Saturday 31 October 2009

Circular No 417



Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. 
Caracas, 31 of October 2009 No. 417
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Dear Friends, 
Here are some of the interchanges that Nigel and I have been emailing, especially after we made a conference call from TT during my visit on the Association’s behalf.
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Some thoughts about the Circulars 
Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:47:33 AM 
Dear Laz,
(I hope I haven't left anyone out of this email response. I'm not trying to offend, but I'm trying to remember everyone who was involved in the recent conference call. Please accept my apology if I've forgotten anyone.)
Thank you very much for considering me for the role of coordinating the information which has been / is being developed re. the MSB Old Boys, sorting it, adjusting it, re-publishing it, etc., as was laid out to me during our conference call last week.
I have thought seriously about your proposal and have now concluded that I should not accept this responsibility.
My wife and I are on the verge of starting a new business which (we hope) will involve most of our time, and it would be ludicrous for me to consider adding to the work-load I already have, such as it is.
I shall, nevertheless, continue to do my small part in trying to bring our alumni together, through general database communication and through the occasional "Roti Night" type of thing.
Believe me that alone occupies a large part of my day.
I wish you success in finding someone to take over this responsibility, as I realize the terrific burden which you also are carrying.
Thank you, once again.
God bless us all.
Nigel Boos
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Sunday, August 16, 2009 8:36:15 AM
From:   Nigel P. Boos  
Laz,
Part of my problem, to be honest, is that I don't know the first thing about websites and how to input new data and remove existing stuff. 
Secondly, I want to / need to work at my own pace, without anyone screaming down my neck. 
Thirdly, I am very suspicious about Facebook. There have been too many abuses of it, and in my opinion, it is far too intrusive. I have never used it, and I don't wish to use it. Perhaps I'm being silly / ignorant but convince me otherwise. 
I believe that my simple contribution, such as it is, has validity for all the Old Boys, and I'm willing to continue trying, in my own way, to bring folks together and to network. There have been tremendous instances of this happening already, and I can testify to a few great ones. But, at the same time, I am not convinced that the Association, such as it is, is really as active as I'd like it to be, not pro-active enough and not offering valid and inspired leadership.  
Case in point #1: Why is it taking so long, (nearly 2 years) for them to decide what to do with the money we've collected and are holding for a gift of some sort for Kitty Marcus. She's getting older and older and older and will soon pass away and no-one can decide how to honour the old lady.   
Case in point #2: What's happening with the ASAA name. Last I heard, Peter Tang and Dennis Gurley were to meet and talk with Fr. Abbot. What's the status of this discussion? 
Case in point #3: There had been some great discussions about 2-3 years ago about plans for development of an Old Boys' Museum, etc. at MSB. A number of OB's, myself included, made suggestions. Whatever happened to those plans? I'd sure like to know. 
Case in point #4: Although I routinely send out database updates with significant information on the Old Boys, email addresses, etc., I have repeatedly asked for help with finding the information I need to complete the job, or at least to make it current.
With the exception of a very few comments made by certain individuals, I honestly cannot say that anyone in Trinidad or in Venezuela, for that matter, where the bulk of our alumni reside, has had the time, energy, interest or sense of commitment to devote to helping me to get the job done.  
Leadership? - I'm a little disappointed. Apart from organizing the occasional reunion dinners or the visit to the PoS dock (as in the case of Victor Zanelli's beautiful "Esmeralda"), I am unable to any real effort to build the organization. 
How about an annual soccer match? An annual cricket match? How about an annual golf tournament? Or a Tennis Tournament? How about an annual "All Fours Tournament"? How about organizing an Annual Holy Mass at the Mount, for the intentions of all the Old Boys, Teachers and Coaches of the Abbey School. How about taking over, with the approval of Fr. Abbot) the care, maintenance and supervision of the swimming pool, for use by local kids, with a pay-for-use policy? Leadership means, to me, having the guts to stick one's head out and to point the way to a future possibility and to encourage others to follow. I'm waiting to see that sort of thing, and I'm excited about the potential therein. 
I agree with you that there should be a "point man" appointed to act as the Facilitator of the ASAA and to be the mouthpiece of the organization, the person to whom, instead of you (you have enough to do, it seems, with your own job) emails, info., etc. should be sent for subsequent distribution. However, he should be based in Trinidad, where the action really is, and I again nominate Chris Knowles to be that person. 
Keep up the work you're doing, Laz. You are an inspiration to us all. 
God bless you and yours.
Nigel  
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On 13-Aug-09, at 3:23 PM, laszlo kertesz wrote: 
Dear Nigel,
Do not look for more work than what you are doing, because then you will find yourself working for someone and with no benefits.
