Palo’s Crew 2015 Mother’s Day Lime

 
Once again, the hard-working members of the Palo’s Crew showed their dedication and commitment to community service. On Sunday 10th May, 2015, the crew hosted a Mother’s Day community event in the car park of the Mango Rose compound, Picadilly Street, Port of Spain. Mothers from Mango Rose and neighbouring communities were treated to an evening of relaxation, music and fun with friends and family.

 
From as early as 1:30 p.m., under the brilliant sun in the spacious car park situated between the well-kept apartment buildings, the final preparations for this special occasion was well on the way with co-ordinated team work between members of the Palo’s Crew and other residents who volunteered their time and contributed otherwise. Large tents were already closely erected over tables and chairs providing sufficient shade from the hot sun. The music equipment was already set up under one of the smaller tents with strategically placed speakers for listening enjoyment. A rich variety of a typical Trini Sunday lunch was displayed on tables and large plastic drums were also filled with ice-cold refreshments.

 
While children today enjoy the modern world of technology, watching them play old-school yard games and having fun was a welcomed sight. Some of the children played a lively game of cricket, punctuated with animated contestations about whose turn it was to bat. Others played football and some even challenged each other with the hoola hoop. A couple of the older ones creatively made use of a broken office chair by tying a piece rope onto the handle to pull each other up and down the driveway.

 
Even though the older members of the community were having their own fun playing cards and socializing, they all shared a common interest in supervising and keeping a watchful eye on the young ones. Some of the older children also took turns in either feeding or keeping the very young ones in check.

 
As the afternoon wore on and a much cooler evening approached, people were growing in numbers and the area was now a full blow buzz of activities. With the DJ’s mixed selection of sweet rhythmic music echoing throughout the compound, a small group of moko jumbie dancers displayed their talents with skillful performance techniques. After some of the elders shared a few special photo moments with the children, everyone was served food and drinks.

 
The Mango Rose community is a housing project in East Port of Spain whose roots go back to the Post-Emancipation period when it was settled by newly freed Africans following the 1938 Emancipation proclamation. The Mango Rose Community originally got its name from the numerous mango trees that once dominated the area. It was the first housing project in Port of Spain having been developed in 1968 and now houses over 700 residents.

 
Palo’s Crew comprises about twelve members, all of whom grew up in Mango Rose. Although some of them no longer reside in the Mango Rose Community, they maintain a connection to the community. According to the secretary of the Palo’s Crew, all the members love their community and love to work and interact with young people. Apart from this event, Palo’s Crew also organizes a Father’s Day event as well as their main event for the year which is their Emancipation Day Celebrations.

Members of the Palo’s Crew:

President – Dane Gulston: Dane Gulston has been a member of Trinidad All Stars since he was thirteen years old. In 1996 he won the Scouting for Talent Show. At present, he’s self-employed. He was a member of the Panaaz Players and he continues to tour the world as Steel Pan Ambassador. He is also an arranger and loves to work with children. Gulston is a board member of the Mango Rose Homework Centre.

Vice President – Junior Garcia: Garcia attended Belmont Intermediate School. At present, he’s employed with Gordon Grant Shipping Co Ltd (22 years). He loves to play football and cricket.

Treasurer – Raymond Straker: Straker attended Malick Secondary School. He is currently employed with the Ministry of Legal Affairs as a duplicating machine operator and he loves to play sports.

Secretary – Sheldon Johnson: Johnson attended South East Port of Spain Secondary School. At present he is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (25 years). He’s also the Chairman of the board of the Mango Rose Homework Centre Love to work with young people.

Signatory – Carlyle Warrick: Warrick attended San Juan Boys’ Government School. At present, he is employed with Gordon Grant Shipping Co Ltd (22 years). He is a mason by trade and is one of Palo’s Crew official chefs.

Signatory – Gary George: George attended South East Port of Spain Secondary School. Presently, he is employed with TSTT (22 years) as a senior cable technician. He is an electrician by trade.

Member – Richard Williams: Williams attended Belmont Boys’ Secondary School. He is an auto mechanic by trade and is self-employed. He also loves to play sports.

Member – Peter David: David attended South East Port of Spain Secondary School. He is employed with Power Lite Electrical Co. and is also involved in keep fit classes.

Member – Edmund Willis: Willis attended South East Port of Spain Secondary School. He is employed with World Class Coatings as an Auto Paint Technician. He has been a member of BP Renegades Steel Orchestra (33 years), is a member of their board and is the Chairman of the BP Youth Steel Orchestra.

Member – Charles Thompson: Thompson attended St. Andrews Academy. He is employed with Fire Security Consultants as an Industrial Safety Officer. Thompson is also one of Palo’s Crew official chefs.

Member – Shawn Stanley: Shawn attended San Juan Secondary School. He is employed with the Port and Maritime Services. His trade is Electrical Installation and he is also a Forklift operator.

Member – Darryl La Pierre: La Pierre attended Woodbrook Government Secondary School. He is employed with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (24 years). La Pierre is a Corporal and is attached to the North Eastern Division Task Force.

Note: For further information, please contact Palo’s Crew Secretary, Mr. Sheldon Johnson at 1868-790-4779

Palo’s Crew – Mother’s Day Lime 2015 in pictures:
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