Allyson Hennessy was a Trini to the bone...or marrow if you prefer. She embodied the many things that make a Trini unique. I loved Allyson like cooked food, she had warmth in abundance and shared it with everyone. I first met Allyson through the television. She was the hostess of Community Dateline, warm and eloquent on Trinidad and Tobago Television. I used to call her "Ally." She was a natural on the TV, and always put her guests at ease. Bet you didn't think Ally could give picong as well as take picong. She loved a good lime, especially Panorama.
Now Ally was a Witco Desperadoes diehard, and don't say anything bad, or uncomplimentary about Despers. Ally will half-kill or whole-kill you...no lie. And possibly get away with murder. Her allegiance to Despers was fierce like a tiger. Two other women I fraid too bad are Despers diehards Diane Dupres and Jean Reid. If you see all three running after me, let them kill me dead! dead! dead! In my whole life I've never seen three beautiful women for whom the word Despers is sacred. Now, I too, am a Despers diehard after migrating from Casablanca to Solo Harmonites, now Desperadoes. People who know me, know I like mischief too bad. I love it more than rice and peas. So when I meet Ally, I'll often tell her: "Despers is the worst band in the world."
Who tell me say that! Ally will call me an "All Stars man" (supporter) and picong will fly back and forth.
I had the distinct pleasure of being interviewed by Ally on Channel 4 in 2008. It was all because of an exhibition I did called Fifty Faces, a cartoon caricature tribute to cultural icons in calypso, pan mas and dance. Before I heard lights! camera! action, Ally and I resumed our banter over Despers. I told her I was a Despers diehard. She rejected it out of hand, calling me an "All Stars Man." "You can't fool me," she said. I protested until I got hoarse, but Ally won't accept me into the Despers fold. I told her I know "Mac," "Thunderbolt," "Brandley" (deceased), "Robbie," and called out a list longer than Minshall band on a Carnival Tuesday. But that didn't cut it.
I had to give up. I lost the battle to assert my steelband identity. The interview was filled with warmth and candour, after which I felt on-top-of-the world. I felt like the greatest cartoonist that ever walked the face of the earth. Ally's praise was so uplifting and satisfying. Before parting I thanked her for having me on the set, and wished her well. As usual, the mischievous side of me took hold. I said: "Despers is the worst band in the world." Ally chased me out with that million-dollar smile. Now that smile is no more. Thanks Ally, I feel privileged to have met you, and be interviewed by you. Ally, thanks a million!