The famous web page or Facebook that Gabriel was talking about is really the solution, all new information that are generated would go into this whatever, but the whatevers, are to be loaded into this "webpage" by individuals like you and me on a regular basis, lets say weekly in my case as is the Circular in Don´s Blog.
In your case maybe a monthly update of the list??
And maybe Chris doing the association’s efforts, etc?
So there is no need to take up the load of anyone, it is to let anyone do whatever they feel like doing but to have a common place to upload, with a webmaster controlling.
This is why Kazim´s page is not the solution, promises are easy to make, it is a Chavez solution as we say here in Venezuela. First you disrupt a working firm, promise to make it better after taking it over and then after a time it flounders.
So at the end, Nigel, do what you set up doing and do it as best as you can and have fun. If you want to take a vacation, do it, nobody is going to replace you, you are unique in what you are doing.
But if the Association cannot live up to its goals, why would we want to change duties or take over their efforts??. We might fail and then there is going to be nobody just as when Art gave up the effort after 16 issues.
When I decide to close shop I can do it at the wink of the eye, I hope that this will happen when the "webpage" is organized, and is financially solvent to run under its own steam and not because of an individual’s ego.
Nice to debate on this, hope there would be others that would do what we are not doing, or what the association has in mind.
God bless
Ladislao 
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From: Nigel P. Boos <nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:55:38 PM

Laz,
Based on your notes, it appears that Chris Knowles was / is available to oversee the Circulars. If this is so, then I would strongly recommend that he be appointed to the position and that he be paid for his effort. Details must be left to the ASAA Team.
I would gladly participate in the Circulars, if a specific task were allocated to me. I'm sure others would too, but they need to be asked. 
Re Kazim, I'm not generally in touch with him, so I can't give an update. 
Blessings.
Nigel  
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On 12-Aug-09, at 7:59 PM, laszlo kertesz wrote: 
My answer to the items is in RED and Green is my general comments.  
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From: Nigel P. Boos <nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca>
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 7:32:07 AM 
Dear Laz,
First, I want to thank you for the first class job you have done over the past number of years, in trying to bring the Old Boys of MSB back together again, through the new technologies now available to us all. This would not have been possible in years gone by, but you have seen the opportunity and the potential for good, and you have quickly made use of it. Good for you, and again, thank you.
A few months ago, while you were in Trinidad, the ASAA team, together with yourself, made a conference call to me, and among other things, enquired whether I would be interested in undertaking a more active role in the compilation of incoming emails, photographs, subdividing groups of OB's, and whatever. I understood at the time, that your heavy involvement with your work was affecting your effectiveness with the Circulars. I wrote back to decline the kind offer, based on the fact that I am extremely busy with trying to set up a small business here in Canada, and I simply don't have extra time. I do what I can, on the side, to try to help the OB's, but I do not wish to be further encumbered.
Now, I got to thinking - what can I suggest to help you to cut down on your workload, and perhaps I have a few thoughts which might assist you. Although I run the risk of offending, this is not my intent, and I am trying only to offer a few words of brotherly advice:
The Circulars - When they first began some years go, they were fresh and highly interesting, and new to all of us. We appreciated their regular appearance and looked forward to receiving the updates. Since then, however, there has been increased correspondence through the internet between many of us, and we are reasonably aware of what is happening in various places. Guys are sending in photographs of each event, and these for sure are highly appreciated. But I suggest that the role of the Circulars today could be critically reviewed, to ensure that they do what they started out to do - to inform, to advice, to announce, etc. What we are seeing, though, today, is a repeat of information which has already been published and of letters relating to events long past. This must take a lot of your time, to have to compile these emails and to send the back out again.
I am suggesting that it might be profitable in terms of effort and time spent, simply to review events, perhaps on a quarterly basis, and to summarize, very briefly, what has happened, with a look too, to the future. 
Some headings which you might consider: 
1. Events of the Past 3 months - (Summary only), Good suggestion, I feel that you have the ability to do it, please start as soon as possible, let us say starting at the end of September to cover the months of June, July August.
2. Upcoming Events - if any, with some details of place, date, time, etc. Again this is is a good idea. I believe that Kazim is the guy with the web page. 
3. News from ASAA - (the Team could submit a paragraph, every 3 months, to you, for publication.) The same here, Kazim has offered this
4. News about the Mount (Fr. Abbot might be asked to contribute a paragraph). Again Kazim can coordinate this and include the news in the web page.
5. Featuring an Old Boy (all to be considered) - One paragraph. Since this is again something for the web page, you and Kazim can work together.
6. Our dearly departed - info on any recent OB deaths. Again web page news Kazim.
7. What did you do for the holidays? (OB's could be asked to submit 3 lines, which could be summarized). This I never covered, you might do this section.
