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LENCO's 2008 Christmas Concert
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Santa Claus with one of the parents TriniView.com Reporters Event Date: December 14, 2008 Posted: December 31, 2008 On Sunday December 14, 2008, the Laventille Empowerment Networking Committee (LENCO) hosted a Christmas Concert at the St. Paul Street Sport Complex, Laventille, for over five hundred children between the ages of one and twelve as well as for senior citizens from Laventille and its environs. The Laventille Empowerment Networking Committee (LENCO) comprises a network of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) from the upper Laventille area. This organization, geared towards uniting the people in and around Laventille through sport and culture, also strive to improve the community by holding summits about the problems it faces, having focus groups to target various concerns and sports and family days, all of which have already been done and they promise to continue. Children at play Although the concert was scheduled to start at 2 p.m. members of the community, many of whom were very excited about what was ahead, had already arrived at 1 p.m. While children had fun running, dancing, playing and squealing in excitement in the indoor basketball court of the complex, committee members, with the assistance of some police officers and other volunteers, busily prepared Christmas treats and hampers for the children and the elderly residents. Rebecca Charles After the formal commencement of the concert with the National Anthem and welcoming remarks from members of LENCO, Kelda Nedd and Matilda Young from St. Barbs, Laventille, delighted the audience in song. The programme also included performances by Charles James, Rebecca Charles, Dexter Theophill, Roy and Gloria, Picton Folk Performing Company and The Trinidad and Tobago Police Band. Trinidad and Tobago Police Band In keeping with the sprit of the season, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Band splendidly performed a repertoire of Christmas music, mostly to the delight and appreciation of the elders. With community participation being one of the ideals encouraged by the committee, a few young boys were given the opportunity to show off their musical skills by playing some of the instruments during the band's performances. Picton Folk Performing Company Following a brief introduction and warm welcome, the Picton Folk Performing Company dressed in bright green, orange and yellow outfits completed with white gloves, danced energetic Hip Hop routines which held the audience's attention. The patrons, especially the younger ones, screamed and cheered in appreciation at the end. The entertainment segment was completed with performances by Charles James, Rebecca Charles, Dexter Theophill, Roy and Gloria. RIGHT: MP for Laventille West, Nileung Hypolite presents Christmas Hampers to the elderly residents After an afternoon of pampering, the elderly residents were invited to join some of the committee members and MP for Laventille West, Nileung Hypolite, for the presentation of the Christmas hampers. Hypolite greeted and lightly chatted with each recipient of the hampers. Santa Claus with the children Santa Claus finally arrived. His coming was, without a doubt, the highlight of the evening. The first glimpse of him in the complex brought more excitement to the children who were already lined up and anxiously awaiting their gifts. Certainly, the day's activities left a smile on everyone's faces underscoring the success of the work done by the Laventille Empowerment Networking Committee. LENCO's Concert and Christmas Treat in pictures: www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=329983 |