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Born
and Raised in Trinidad and Tobago - those fair islands - forget the nonsense
about greater and lesser Antilles; tell Columbus the archipelago does
not exist!
Born in South Trinidad a place called Gasparillo - a fair place with fair
people too. Recently, we started our own street carnival…not that
San Fernando or Port-of-Spain carnival is not good; ours is just better.
(Port-of-Spain being the capital of Trinidad and Scarborough the capital
of Tobago the smaller, petite, less hectic, more tourist island).
Had a very diverse education. Born into a predominantly east Indian home,
boasts a diversity of relatives from African Caribbean, South American
(native Caribs) heritage (if you know any other relative let me know).
Not Hindu,
but attended the local Hindu school (Gasparillo Hindu School) had a good
education (whether he paid attention to the education is another issue).
Secondary education was a joy at San Fernando Government Secondary School
(or as us ex (one of a kind group of) students know it 'mod sec' not 'mod
sex' as some try to corrupt - a monumental step in travelling (roughly
10-15 miles from home) (especially when financial resources was low and
sometimes he would get to school in the back of a pick-up) the wind in
the hair, was not the status vehicle to roll up in school with (this is
back in the early 80's however, we have grown from then, haven't we?)
Coco was
known by his friends as a number of things - 'mean deen' 'skeene' 'breakdancer
extrodinaire - except for the spin on the back technique - not very perfected!
Good friends like Joel, James, Ian, Sherman; teachers outstanding like
James Baisden, Yamin Ali, Al Ramsawak and many more…and who will
forget dem girls…we will mention them later!
Coco started
storytelling at the age of 16-17 years old entering schools competition;
winning titles like Best storyteller for South schools, best actor awards,
best verse speaker. Giving him celebrity type status in a school, which
with this status brings privileges - which you may hear about later!
The starting
point of a long and windingly difficult road to current status -
Currently, the main Master of Ceremonies for the London Based Association
of British Calypsonians - (ABC) the only calypso tent in England and within
Europe (so why aren't we touring more)? Since 2001, also conducting workshops
in Storytelling, poetry, educating young people about Caribbean issues
and through mediums like dance, music, drumming etc.
Coco utilises
the expert skills and talents of other West Indians and British Caribbean
people; not only from the South of England, but London, Birmingham, Reading
etc.
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Schools and organisations
that have utilised the skills and expertise of this service -
Workshop Prices - invoice
Other activities - food, concerts, calypso tent, carnival, drama etc.
Photos
Caribbean Map
Contacts - other artists, performers.
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