8. Feature item - Your selection (Perhaps an article from some recent publication which you really feel we should see. Perhaps a special thought from you, as Editor / Publisher) 
These are merely some random thoughts, Laz, and I hope they help a bit. 
As I mentioned in the Telephone conversation, the Circular can only be replaced if and when someone sets up an automatic mailing system where every week news are sent out, maybe a weekly reminder of the web page with the happening that occur during every week at the web site. 
Because outside you and friends of friends, nothing really happens after the first couple of mailings.
I might be wrong but outside the 500 odd email addresses, and your email address effort, every week there are 20 changes in addresses, maybe 70 per quarter??? Nobody is going to check this amount every quarter.
Jon is right that there are generation gaps and even the Circular is junk mail for some. And some just delete the Circular upon receiving it and maybe even before looking at the photographs, and you know there is a limit to the quantity of old photos available.
I am realistic, it is an effort that I need not do, but can you tell me how many times has the Kazim´s web page been updated???, is it a regular affair??.
Let’s look at the Monastery´s web page?? how many times a year??
Even Don´s Blog, how many OB use it to comment???  There is traffic but could be that only few dozen use it??
I do not make illusions; the Circular is dead as soon as I type the last letter.
So I keep hammering out until there is no more news or emails received at headquarters.
Please take my answer just as you said, "maybe in risk of offending you". I take no offense and would like that the web page would take on some load, and cover all the 8 items that you mention.
But like I said in the TT meeting, to get this done someone must be HIRED, I suggested Christopher Knowles and he was/is available.
Free stuff nobody respects and you cannot ask results if you do not PAY.
We are doing this out of romanticism or what ever; maybe you have a better word for it.
I hope that my TT visit is not going to be wasted, just as our telephone conversation until today, when you made a resume of the items that need to be done.
Since I have not heard anything new since my return, it is refreshing to know that you are keeping the ideas rolling with "friends and interested parties"
Any news on KAZIM??
God bless
Ladislao 
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So now you have all the exchange and photos. 
Best regards, 
Ladislao Kertesz  kertesz11@yahoo.com
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59NB0005UNKNOWNS, UNKNOWNS
59NB0003GRP, Bunch of UNKNOWNS
60NB0003RRGALT, Randal and Richard Galt
60NB0004NBOGRP. Christopher Webster, Wayne Vincent Brown and Nigel Boos





Saturday 24 October 2009

Circular No 416




Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I. 
Caracas, 24 October 2009 No. 416
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My friends,
Here are the comments that the Circular has received from our readers.
I must clarify that this group compromises the most active members and frequent writers to the Circular.
The Circular shall publish in issue No. 420, additional information, hopefully the legal creation of the new Association.
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From: Rafael Echeverría [mailto:reglaw@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, 27 June, 2009 11:20 AM  
I fully agree with Attila ...
Rafael/CheChe 
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Abbey School Old Boy's Association
Don Mitchell CBE QC
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:15:04 AM 
Hello Dennis,
Would I be right that the Abbot has no right to control the use of the School's name?
I can't believe any Registrar of trade marks would permit a copyright registration.
As graduates of the school, we are entitled to form an association using the name of the school. 
We are not defrauding anyone, or saying anything misleading. 
We are not 'passing off' anything.
It is accurately our name.   
In any event, the words are ordinary words in the public domain. 
We are as entitled as he is to the use of the name. 
A Google search reveals there are hundreds of "Abbey Schools" and "Mount Saint Benedicts". 
Still, I suppose we ought to suck up as we may need his 'blessings' from time to time! 
But, what in the world can we call ourselves? 
How about, "Whitestones Rangers"?
Don 
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De: azizul mohammed [mailto:salo00011@hotmail.com]
Enviado el: Martes, 23 de Junio de 2009 06:52 p.m. 
Well who cares? I am in The Abbey School Old Boys Association. Any objections?
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Date: Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:48:15 -0400 
Well, first of all the Abbot is out of place making such demands (in my opinion). 
We are, first and foremost, an Alumni of the Mt. St. Benedict - Abbey School.
I don't even think we need to even use the word association.
Alumni says it all. 
The Abbot has no rights to take that away from past students.
We earned that status. 
The Abbey School Alumni, for the most part conducts its activities in cyberspace - email, blogs and web site.
We are World Wide. 
You think he'll bring the "pesse" and start sharing licks?
Shaun Gianetti 
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On Jun 23, 2009, at 6:33 PM, Glen Mckoy wrote: 
Coscarart,
Thank you for questioning our identity, the one and only thing we should be able to have, why?, are we treated like strangers, we are the ex-students
We are reasonable men; a good explanation should help us understand why, around every corner, we have a new surprise.  
