The journey began in 1871, with 16 children of Indentured Indians, in a make shift classroom in San Fernando. Now, 140 glorious years later, students, teachers and friends of Grant Memorial Presbyterian School were able to capture the school's evolution, through arts and culture.Under the theme from Indentureship to Leadership, master of ceremonies Hansley Ajoda gave a crisp account of the road Canadian missionary Reverend Kenneth Grant travelled, when he implemented his plan to educate, empower and convert impoverished Indentured servants to Christianity.
Through song, dance, monologues, poetry, calypso, instrumental ensemble, including the pan, the story was told of Rev Grant's desire to educate the Indentured servants and their offsprings.The concert was dedicated to gifted music teacher Victor Churaman, who is due to retire after 24 years. With his trusted guitar, Churaman chose as his farewell performance, Dust in The Wind, accompanied by equally talented violinist Anslem Walters. Walters, just back from an international tour, also gave a stellar solo performance.
As Ajodah spoke, the boys and girls, mounted the stage of Naparima Bowl, San Fernando, re-enacting each step, through the multifaceted cultural art forms with which T&T is so blessed.A unity dance, embracing the culture and the cosmopolitan mix of our people, kick started the concert on November 13. A medley of local songs, including the popular Jahaji Bhai and Ganges meet the Nile, were appropriately chosen for the execution of this number.
Another dance number titled, Twinkle, Twinkle Star, exemplified the achievement of the first female student to win an exhibition exam scholarship in 1922, and the others who have followed in her footsteps since.Comedian Tommy Joseph, who has a grand child attending the school, really amused the audience with his take on the state of emergency and the now infamous curfew.
On November 18, two matinee shows were held for pupils at the same venue. On this occasion, reigning Chutney Soca Monarch Rikki Jai, a Grant School parent, graced the stage, introducing the Advent season with a parang number. First runner up in the Digicel Rising Stars competition, Reena Ramsaran and Erickson Ramklewan, both had the audience on their feet with two gospel selections, My Redeemer Lives and You Raised Me Up.
