The panyard of Carib Woodbrook Playboyz on Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain, proved to be the ideal spot for a cultural evening hosted by the Rotary clubs of Port-of-Spain and Maraval for visiting members of Rotary International last Tuesday. Local Rotarians treated guests from the Group Study Exchange (GSE) out of Missouri, Texas, USA, to a good time with the sweet pulsating sounds of steel, plus alfresco dining with a hearty serving of indigenous cuisine that included doubles, pelau and corn soup, as well as a complimentary bar. There was hobnobbing in an atmosphere awash with good cheer. But it was not long before the dance fever filled the precincts of Playboyz's panyard too, as the youthful cast of pannists playing sweetly, offered a pleasant mix of lively music from yesterday and today.
Visiting Rotarians were also treated to a steelpan demonstration and even got an opportunity to take up positions behind the national instrument of T&T. Judging from their disposition while striking the notes, this aspect of the T&T experience seemed to be a treasure. Earlier that day, officials from the Port-of-Spain Rotary hosted a luncheon for the foreign delegation. The evening culminated on the popular Ariapita Avenue. This country was the third stop on the month-long tour across four Caribbean islands for the visiting Rotarians in the GSE programme. They began their sojourn in Guyana, before heading to Suriname and then anchoring on local soil. The Caribbean experience ended in St Lucia.
Major Lawrence Wilson, president of the Rotary Club of Port-of-Spain, said the cultural exchange was a key feature in the growth of Rotarians, who one day may lead the organisation. He said this exchange was facilitated by district governor Lara Quentrall-Thomas and her counterpart in Texas. Later this year, Rotarians in that US state will be hosting a T&T delegation, which is sure to be a bumper event.