Where is the unity of our school & church? 
I thought we had these ties in the last reunion ?? 
Who is in charge? 
As we are getting mixed messages out here. 
I am concerned, ex-student from ????, where the castle in the sky.
Let’s get this party started, 
Love to all my bothers, from the no name school. Ha! Ha!   
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On Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 9:23 PM, Attila GYURIS <gyuris@yahoo.com> wrote: 
I agree with Carlos.
I don't think he can deny us the right to use the name (?) "Reasons unknown" ??? WTF
I really wonder what the problem with using the name of the school as part of our organization's name?   Is it copyrighted?
But I think the best approach would be: ...
why don't we find out first what the Abbot's objections are ?    
Maybe we can work this out without pissing-off the Abbot. 
After all, we need him on our side.
Attila Gyuris 
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From: Carlos Dvorak <carlos_dvorak@aincosa.com>
Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 8:58 AM 
Who can tell me that I am not an ALUMNI OF THE ABBEY SCHOOL, which happened to be located somewhere in a mountain known as “MOUNT SAINT BENEDICT” and therefore I also was a student at THE ABBEY SCHOOL, regardless THAT PERSON CARES, LIKE IT OR NOT.
Atentamente,
CARLOS DVORAK  
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Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:02:07 -0500 
Dear Mr. Gurley,
My name is Salvador Coscarart,
I was a student at the abbey school from 1967 to 1974.
I was chatting with Mr. Ladislao Kertesz and he told me that the abbot father john Pereira does not want to use the abbey school name for the association.
Reasons unknown, but what if we called it “the old abbey school association of Trinidad and Tobago".
There are many abbey schools all over the world.
So why can't we use this one I just proposed.
I don't see any reason why not.
Please let me know if we can use it or Kertesz told me about the situation and am taking upon my self and on behalf of all the old abbey boys on this matter.
I live in Lafayette, Louisiana
My cell is 337-412-8751,
Thank you very much.  
Ps: will it help to get signatures from the old boys that are very much interested on keeping in touch with their brothers from the abbey school.
I just got back from a reunion in Ajax Ontario Canada, and there were old abbey boys from 1945, as well as different years,
We all want to keep in touch, but will like to do it with an organized association that will keep it private and only for the old abbey school boys.
If there is any out put on this matter please be nice and address it to Mr. Gurley whom is the attorney for the present association.
Sincerely and with all my respect
Salvador Coscarart
Abbey boy 67 -74. 
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Subject: Re: ASAA Committee Meeting (12th July 09) Results PLUS.
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:34:45 -0400 
Actually, Hudson, I agree with you.
I believe though, that the more diplomatic approach would be to allow Dennis Gurley and Peter Tang to have their chat with Fr. Abbot, to see what the problem is, and to try to negotiate a position we can accept.
If all else fails, why, then I think another course of action might be called for.
Nigel  
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On 18-Jul-09, at 10:56 PM, hudsonmckoy@aol.com wrote: 
Hi Nigel:
I believe we have earned and paid for the right to use the true and only name of the school we attended.
Those overly hot blazers we wore...
The school we hiked swam and ran for...the school who taught us to fight and take our beating like men...
Now we are whimpering out to the Abbot.
Abbey School was part of God's plan for all of us who attended this very our special school.
What God has ordained let no man or Abbot put asunder.
I say we fight for our God-given right to use the name 'Abbey School Alumni' in all our communications with all our brothers worldwide.
We are also known as Mount Boys, Aqua lads, 2nd Mt St Benedict, the mount band... but our lawful, paid in full name is "Abbey School". 
Let them sue us...we should take the school to court.
We should even take it to the Pope if necessary. 
If they never intended for us to use this name, then they should have never allowed us to use it and get attached to it in the first place.
This is an infringement of our rights as students of Abbey School and as citizens of free democratic countries like Trinidad, Venezuela, USA, Canada, Surinam, Holland, Guyana, Curacao, Australia etc...from whence we came.
Let's fight for our right. 
Long live 'Abbey School' & may God Bless our cause. 
Hudson McKoy.
Abbey School Alumni. 1969-1974. 
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Thursday, July 9, 2009 8:24 PM
From: "Carlos Dvorak" carlos_dvorak@aincosa.com 
I, fully agree with Attila’s approach; I hate to go against the Abbot’s wishes in this matter
Atentamente,
CARLOS DVORAK 
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:02 PM
From: Carlos Dvorak" carlos_dvorak@aincosa.com 
Dear Peter,
Please make sure that Fr. Abbot understands that WE ARE PROUD TO BE alumni of THE ABBEY SCHOOL, and we feel that, thanks to that, we are a special type of person.
God bless you.
