various occupations, and the industrial welfare of Dominica. He also enclosed his company bulletin called “The Nut Shell” which contained one of the most sincere Christmas messages I have come across.

For free men, any form of rule is better than rule of thumb.

Phillip obtained his Bachelor in Chemistry Engineering in 1957 at McGill in Canada and is involved with Coconut By Products, Distilleries and sits on many Boards and Associations.

He has passed on DONALD BOYD,s name who is an Engineer and Contractor in Dominica as well. He has loosed touch with the MEKDESSIES. If anyone knows their whereabouts let me know.

Newest member is PAUL SLINGER (Grenada) he operates Antilles Insurance Ltd., and is H.O. in Trinidad and travels on weekends to Granada – says NIGEL runs an Insurance Brokerage firm, has an Estate, cattle and race horses; plays a keen golf game and has 3 girls and 1 boy.

He also gave me CLIVE BETTENCOURT-GOMES (B.G.) address – he is no longer in Costa Rica, he is now in U.K. – wrote him, Thank for the cheque – more news needed about yourself. Paul is going to seek out BISHOP RAYMOND CHARLES who should be in Grenada.
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CHAIRMAN´S MESSAGE (Phillip Nassief)

As we approach the end of the year, we must pause to take stock of our performance over the last twelve months.

In doing so we must be honest and analytical in order to asses accurately our achievements and our shortfalls. We must apply the principles of credit and debit both to the Company and to ourselves.

We must ask ourselves what I have done for the company over the past year to increase productivity and skills, to improve working relationships and attitude to work, to prevent unfair and unsafe practices?. Have I really helped Management in carrying out their objectives and archiving their targets? These are some of the questions which will help us asses our achievements and identify our shortfalls.

At the end of this exercise, we can then make our resolutions for the New Year and plan an implementation strategy for the new challenge ahead.

The New Year may present some problems because of the marketing difficulties which we are experiencing. It is not only difficult to obtain licences, but it is even more difficult to obtain payment for products supplied. The severe economic problems, particularly in our major markets, will make 1983 a difficult year for the Company.

DCP has had yet another year of success. I thank all of you at DCP for helping us achieve another year of success. I must thank in particular, the Management team for their hard work, commitment and loyalty in steering DCP through this difficult year.

On behalf of the Boars of Directors and myself, I extend best wishes to all at DCP – the workers – and all of DCP – the shareholders – for a joyful Christmas season and a New Year of happiness, health and success.

(Look at the photo. Ed.)
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Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
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Another new member – Chis Krogh – sent his $10.00 subscription, and reported a Major Fire in Port of Spain which destroyed the entire block between Henry & Charlotte St., on the lower Independence Sq. He reports that despite the depression Trinis were “shaking their behinds” and “win´ing their cares away”.
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Value your life – think.
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BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Year has left out to protect the aged.

Raymond Devaux (Canada) – 21 April
Peter Tarr (Trinidad) – 29 of April
Cont your age by friends not years.
Count your life by smiles not tars.
The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.
Don’t be shy give us your date.
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Remember if you have information on the oldboys mentioned in the above Bull, give us a line or two.

So until Bull No. 7

God Bless
Ladislao
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Photos. David De Castro Family (1983), Phillip Nassief (1983)
Column: dbratt ,
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