Trinity All Generation Steel (TAGS) hosted its annual awards ceremony at Queens Royal College Hall, St Clair, on July 16. This ceremony marked the celebration of students who were awarded for their exceptional academic achievements, as well as for their striving excellence in self development. The three-hour long ceremony began with the playing of the steelpan, with a 15-minute interval allowing guests to socialise while enjoying refreshments. The Teacher of the Year award recipient was Akua Leith, who was described as an example of success. His achievements were highlighted during the ceremony. Margot Forde was awarded the top student in the category of Grade one (theory) with 100 per cent, and also received an award for the Best New Recruit (senior). The Student of the Year award, given to the student deemed all-rounded academically and non-academically, went to Malaina Moffett, while the Elder of the Year award went to Lorna Louis. The Parents of the Year award was shared by Margaret Wilson and Beverly James. However, it was the junior pan groups, playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and I Just Called To Say I love You, who stole the show.
About TAGS
TAGS was founded in 1994 as a voluntary organisation. This NGO consists of people of all generations, from kindergarten tots to grandparents. Ideas for the formation of TAGS came about when former music teacher, Melville Robin (deceased), had a dream to have pan played along with the Trinity Cathedral church organ. Jacqueline Commissiong (deceased), who conducted motivational talks with the student body, also shared this view, as did Dr Knolly Clarke, who was the Cathedral dean at that time. Principal Phaedra Pierre was also instrumental in making the dream come true.
Despite the challenges of not having proper infrastructure for a school, vice principal Ann Niles and Pierre conduct their practical and theory classes out of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Port-of-Spain. After making an application to the Poverty Reduction Programme, Dr Amery Brown, then Minister of Social Development, provided TAGS with a grant of $25,000, given towards the purchase of instruments such as the tenor and double tenor instruments. Among the current tutors who volunteer their services to teach the nation's youth music and the rudiments of the national instrument at TAGS are Karen Cordner Crichlow, Catherine Virgel, Monica Morton Hewitt and Akini Gill.