CARLOS DVORAK 
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De: Nigel P. Boos [mailto:nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca]
Enviado el: Martes, 30 de Junio de 2009 03:17 p.m. 
Dear Peter,
I believe that this is the correct way to go. 
Have a chat with Fr. Abbot and find out, from his point of view, what the problem is, with the use of the name "The Abbey School Old Boy's Association" or "The Abbey School Alumni Association", or whatever.
It appears to me that Fr. Abbot seems to have either heard of or witnessed something which has turned him off re. Our group.
We need to get that straightened out.
I find it difficult to understand why he does not respond to my very few emails which I have sent him, with strong suggestions for the benefit of the MSB community.
Perhaps I do not have the correct email address for him.
The one I have is: jaebp@hotmail.com.  
Perhaps you could ask him to confirm his email address for me?
Good luck. Enjoy the chat.
Nigel  
 ----- Original Message ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 3:43 PM 
So how about 
The Abbey Mt ST Benedict Old Boys Association 
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Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:10:36 -0400
Dear Dennis,
How pleasant to know about you!
Thank you for your information which I have carefully reviewed.
In spite of Fr. Abbot's explanations, which I deeply respect, I admit not to fully understand the reservations which Fr. Abbot may have with respect to old students using the "Abbey School" name. 
It is clear that we would not make any wrong use of the name or take advantage of it for any particular agenda.
That issue could even be ruled in the institutional bylaws. (Could we suggest this to Fr. Abbot?)
However, Fr. Abbot bears the authority to decide and he has expressed his opinion which we must observe.
Please extend my warm regards to all at home !
CheChe/ Rafael  
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On 29-Jun-09, at 4:27 PM, Don Mitchell CBE QC wrote: 
Hi Azizul,
You got the point.
We can register the company with any name that is acceptable. 
Then, all we have to do is call it what we want as an "aka".  A company is not normally allowed to do business using an aka. 
But, so long as we keep it an informal aka, there should be no legal problem. 
So, just as an example, the company could be registered as "Company No MSB123 Limited." 
We put that official name on the company letterhead. 
Then, we also put on the letterhead, not as part of the name, but as a sort of banner, something like, "An Association of Old Boys of the Abbey School, Mount St Benedict, Tunapuna, Trinidad", or whatever we want.
That way, it is not part of the legal name, but we make it clear to anyone reading our stuff who we are.
Don 
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On Jun 29, 2009, at 4:42 PM,
"Don Mitchell CBE QC" <idmitch@anguillanet.com> wrote: 
Hello Old Boys,
Since I now understand that the principal obstacle is the refusal of the Registrar of Companies to permit the name, I recognise that there is no way around it, having once served as a Registrar of Companies myself.
May I suggest "Escapees from the Prison on the Hill", for those of you who remember the old school song?
Alternatively, and as a second choice only, if Trinidad permits letters and numbers to form the name of a company, as Anguilla does, how about the acronyms "ASOBA" or "MSBOBA"? 
We would know what the word means, which is all that is important.
Regards,
Don 
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Monday, June 29, 2009 5:51 PM
"Attila GYURIS"  
My brothers:
I agree that the name "Abbey School" belongs to us, alumni, and we should be able to use it for good purposes.
BUT the unfortunate reality is that if the name cannot be incorporated or registered in Trinidad, because the Registrar of Companies of Trinidad will not accept it as a legal entity then we can only exist in cyberspace, and we cannot have any legal / financial standing. 
We live in a different world today, with all the litigiousness and abusive legal manoeuvring that exists in our society.
So in a way I can understand the Abbot's caution. 
I am sure he did not make this decision unilaterally, I am sure he was advised by others. 
I think one of our options maybe then to incorporate/register it in another country where the registrar will not have any objections and no permission from the Abbot is required (?).
While this maybe a legal workaround, it may still antagonize the Abbot towards us, and do we want that? 
Should we even care about that? 
Or should we forge ahead and disregard the Abbot's wishes and use the name Abbey School anyway?
I am not sure what the consequences, if any, there would be.  
Just because something is legal to do, it may not be the right thing to do. 
That is the question we must answer first.
Once we answer that, we can go to the next decision: 
1) If we decide to use the name "Abbey School" anyway, then one of the options would be to incorporate in another country.  "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead." 
2) If we decide to bend over and obey the Abbot's wishes, then we will have to come up with another name which would acceptable to the Registrar of Companies in Trinidad
I am personally for option 2.
Regards,
Attila Gyuris 
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Monday, June 29, 2009 8:45 PM
From: "dgurley@jdsellier.com" dgurley@jdsellier.com 
Hi Don;
Peter Tang (who is quite friendly with the Abbot) has agreed to have a quiet word with him.
Peter is reasonably confident that he will be able to get him to withdraw his objection to the use of the words “Abbey School” as part of the proposed name.
I suggest that we give Peter a chance to work his magic.
Regards,
Dennis  
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Glen Mckoy
Date: Monday, June 29, 2009, 9:54 AM

CHECHE, ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE,  THANKS MAN. G#1. 
A KNIGHT OF THE LAW. 
My Dear Brother Dennis,
I first, must thank you, on behalf of all of us out here, as Shaun said, out in CyberSpace,
yes the invisible members , the support you cannot see, however we stand with you, our faces on the Front. 
I understand that the Abbot does not approve of the name "Abbey School" as part of our Home Base, Non-profit association of us past students, of the school.  
We came is Peace, where is the Love and where is the Compassion?
The Abbot has made this decision based on recent unfortunate circumstances, in which the name of the Abbey has been used with detrimental consequences. 
With great respect to the Abbot, who the hell gave these people permission to use our name?? 
If the people who used our name are old abbey school boys, we need to know this, and we will fix this problem, and correct the situation. 
If these people are not old abbey school boys, we cannot accept your decision. 
As other Abbey schools around the world are registered, and sanctioned to have a non-profit Club, by their respectable church, 
I hope that these rules are not being broken as we go along.     
Also the Abbot must have no fear of the school re-opening, all pipe dreams, and not single thing can be done on the mount with out his permission, so I see absolutely no problems, but assumptions, now we in the realm have Faith, we hope the Abbot also have Faith. 
In God we Trust. 
(This is what my brother Trevor had to say) 
Just saw an email from Glen regarding the matter of the name The Abbey School
The objection of the present Abbot to the use of this name
Well as far as I am concerned the name belongs to all of us who spent many years of our lives at that place.
I think that his request should be ignored 
One would have thought that he would have been Proud to have the name of the Abbey portrayed around the world and understand that most of the old pupils are proud to have been a student of the MOUNT 
What ever is finally decided I am with you all
Regards Trevor Evelyn
1945 to 1949 and proud of it 
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------. 
Dear Shaun, 
Thank you for your opinion. 
I must 1st. say how proud; it is to read your email, a younger Knight who has seen the light. 
The Abbey School/ Old Boys Private Club 1942-2009. 
We have paid our dues, a long time ago, this is our show, if you did not attend the Abbey School, during the years of preparation for this time, in the Power of Now, you will not know, for we are sacred, secret, we are an invisible elite alumni, we have been here, in Cyberspace conducting our activities, long before an official alumni was established. 
We are world wide, with the only common denominator, that holds us together, The Abbey School, Mt.St.Benedict, Tunapuna, Trinidad & Tobago. 
We extend ourselves only with kindness and support, to our good brothers who still resides, in the land of our Castle.  
We even pay respect for the people who worked around us, teachers etc, from our past, we offer honorary membership. 
To the few that we have come to respect.  
We are of no ego no more, we do not want for our selves, but only the survival of the Castle, if possible ?? 
If not, we will continue, as we did before, as we are doing now, and we will do again, in the future.
Long Live The Mount.  
Glen McKoy. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------.
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:11:46 +0000 
Don,
Don't think we should cave in so easily.
Part of the problem I believe is that the Abbot was never a part of the Abbey School and can't be expected to feel what we all do.
The challenge is, to transfer our feelings to him.
Logic won't work because, his response is not logical but is solely based on a bad experience he appears to have had.
We will get him to feel the light.
Take good care.
Regards,
Peter  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, June 29, 2009 10:53 PM
From: "Don Mitchell CBE QC"  
Sure, an excellent suggestion.
Don 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rafael Echeverría [mailto:reglaw@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, 27 June, 2009 11:20 AM 
I fully agree with Attila ... Rafael/CheChe 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now to the photos. 
Regards,
Ladislao Kertesz, kertesz11@yahoo.com

So now you have all the exchanges and photos.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59CV0005GUYANESE, Stuck in mud in Guyana
59CV0006GUYANESE, Football team in Guyana
59CV0007GUYANESE, Football team before match
59CV0008GUYANESE, Before boarding the ship to return to Trinidad





Saturday 17 October 2009

Circular No 415




Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 17 of October 2009 No. 415
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Dear Friends, 
Good news on Michael Chow
From our reporters and Alumni in TT, the news is that he is recovering, read details.
As to the photos, please send me the names that have been left in blank. remember to return the photos or use the code number !!!
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Friday, May 1, 2009 9:27 AM
From: "ian gomes"  
To all MSB boys,
Most of you on this list will remember Michael Chow.
He played football and cricket for the college and was a quiet reserved boy at school.
Michael is very ill (see below) and our prayers should include him at this time. 
Ian 
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ian,
My sister called me early this morning and told me the bad news,
Michael has pancreatic cancer and don't have long to live,
His daughter (my niece in France, first child) is not taking it too well and will be going down to see him, also his son (nephew),
Tell Poggy and the rest of the guys who knew him.
I will talk to you later
Michael# at the bakery-668-5692.  
-------------------------------------------------------------------.
Glen Mckoy
Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:16:20 PM 
Hello Peter, 
Neil Charles is his brother-in-law, Michael Chow,
Neil was in school with me, his email is above, you can contact Neil,
He will be going down to see Michael in Trinidad.
Thank you for the reply, any support is good.
Best Regards Glen. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
On Apr 30, 2009, at 5:11 PM, Glen Mckoy <mckoy43glen@hotmail.com> wrote: 
Neil,
I thank you for passing along this information. 
I remembered Michael Chow, a couple of years older than us,
He was a very smart and intelligent person for his age, at the time, on the Mount,
Neil, I so sorry to hear about this, my heart is with you my friend, please tell your sister
We are all thinking of her and the children, in our prayers today.
You know I am always here my brother, 
Glen. 
(Will pass this along as many brothers did know Michael very well)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------.
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:49:55 -0400
Glen,
Remember Chow? He was married to my sister and has two kids with her, he has pancreatic cancer and not long to live,
My niece is not taking it too well and will be going down soon to see him,
I will keep you updated.
Neil 
-------------------------------------------------------------------.
Peter Tang
Thursday, April 30, 2009 11:48:54 AM 
Glen,
I was in class with Michael.
Who is his sister married to??
How can I contact him?
Is he in T& T?
Don't know if he would remember me. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------.
From: Urbano von Fedak (urbano@cantv.net)
Sent: Tue 1/08/08 9:30 PM 
Amigo nesecito tu ayuda
Llámame
Urbano 
--------------------------------------------------------------------.
Mount Boys   Class  1953  ///  1958
It is hard to believe that our 50th anniversary is this year.
We have to name a committee and therefore need your help and input.
Who can be the coordinator?
Each one of us should show enough interest in contacting classmates and giving ideas and suggestions either to Ladislao, Farcheg or De Fedak or the coordinator or the coordinators.
Don’t only concentrate on classmates that where at Abbey School from 1953 until 1958, but add schoolmates until 1960.  
Meeting should be in Trinidad
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From: Urbano von Fedak (urbano@cantv.net)
Sent: Tue 4/14/09 10:36 PM 
Donald!
Reading your lines some tears left my eyes.
It is really nice hearing from you.
Coincidence today I cancelled my flight to New York because my visa expired March 03.
Would I had known that I receive these lines I might have joint Chavez and on my return stop to see your face.
I have an appointment next 25 minutes (a good excuse) but I promise that you will hear from me next 14 days
Un gran saludo y abrazo
Urbano 
----- Original Message -----------------------------------------------
From: "Don Goddard" dgodda1@lsu.edu
To: "Brother Vincent" lrober17@tampabay.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 4:06 PM 
Dear Brother Vincent:
I noticed your email address on Nigel's list.
Thanks to Ladislao and Nigel who keep a running tab on all Mount boys with the website and list of students and teachers, it makes it easy to contact one another.
Seeing your name brought back some wonderful memories from MSB, especially with sporting events that you organized so well.
I recall that Urbano and I were in St. Francis house (the best one), Christian and Csaba were in St. Anthony, and Brian with Nigel and I believe Ladislao were in St. Lawrence. I still recall the time you showed us how to write and sign our checkbooks when we arrived at Mount in 1953.
I don't know why, because there was very little money in the account and nothing to buy but toothpaste and soap, as far as I recall.
Regarding classroom, teachers and studying, my mind is a little fuzzy about that due to "ole age".
I remember scouting activities and trips to Mayaro and other places and building all kinds of contraptions out of bamboo.
I also, remember the time I went with another scout on our 1st class badge hike following a map that placed our campsite in a cemetery in a town near Tunapuna.
Our scout master had a sense of humour, but I can tell you that that night we were scared like hell.
However, what I enjoyed most after sports was stealing mangos and other fruit from around Mount's orchards.
Thanks to Brother Swa's diligent work and considerable time chasing mount boys away from those delicious Julie mango trees, they weren't picked clean within the first week of each semester.
We all have tons of great stories to tell; some real and others exaggerated.
However, you must admit that overall, except for a few like the Hungarian mafia (Urbano, Matthias, Ladislao, Csaba, Gerard Most, Peter Morvey, Keshkemeti, etc), the Italian mafia (Savorgnan  brothers, Giovani Marini, Pepe Brachio) and the Castro brothers, most of the Venezuelan students were perfectly behaved and quite saintly compared to the Trinidadian students.
I'm sure you still remember Salvador Coscarart from Venezuela.
Well, he lives very close to me here in Louisiana and I see him occasionally.
I believe he makes more trips back to Mount than anyone I know.
I presume he's making plans to retire up there.
Csaba came by for a visit a couple of years ago from Spain.
It was a real pleasure seeing him after so many years.
Every once in a while on a trip back to Venezuela, we meet with Urbano & Matthias, Manuel, Lipaski, the Castros, Esaias Farcheg, Allum and others.
Last year in Caracas it was great to have dinner with Urbano at my in-law's home.
So you see, every once in a while some of us still get together.
I've added a few pictures to show you what three old Goddard farts look like.
Brian is still in Venezuela and dreaming about retiring to Barbados.
Christian is retired and lives in Oklahoma.
I've been in Baton Rouge since 1991 working at LSU as a petroleum researcher.
Many think that because I work at a University I teach, but thank goodness I don't.
Unlike yourself, who I considered an excellent teacher, I have no patience for such demanding work.
If you are now living in the States and would like to visit us in Louisiana, you have a place to stay at my home anytime you would like to.
All the best,
Donald G. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------.
Nigel P. Boos
Sunday, May 25, 2008 1:33:37 PM 
Hi there, Clyde,
How nice to hear from you. It's been 47 years!
You may not remember me, but I certainly remember you.
We entered MSB  at the same time (56) and I finished Form 5 in '60.
How are you doing? 
I hope this email finds you in good health.
I appreciate your comments about the fellas you remember from the Abbey School, because it is through these casual words that I pick up new names
I'd not heard before, orelse I get clarification of other questions.
In this case, I have now heard for the first time, the names of:
1. Roy Taylor
2. Bill Peters
3. Pimsey Vieira (was his real name John - and if so, do you know when he attended MSB?)
If possible, can you let me have the email addresses and phone ## for  these guys.
Every little bit helps.
Keep in touch.
Nigel P. Boos 
cc. I'm copying this email to one of your BG compadres, Trevor Evelyn. 
He might know you / your family, and might like to contact you. NB
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------.
On 25-May-08, at 12:48 PM, CLYDE VIEIRA wrote: 
Hi Nigel,
Got your e-mail from Roy Taylor in Vancouver.
Never seen or heard of this attached list before.
Met Bill Peters many years ago in Vancouver and never knew he went to the Mount.
You have my name listed as CLIVE VIEIRA, It is CLYDE VIEIRA.
I was at the Mount in 1956 to 1960.
Never graduated there on account of my Family move to Canada.
I was there with about 6 others from Guyana at the time.
I remember Michael King (who I notice passed away in 1999).
Also at the time there were Joe Vieira, Tony Vieira, Pimsey Vieira, Terrance Vieira, Simon DaCosta and his brother David DaCosta (deceased) and a few others.
It is nice to have a list of Former students, however it is difficult to remember names after so long a time.
I had the opportunity to visit the school and Abbey in 1998 and found both to be in excellent condition.
The school was not in session at the time.
I still have some photos available that I look back on from time to time.
My e-mail address is vieiraci@sympatico.ca
I reside in Brampton, Ontario, Canada and my phone # 905-4528319.
Thank you for keeping this list updated. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------.
"vieiraci@sympatico.ca"
Saturday, April 11, 2009 11:40:43 AM 
Hi Laszlo,
Thanks for your note.
I keep abreast of the circulars you send.
I read all of it, keep up the good work.
Yes, I spoke to Nigel this week.
I have a few pictures of interest to some MSB alumni from 56--60.
I will scan them this week and forward them to you.
As mentioned to Nigel, I have some difficulty remembering names.
I have a shot of Manual Prada that I am sure he will be interested in.
I came to Toronto Dec.1960.
With my parents migrating to Toronto from Guyana,
I was unable to graduate from MSB.
Finished school in Toronto and worked at Canadian Tire Corp. for 35 yrs. as a General Manager of Distribution.
Retired at the age of 52.
For the past two years Semi-retired and assisting my two sons in a new business venture enjoying it thoroughly.
I recently met Tony Vieira and his wife in Toronto.
Have not seen Tony in 49 years since I left MSB.
This came about because of your Old Boys listings.
Thanks for all your effort here.
As promised, I will forward the Photos as soon as I can.
Regards
Clyde Vieira  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------.
This is for now, keep well all of you. 
Regards,
Ladislao Kertesz, kertesz11@yahoo.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
So now you have all the exchange and photos.

60CV0001GUYANESE, unknows
60CV0002GUYANESE, good photo of some unknowns
60CV0003GUYANESE, four kids unknowns
60CV0004GUTANESE, again a bunch of unknowns